The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga is leading a campaign aimed at creating awareness about the opportunities provided by the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Kadaga on Friday was speaking at a press conference ahead of an AGOA sensitization workshop and exhibition to take place on 14 and 15 May 2019 at the Parliament The event is expected to attract over 70 exhibitors.

Kadaga said that the exhibition and workshop is timely because many Ugandans are not aware of the benefits of AGOA and how to access them.
“Uganda can take advantage of the 8,000 products that can be exported to the United States of America,” Kadaga said.

The chairperson of the AGOA Exporters Association of Uganda, Meg Hilbert Jacquay gave an assurance that accessing AGOA is not difficult and is open to everyone.
“As long as one has products that meet the international market needs, they can be exported. We need to end the notion that AGOA is dead, we are very much alive in Uganda,” said Hilbert Jacquay.
She encouraged Ugandans to take advantage of the need for fresh foods in the American market.

“There is no fresh food allowed in the US because no one has asked. If Uganda is interested especially in exporting avocado, there is a huge opportunity that lies in exporting fresh foods to America,” said Hilbert Jacquay.

The Senior Presidential Advisor on AGOA, Susan Muhwezi applauded the contribution from the private sector to the progress made so far by AGOA. She said that in 2017, AGOA made US$ 82million and US$ 53 million in 2008 in exports to America.

“In 2018, the figures however, went down to US$ 40 million. This performance is dismal compared to other African countries that are making billions from AGOA,” said Muhwezi.
She called for prioritization of AGOA through funding of the line ministries including that of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries as well as that of Trade.

AGOA was enacted into law 2000 as part of the Trade and Development Act of 2000. It is among regional initiatives in United States trade policy that are based on the general philosophy of “Trade not Aid” as the chief tool of promoting economic development.

The main aim of AGOA is to promote a two-way trade between Sub-Saharan Africa and United States and to increase US investment into Sub-Saharan Africa.

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After Godfrey Spire Luyomba, 70, was arrested just hours ago on suspicion of human sacrifice, nine more people have been arrested to help in investigation.

They include; Godfrey Mwebe, Lawrence Kabali, Joram Kalanzi, Carol Nalwoga, Farida Nakakawa, Florence Namenya, Hamida Nakasida, Teopista Nasikombya Topista, Lawrence Kabonge and Josephati Kayiwa, a juvenile.

Regional Police spokesman for Wamala Region Nobert Ochom confirmed the arrests.

This after four human skulls, ribs and bones were recovered by detectives in Zigoti Town Council earlier today.

Ochom said the team is going back for possible recovery of more exhibits.

The suspects remain detained at the Central Police Station, Mityana.

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The Kenyan military serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), has held a medical camp in Dhobley town, southern Somalia.

The medical camp coincided with the start of the holy month of Ramadan and provided free health services to the community living within AMISOM’s area of responsibility.

At least 200 residents of Dhobley town and surrounding villages accessed outpatient services that included check-ups, treatment of common ailments, drug prescriptions, and medical advice.

Mr. Siyad Mohamed Hassan, the town’s administrator, highlighted the high disease burden and unfilled need for public health services and requested AMISOM to extend health services to the people.

He cited the need to provide specialised inpatient services such as surgery, treatment of diseases like cancer, bone ailments and maternal health services.

Siyad said, “The community needs every form of health assistance,” adding, “The need remains, and we request AMISOM to assist in whatever way.”

Lt. Col. John Mnjalla, the commandant of AMISOM Level II Hospital in Dhobley led the team of military medics. He said the medical camp enabled AMISOM Kenyan troops to treat patients in need of healthcare.

The contingent also handed over a consignment of drugs and medical consumables to the management of the Dhobley General Hospital.

“AMISOM will do its best to bring relief to communities,” he said. “We had a high turn up, and we recorded over 200 patients,” said Lt. Col. Mnjalla.

He also appealed to the communities to remain peaceful during the holy month of Ramadan, which is a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and supporting the less privileged in the community through acts of charity.

“My plea to our Muslim brothers and sisters, Ramadan is a holy month. Let us maintain peace during the month and after that,” he said.

Mohamud Abdikadir Salamo, whose two children received treatment thanked the AMISOM Kenyan contingent for extending much-needed medical services to the community.

“My children were prescribed drugs which they received,” he said. “As we return home, I appreciate the support by AMISOM,” said Mohamud.

Ahmed Noor Sheikh Ali another patient said, “I received a free medical check-up and drugs that are not available in the town. Thanks to Allah. I welcome (the medical camp) and request AMISOM to hold more such activities.”

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Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Muloni has launched second open competitive licensing round in respect to Petroleum exploration, development and production in Uganda.

At the launch that took place in Mombasa, Kenya yesterday during The 9th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2019, Muloni disclosed that the licensing round covers five (5) Exploration Blocks in the Albertine Graben, which is the most prospective area of exploration, development, and production in Uganda. The Blocks are:-LR2_2019_Block01 (Avivi), area coverage of 1026km2; LR2_2019_Block02 (Omuka), area coverage of 750km2; LR2_2019_Block03 (Kasuruban), area coverage of 1285km2; LR2_2019_Block04 (Turaco), area coverage of 637km2; and LR2_2019_Block05 (Ngaji), area coverage of 1230km2.

The Minister hailed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his visionary leadership and strong guidance he has given to the sector since 10th February 1986. She also commended the EAC Partner States for the support they have provided in facilitating the development of the oil and gas sector in Uganda and the region at large.

The licensing round was driven by a number of factors including, among others, the establishment of additional resources and reserves to the current confirmed 6 billion barrels of oil out of which about 1.4 billion barrels are recoverable, and 500 billion cubic feet of non-associated gas; and existence of comprehensive and robust legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks which guarantee certainty to investors. The second launch follows the first licensing round through competitive bidding undertaken in 2017.

Uganda made its first commercial oil discovery in 2006. To date, over 121 wells have been drilled with a success rate of over 88 per cent. Preparations are under way to commence production following the issuance of production licenses to Total E&P Uganda B.V, Tullow Uganda Operations Pty Ltd, and CNOOC Uganda Ltd. The commercialization of the oil in Uganda will involve export of part of crude oil by the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline through Tanga Port in Tanzania.

The 9th East African Petroleum Conference and Exhibition 2019 is being attended by Ministers in charge of the sectors in the Partner States; Honorable Members of East African Legislative Assembly; Honorable Members of National Parliaments; Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Development Partners and investors; Petroleum Sector Business Community; and Members of the EAC Regional Petroleum Conference and Exhibition Steering Committee.

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