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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