Ugandan central bank steps up anti-inflation fight

By Elias Biryabarema KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's central bank raised its benchmark lending rate to 16 percent from 14.5 percent on Monday, saying the weakening of its currency against the dollar had heightened inflationary risks. Policymakers in the east African nation started tightening monetary policy in April after the shilling weakened sharply against the dollar - although prospects for economic growth remain strong. Analysts said the aggressive tightening showed the central bank's desire t