Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has partner with Absa Bank to plant 3,300 trees at KCCA’s Agricultural Resource Center, Kyanja situated on an expanse of 4.9 acres.  

The tree planting was held to commemorate World Environment Day, attracting attendance from Absa and KCCA staff and members of the community.

The international day is this year focused on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”  

Speaking at the launch, KCCA’s Head, Landscaping Unit, Isaac Mugumbule said the authority intends to continue to improve the quality of life of city residents through efforts under the Greening Kampala initiative.

“Kampala City is home to over 40% of the total national urban population and the increased population in the city has triggered excessive demand for infrastructure development directly impacting land and other environment resources inclusive of all ecologically sensitive areas. KCCA is working towards the development of a green and clean environment that befits attributes of a modern city which is climate resilient. We are grateful for the support of private sector partners such as Absa towards enhancing these efforts.”

According to KCCA, with an existing urbanisation rate of 5.5%, it is projected that the urban population in Kampala and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan area combined is likely to increase to eight million people by 2040.

Kampala’s high rate of urbanization has also presented several challenges including loss of wetland biodiversity, destruction of habitats, deterioration of water quality, and have largely impeded natural drainage patterns of the landscape leading to frequent floods in most urban centers, including Kampala.

The tree planting activity was held under an existing partnership with Absa Bank Uganda through which the bank dedicated Shs490 million focused on three areas of intervention namely, supporting environmental sustainability, skilling of women & youth, and behavioural change communication.

“As Absa, we are cognisant of the large array of societal challenges facing us including economic development, job creation, quality education and the impact of climate change.  Public and private sector collaboration can play a key role towards addressing challenges faced by our city including loss of tree cover. We have set out to plant mostly indigenous fruit trees today in alignment with our drive to build resilience and mitigate the impact of climate change in our communities,” said Edward Ocen, Director Legal and Company Secretary, Absa Bank Uganda.

According to data from KCCA, over 80% of the trees in the city are foreign tree species, resulting in low survival rate. Through this partnership, Absa will boost KCCA efforts to plant indigenous trees, especially fruit trees that have a greater chance of survival within the community.

Under the partnership, Absa is working with the city authority to enhance youth skilling with the aim of increasing youth employability and supporting job creation specifically through KCCA programs such as the Employment Services Bureau and Youth Centers and provide financial literacy to impart essential money skills to city dwellers.

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Kiira Motors Corporation has unveiled its latest electric bus model, the 2024 8-Meter Kayoola EVS, designed specifically for the African market.

The convoy of 8 buses caused a stir as they weaved through traffic from Luwero to Kawempe, across the Northern Bypass for a brief stopover at the Kisaasi roundabout before proceeding to Bweyogerere and finally to Jinja, covering a distance of 236 kilometres.

“We’re proud to be contributing to Uganda’s push towards becoming a net source of e-Mobility Solutions in Africa,” said Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, Kiira Motors’ Executive Chairman.

The 2024 8-Meter Kayoola EVS has a nominal range of 200 kilometers on a full charge and a capacity of 56 passengers. It features modern amenities like infotainment systems, CCTV cameras, E-Ticketing & Cashless Payment Systems, Wi-Fi, and USB charging.

Tickodri-Togboa emphasized the need for sustainable transportation solutions, especially in Kampala, where air pollution is a significant concern. “Uganda’s push towards becoming a net source of e-Mobility Solutions in Africa is steadily getting closer and we are proud to be contributing to this agenda,” he said.

“Following World Environment Day, we are reminded that more Ugandan public and private sector players need to embrace environmentally sustainable means of mass transit for the good of the environment, with solutions that offer quality and value for money like the Kiira Motors portfolio of products,” he added.

“We are in the process of onboarding several partners with whom we shall work to ensure that a robust charging network is established across the country in line with the National E-Mobility Strategy for a seamless electric vehicle ownership experience,” said Eng. Ian John Kavuma, Kiira Motors’ Quality Inspection and Testing Manager.

The 2024 Kayoola EVS model comes in various lengths and capacities, offering flexible solutions for urban transportation needs.

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Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda, has today rewarded twenty lucky customers with school fees for their children as part of the ‘Kigwera Ku Shell’ back-to-school promotion for the second school term of the year. The promotion, aimed at supporting our customers during the back-to-school season, provided an opportunity for participants to win up to one million Uganda shillings in school fees, along with other exciting prizes.

The ‘Kigwera Ku Shell’ promotion aimed at easing the financial burden on parents during the back-to-school season. Customers who purchased fuel at Shell service stations, shopped at Shell Select stores, serviced their vehicles, or bought Shell Gas had the chance to win. Every qualifying purchase earned them Shell Club points and entry into a draw to win.

 “We are thrilled to see the positive impact of the ‘Kigwera Ku Shell’ promotion,” said Joan Nabukalu, Brand Manager of Non-Fuel Retail at Vivo Energy Uganda. 

“Education is a cornerstone of development, and we are proud to have supported our customers and their families by contributing to their children’s school fees for term two. This aligns with our commitment to empowering communities and making a positive difference.”

Joanita Menya, Chief Commercial Officer at Vivo Energy Uganda, reflected on the profound impact of the ‘Kigwera ku Shell’ promotion on their customers during this back-to-school period, saying “The back-to-school season is usually stressful for most parents and guardians, and we are happy that we could bring a smile to some of our customers with this promotion. This initiative was designed to give back to our loyal customers and support them in a meaningful way.”

“Congratulations to the winners of this campaign. It gives us great joy when we give back to our customers. Thank you for trusting us as your preferred partner for fuel and non-fuel purchases,” she added.

The promotion offered multiple ways to participate, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. To qualify, customers would have to buy fuel worth 50,000 Uganda shillings for cars and 5,000 Uganda shillings for boda bodas (motorcycles). Other ways to participate included spending 10,000 Uganda shillings at participating Shell Select shops, servicing a car for 50,000 Uganda shillings, servicing a boda boda for 10,000 Uganda shillings and buying or refilling Shell Gas.

Each qualifying purchase gave customers a scratch card with a unique code. By texting the code and their vehicle number plate to 6688, they entered the draw and earned Shell Club points as well.

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In a grand celebration at Mestil Hotel Kampala, ICEA LION Group commemorated its 25th anniversary in Uganda. Industry leaders, employees, and stakeholders gathered to reflect on the company’s remarkable journey marked by growth, innovation, and a strong commitment to sustainability.

ICEA LION’s history in Uganda is one of remarkable transformation. Over the past 25 years, the company has not only expanded its product offerings but has also made significant contributions to the insurance industry’s development. The company has played a crucial role in de-risking the economy, providing financial security to businesses and individuals alike.

One of the highlights of the event was the special tribute to David Opiokello, one of ICEA LION’s longest-serving directors. For 18 years, Mr. Opiokello’s dedication has been instrumental to the company’s success. His tenure embodies ICEA LION’s unwavering commitment to leadership excellence.

“We are incredibly grateful for David’s 18 years of service,” said Emmanuel Mwaka, CEO of ICEA Life Assurance. “His leadership and expertise have been invaluable in shaping ICEA LION into the successful company it is today.”

David Opiokello’s journey with ICEA LION has been transformative not only for the company but also for himself. Joining the company at a pivotal time, David has grown alongside ICEA LION, contributing to its strategic vision and operational success. “I have had the privilege of serving on many boards, but my time at ICEA LION has been the most rewarding and enjoyable. As a board member, it is crucial to be deliberate because the choices you make have a significant impact on others”. David shared.

ICEA LION’s impact extends beyond financial services. The company is a pioneer in environmental sustainability, being a founding signatory of the Principles of Sustainable Insurance and the Nairobi Declaration. At the celebration, guests were gifted plants, a gesture that underscores ICEA LION’s dedication to reducing carbon footprints. This initiative is part of a larger project where the company plans to plant one million trees in partnership with primary schools across Uganda. 

“We aim to foster a culture of environmental stewardship among young children,” said Mwaka.

The company’s resilience was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. ICEA LION demonstrated exceptional customer care by allowing clients to stay insured without making premium payments during the crisis. “ICEA LION offered to cover customers without premium payments, allowing them to stay insured during tough times,” Mwaka said. “We have supported businesses affected by floods and other disasters, ensuring they can reboot and continue thriving.”

Innovation remains a cornerstone of ICEA LION’s strategy. The company has been at the forefront of addressing emerging risks, including cybersecurity. Despite the nascent nature of cybersecurity insurance in Uganda, ICEA LION has positioned itself as a leader in this domain. They have established partnerships with global players to offer comprehensive cybersecurity coverage, providing much-needed security for businesses facing digital threats.

The event also highlighted the company’s commitment to talent development. In its early years, ICEA LION invested heavily in building local capacity, a strategy that has paid off with a new generation of well-trained professionals leading the industry. “Today, the company stands on the shoulders of a new generation of well-trained professionals,” said Mwaka. This investment in human capital has been crucial for the company’s sustained growth and success.

ICEA LION has also been instrumental in shaping industry policies. “We advise regulators and Parliament to develop policies that facilitate financial deepening,” Mwaka added. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone understands the importance of insurance in securing their financial future.”

As ICEA LION celebrates its 25th anniversary, the company looks forward to the next years to come. “Reflecting on how ICEA LION has made time count, here we are 25 years strong as a trusted financial provider in East Africa. Today, we look forward at our trail, considering what has worked and what needs to be improved” Ambrose Kibuuka, CEO, ICEA LION General

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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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