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Britam Asset Managers Launches “Easy Earner Dollar Fund” Offering Stable, High-Yield Investment Opportunities for Ugandans and Diaspora Investors

By
Our Reporter
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Britam Asset Managers, a leading financial services provider in Uganda, has unveiled the Britam Easy Earner Dollar, a new investment product aimed at providing stable returns and capital security for investors seeking US Dollar-denominated assets.

Britam Easy Earner Dollar provides for low-risk investment by focusing on interest-bearing assets. It aims to offer competitive returns while keeping risks low, making it a great choice for those seeking capital stability and quick access to their money. It’s ideal for individuals and businesses earning or dealing in USD, or looking to diversify into USD assets.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Ronald Kasolo, General Manager of Britam Asset Managers, said:

“We are excited to introduce Britam Easy Earner Dollar, which aligns with Britam’s mission to provide secure and innovative investment solutions. This fund offers both stability and growth, helping investors achieve their financial goals with confidence. It reflects our commitment to tailored solutions that meet evolving client needs while minimizing risk, ensuring their money works for them, even in uncertain times.” 

The product caters to a diverse group of investors, including those who require stable returns, capital preservation, and high liquidity. It is especially beneficial for those transitioning from higher-risk portfolios during times of market volatility. Whether you’re an individual with USD income or obligations, or a business looking for safe short-term investments, this fund is designed to meet your needs.

The fund is particularly appealing to Ugandans in the diaspora who wish to invest back home in a safe and reliable USD-denominated asset. With flexible tenures and the stability of USD investments, the fund offers a great opportunity for diaspora investors to diversify their portfolios, preserve capital, and earn stable returns, regardless of their location. This product allows diaspora investors to maintain a financial connection to Uganda while securing their future with a low-risk, high-yield investment.

Britam Easy Earner Dollar offers tenures of 3, 6, and 12 months, with the flexibility to suit varying liquidity needs. It is tax-exempt with a minimum initial investment of USD 5,000, and top-ups starting from USD 2,000. 

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Education Ministry announces successful loan scheme beneficiaries for academic year 2024/25

By
Simon Kabayo
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Higher Education Minister,John Chrysostom Muyingo andHESF board members during the launch.

The Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) has released the list of the loan beneficiaries for the Academic Year 2024/2025.

Micheal Wanyama, Executive Director HESFB said that they received a total of 6,661 applications whereby a total of 2,880 applications were ineligible for various reasons, leaving only 3,781 applications to be reviewed for selection. Of this, a total of 1,838 applications were successful. The application process commenced on June 10 to July 31.

“The available resource envelope of Shs7.25 billion is meant to support the first years. On average, we shall support only 27.5% of the applicants,” Wanyama said.

Wanyama added that currently, in the financial year 2024/25, HESFB has an estimated budget of Shs37, 296,682,982, of which a total of Shs27, 125,665,000 is the annual loan budget.

Eng. Charles Wana-Etyem, Chairman Board of HESFB said that the number of young people who need the loan is more than the number of loan opportunities available. The 72.5% of the applicants were not successful due to a limited resource envelope.

He added that 1,838 have been successful, representing a success rate of 27.6% of the applications received; of these, 1,048 are males, while 790 are females.

The total number of female successful applicants, as earlier mentioned, is 790, up from 317 supported last academic year.

The Government has continued to award loans to persons with special needs on affirmative action to pursue both science and humanities programmes and a total of 29 students were successful. Of these 18 are males, while 11 are females.

John Chrysostom Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education said a total of Shs7.25 billion will be utilized by HESFB to support the new cohort of learners for the loan scheme.

Muyingo noted, “43% of our loan beneficiaries this year are females, the highest percentage since the interception of the scheme, reflecting our commitment to gender equity.”

With the approval of the Board and in accordance with section 20 of the HESF Act No. 2 of 2014, the scheme is only for Ugandans seeking financial assistance to pursue an accredited course of study of Higher Education in an accredited institution of Higher Learning recognized by National Council for Higher Education.

Since April 2014, the Board has been supporting mostly students oriented towards Science programs. This orientation was relaxed following the approval that learners with disabilities could be supported to pursue both science and humanities programs. This further aided increasing the number of Information and Communications Technology programs which do not necessarily require a learner to have prior science background.

Out of the 25 participating Universities on the scheme, all the 24 institutions have recorded learners apart from the African Bible University. And of the 33 other Tertiary Institutions participating in the scheme, only 20 institutions have received learners to be supported.  

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Entebbe, Wakiso, three others to obtain ‘city status’ in July, 2025

By
Simon Kabayo
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Entebbe, Wakiso, Kabale, Nakasongola and Moroto districts will become cities commencing July 1, 2025.

The revelation was made by Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development while presenting the Budget Strategy for FY 2025/2026 themed ‘Full Monetization of Uganda’s Economy through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access’ at Speke Resort and Convention Center – Munyonyo.

Kasaija said that the Cabinet and Parliament approved the creation of fifteen cities to be operationalized in a phased manner. In FY 2020/21, ten cities were operationalized, namely: Soroti, Lira, Gulu, Arua, Hoima, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Masaka, Jinja and Mbale.

“I have the honor, now, to announce that we have secured resources to operationalize the remaining cities and, effective July 1, 2025, the following Municipal Councils will obtain ‘City Status’: Moroto, Kabale, Entebbe, and Nakasongola. Wakiso District will also obtain city status” Kasaija announced.

Kasaija implored upon the affected municipalities and now, cities, to be: that as they start the Budgeting process for FY 2025/2026 to beware that there are Lower Local Governments that will be annexed to the cities.

“…. prioritize and allocate funds for preparatory activities such as physical planning, surveying, and mapping of the gazetted areas of jurisdiction, and avoid conflict with the neighboring Lower Local Governments,” Kasaija urged.

Highlighting on other economic issues, Kasaija said that the first year of the implementation of the 4th National Development Plan (NDP IV) will be anchored on four key growth areas underpinned by the goal of full monetization and formalization of the economy: Agro-Industrialization, Tourism Development, Mineral-based Industrial Development including Oil and Gas, and Science, Technology and Innovation including ICT (the Knowledge Economy) (ATMS).

He noted that in the last quarter of FY 2023/24, GDP growth was recorded at 6.7% and at the end of the FY, it grew at 6% up from an average of 4.1% for the period FY 2019/20 to FY 2022/23 adding that the size of the economy has increased from Shs183 trillion ($48.8 billion) registered in FY 2022/23 to about Shs202.13 trillion ($53.2 billion) in FY 2023/24.

At the same event, Ramathan Ggoobi, Secretary to the Treasury said that Uganda is on track to change the structure of the economy from a subsistence economy to modern industrialized society.

“We want to facilitate: Technology-led productivity growth; Rapid capital accumulation-physical, financial and human capital; Linkages between agriculture and non-agriculture sectors as well as Markets and competitiveness,” Ggoobi said.

He also said Gov’t is ready to facilitate a job-rich growth profile; one that ensures enhanced household incomes and productivity growth within sectors as well as between sectors, leading to structural change.

“Therefore, we want to see a reduction in the rural population; a reduction in informality; sustained demographic transition with continued reduction in both the death rate and birth rates and increased access to electricity,” said the PSST.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja while officially opening the National Budget Conference for FY 2025/26 on behalf of President Kaguta Museveni said the theme of the budget is consistent with the vision of NRM of increasing household incomes and improving people’s standards of living to achieve social-economic transformation of Uganda.

“Starting FY 2025/26 and over the medium term, the NRM government is committed to build and expand the size of our economy from the current GDP of $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040,” Nabanja.

 She reassured all stakeholders that Uganda’s economy has fully recovered from both domestic and external shocks that previously hampered growth over the past three financial years and is now on the right growth trajectory.

“FY 2025/26 comes at the time when the government is committed to lift and grow the economy in a low middle-income status guided by the tenfold growth strategy, the fourth national development plan and the NRM Manifesto,” she said. 

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Museveni urges leaders to be mindful of their health

By
Our Reporter
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President Yoweri Museveni has cautioned leaders to be mindful of their health, as their sudden passing will be a loss to the country.

Museveni, who was eulogising the former Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, at Parliament said a leader’s death creates problems and leaves a gap that must be filled.

“That is why you should carefully check your life, like in this case, it was good that she [Nyirabashitsi] went to check but it was a bit late. But she was going to travel such a long distance when she had a medical condition which was quite sensitive,” the President said shortly after the special sitting to pay tribute to the fallen lawmaker, on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.

He recollected the death of former Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, who died in 2015 while returning from a security conference in South Korea, saying that Nyirabashitsi was expected to travel to the same country for the same conference.

He said that Nyakairima died due to a pre-existing health condition, just like Nyirabashitsi.

“The fighters should also look out for their lives, not just theirs, it is also for all of us because when you go, you go but you leave us in problems. How shall we fill your gap, what shall we do; how shall we fill here where you have left?” Museveni asked.

The President, who admitted that he had not interacted much with the late Nyirabashitsi, described her as a very ‘calm lady and did not appear to be the one who is sensitive and aggressive and touchy’.

He said that his interaction with her was when he formed an inter-ministerial committee to study the issue of the Uganda-Congo border.

“She was there representing Kisoro and they were supposed to brief me, that is when I interacted with her closely. You could see she was very careful with her words, so, it is a big loss,” Museveni said.

He added, “But the few years she has been here [in Parliament] I am sure she has become an example to those who know her well in the Kisoro area. When you hear people giving testimonies that she was good, you know that she was really good.”

Speaker Anita Among appreciated Museveni for condoling with legislators, saying that the President has always stood with Parliament during moments of grief.

“When Sarah passed on, you took the initiative and made a call to me, asking what had happened to Sarah. When I explained to you, you were so saddened to lose such a young daughter and we want to thank you for always standing with us. This is the fifth time you are standing with us,” Among said.

Nyirabashitsi who died on Saturday, 07 September 2024, represented Kisoro District as the woman representative in the 9th and 11th Parliament.

She was appointed Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Children and Youth Affairs) in June 2021 and later redeployed to the defence ministry in April 2024.

The late Nyirabashitsi, who is survived by a son, will be buried in Nyakabingo in Kisoro on Thursday, 12 September 2024.

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Parliament pays tribute to the fallen Minister Sarah Mateke

By
Geoffery Serugo
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August House paying tribute to Kisoro District Woman MP and State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Sarah Mateke.

Parliament has paid tribute to the fallen State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Sarah Mateke.

Mateke succumbed to a heart attack at Mengo Hospital. Earlier today, Parliament convened to pay tribute to the slain legislator. 

The motion to pay tribute was moved by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, and seconded by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, and Defence Minister Jacob Markson Oboth.

During the plenary, the Prime Minister said the late has been a dedicated patriot in serving her country and the people of Kisoro in particular after living as a role model from her youthful days.

Nabbanja noted that non-communicable diseases have become another life-threatening condition to society, robbing the country of game changers in development like Mateke.

Oboth said Mateke was not only smart and loyal but capable of executing assignments even at the international level. This government has lost a committed, selfless minister.

“Sarah Mateke was an eloquent leader who represented the ministry in several international military defense diplomacy engagements,” he said. 

LoP Ssenyonyi called on leaders to emulate the corrupt-free service that late Mateke rendered to the country.

“I did not hear Mateke’s name embroiled in any corruption scandal during her service; if there was one, then I probably missed it.”

Speaker Anitah Among said the painful reality has now dawned on us that our beloved colleague is no more. “Death is so cruel. Indeed, we are living a borrowed life. Death is indeed a bad reaper. Always snatching the unripe fruit. Mateke has left us at a prime age and at a time when this nation needs leaders with courage, compassion, affection, teamwork, and commitment” she said.

Adding “As we grapple with the pain of her demise, let us also celebrate her life. Whereas the Lord has called her at a prime age, let us be comforted by the impact her works have had on society. We need to pray for ourselves and for each other for the protection and favor of the Lord so that we are able to serve our people and the nation sustainably. The late Mateke was committed to the plight of children and youth, as evident in the passion with which she tabled legislative business for the social development sector,” she said. 

Among said, Mateke has left three major projects incomplete, notably the Kanyamatekye Bridge in Bufumbira North, which connects to the DR Congo, the rehabilitation of Buhoozi Health Centre II, and the construction of a men’s ward at Nyarusiza Health Centre III.

She urged the prime minister and the Minister of Finance to ensure that the required resources are allocated for the completion of the said projects because this money was allocated in this financial year.

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Empowerment through Style: The Social Impact of Africa’s Fashion Industry

By
Guest Writer
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Christopher Burke

By Christopher Burke

Fashion has long been a potent force for social change and empowerment. It transcends aesthetics and serves as a medium for self-expression, identity and societal commentary. Throughout history, fashion has mirrored and influenced social movements from the suffragettes’ white dresses symbolizing purity and equality to the 1960s counterculture’s embrace of free-spirited, anti-establishment styles. In Africa, fashion is more than a creative outlet–it is a catalyst for empowerment, economic growth and cultural representation. The continent’s vibrant fashion industry is transforming lives and communities, promoting gender equality and reshaping global perceptions of African identity.

The fashion industry in Africa plays a crucial role in creating jobs and supporting local communities. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from textile production and garment manufacturing to design and retail. This sector provides livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in countries with rich textile traditions such as Nigeria, Ghana and Ethiopia.

Aisha Ayensu, founder of the Ghanaian fashion brand Christie Brown is a compelling example. Ayensu’s brand not only showcases contemporary African designs, but employs numerous artisans and tailors, providing them with stable incomes and skill development opportunities. Her work has helped lift many out of poverty, offering a pathway to economic independence.

Ethiopian model and entrepreneur Liya Kebede founded Lemlem in 2007, a fashion brand that employs traditional weavers in Ethiopia. Lemlem’s mission is to preserve the art of weaving while creating sustainable jobs for artisans.  Lemlem empowers its workers and contributes to the local economy with fair wages and ethical working conditions.

The fashion industry is a very powerful vehicle for empowering African women and youth. Numerous initiatives and organizations focus on supporting these groups, recognizing their potential to drive economic and social change. The African Fashion Foundation offers mentorship and funding opportunities to emerging designers with a particular emphasis on women and young people.

Amaka Osakwe, the Nigerian designer behind the brand Maki Oh presents another notable success story. Osakwe’s designs blend traditional Nigerian techniques with contemporary aesthetics.  She has garnered international acclaim and empowered other young African designers to pursue their creative dreams. The success of Maki Oh demonstrates the potential for African fashion to achieve global recognition while fostering local talent.

The Malawian brand MIA by Mia Nisbet exemplifies youth empowerment in fashion. Nisbet collaborates with young local tailors and designers, providing them with the skills and resources needed to create sustainable, marketable products. By mentoring and supporting these young creatives, MIA helps them build careers and gain financial independence.

Cultural representation in fashion is vital for promoting a positive and diverse image of African identity globally. African fashion celebrates the continent’s rich cultural heritage, incorporating traditional textiles, patterns and techniques into contemporary designs. These fusion preserves cultural practices and challenges stereotypes reshaping global perceptions of Africa.

Designers such as South Africa’s Laduma Ngxokolo of MaXhosa draw inspiration from their cultural heritage to create modern, stylish garments. Ngxokolo’s work showcases the beauty and sophistication of Xhosa culture helping to redefine African fashion on the global stage.

Platforms such as the Lagos Fashion Week and Dakar Fashion Week provide opportunities for African designers to showcase their work to an international audience. These events highlight the diversity and creativity of African fashion, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Despite its potential, the African fashion industry faces several challenges. Barriers to growth include limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure and the dominance of fast fashion that undermines local craftsmanship. Nonetheless, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth.

A significant opportunity lies in the growing global demand for sustainable and ethically produced fashion. African fashion’s emphasis on traditional techniques, natural materials and sustainable practices positions it well to meet this demand. By investing in eco-friendly technologies and promoting ethical production, African designers appeal to conscientious consumers worldwide.

Collaborations between African designers and international brands can enhance visibility and market access. The collaboration between Ghanaian designer Osei-Duro and U.S.-based retailers has introduced African fashion to new markets, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and economic growth.  The rise of digital platforms also offers new avenues for African fashion. E-commerce and social media enable designers to reach global audiences directly, bypassing traditional retail barriers. These platforms can amplify African voices, showcasing the continent’s creativity and innovation.

The African fashion industry is a dynamic force for social empowerment, economic development and cultural representation. By creating jobs, supporting women and youth and promoting a positive image of African identity, fashion is transforming lives and communities across the continent. The industry’s potential for growth and global influence is immense. As African designers continue to innovate and inspire, they help sculpt the future of fashion, drive social change and foster global unity. Africa is empowering itself and the world though style.

Christopher Burke is a senior advisor at WMC Africa, a communications and advisory agency located in Kampala, Uganda. With nearly 30 years of experience, Christopher has worked extensively on social, political and economic development issues focused on the environment, agriculture, land governance, communications and peace-building in Asia and Africa.

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URA, World Bank officials discuss tax reforms and key challenges in Uganda’s revenue administration

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Commissioner General of the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Rujoki Musinguzi has engaged with a high-level delegation from the World Bank, led by Dr. Verena Maria Fritz, the Lead Governance Specialist to discuss ongoing reform efforts and key challenges in Uganda’s revenue administration.

The discussions centered on Public Investment Management (PIMS), domestic revenue mobilization, climate change resilience, and IT system integration.

The World Bank delegation expressed interest in the status of Uganda’s PIMS reform efforts, particularly regarding revenue cash flow predictability. Musinguzi highlighted a significant challenge for the URA, which is the accumulation of government arrears that is putting a severe strain on revenue collection. He implored the World Bank to offer guidance on how the government can address this issue to enhance cash flow predictability.

The discussion also highlighted URA’s efforts to meet the Domestic Revenue Mobilization Strategy (DRMS), with focus on internal reforms to increase taxpayer compliance. Musinguzi emphasized URA’s commitment to digitalization and human capital development.

He highlighted various digital solutions implemented to enhance efficiency and boost tax collections, such as the Bonded Warehousing Information Management System (BWIMS), automated audits, and the Digital Tracking Solution. However, he acknowledged challenges during the rollout of the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS), particularly among small taxpayers, which led to a temporary suspension of enforcement and hindered full implementation.

On human capital development, Musinguzi discussed the establishment of a Tax Academy designed to equip staff with expertise in modern tax administration. He also mentioned the creation of a strategy and risk management division to address enterprise risk and guide future organizational direction. To combat corruption, URA has formed an Integrity, Compliance, and Ethics Division to enhance transparency and accountability within the tax system.

“We are committed to building a robust tax administration that is not only efficient but also transparent and accountable. Strengthening our human capital and enhancing our digital capabilities are key pillars in this journey,” Musinguzi said.

The meeting also covered IT system integration, a crucial area for improving efficiency and collaboration within the revenue administration framework.

The URA Commissioner Information Technology and Innovation Robert Mutebi shared URA Digitalization and ICT strategy with reforms focused on creating a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly environment.

“Strategically, we have recognized that technology is a vital enabler for enhancing the customer experience. We have made a deliberate decision to ensure that all revenue we collect is traceable through advanced automation,” Mutebi noted.

The discussion also touched on incorporating climate change resilience into revenue administration. While specific strategies were not detailed, there was agreement on the need to build resilience against climate-related risks that could impact revenue collection.

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NSSF gets new board members

By
Geoffery Serugo
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The Minister of Gender Labor and Social Development, Betty Amongi has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The board will serve for three years, effective September 1, 2024.

The new board members include Dr. David Ogong, who will serve as the chairperson; Ramathan Ggoobi; Patrick Ayota; Aggrey David Kibenge; and Peninnah Tukamwesiga, who will serve as members. 

Others are: Dr. Sam Lyomoki, Annet Birungi, Richard Bigirwa, Annet Mulindwa and Eng. Silver Mugisha. 

Speaking earlier today, the outgoing chairman, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, said he has been a team leader, but leadership is collective. I have been part of the team and not on top of the team. 

“I would like to thank the 12th board for the resilient and insightful strategies we’ve executed since 1st September 2021, and the impact they’ve created. I would also like to thank NSSF’s management and staff, as a global and local consultant, I can attest to the fact that the Fund is one of the most resilient and innovative organisations,” he said. 

He said that they had phenomenal growth with assets under management growing from Shs17 trillion when we came to over Shs21 trillion. The diversified portfolio and forward-looking policies of the Fund have yielded results for members.

Amongi applauded the outgoing board for the role you played, especially growing the fund from Shs17 trillion when you took over to over Shs22 trillion.

She said nothing a board can do without a competent technical team. Over the period I have worked with you, I have noticed you are very hardworking, meticulous, and innovative, but most importantly, you have a firm desire to protect the Fund. 

“Management has had to make very difficult decisions, and you always keep firmly in line with the procedures and legal framework, even if it may not please the political class. I encourage you to remain firm even in the most difficult circumstances.” She said.

She urged the new board to safeguard the fund’s land against any illegitimate claims and innovate in managing real estate to increase uptake. She encourages it to thoroughly evaluate each investment before committing members’ funds, ensuring you invest only in strategic areas that will deliver returns for our members. 

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UPDF, FARDC rescue women and children from ADF terrorists’ camp

By
Simon Kabayo
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UPDF and FARDC soldiers helping the rescued persons.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have rescued ten individuals, including five women and five children, from the clutches of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Major Bilal Katamba, the spokesperson for Uganda’s military operations in DRC said that the successful rescue mission, code-named “Operation Shujaa,” unfolded after a confrontation with ADF terrorists at River Asefu in North Kivu province.

During the intense firefight, two women sustained injuries and were promptly airlifted to Muhoti Military Barracks for specialised medical attention. The malnourished children are also receiving critical care from the UPDF medical team.

“We continue to pursue details. The joint forces were able to rescue ten people including five women and five children. This was after the joint forces got contacts from people near River Asefu in North Kivu after fire fights. Unfortunately, two women were injured in the exchange of fire. The injured were flown to Mukoti barracks in Uganda. We believe with the professional medical attention they will receive from the UPDF medical team they will be out of danger and fine,” Katamba said.  

He added, “With a lot of other risk factors, these women are married to the commanders, when one commander dies another commander inherits the woman and the cycle continues like that.”

Among those rescued is 32-year-old Atukwase Katushabe Jamilah, who was coerced into rebel activities in 2008 from Nabweru Division, Wakiso district. Jamilah was subjected to forced marriages with multiple ADF commanders and was reunited with her 6-year-old daughter, Rahima, during the rescue.

Katamba urged all terrorists who could be hearing the UPDF message to come out and surrender to the forces in any of the detaches

He also called upon Ugandans and Congolese to support the operation so that there is total peace to ease trade and prosperity between the two countries.

The joint forces continue to pursue the scattered ADF terrorists, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Central Africa Province (ISCAP), an affiliate of ISIS.

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Archbishop Kaziimba: Sarah Mateke was a humble churchgoer

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Archbishop Stephen Kazimba leading a funeral service for late State Minister Sarah Mateke.

The Archbishop Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, has mourned the sudden death of Uganda’s Minister of State for Defence, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi.

The woman representative for Kisoro District died of a heart attack.

Mateke is the 5th law maker to die in the 11th parliament after former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, legislators Patrick Okabe, Charles Engola, and Cecilia Ogwal.

While leading funeral service at parliament, Archbishop Kaziimba described Mateke as a humble churchgoer who was comfortable sitting behind, unlike other MPs and leaders who come to church late and expect to occupy the front seats.

“She has been coming to worship. She has been a humble lady; she comes and sits far in the corner where you can’t see her. But some other people, especially Members of Parliament and leaders, when they come late, they move forward. Even when there is no seat, they look around. Haven’t you seen me? But Sarah was always sitting behind,” the Archbishop said.

Kaziimba said if you don’t introduce some MPs, you are in trouble; you may not have a glass of water the next day. “Sarah has been very humble. Sometimes, people in the cathedral didn’t know that she worships. And I want to thank her for her contribution to the church. We must pray for Mzee Mateke and the family. This is a great loss”.

While leading the prayers, he revealed that he was saddened about Mateke’s untimely death and also thanked Speaker Among for organising the prayers and vigil at Parliament for the former Kisoro District Woman MP.

“Humanly speaking, we are saddened by the untimely death because we can’t know what God planned from our side. But 50 years, really, we were still expecting a lot. I was shocked when I learnt about her death,” he said.

Kaziimba admitted that although he spends so much time preparing people on earth for heaven, he is also scared of dying, even if his death means going to heaven, and he promised to organise prayers for all MPs because the current 11th Parliament has lost many of its members.

“I want to pray for you that God will give you strength because we have lost many people from this house, and we pray that God will continue taking care of each one of you. You know death is meant for human beings and other creatures, but no one of us can say I am ready to die; we still have services,” said Kaziimba.

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