Central Region

Central Region is Uganda's economic and political heartland—home to Kampala, the capital, and to the Buganda Kingdom that predates British colonization. The region dominates national GDP through services, manufacturing, and government employment, while Entebbe hosts Uganda's international airport. As Uganda approaches first oil production in H2 2026, Central Region will capture the administrative and financial spillovers: EACOP (East African Crude Oil Pipeline) is 75% complete, upstream Tilenga and Kingfisher projects are 60-74% finished, and over $3.3 billion has already been invested. The IMF predicts double-digit growth when oil flows, with revenues of $1.5-3 billion annually at peak production—transforming Uganda's economy over 25+ years. In September 2024, the 600 MW Karuma Hydropower Project was commissioned ($1.7 billion, 85% Chinese financing), adding to Central Region's power infrastructure. The government plans to take majority stakes in the Kabalega refinery and renationalize electricity distribution. Kampala, with 11+ subdivisions, concentrates population growth that strains infrastructure. The region represents Uganda's bet: if oil revenues materialize as projected, Central Region will distribute the wealth; if the resource curse takes hold, Kampala will absorb the dysfunction.