The Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development has disbursed Shs18.98 billion to over 1,100 women entrepreneurs under the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) Project.
In a press release on the project’s progress, Aggrey Kibenge, the Permanent Secretary in the Gender Ministry, revealed that over 1,100 women entrepreneurs had benefited from the project between August and September.
“By September 25, 2024, the funds had reached 1,193 women entrepreneurs. Of these, 83% received loans between Shs4 million and Shs20 million. Loans ranging from Shs20 million to Shs40 million were extended to 132 women, while 66 women accessed larger loans of up to Shs200 million” he said.
The International Development Association of the World Bank funds the project.
Under the initiative, the government aims to support women, including refugees, through increasing their access to entrepreneurial resources to grow their businesses.
The project is implemented by (MGLSD) in partnership with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) through the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs).
Kibenge outlined several benefits designed to reward prompt loan repayment.
“Women who repay on time will see a reduction of 5% on their loan value. Refugee women and those from the most impoverished regions, such as Karamoja, Busoga, and Bukedi, are eligible for grants reducing their loan burden by up to 10%. He added that the funds are being disbursed through 279 branches of these PFI’s across the country, with microfinance institutions and SACCOs being brought on board to reach underserved areas.
About the collateral concerns which had been a barrier for many women, Kibenge said that the government has worked with financial institutions to accept alternative forms of collateral, such as untitled land, business assets, and group guarantees.
According to Kibenge, the adjustments aim to make loans more accessible to women transitioning from smaller government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP).
Two of the five banks Centenary Bank and Finance Trust Bank have already exhausted their initial allocation of six billion shillings each.
KPMG is currently conducting due diligence on the loan disbursement before releasing the next funds to the two institutions.
Beyond financial assistance, the GROW project is also offering entrepreneurship training and technical business support. Currently, more than 4,000 women have received training in business skills, and the project is working with various Ugandan agencies to help entrepreneurs with business registration, certification, and product development.
The GROW project continues to roll out across Uganda, with more services planned to be available by next month. The initiative is not only enhancing women’s access to capital but also providing them with the technical and business skills necessary for long-term success. All services under the project, including training and loans, are provided free of charge.
The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is targeting to grow its assets under management to Shs50 trillion by 2035 from the current Shs22.1 trillion attained as of June 30, 2024.
Dr. David Ogong, Chairperson of the Fund’s Board of Directors, stated that this ambitious target can be achieved through increased member savings and strategic investments in areas such as real estate and equities.
He emphasised the importance of raising awareness to encourage more people to save with NSSF. The Fund’s member contributions rose by 12.2 percent, increasing from Shs1.72 trillion in the Financial Year 2022/23 to Shs1.93 trillion in the Financial Year 2023/24, according to audited financial statements.
At the launch of a livelihood project in partnership with Dero Amon SACCO at Amunga Primary School in Okwang Sub-county, Otuke district, Ogong, representing the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, expressed confidence that NSSF can accumulate assets of Shs50 trillion.
He said the Fund’s Vision 2035 aims to achieve three key objectives: growing the Fund’s assets to Shs50 trillion, extending social security coverage to 50 percent of Uganda’s working population, and achieving a service satisfaction level of 95 percent by 2035.
“As a board, we intend to engage as many people as possible in the informal sector. We want you to be organised so that you set aside a portion of your earnings for the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, the project launched in Okwang Sub-county aims to encourage community engagement in income-generating activities and will benefit 11,000 members of Dero Amon and Dero Kec SACCO.
“The goal is to organise SACCO members, support them, and provide inputs like seeds for commercial production so they can generate income and save with NSSF,” Ogong explained.
He also highlighted that globally, about 55 percent of people lack social protection, with a significant number employed in the informal sector, including agriculture and manufacturing. In Uganda, approximately 80 percent of the workforce is in the informal sector, with many lacking social security coverage. “We want to bring these individuals on board,” he added.
Patrick Ayota, NSSF Managing Director noted that with the amendment in the NSSF law, people like boda boda men, small holder farmers and women groups in areas like Otuke can now save for their future and improve their lives.
“I am glad to say we have registered over 10,000 members. If you look at the young people here, they are the future of this country. We don’t want to wait for them to grow to learn financial literacy. We are going to develop a program for area schools to learn how to make money, grow money and save money,” Ayota said.
Otuke County Member of Parliament Paul Omara commended the partnership supporting Dero Amon SACCO, reinforcing the need for collective efforts in improving social security for all.
The Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) has admitted that the final report of the 2024 census had some errors but said this will not force him to resign.
Dr Chris Mukiza said the errors were simply human where the numbers of two tribes were allocated to one another.
“The population of the Bakiga was swapped with that of the Bagisu, and it is a human error. I am convinced we did a very good job,” he told journalists in Kampala on Tuesday.
“The only problem was at the final reporting stage, and nobody saw it. The population of the Bakiga was swapped, and that was all. That doesn’t dent the credibility of the census report. We need to style up as a country,” he added.
The provisional results, released less than a week ago, indicated that the Bagisu tribe’s population had reduced to 2,096,149 in 2024, down from 2,390,975, while the Acholi were reported at 1,941,913, down from 2,131,443 in 2014. Regarding religious denominations, the report showed increases in the number of faithful in some of the dominant religions in the country.
Vincent Fred Ssenono, the UBOS Deputy Executive director, explained that the population of almost all major tribes grew from the 2014 data. “There was a 2.4% growth rate for Baganda, Banyankore, Basoga, Bateso, and Bakiga. All indicators show growth in almost all tribes in a similar way.”
“As UBOS, we say to err is human. When you note an error, you call the public and inform them. There was no error in the number of Catholics, Anglicans, and Muslims as had been claimed.” Ssenono said.
UBOS officials insisted that the error was a minor issue and should not be overblown. They maintained that the data is credible and that acknowledging and understanding the error is what matters.
Dr Mukiza said that he would not resign over a human error, despite demands from some sections of the public. “I am one of the best statisticians, by the way, and if you want to find a better one, I wish you good luck.”
The executive director emphasized that the census results were accurate, and the error only occurred in the data process, at the very tail end of the exercise, going unnoticed during earlier stages.
He added that the bureau is yet to release the final results report, which is expected in December. He explained that a significant amount of data has not yet been released.
“We shall still come back in December with the final report, explaining all the other indicators, and there’s a lot of data that we have not given you.” he said.
President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated his son, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his effective leadership in rationalizing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) parade as witnessed during the 62nd Independence Day celebrations. Museveni made the comments during the 62nd Independence Day celebrations held in Busia under the theme ‘Independence Day: A Recommitment to secure and fortify our Destiny.’ Museveni praised Muhoozi’s efforts in introducing new aspects to the parade, such as updated marching routines and military songs. “I want to congratulate the new CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for rationalizing the parade and making it shorter. I want to congratulate the army too, now that they have completed their work, they have moved on,” Museveni said. He added that the old parade was inherited from Ugandan brothers, but it is time to reform it. Museveni’s congratulatory message highlights Muhoozi’s dedication to maintaining the professionalism and neatness of the force, which reflects positively on the UPDF’s historical legacy and ability to modernize traditional ceremonies while preserving the army’s heritage. In response via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Muhoozi appreciated, saying, “We (UPDF) thank His Excellency Kaguta Museveni for recognising and appreciating the new parade drills.” Museveni also highlighted that the government is planning to persuade regional leaders so as to construct roads linking East Africa to the Central Africa Republic (C.A.R) and beyond. “We aim to persuade the governments of Congo and South Sudan to work on roads from Arua to Isiro in Congo- and on to Obo in the Central African Republic,” he said. He also asked Uganda Airlines through their cargo planes to look into the possibility of opening routes to C.A.R, noting that this would boost trade. Museveni also emphasized the importance of African economic and political integration in regard to the two historical missions; prosperity for the African people and strategic security. “All patriots and Pan Africanists in Uganda should link up with our brothers and sisters in Africa to work for the economic integration of the whole of Africa hence leading to the political federation of Africa,” Museveni said.
Milton Obote receiving instruments of power from the British on October 9, 1962.
On October 9, 2024 Uganda will celebrate 62 years of self-rule under the theme “Independence Day: A Recommitment to Secure and Fortify our Destiny”.
Background
On October 9, 1962, the Duke of Kent, handed over Instruments of Power for our Independence to Dr. Milton Obote on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Thousands of Ugandans converged at Kololo Independence Grounds at midnight of the 9th of October, 1962. These were part of the historic moment to witness the lowering of the British Union Jack and maiden hoisting of the Black, Yellow, Red Flag of the independent Uganda.
Prior to granting Uganda independence, the period from 1940 to 1954 marked an era of political re-awakening for self-rule in the Country. This process started when the Colonialist were pressurized by the indigenous people to allow the three prominent Ugandans to join the Legislative Council in 1945 and these included; Mr. Michael Earnest Kawalya Kaggwa (Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom), Mr. Petero Nyangabyaki (Omuhikirwa of Bunyoro Kingdom) and Mr. Yekonia Zirabamuzaale (Secretary General of Busoga Kingdom).
Besides, the struggle led by the late Ignatius Musaazi; late Kivu, late James Miti and the late Semakula Mulumba started around the same time. Other than these initial efforts, some other Ugandans had started a local movement called the Batakabbu in the late 1940s whose objective was to fight against suppression of rights of the indigenous communities by Colonialists. These agitated to be allowed to process Cotton and Coffee as well as access loans from the first Savings and Credit Bank which was then a preserve of Europeans and Asian Traders. These early efforts eventually led to the formation of Uganda National Congress (UNC) in 1952 which was later followed by the Democratic Party in 1954.
Motions demanding independence were also being moved from time to time by Y.S. Bamutta of UNC from Masaka; Dr. B.N. Kununka, Milton Obote, George Magezi, Cuthbert Obwangor, William Rwetsiba, Balaki Kirya, Joyce Mpanga and others. These were the main speakers in the Uganda Legislative Council (LEGCO) on the motions demanding independence. The other notable persons who contributed towards attainment of Independence included: late Ruande, Yekosofat Engur and Apollo Kironde among others. The late Ruande was leading the Labour Union in Uganda which also had network with Labour Union in Kenya which was led by late Tom Mboya. Their effort had earlier led to the formation of the Uganda National Congress which was led by the late Ignatius Kangave Musaazi and late Abukar Mayanja as the Secretary General followed by the Democratic Party.
In 1955, after the return of the Kabaka of Buganda from exile, the 1955 Namirembe Agreement was promulgated where among the many issues, Uganda would become Independent after six years. This finally led to the expansion of LEGCO in 1958 to sixty Members which set pace for self-governance in March 1961 led by late Ben Kiwanuka and eventually the interim government that led to the elections of April, 1962. This watershed moment has been and continues to be the central point of our national unity; political and socio-economic direction.
The peaceful gaining of Independence from British Colonial rule notwithstanding; Uganda’s immediate post-Independence political history was characterised by putsches, dictatorship, contested electoral outcomes and civil wars. There were eight changes of government within a period of twenty-four years (from 1962-1986), five of which were violent and unconstitutional.
Colonialism had far-reaching social, economic, and political impact. It bequeathed the country a negative legacy of ethnic division, skewed development, elite polarisation, a narrow economic base, and a weak State apparatus. Rather than reversing this negative legacy, immediate postcolonial leaders in Uganda made it worse by formenting further ethnic division and conflict; adopting an uncompromising approach to issues of national importance and adopting disastrous economic policies such as move to the left of 1969, 1970 Nakivubo pronouncement for Nationalisation of Companies and unplanned expulsion of Asians in 1972. This further weakened an already weak state apparatus, and the consequences of such moves were recurrent violence, economic decline and stagnation, and perennial political instability.
The false start and exactly what went wrong
Uganda’s post-independence history of conflict and war was profoundly shaped by its colonial experience. The single most important fissure, which repeatedly inhibited elite unity, was that between some Baganda monarchists and other ethnic groups, especially between some Baganda elite monarchists and aspirant elites from other regional/ethnic backgrounds.
No immediate post-independence regime was able to secure peace and stability in the country without accommodating the interests of the Buganda monarchy. The Baganda elites generally saw the monarchy as representing their own interests including control over some of the most productive lands as well as having privileged access to education and other resources underpinning their wealth as well as social dominance. Republican coalitions under Milton Obote during his first and second period of government saw efforts to consolidate power at the level of the State. While the authoritarian regime of Idi Amin violated the human rights and democracy.
By the time NRM captured Power in 1986, Uganda was a failed State. The Government of NRM came up with a Ten Point Programme which has now transformed this Country from a backward poverty stricken bedeviled by Political, Social and Economic conflicts. Nonetheless, neocolonialism was more prevalent after independence which affected our self-determination; politically, economically and socially.
The failure of successive regimes to build effective and disciplined armed forces within the state created more problems to the subsequent governments. Again, post-independence state builders were not able to break from dysfunctional patterns bequeathed by the colonial authorities whereby ethnic minorities were over-represented in the military and police. Indeed, Obote’s reliance on the military to achieve his political objectives both reinforced the ethnic character of the military (diminishing its legitimacy) and politicised the military.
The short-lived Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF), which overthrew the Amin regime with the backing of Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces, again failed to build a unified, disciplined and inclusive army across ethnic and regional divides, likewise Obote during his second rule of government also failed. One important reason for President Museveni’s success in consolidating peace was due in no small part to the creation of a disciplined armed force, which broke from past patterns of ethnic recruitment.
President Yoweri Museveni and the taming of the “the mad tiger” Uganda
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is a man of strong convictions and rare courage. He takes risks and pursues national interests above his personal comfort and safety. He is a results-oriented leader, whose calling to politics is born out of deep and unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions to the challenges of society basing far back from 1964 when he was a student at Ntare High School.
He displays exceptional understanding of the historical and social challenges of African societies. This is what inspired his direct involvement in the liberation and emancipation of his countrymen and women.
His political awareness and ideological orientation became more focused during the three years (1967 to 1970) he spent at the University of Dar es Salaam. The university provided a very conducive atmosphere for Pan-Africanism and anti-imperialism. While there, he became the president of the University Students’ African Revolutionary Front (USARF), a forum that provided him mentorship from President Julius Nyerere, and besides reading Books of the Walter Rodney who was the Lecturer by that time at Dar es Salaam University, who wrote a Book on ‘How Europe under developed Africa’ and other Writers like Frantz Fanon who wrote a Book called ‘the Wretched of the Earth’ and other News Letters by Chairman Mao Tse-tung. His interaction with late Eduardo Mondlane of Mozambique and Mohamoud Abdulrahman, first Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tanzania after Independence also shaped his political awareness.
There it is while at this university that he developed far-reaching Pan-Africanist and revolutionary ideas. President Museveni was instrumental in forming FRONASA (Front for National Salvation), which was the core among the 23 fighting groups, together with the Tanzanian People’s Defence Forces, ousted Idi Amin’s regime in April 11, 1979.
On 29th January 1986, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni became President of the Republic of Uganda after leading a protracted five-year liberation struggle that started out with only 27 guns. Upon coming to power, he laid a firm foundation for reconciliation and national harmony, proving that people of differing cultural, religious and political allegiances can form a broad-based government.
Ben Kiwanuka
Since 1986, the NRM, under the leadership of President Museveni has demonstrated the revolutionary effect that good leadership can have on a country. He inherited a country and an economy in ruins. The colonial enclave economy had almost disappeared by the time the NRM took power. Under President Museveni’s leadership, the NRM initiated socio-economic policies designed to combat key challenges, including insecurity of person and property, extra-judicial killings, and rampant shortages of essential commodities.
Uganda, under President Museveni’s leadership, has registered tremendous and steady progress in all sectors of the economy. The size of the economy has grown close to tenfold since 1986. The GDP per capita has quadrupled. Ugandans today live healthier and longer lives. They are better educated. Children no longer die of preventable diseases and are attending school free of charge. Infrastructure has tremendously improved. The total tarmacked road network has increased five-fold, including the Musita – Mayuge – Namayingo – Busia Road. Electricity shortages are no more, instead the country is exporting surplus power to the neighboring countries. Tele-communication has improved, almost every adult has a phone.
Uganda has significantly contributed to continental and regional peace, security and stability. For instance, Uganda supported the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa by hosting ANC fighters and training them for the liberation of South Africa against apartheid. Uganda also contributed to the restoration of peace in Rwanda, resettlement of refugees who had spread across East Africa and ending the genocide.
Under the leadership of President Museveni, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has played a vital and positive role in ensuring peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Central African Republic.
Today, Uganda is a host to about 1.5 million refugees because it is a safe country, unlike the days when her own people filled the refugee camps in the region. Uganda has been lauded internationally as a model for its refugee hosting policy.
President Museveni is a strong advocate of African unity and integration. He is among the African statesmen increasingly credited for championing African unity. Indeed, African diplomats fondly refer to him as “the African Bismarck”. He is driven by the urgent need to permanently cure Africa’s vulnerable position in the global arena of economic and political giants.
He is deeply concerned that Africa is still an easy prey for plunder and marginalisation, as long as the strides towards economic and political integration remain lethargic. This explains his passionate fight against the subsistence mindset of our communities, and championing prioritisation of infrastructural development, in addition to his efforts towards the pacification of conflict-ridden neighbours and tireless call for regional integration. His transformative leadership has earned him several accolades.
On January 21, 2020, President Museveni received The African Leadership Magazine Award, in London, in honour of his contribution to the liberation struggles of Africa and good leadership skills. He has therefore, successfully ensured security, democracy and delivery of social services for the betterment of Ugandans. It is no accident, therefore, that Uganda is today enjoying peace from corner to corner of the country and with its neighbours.
The economy
Uganda’s economy has been impressively growing by average of 6 percent over the 30 years. As a result of this robust growth, the size of the economy is now estimated at Shs 202 trillion (USD 53.3 billion), and our target for the next 15 years is Shs. 500 trillion. If Ugandans agreed to share this GDP equally, each citizen would enjoy a GDP per capita of USD 1,146. The improved performance of the economy is on account of higher growth in all sectors. Services, agriculture, and industry, are estimated to grow at 6.6 percent, 5.1 percent, and 5.8 percent, respectively. In particular, growth in the services sector has been impressive, mainly driven by strong recovery in retail and wholesale trade, tourism as well as communication and real estate activities. Growth in industry was mainly driven by manufacturing, construction and mining, while increased production of food and cash crops, as well as livestock supported growth in the agriculture sector. Agriculture’s performance is estimated to have expanded at 5.1 percent this year. This is also attributed to streamlined implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) and SACCOs.
Health
Access to and utilization of health services has significantly increased with the population living within a 5km radius of a health facility increasing to 86 percent in the recent years. The health infrastructure network has improved in the country and currently consists of 2 national referral hospitals, 19 regional referral hospitals, 193 HC4s (medical officers present), and 1250 HC3s (clinical officers present).
Significant progress has also been made in the provision of specialized medical care in cardiology and gynecology. A modern state of the art women’s hospital with a capacity of 320 beds was opened in Mulago in 2018. The heart and cancer institutes of Mulago Hospital have also been expanded and improved. This has increased access and utilization of health services. In-patient malaria deaths have reduced tremendously largely due to the effective distribution of insecticide treated nets (ITNS). HIV deaths have been reduced by 64% since the peak in 2004.
In addition, infant mortality has gone down to 33 deaths per every 1000 live births. Maternal mortality decreased from 336 deaths per 100,000 live births, and stunting has reduced from 33 percent to 29 percent, respectively. The aggregate impact of all this has been the increase in life expectancy by 9 years to 63.3 years.
Transport infrastructure
The total paved national road network stands at 6,338 km, representing over 30 percent of the national road network. More focus is now on maintaining of the existing roads, building of a few new strategic roads, accelerated rehabilitation of the Metre Gauge Railway, and commencement of construction of the Standard Gauge Railway. Entebbe International Airport has also been expanded and modernized to match global standards and another International Airport in Hoima (Kabalega) is in completion stages. This heavy investment in the Transport sector has been part of the modernization of agriculture and improved household incomes.
Energy Development
The country’s power generation capacity has increased by 600MW from 1,378.7MW to 1,978.1MW following the connection of Karuma Hydropower Dam to the national grid. The electricity transmission capacity has now increased to 4,218 km of high voltage from 3,500 km in 2020. Electricity shortages are no more, instead the country is exporting surplus power to the neighboring countries.
Industrial development and manufacturing
Uganda’s tenfold growth strategy is stepping up efforts to accelerate diversification of the economy, add value to raw materials to boost exports and import substitution to continue reducing our import bill, and also build more basic industries to produce items that Ugandans use on daily basis such as sugar, soap, cooking oil, clothes, medicines, construction materials, etc. Our industrialisation efforts are being undertaken mainly through the private sector, but with the State playing a de-risking role. Government through the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), is undertaking targeted investments to increase Uganda’s manufacturing capacity. This intervention basically is aimed at improving our exports and decreasing the imports, so as to attain a stable balance of payment.
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
The following have been achieved in the ICT sector: i) A total of 4,354 Km of optic fiber cable have been laid across the country connecting 1,523 key Government service delivery units to the National Backbone Infrastructure; ii) The internet penetration in the country has increased to 64 percent, and the share of Government services provided online is now at 40 percent. A PDM Information System has been developed and rolled out in all the 10,585 parishes across the country.
Finally, as we celebrate 62 years of Independence, we need to keep the momentum and if need be double our effort to fully transform and fortify the economic development and economic growth of our motherland Uganda. The fundamentals of our economy have been worked on, it is now poised to accelerate towards takeoff, powered by value addition to our agricultural raw materials and the abundant natural resources as well as growth in industry, tourism and innovations by our scientists.
Finally, it is our plea that majority of Ugandans should fully engage in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, and desist from culture of laziness and work hard to improve their household income.
The Theme for the celebrations is “Independence Day: A Recommitment to Secure and Fortify our Destiny”.
References for your use as you celebrate independence
Karugire, S.R. 2003. Roots of Political Instability in Uganda. Kampala: Fountain Publishers.
Kasozi, A. B. K. 1994. The Social Origins of Violence in Uganda. Kampala: Fountain Publishers.
Kyemba, H. 1997. A State of Blood: The Inside Story of Idi Amin. Kampala: Fountain Publishers.
Mutibwa, P. 1992. Uganda Since Independence: A Story of Unfulfilled Hopes. London: Hurst and Co. Publishers.
Museveni, Y. K. 1997. Sowing the Mustard Seed: The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy in Uganda. Oxford: Macmillan Education.
Golooba-Mutebi, F. 2007. ‘Uganda in 2005: Political, economic and social trends’, in H. Charton and C. Médard (eds), L’Afrique Orientale: Annuaire 2005. Paris: L’Harmattan.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Monica Musenero has revealed that Dei Bio Pharma company will start exporting drugs outside Uganda at the end of this year having received approvals from National Drug Authority.
Musenero noted that the government has so far injected over Shs723 billion taxpayers’ money into the pharmaceutical company which catered for its establishment.
Dei Bio Pharmaceuticals factory is owned by Dr. Matthias Magoola and is situated in Matugga, Wakiso District.
Musenero made the revelation while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Government Assurance, where she had appeared to provide an update on the promises her Ministry made to Ugandans.
“We have partnered with Dei Bio Pharma, and the Government has taken in shares. This is the biggest pharmaceutical facility on the continent of Africa, we hope to start shipping out medicines before the end of the year because the National Drug Authority has cleared us,” explained Musenero.
The development comes at the time when recently, Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi asked Government to reveal details of the agreement it signed with Dei Bio Pharma, after the owners of the company revealed plans to repay the Shs723 billion it obtained from Government yet at the time of approval of the funds, Government denied existence of such an agreement.
During the Committee meeting, Musenero also revealed that Uganda has so far received over Shs7.3 billion through sale of diagnostic kits to both Mulago National Referral hospital, and outside Uganda in a research that started at the height of the #Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
“When you go to Mulago Hospital now, that diagnostic kit used to test you is made here by our scientists and we have started making an impact on the continent. We manufacture the proficiency panels for all these countries arising out of this work, which we started in 2020/21 and this has brought us about $2 million (Shs7, 301,500,000) in revenue,” said Musenero.
Dr. Matthias Magoola
The Minister revealed that the Ministry has been able to attain all this success by emphasizing what she termed as “Brutal integrity” by ridding the Ministry of any corruption tendencies, in order not to compromise the quality of products released on the market.
She explained, “We have learnt from nations that have used science that the moment you bring, even a tiny bit of corruption in Science, Technology and Innovation, so once corruption comes from decision making, financial things, it will show up in your product. So, since we are aiming to sell products, we have put there what we call brutal integrity.”
Minister Musenero also revealed that although many Ugandans criticized her Space project as wastage of money, she defended the project describing it as a strategic project for Uganda’s future noting,
“Many people have been telling me, Musenero, why are you wasting time in Space when Uganda is still down here? This is a strategic intervention, it also has a big economy built around it, but it is a very strategic intervention, especially in the times where we live.”
In the heart of Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park, the sun had barely risen when over 18 teams of wildlife rangers, community scouts, and teams from supporting organizations from across Uganda gathered at the starting line. The air buzzed with anticipation as these guardians of nature prepared to tackle the grueling 21-kilometer half-marathon. The race is designed to mimic the daily rigors of ranger life, with participants carrying 22-kilogram backpacks, simulating the heavy gear they often shoulder on patrols to guard wildlife from poachers.
As some of the participants did last minute stretches and tightened their laces, there was a sight not so common at a marathon start line – a weighing scale; the rules required each participant to verify that his previously packed and weighed backpack is 22kg before the race began, and at the finish line.
This wasn’t just any race. It was the 2024 Wildlife Ranger Challenge, an event that has quickly become a symbol of dedication and unity in African conservation efforts. Wildlife Ranger Challenge is a global event organized by Tusk and The Game Rangers Association of Africa GRAA, gathering over 150 ranger teams from over 100 protected areas across Africa, and several supporters from across the globe.
As the starting gun fired, teams from Uganda’s largest national parks as well as supporters surged forward, their determination palpable. Among them, the “Kidepo Warriors,” last year’s champions, set a blistering pace. But they weren’t alone in their quest for victory.
The Kidepo Valley National Park team successfully defended their title, crossing the finish line first once again in 2 hrs 28 mins, holding hands as a united force. But hot on their heels was the Kibale National Park team which made an inspiring comeback after finishing near the bottom last year, securing their spot on the podium with a fantastic time of 2h 45m. Just seconds behind them, the hosts, the Murchison Falls National Park team, crossed the line in third place with a strong finish, holding off stiff competition from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
But perhaps the most inspiring sight was the performance of the women’s teams. Competing on the same challenging course as their male counterparts, these female rangers shattered expectations. The Kidepo Valley National Park women’s team set a new benchmark, completing the course in just 2 hours and 58 minutes.
This year’s Wildlife Ranger Challenge attracted significant attention, with notable figures such as Maurice Kirya, the German Ambassador to Uganda, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Communications Manager in attendance. The event, which has been steadily growing in prominence since its inception in 2020, has now expanded to include rangers from over 100 protected areas across more than 20 African countries.
As the last runners crossed the finish line, the atmosphere shifted from intense competition to jubilant celebration. Rangers, exhausted but exhilarated, gathered for a well-deserved brunch, swapping stories of their experiences on the course. The air was filled with laughter and camaraderie as competitors from different parks and organizations mingled, united by their shared passion for conservation.
Following the meal, a series of speeches commenced, with conservation leaders and government officials praising the rangers’ dedication and highlighting the importance of their work. The prize-giving ceremony was a moment of pride for all involved, with trophies and medals gleaming in the midday sun as they were presented to the top performers. The Kidepo Warriors stood tall, their victory a testament to their unwavering commitment to both their training and their daily conservation efforts.
With the formal proceedings concluded, the rangers headed off to refresh themselves, their spirits high despite the physical demands of the day. But their work wasn’t done – a photoshoot in the wild awaited, capturing these conservation heroes in their element. As the afternoon wore on, the scent of a barbecue filled the air, promising a relaxed evening of continued celebration and bonding among these guardians of nature.
What makes this marathon truly unique is its setting in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park. Unlike typical urban races, participants here share the course with the very wildlife they work to protect. Throughout the event, rangers and spectators alike were treated to the sight of antelopes gracefully bounding across the path, and even the occasional elephant lumbering in the distance. Each team was accompanied by a support vehicle manned by fellow rangers, ready to assist not just with race-related needs, but also to ensure the safety of both runners and animals in this extraordinary wilderness marathon.
Since its inception in 2020, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge has raised over $20 million to support ranger welfare and conservation efforts. But beyond the funds, it’s the intangible benefits that truly shine.
“It has been a remarkable way to not only raise funds but also rebuild teamwork, morale, resilience, and endurance among our rangers from various parts of Africa, who are often overlooked. This initiative has uplifted everyone, providing a shared purpose and energy. The rangers unanimously love it, as it connects and unites them”, said Michael Keigwin, Founding Trustee of Uganda Conservation Foundation, the organizer of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge locally. “It’s not just about the race—it’s about rebuilding morale, resilience, and unity among our rangers across Africa.”
For rangers like Amos Amaseku, the watchkeeper at the Joint Operations Command Center, Murchison Falls National Park, the challenge represents more than just a race. “I’ve seen this grow over the past three years, I’ve participated in the last three races and have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of participants” he said.
“It’s not just about the competition—it’s about the support we receive for our daily work, from logistics to supplies. The Wildlife Ranger Challenge has been supportive of our work with logistics, other suppliers, and allowances.” Amaseku went on to say.
Fred Kiiza, Chief Warden of Murchison Conservation Area, noted the tangible impacts: “The support from this initiative has been very helpful, providing crucial resources that enhance our effectiveness in the field. Last year, we received a vehicle that has significantly boosted our operations “
As the sun set on another successful challenge, the message was clear: Africa’s wildlife rangers are not just protectors of nature—they’re athletes, team players, and conservation heroes, pushing their limits to safeguard the continent’s precious ecosystems. With events like the Wildlife Ranger Challenge shining a spotlight on their crucial work, these dedicated individuals are finally getting the recognition they deserve. And as they continue to face the daily challenges of anti-poaching operations and community engagement, they do so knowing they have the support of a global community behind them.
The United States has announced $7.5 million about (Shs27.5 billion) to support the Sudan refugee response in Uganda.
The funding was confirmed by U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William Popp.
The new funding from the American people, provided through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, enables UNHCR Uganda to provide critical assistance to Sudanese refugees and their host communities, including emergency relief supplies, healthcare, protection of vulnerable children and victims of gender-based violence, and water and sanitation facilities.
The United States provides more than half of all humanitarian funding in Uganda and is proud to be the largest single humanitarian donor globally. This is part of nearly $424 million (Shs1.5 trillion) in additional humanitarian funding for Sudan and neighbouring countries announced at the UN General Assembly (UNGA). This new funding brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance in Uganda in Fiscal Year 2024 to more than $92 million (Shs338.1 billion).
U.S. Ambassador William Popp said, “The crisis in Sudan is a global challenge, and we’re proud to help the Ugandan people as they provide safety and security to their neighbours from Sudan. As the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance supporting Sudanese refugees in Africa, we recognise the importance of assisting those fleeing conflict and working toward a safe return when the fighting ends.”
In addition to being the largest donor of humanitarian assistance in Uganda, the U.S. Mission’s positive impact reaches across all of Uganda’s 146 districts, and, in the true spirit of partnership, nearly 70% of our activities are implemented through local non-governmental organisations, generating over 6,000 jobs for Ugandans. For more details on the full scope of the United States’ partnership with the Ugandan people, please see the U.S. Mission’s “Report to the Ugandan People.”
The High Court of Uganda has directed Horeb Services Uganda Limited to pay Shs250 million as general and exemplary damages over the death of a migrant worker.
Last year, Desire Namale dragged Horeb Services and its director, Ezra Mugisha over the death of her mother, Milly Namutamba.
In August 2018, through Horeb Services Uganda, Namutamba left Uganda to work as a domestic service worker in Saudi Arabia. At the time of leaving the country, Namutamba was in perfect health and was subjected to a medical check-up by the Horeb Services Uganda.
While in Saudi Arabia, Namale kept in constant communication with her mother for about five months before she unceremoniously went silent. After one month of no communication, she got worried and contacted her relatives, including the Director of Horeb Services, who advised her to go to their offices to raise the matter.
She kept frequenting their company for two years, seeking to know what had happened to her mother, but the company was non-responsive. Later on, in September 2022, her uncle, through sources unknown to her, discovered that her mother had died.
Namale and her uncle approached Horeb Services’ offices, and on this occasion, the respondents confirmed the death of her mother and promised to formally update them on the cause of death, which they never did.
In his ruling, High Court judge, Justice Boniface Wamala declared that Horeb Services Ltd and its director violated Namale Desire’s mother’s right to life, as enshrined in Uganda’s Article 22 of the Constitution of Uganda.
The court held that a licensed recruitment company is obligated to assume full and complete responsibility for all acts of its officials, employees and representatives done in connection with recruitment and placement.
“That being the case, it is wrong on the part of Horeb Services Ltd to argue that the responsibility over Namutamba Milly lay against the other stakeholders and not on themselves. The legal framework clearly indicates that Horeb Services Ltd bore the primary responsibility over the safety and life of the deceased migrant worker,” he ruled.
He further ruled that Horeb Services Ltd was also the entity vested with locus to enforce against any breach of the agreed terms against either the foreign recruitment agency or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Court ordered that Horeb Services Ltd and its director shall pay to the Namale Desire and her uncle a sum of Shs200 million as general damages and Shs50 million in exemplary damages and bare costs arising from that matter.
UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima has revealed that the people most in need of new HIV prevention medication, in the form of a long-acting injection are adolescent girls, LGBTQ+ people, sex workers, and people who use drugs.
Byanyima noted that the injection medication will transform the lives of people who struggle to take daily pills.
“The option of an injection that only needs to be taken once every few months is vital for people who face stigma when seen with pills, and those who are driven underground by criminalizing laws,” she said.
She added that the arrival of long-acting injections is truly a game-changer and it can help prevent millions of new HIV infections. However, this will only happen if everyone who would benefit has access. Noting, “When medicines are lifesaving, delays are fatal.”
Byanyima made the revelation while responding to ViiV Company after its commitment to produce at least two million doses of long-acting cabotegravir for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (CAB LA for PrEP) available for procurement for low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs) during 2025-2026.
“To ensure affordable pricing and worldwide availability for everyone who needs these medicines, enabling access to generic versions in all low- and middle-income countries is essential,” she noted.
However, she noted that ViiV continues to lock out many low- and middle-income countries from this possibility and was shocked that the company has even launched a legal challenge against Colombia for trying to access a generic version of another lifesaving HIV medicine, dolutegravir.
“ViiV’s announcement on increasing production of long-acting cabotegravir is a welcome first step, but their next steps must follow fast. It is not enough for ViiV to increase the number of doses up for sale,” she cautioned.
Byanyima urged ViiV to show leadership on access to medicines now by announcing an affordable not-for-profit price, dropping its harmful legal challenge, and enabling all low and middle-income countries to access generic versions of its medicines. Adding, “That is how they can help ensure this scientific breakthrough fulfills its potential and how they can help bring an end to the AIDS pandemic.”
ViiV’s new commitment will triple the company’s available supply versus 2024, to accelerate access and meet growing demand where the HIV burden and unmet need are greatest.
Deborah Waterhouse, Chief Executive Officer at ViiV Healthcare and President, Global Health at GSK, said: “The announcement marks another important milestone in our efforts to accelerate access to the only long-acting PrEP available now CAB LA where it’s needed most. We know long-acting PrEP provides a crucial option to suit the needs and circumstances of populations disproportionately affected by HIV, including young women and girls in Sub-Saharan Africa. We are committed to working at pace with our partners and the community — globally, regionally, and locally — to continue enabling sustainable access to CAB LA for PrEP as a key part of our mission to help end the HIV epidemic.”
ViiV’s strategy for CAB LA for PrEP in L&MICs is to maximise rapid access and uptake for populations with highest unmet needs, in a sustainable way, centred on partnership and integration into existing healthcare services and HIV prevention programmes.
