KAMPALA — Uganda’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to USD 6.7 billion as of October 6, 2026, strengthening the country’s capacity to meet its external financial obligations and withstand economic shocks.
The reserves are equivalent to 3.74 months of import cover, excluding imports related to oil projects, according to figures released by the Government of Uganda.
The latest figures represent a significant increase from USD 5.6 billion recorded at the end of January 2026, reflecting a rise of USD 1.1 billion over the period.
Foreign exchange reserves are important to the economy because they provide a financial buffer against external shocks and help a country meet its international payment obligations.
The reserves also support Uganda’s ability to pay for imported goods and services, including essential commodities, machinery, fuel and other products needed to sustain economic activity.
Maintaining adequate foreign exchange reserves can help strengthen confidence in the economy by demonstrating the country’s capacity to meet external financial demands, particularly during periods of global economic uncertainty.
However, the level of import cover remains an important indicator of the country’s external stability, as it shows how long available foreign exchange reserves could finance imports if other sources of foreign currency were disrupted.
The increase to USD 6.7 billion marks a positive development for Uganda’s external financial position, although sustaining the growth of reserves will remain important as the country manages import demand, international payments and broader economic pressures.
