Title: Uganda's President Claims 80% of Budget is "Stolen." We Checked.

**Article:** A Ugandan presidential debate featured striking claims about the economy and security. Africa Check, a non-profit fact-checking organization, investigated their accuracy. President Yoweri Museveni claimed 80% of Uganda’s national budget is stolen. Our investigation found this is incorrect. The government’s own reports show confirmed fraud is far lower. For example, the 2022/2023 audit found potential financial irregularities of 1.3% of the budget. Opposition candidate John Katumba stated Uganda has only 12,000 soldiers. This is false. Official defense reports and international indexes estimate the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has between 40,000 and 50,000 active personnel. Another candidate, Joseph Mwambu, claimed the World Bank stopped lending to Uganda. This is misleading. While the Bank did pause new public financing in 2023 over a law it criticized, it never fully stopped lending. It continues active projects and support for private sector development. Fact-checking public statements helps voters make informed decisions. Uganda’s next general election is scheduled for 2026.