The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Government of Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the development of infrastructural projects in Uganda.

The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, (Rtd) Lt Col Dr. Bright Rwamirama, expressed gratitude for the Japan African Development Corporation, saying the partnership will help Uganda boost its investment in infrastructural projects for economic growth. He noted that Japan’s involvement in the construction of a health facility, a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for military veterans, solar manufacturing plant and the provision of agricultural inputs, among others, will improve the welfare of Ugandans.

He said that the donation of five ambulances, solar pumps, solar panels and five firefighting trucks will ease government operations, while 100 modern ultra-sewing machines will make a positive impact on military veterans. “These donations will be put to good use,” Rwamirama said.

Rwamirama however, decried the poor state of waste management, logistics and transport sectors in Uganda, prompting Japan to increase on the donation of transport trucks to 60 in number, five trucks per month for a period of one year.
He further said that government is committed to the improvement of the lives of military veterans, their spouses and children in recognition of their selfless efforts towards bringing peace and stability in Uganda.

During the same meeting, the Head of the Japanese delegation and Special Advisor to the Japanese Cabinet, Professor Isao Iiijima commended the Uganda Government for recognizing his government’s involvement in efforts aimed at enhancing infrastructural development by Katanayagi Corporation.

He said that Japan has got the required finance and technology to help when need arises.
Prof Isao also announced that the Japanese Government has donated 100 sewing machines to Women Groups through the President’s Office.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Ministry Mrs.Rosette Byengoma said the Japan Africa Development Corporation has come at a time when the Defence Ministry is designing a strategy aimed at smoothening the transition of military veterans to civilian life.

She said the solar panels and pumps from Eiki shoji Company, that await testing for the establishment of the solar plant and the 100 sewing machines to military veterans will settle and re-integrate them into civilian life.

The General Manager for the Japan African Development Corporation Masanori Yamazaki signed the MOU on behalf of the Japanese Government while the Deputy Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Brig. Ddiba Sentongo signed the MoU on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

The signing of the MOU was also witnessed by the Chief of Defence Forces Gen. David Muhoozi, UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Lt Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, and Commissioner in charge of Psycho-social support, resettlement and rehabilitation in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Mr. Mike Mabonga, among others.

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The Spokesperson of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Semujju Nganda, has confirmed that the party will not participate in the May 15, 2019 inter-party organisation for dialogue (IPOD) Summit that is scheduled to take place in Lira.

Semujju said they will not attend because they are still under siege by various security agencies. “Our legitimate rights to associate and assemble are still curtailed and the situation has even gotten worse. We cannot speak to lower FDC leaders on whose behalf we transact business. Who therefore shall we be representing at these summits?”

He said they have agreed and processed both political and constitutional reforms as IPOD members before and the NRM said there was no time to process them. Five years later, these reforms are not being processed. Instead, the NRM and its chairman have forcefully and illegally changed the Constitution to remove yet another safeguard against life presidency.

“There is no favorable atmosphere in the country for a meaningful dialogue. We call upon religious leaders and the Elders who are organizing similar engagements not to engage in futility. Restoration of citizens’ rights and freedoms in a more urgent matter than socialization events in big hotels. The FDC will continue carrying out mobilization and sensitization of citizens.” He said at party headquarters earlier in the day.

In Dec 12, 2018 FDC snubbed IPOD meeting for among others, the closing of doors for JEEMA and C conservative party (CP) yet they were among the founders. “We excused ourselves from IPOD because we wanted them to sort themselves mainly on the issue of leaving JEEMA and CP out yet they were among the founders, there are many question than answers and NRM never considered opposition parties as it is stated in Memorandum of Understanding,” he said last years.

Currently, IPOD houses for four parties which include; Democratic Party (DP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and National Resistance Movement (NRM).

IPOD is facilitated by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) and was formed to initiate dialogue and exchange of ideas among political parties in the country with a view of improving electoral democracy.

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The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has re-assured the Muslim community in Uganda that Islamic Banking will soon be operationalised.

Kadaga who was presiding at the Annual Parliament Iftar dinner on Friday said that following the passing of the bill, the Minister of Finance was tasked with seeing that Islamic Banking is effected.

“I want to assure you that the Minister of Finance is here to inform us on how far Islamic banking is as we had made an undertaking on updating you on the same,” she said.

She also called on the faithful to always share what they have with the less privileged in society.
“While in hospital, I read a book about a Nigerian governor who gave a lot every Friday. He survived two plane crashes, one motor accident and I believe that was why the Lord saved his life,” she said.

In 2016, the Parliament passed the Financial Institutions Amendment Bill, which introduced the Islamic system of banking that allows for access to interest free loans with no collateral. Passing this Bill however, is subject to the establishment of a Central Sharia Advisory Board in the Central Bank to regulate Islamic banking.

The Minister of State for Finance, David Bahati assured the Muslim Community that the law was in operation to allow Islamic banking.
“I would like to inform you that the Members of Parliament did amend the Law to allow Islamic banking, which is now operational. So far one bank has applied and has been licensed, we are inviting all banks to come and take up this opportunity,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah also graced the occasion and encouraged the Muslim Community to be generous in this period and assured them that he would be joining them in prayer.
“I will be praying with you during this time because God is God and we serve the same God. I have also seen so many of my old friends; this event has brought us together and we can remind ourselves of the bond we have as citizens of this country,” he said.

Parliament for six years has opened its gates to the Muslim Community to share in Iftar dinner. Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together. Iftar is taken just after the call to prayer Maghrib, which is at sunset.

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