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State of the Nation Address: Museveni warns corruption rackets at Parliament and Finance Ministry

By
Geoffery Serugo
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President Museveni.

President Yoweri Museveni has revealed that he has gathered enough evidence against top corrupt officials at both Parliament and Ministry of Finance.

The President said the racket involves top officials at Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development who connive with bureaucrats at parliament to steal government funds.

He also warned that state has the capacity to crush all the dishonest haters and corrupt government officials. Museveni said during the 2024 State of the Nation Address.

“I have been hearing stories that there is a racket from the Ministry of Finance to Parliament. I have been hearing but now I have proof. They work with accounting officers from different ministries to come to parliament to ask for certain funds and then they share the money. For sure the corrupt don’t know how strong we are, we are patient but if you make a mistake, you will see”.

Museveni said this in the wake of corruption-related allegations against the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.

Earlier this year, anti-corruption crusaders led the famous parliament exhibition, which exposed alleged corruption dealings and mismanagement of public funds.

The leaked documents show the alleged exorbitant sums of months pocketed by the speaker, Anita Among, in the name of per diem, cooperation, social responsibility, and others.

The funds were being deposited in various accounts of the parliamentary staff. The exhibition revealed that several MPs claimed per diem for the same activity from Parliament and the National Council of Sports.

It further showed that the speaker received over Shs2.4 billion in a space of 39 days. The money that was received by Daniel Adilo and Okwi Emmanuel Emuron was reportedly meant to cater to field mobilisation activities, her outreach activities, community consultation activities, and others.

It also showed that she pocketed, per diem, Shs2.6 billion for the eight trips she made out of the country between September 2023 and January 2024. She also received a per diem of Shs646 million between July 2022 and July 2023.

In a period of four days from October 11, 2023, to October 16, 2023, Shs2,673,000,000 was deposited on several personal bank accounts of senior selected parliament staff.

The president noted that the dishonest (corrupt) and the traitors (Western powers) are targeting the mistake-makers.

“We can counsel them and show them how to do things. If we are to punish all the mistakemakers, we shall have nobody to work with because they don’t know what to do,” he said.

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PRAU, Uganda Baati partner to promote easy access to quality building solutions

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) has announced an exclusive partnership with Uganda Baati Limited, a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality steel building solutions. This collaboration marks the inception of a dynamic framework to provide PRAU members with a unique opportunity to access discounted building solutions for their construction projects over the next four years.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed today, PRAU members will enjoy a substantial 4.5% discount on all cash purchases of steel products from Uganda Baati Limited. This significant discount is a testament to both parties’ commitment to empowering PRAU members with cost-effective solutions for their building needs.

To take advantage of this unparalleled offer, interested PRAU members need to present their valid PRAU ID or Number and their National ID or passport to confirm their details. Additionally, members must provide an introduction letter from PRAU.

Commenting on this significant collaboration, Tina Wamala, President of PRAU, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to join forces with Uganda Baati Limited to offer our members exclusive access to premium steel building materials at discounted rates. This partnership exemplifies our unwavering commitment to empowering our members with valuable resources and opportunities that drive their professional growth and success.”

“It is within our ethos to bring closer quality and long-lasting building solutions to every Ugandan, as it has been for the last 60 years. PRAU now joins an assembly of other organizations that have entrusted us with providing their members with trusted roofing and building solutions. Therefore, we are pleased to have this collaboration and look forward to a fruitful partnership,” George Arodi, the CEO at Uganda Baati, added.

This strategic partnership between PRAU and Uganda Baati Limited represents a pivotal milestone in advancing the construction industry in Uganda, further reinforcing PRAU’s position as a catalyst for positive change and innovation.

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Uganda, South Korea sign $500m loan agreement for infrastructure projects

By
Simon Kabayo
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Minister Kasaija and his South Korean counterpart.

Uganda and South Korea have signed a framework agreement for a $500 million loan to support infrastructure development projects in Uganda. The agreement was signed on Wednesday in Seoul, South Korea, on the sidelines of the First Korea-Africa Summit.

The agreement was signed by Ugandan Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, and South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cho Tae-yul. The loan will be provided by the Korea EXIM Bank and will be used to finance infrastructure projects in Uganda over the next five years, from 2024 to 2028.

The loan will support various infrastructure development projects, including road construction and upgrading, bridge construction, energy generation and transmission, water supply and sanitation, and telecommunications infrastructure.

The loan is part of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), which was established in 2012 to support economic development in partner countries. The fund has supported various projects in Uganda, including infrastructure development, energy, and agriculture.

The signing of the agreement is a significant milestone in the relationship between Uganda and South Korea and is expected to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Kasaija said the loan is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and improve the lives of Ugandans by supporting infrastructure development, promoting economic growth, and creating jobs.

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Forest Cottages remain Kampala’s eco friendly destination

By
Our Reporter
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Forest Cottages.

Forest Cottages on Naguru hill remains Kampala’s ecofriendly destination for those that seek to romatic and inaudible envioronment.

Forest Cottages a designed luxury cottage set in a serene forest environment. The well kempt cottages are located at Naguru Hill, Bukoto –  Kampala, Uganda. The accommodation facilities at the Cottages are carefully landscaped, huge, made in indigenous material.

The expansive Cottages offer customers comfort and entertainment away from their homes.

Forest Cottages has a swimming pool, health club facilities, conference facilities, restaurants and tour services. The natural rooms have wifi, telephones and locally made furniture.

“Our vision is to ensure memorable experience to all our guests in every aspect of their stay. We are committed to excellence. Our visitors come from different parts of the world and we here to cater to their needs” Dhaval Macchar, the facility’s General Manager said.

An elated Macchar, the General Manager of Forest Cottages, which is part of the Ruparelia Group of Companies, said winning the award ‘is a testimony that we are the choice of domestic and international travellers’ adding that it gives them honour.

“The award means a lot to us because we are the traveller’s choice when it comes to hotel business and service provision. We were honored to have been voted the best Travellers Choice. It is a testimony that we are the choice of domestic and international travellers.” Macchar said.

The facility is surrounded by indigenous trees, bushes, shrubs and flowers. According to online reviewers, Forest Cottages is a friendly place with professional workers.
One reviewer on Tripadvisor on October 2, 2016 said: “The location of the hotel is great in spite of the road constructions around Kampala; it is still accessible with relative ease. The staff members are quite friendly and helpful.”  Another reviewer described the Cottages as ‘a great place with a natural look’.

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Museveni to address the nation today

By
Our Reporter
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President Museveni.

President Yoweri Museveni is expected to deliver a highly anticipated state of nation address today at 2pm.

This key address will cover the current state of the nation, highlighting the government’s achievements over the past year and outlining future plans and priorities.

“Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu, I will deliver my speech on the State of the Nation this afternoon at 2 pm,” Museveni posted on his X (formerly twitter) handle.

Museveni’s address comes just a few weeks to the reading of the 2024/25 national budget slated on June 13, 2024.

The passed national budget for the Financial Year 2024/25 is Shs72.130 trillion up from an earlier proposed total of Shs58 trillion which indicates a Shs20 trillion increment from the last financial year budget of Shs52 trillion.

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Makerere’s Nawangwe warned against banning activities of Dean’s Forum

By
Simon Kabayo
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Prof. Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor Makerere University.

Makerere University Joint Staff Associations have taken strong exception to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Barnabas nawangwe’s decision to suspend all the activities of the Dean’s Forum.

In a letter dated 29th May, 2024 to the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Nawangwe noted that he received complaints regarding the legality of the Dean’s Forum and ordered for indefinite suspension of the forum’s activities.

“I have received complaints regarding the legality of the Deans Forum. Pending resolution of the legality of this forum, all activities of the forum are hereby suspended,” read Nawangwe’s letter.

However, the Joint Staff Associations challenged Nawangwe’s orders and noted that the forum’s overall aim is to promote academic excellence through collective action, capacity building and hannessing each other’s capabilities, experiences and the best practices.

“The Deans Forum is one of the hundreds of the informal associations at Makerere University. These associations, which contribute greatly to the University’s vision, are rightly protected by Article 29 of the Constitution of Uganda. The Constitution of Uganda (1995) as amended does not cloth you with any powers to deny Article 29, and you must not treat the Deans Forum differently from similar associations like Makerere’s Academic Leaders’ Forum and Professors’ Forum of which you are a member,” read part of Joints Staff Associations letter.

“To contribute to the University’s work and to realize their full potential, staff and students depend on assurance that exercising their freedom of association, conscience shall not lead them to conflict with management. Yet your suspension of the Deans forum, recent stance on examination L1210 from the school of Law inevitably deprives the staff and students of this assurance. Moreover, such actions even if eventually vacated leave indelible scars of self-censorship, to the detriment of staffs’ and students’ productivity. Moreover, even if many suspensions by you were found inappropriate and annulled by the Appoints Board., staff Tribunal and High Court, these suspensions left indelible dents on the University’s image. The Association added in the letter.

In the letter, the association further stated that although academic staff invariably expect and accept scrutiny of their work and are accountable as is by law required, they are synchronously entitled to due process, including resumption of innocence.

“Hence, it is unconscionable that you elected to purport to suspend a forum of such noble membership and aspirations over mere complaints by people that you did not specify and which have not been investigated let alone substantiated,” the Association noted.

The Joints Staff Associations letter further guided that the suspension of the deans Forum, if at all, should have followed investigations and not the other way round. Adding, “You (Nawangwe) should also have been legally vested with the powers to suspend the Forum. Otherwise, you appear to be using verification of the legality of the Deans Forum as a pretext for committing illegalities. This casts the University in a bad light.”

The Association purposely demanded Nawangwe to rescind his impugned suspension of the Dean’s Forums.

“We demand you to refrain from attitudes and actions that are prejudicial to the fundamental human rights and academic freedoms of members of the Makerere University. This will give the community confidence that you, and others in the University’s management, will not illegally constrain and violate their inherent human rights and academic freedom. Alternatively, members of the University community will be forced to appeal to other human rights protectors,” guided in the letter.  

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Gov’t releases Shs3b for civilian veterans in Greater Luwero

By
Geoffery Serugo
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State Minister for Luwero Triangle Alice Kaboyo.

Government has released Shs3,043,000,000 to 1,269 verified civilian veteran beneficiaries from Greater Luwero.

The revelation was made by Alice Kaboy, the State Minister for Luwero Triangle. 

The beneficiaries were cleared by the Veterans Verification Committee under the 51st schedule from the districts of Luwero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke.
Effective 2008, when the Akasiimo Programme started.

To date, the government has verified and paid 87,269 beneficiaries in recognition of the support and contribution they gave during the liberation struggle (1981–1986).

The Veterans Verification Committee will continue verifying the civilian veterans that have not yet been considered, and my office will ensure that the allocated funds for Akasiimo are paid to the right beneficiaries.

She said Akasiimo is not commensurate to one’s contribution but rather a ‘thank you’ in recognition of one’s contribution.

“The lists of 1,269 Akasiimo beneficiaries, indicating their names, National Identification Numbers (NIN), amount received, subcounty, and district, will be displayed on the notice boards of the respective beneficiary districts and the Luwero Regional Office for ease of reference.” She said. 

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Coca-Cola reassures commitment to sustainability ahead of World Environment Day

By
Francisco Adongo
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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has reassured its commitment to environmental sustainability as World Environment Day draws near.

CCBA Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer, Tshidi Ramogase said, “At Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), our sustainability strategy is centred around people—consumers and our employees—and driving sustainable solutions that build resilience into our business to respond to current and future challenges, while creating positive change for the planet.”

Ramogase added that water is a priority for the Coca-Cola system because it is the first ingredient in all our beverages and is essential to the communities we serve.

“The Coca-Cola Company’s 2030 Water Security Strategy focuses on increasing water security. We work with partners to provide access to a steady supply of clean water for people and ecosystems in the areas where we operate and source ingredients,” he said.

“We do that by contributing toward sustainable, clean water access that improves livelihoods and wellbeing while protecting against water-related disasters,” he added.

He further noted that Coca-Cola’s operations are committed to regenerative water use. This means using less water as well as re-using and treating wastewater. 

“For example, in Kenya we opened a new wastewater treatment plant at our Equator Bottlers plant in Kisumu, which will promote more sustainable water use and help reduce the factory’s environmental impact. The new plant will enable us to treat and recycle wastewater generated from the production facility, which will be used for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and cleaning,” he highlighted.

He noted that their subsidiary, Coca-Cola Beverages Botswana, signed an agreement last year with the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources to donate water from its newly installed water treatment plant for agricultural irrigation at the campus. The new state-of-the-art water treatment plant has made the company fully effluent compliant by ensuring that clean water is returned to the environment.

“For our packaging, we seek to drive a circular economy because this helps to reduce waste and carbon emissions. We’re working to use more recycled content in our packaging, to expand our use of refillable bottles, and to collect packaging for recycling through Coca-Cola’s World without Waste initiative. We also partner to design new solutions for packaging,” he said.

As an example, Coca-Cola and other like-minded industries came together in 2004 to set up the PET Recycling Company (PETCO) in South Africa to promote and regulate the recycling of PET plastic, taking responsibility for recovering and recycling beverage PET plastic bottles.  

The PETCO model has proven so effective it has been extended to three other markets, Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia, with plans to include additional countries like Namibia. 

“While we strive to make progress on our own, we are committed to fostering partnerships that drive collective impact in areas including water stewardship, packaging circularity, climate action and many more.” He noted.

“We engage with stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, communities, suppliers, business partners, customers and consumers in all the markets where we operate, in many forums and formats. Feedback from our stakeholders allows us to learn and improve, and informs our business and sustainability strategy,” Ramogase said.

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Equity Bank Uganda leading the way in environmental conservation

By
Francisco Adongo
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Allan Mwesigwa, a green enterprise business owner supported by Equity Bank Uganda Limited(EBUL).

Equity Bank Uganda Limited has always been at the forefront of social responsibility, with a strong focus on environmental conservation.

The bank’s commitment to the environment is evident through initiatives like the Equi Green Loan, designed to support projects dedicated to clean energy, environmental preservation, and combating climate change.

One of Equity Bank Uganda’s flagship projects is its tree-planting initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable practices for preserving natural habitats and mitigating climate change effects. As part of the wider Equity Group’s ambitious goal to plant 35 million trees across the countries it operates in, Equity Bank Uganda has already made significant strides in areas such as Ntungamo, Nyakasura Hill, Rubaga, Kasese, and Mwiri Hill.

Collaborating with the National Forestry Authority and Million Trees International, these efforts showcase the bank’s dedication to environmental sustainability. According to Global Forest Watch, Uganda lost 13 percent, or 1.03 million hectares, of tree cover between 2001 and 2022. This makes Equity Bank Uganda’s reforestation efforts even more critical in reversing the country’s rapidly diminishing forest cover. To date over 15,000 trees have been planted so far while loans worth Shs15.12 billion have been disbursed towards projects targeting climate change.

Furthermore, Equity Bank Uganda is actively involved in promoting clean energy solutions. By offering loans to customers for the purchase of clean energy products from various partners, the bank is not only supporting eco-friendly practices but also contributing to the reduction of respiratory diseases, thus safeguarding human health. Working with partners like the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) and aBi Trust, the bank has disbursed over Shs14.75 billion for solar system financing targeting households and SMEs. This has resulted in the adoption of 1,339 clean energy kits sold to households, further aiding the transition to clean energy.

In addition to these initiatives, Equity Bank Uganda is extending its impact to the education sector by constructing school kitchens that use clean energy in various schools, including one upcoming project in Ntungamo scheduled for launch in June. This initiative aims to transform school kitchens from traditionally using firewood to clean energy cooking stoves, thus addressing the fact that an estimated 93 percent of Ugandan households depend on biomass for energy, and a majority of institutions like schools, hospitals, and prisons also use firewood for cooking.

Equity encourages the shift to clean energy to lessen dependence on wood fuel, charcoal, and fossil fuels like kerosene. This transition directly improves health by reducing household air pollution, benefits the environment by lowering carbon footprints, and aids in combating climate change.

Equity Bank Uganda’s unwavering dedication to environmental conservation serves as a shining example of how financial institutions can lead the way in promoting sustainability and fostering a greener future for all. Through these initiatives, the bank continues to showcase its commitment to integrity, transparency, and making a meaningful impact on the world around us.

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2nd BilliNowNow (BNN) Youth Summit to empower youth to shape Africa’s future

By
Simon Kabayo
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The second Billi Now Now! (BNN) Youth Summit has commenced at MoTIV Bugolobi bringing together young leaders from across Africa and beyond to be equipped with the tools to connect and contribute to Agenda 2063 – the African Union’s strategic framework for socio-economic development.

The three-day summit is being implemented by Reach A Hand Uganda on behalf of Planned Parenthood Global under the theme “Brave and Coordinated Youth Action in Advancing Agenda 2063”.

It has attracted delegates from Kenya, South Sudan, Peru, Ethiopia, Benin, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Uganda, and Rwanda to catalyse the development of tailored initiatives and action plans that drive tangible change.

Some of the topics to be discussed include the inseparable link between sexual and reproductive health and mental health while calling for increased advocacy for comprehensive health initiatives within communities. Furthermore, the summit is looking to amplify the voices of young Africans towards increasing access to critical services, education, and advocacy in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

While addressing guests and delegates, Hon. Evelyn Anite – the State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatisation, who made an impromptu stop over at the summit – promised to lend her support towards addressing the high taxes levied on the raw materials used to produce sanitary products – which is one of the issues that were raised by the young people as negatively affecting the reproductive and mental health of young girls and women in Africa.

The summit will also purposefully aim at arming young people with the necessary tools, skills, and networking opportunities to enact meaningful change within their communities and beyond.

While addressing the delegates, Achieng Akumu, the Regional Director of Planned Parenthood Global (PP Global), said, “This is your opportunity to amplify your voice and learn the tools that will help you embrace your destiny. It’s also very important for you to understand your power dynamic and the role you must play regarding accountability. This is 2024 and young people are the largest population on this continent. How do you own that responsibly and engage with those that hold the power so that you can access and implement your rights?”

The event featured a panel session titled ‘Echoes of Progress’ which highlighted the achievements and goals of the BNN Movement and urged the youth to prioritise accountability and action.

While speaking during the panel discussion, James Tumusiime, the Country Director of Reach A Hand Uganda, said, “We want to thank PPG for giving us this opportunity once again. We believe that this is an opportunity to learn from one another as several partners have come together to share a lot of the programming that influences and affects the health and wellbeing of young people.”

The delegates from the different countries formed mixed-country groups to foster collaboration and exchange ideas as the summit saw an increase in the number of participating countries from seven last year to nine this year.

Some of the partners include the Hewlett Foundation, Development Dynamics, Mr. and Ms. Ability East Africa, Unique Abilities Foundation of Africa (UAFA), UG Teen, CEHURD, SRHR Alliance Uganda, Samasha, Aquafina Uganda, Kyetume C.B.H.C. Program and Awesome Mind Speaks.

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