Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is seeking to boost the country’s tourism growth through international missions.

UTB CEO Lilly Ajarova while speaking at a four-day Joint Regional Economic and Commercial Diplomacy Retreat with heads of Uganda Missions stationed in neighboring countries called on Missions abroad to support Uganda’s tourism efforts, particularly in branding, marketing, and attracting investors to the much sought-after Explore Uganda campaign.

The ‘Ring States’, as they are referred to in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, include Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo, Somalia, South Sudan, and Burundi.

“We are calling upon our missions abroad to support us in our tourism efforts, particularly in the areas of branding and marketing, as well as attracting investors to our Explore Uganda campaign. We have seen the success of this collaboration in the past, where our missions have brought potential investors to assess our country’s offerings, and we hope that with their continued support, we will yield even more positive results,” said Ms. Ajarova.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the UTB boss said that Uganda has made significant progress in tourism development, rising from an unknown destination to become the 10th best destination on the continent for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) in 2018.

“The country currently ranks seventh and aims to become one of the top five destinations in Africa,” she said.

She added, “The recent addition of the Speke Resort and Convention Center has enhanced Uganda’s competitiveness, allowing the country to host large conferences and attract more travelers. The UTB targets flexible travelers who are likely to extend their stay, spend more, and generate more economic and social benefits for Uganda.”

Ajarova expressed confidence in the support of missions abroad, which she believes will help achieve Uganda’s vision of becoming a top destination in Africa.

“We count on our missions abroad to help us achieve this goal by identifying opportunities, lobbying for Uganda to host international meetings, and supporting our Explore Uganda destination brand,” she said.

Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is developing a new framework aimed at promoting economic growth through commercial diplomacy. The initiative he said seeks to guide Uganda’s missions abroad in marketing and attracting investments to the country.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to come up with a framework under which we can guide our missions abroad to market the country in three main areas: increasing our exports, attracting foreign direct investments, and attracting tourists,” Amb. Kabonero explained.

The initial phase of the program will involve 10 missions and two consulates in areas with high potential for investment, such as ATM, agriculture, tourism, mineral development, and science and technology. “We need to measure results and then scale up to all other 37 missions that Uganda has abroad,” Ambassador Kabonero noted.

Amb. Kabonero emphasized the importance of addressing non-tariff barriers, including standards, competition, and lack of compliance with regional trade protocols. “Our missions are charged with addressing those NTBs,” he said. The ministry is also working to address tariff barriers, infrastructure challenges, and standards and certification issues to increase exports.

Regarding data and communications, Amb. Kabonero stressed the need for a regional data framework to improve data affordability and access to the sea cable. “We need to discuss data affordability and access to the sea cable. Most of our traffic to the sea goes through Kenya, but it’s a bit of a risk. So, we need an alternative route,” he explained. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards boosting Uganda’s economic growth and promoting regional trade. “We look forward to a summit of heads of state to harmonize data rates, cross-border payment systems, and increase trade,” Amb. Kabonero said.

Ms. Julianne Mweheire, Director of Industry Affairs and Content Development at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), noted that over the past two years, there has been a significant shift in data consumption trends, with an increasing number of users opting for video communication, leading to a substantial change in the way data is utilized. According to Mweheire, the cost of data has significantly decreased by 51% since 2019, with mobile operators reducing data prices.

The price per gigabyte of data in Uganda is relatively low compared to other East African countries, at $0.86 per GB, compared to $0.76 in Rwanda, $0.97 in Kenya, $1.53 in Tanzania, $4.00 in South Sudan, and $0.83 in South Africa. However, despite this progress, Mweheire noted that the penetration of digital devices remains low, with only 16 million smartphones in use, out of 35 million active SIM cards. She attributed this to high taxes on smartphones, which hinder their adoption.

Vincent Bagiire, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the 40% tax on smartphones is counterproductive, as telecom companies generate more revenue from data usage than voice calls. He argued that reducing the tax would lead to increased smartphone penetration, resulting in higher tax revenues for the Uganda Revenue Authority. “We need to rethink the 40% tax on smartphones,” Bagiire emphasized.

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Do you have a policy with ICEA LION Insurance? These were Bob Tayebwa’s parting words at the end of the interview, signaling his passion for selling insurance and providing a glimpse into the drive that earned him the title of Best Life Insurance Agent of 2023.

Tayebwa has consistently topped the charts as the best sales agent at ICEA LION for four consecutive years since 2020, earning him prestigious rewards including overseas conventions to Mauritius, Dubai, Thailand, and the Netherlands. In 2023, he outperformed his peers across the entire insurance industry in Uganda, solidifying his reputation as a sales guru.

Bob’s journey in sales began over 13 years ago during his career in banking. His path to insurance was inspired by an encounter with an ICEA LION Insurance agent who convinced him to invest in a Toto education plan for his newborn son, Jeremiah. The rapport he built with the agent, who was earning significantly more than he was, inspired Bob to switch careers. “I built rapport with the agent after purchasing the policy, we became good friends and along the way I inquired about her work and how lucrative it was,” he recounted. With mentorship and determination, Bob made the leap to join ICEA LION Insurance in 2019.

Despite a slow start, signing just four policies in his first month, Bob persisted. His sales quickly escalated from a handful of policies to an impressive eight-figure monthly commission. By 2023, he was surpassing his monthly sales targets by 50% and the monthly premium target by 100%.

Bob’s unique approach to selling insurance has helped him overcome industry challenges such as lack of trust, low saving culture, and bias towards insurance. “Most agents talk about death, disability, and uncertainty. Who wants to hear that? Instead, I focus on people’s goals,” he explained. By understanding clients’ aspirations and discussing their goals for the next five to ten years, Bob builds a strong rapport, making insurance feel more like a partnership than a mere transaction.

Regular follow-ups with clients through scheduled calls and in-person appointments are key to Bob’s success. He uses Google Calendar to manage his engagements, ensuring he never misses a meeting. “My calendar has scheduled appointments up to 2027, and I intend to follow up until then,” he added.

Expanding his sales circle through referrals from existing clients has been a major objective for Bob. This strategy has consistently helped him grow his market and maintain his top-performing status.

Bob attributes his success to his faith, commitment to his job, support from ICEA LION, mentorship, and his wife’s invaluable encouragement and moral support. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to IRA and UIA for their commitment to maintaining a level playing field for agents. Special thanks to ITC for equipping me with invaluable insurance knowledge. I’m also deeply appreciative of the supportive network of fellow agents and the nurturing leadership at ICEA LION,” Bob expressed with sincere appreciation.

His advice to fellow and upcoming agents is to remain professional, persistent, and continuously willing to learn in order to succeed in the challenging industry. While some agents lose credibility by fear-mongering, Tayebwa earns clients’ trust by aligning with their hopes and dreams through empathy, negotiation, and focus. His authentic passion for helping people achieve their goals is what made him the Best Life Insurance Agent of 2023.

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A delegation from Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) top and senior management team, led by the Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons Samuel Akena visited the Naguru JLOS house to assess the progress of the new UPS headquarters construction. The team included heads of directorates and departments.

The visit aimed to evaluate the project’s completion timeline, inspect the allotted space, and discuss customization of UPS needs, costs associated with shared utilities and services, and other concerns.

The construction works, being done by Seyani Brothers Co. (U) Ltd, a leading construction company in the country, have reached approximately 70% completion, with the technical team optimistic about meeting the January 2025 deadline.

The state-of-the-art new JLOS house tower will accommodate all institutions in the Criminal Justice System, including the Judiciary Ministry of Internal Affairs, Uganda Prisons Service among others with a close proximity to Uganda Police head offices. The UPS office space will occupy the basement, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors, covering 3840 square meters.

The team identified areas requiring customization, including safety and security, ICT, and medical facilities. Heads of relevant departments will be engaged to address these needs during the partitioning phase.

During a walk around tour the facility concerns were raised regarding shared utilities, services, security, and environmental cleanliness, with questions about cost responsibilities. The team was informed that a policy is being drafted to address these concerns.

The Chairman of the Contracts Management Team, JLOS house, expressed gratitude for the UPS delegation’s visit and valuable input, which will enhance client satisfaction and customization.

The new Prisons headquarters is expected to provide a modern and secure environment for UPS operations, alleviating pressure on the current headquarters building.

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The Minister of lands and properties in Buganda Kingdom, David Mpanga has warned the public against the sale of all land housing cultural sites, royal tombs and known historical sites in the kingdom, citing that it belongs to the Kabaka and is managed by the Buganda Land Board on behalf of the kingdom.

“The kingdom of Buganda has received reports of unscrupulous individuals that are purporting to buy and acquire sub-dividing, selling and building on land housing cultural sites, royal tombs and known historical sites,” Mpanga reported.

Mpanga urged the public to be aware that Buganda land is not for sale and is legally not capable of sale without the consent of the Kabaka of Buganda.

“Take note that the custodians entrusted with this land have no right to sub-lease, sell, part with the possession or alienate the land in any way. Anyone who transacts on this land does so illegally and at his or her own risk,” Mpanga guided.

He therefore informed the public the section 64(2) of the Registration of Title Act protects such historical cultural sites which are found on any registered land and whoever holds or acquires title to land where there cultural sites holds the same subject to Buganda Kingdom and community cultural rights and interests on that land.

Mpanga further advises the public to be very cautious not to conduct or be involved in any transactions on such land to avoid being cheated and held liable for possession in the Courts of Law.

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Six people have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries in a road crash that occurred this morning on June 12, 2024 at Kakiika along Ntungamo-Rukungiri Road in Ntungamo District.

Michael Kananura, Public Relations Officer Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety revealed that the crash involved motor vehicles UBN 337H, a Toyota Hiace, and UAP 385U, an Isuzu bus belonging to Kasaaba Bus Company.

Kananura said that according to the initial report, motor vehicle UBN 337H, which was coming from Rukungiri to Ntungamo, got a tyre puncture and parked on the right-hand side of the road, leaving part of the vehicle on the tarmac while attempting to fix the tyre, with full lights on.

“Unfortunately, the bus, which was coming from Kampala and heading to Rukungiri, veered off the road and collided head-on with the parked omnibus, instantly killing six people, including the driver, the turn man, and a police officer attached to Nsangi Police Station, and injuring three others,” Kananura said.

He confirmed that the traffic police responded to the scene immediately and transported the victims to Devine Health and Ntungamo Specialist Medical Centres for medical attention.

He added that the dead bodies have been conveyed to Rwashameire Health Centre IV for post-mortem examination, while the motor vehicles have been towed to Ntungamo Central Police as inquiries commence.

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