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Anarchy in Haiti: The whole story

By
Guest Writer
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Haiti chaos: Youth on streets demonstrating.



By Dr David Matsanga in London United Kingdom

The sad thing is when the World does not see the truth. As the already impoverished nation of Haiti descends into deeper chaos and anarchy of historic proportions, the question on everyone’s lips is, “what is going on?!”

Haiti is a Caribbean nation located in the Greater Antilles archipelago. The nation shares the island of Hispaniola with a counterpart Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic.  Haiti sits on about 27,560 sq km of land, about 190 sq km of water and has a population of about 10.8 million inhabitants.

Now, let’s cut to the chase. It’s a long story but let’s start from the timeline of the immediate past president of Haiti, Jovenel Moise who was assassinated on July 7, 2021. Prior to his assassination, a few interesting events unfolded in Haiti. In March of 2021, a Tweet originating from the Foreign Ministry of the Russian Federation stated that Haiti was entering a new period of “political instability and the largest ever social and economic crisis.” The Tweet further emphasized, “Russia is ready to help Haitians restore political stability, maintain internal security and train personnel.”

Three months later, in June of 2021, Haitian President Jovenel Moïse welcomed the Russian Federation’s newest and third ambassador to Haiti, Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov. In a June 2, announcement on Twitter, Moïse said the two “discussed the prospects for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries,” (which essentially implied Haiti had opened its doors wide for Russian military interventions and personnel training on multiple levels. But things were still at the incubation stages.)

A month after the historic, open display of partnership with Russia, Moïse was dead, shot 12 times in his private bedroom in the hills above Port-au-Prince after a group of Haitian Americans, Haitian nationals and former Colombian soldiers failed to kidnap him two weeks earlier when he returned from an overseas trip to Turkey, where it is believed he had met with Russians to evade the prying eyes of the west, especially the USA.

When the news of his death broke, the nation was thrown into mourning. Protests broke out everywhere, with Hatians accusing the imperialist forces (chief of which is the U.S.) of brutally assassinating their president. Gang warfare escalated and insecurity in Haiti degenerated beyond control. Amidst all the confusion and protests in much of Haiti over the brutal assassination of Moise, American President Joe Biden was quick to throw his weight behind a quick replacement for Moise in the person of Prime Minister Ariel Henry who filled the void. So, a Russian-leaning Moise was assassinated and a Biden-supported Ariel was immediately railroaded to power, to replace him amidst protests – just for the records.

The choice of Ariel and the fact that he has been supported by the U.S. president to quickly replace Moise at a time that no one has been able to explain what happened to Moise further infuriated Haitians who already seem to have developed a deep-seated hatred towards the USA, whom they believe is at the center of nearly all the political, social and economic woes of Haiti.

Protests across Haiti quickly took a turn for the worst and then something that hadn’t happened before happened: Haitian protesters were seen in their numbers waving Russian flags! According to a news article in the Haitian publication, AyiboPost, as recently as October 18, 2022, an author, Boaz Anglade, asserts that an undercurrent of pro-Russian sentiment in Haiti already existed prior to the current crises, but that recent events have made it far more widespread than previously. Anglade states that there has always been a fringe segment of Haitian society that has idolized leaders and nations who they perceive as defying US imperialism, but that this fringe had previously been limited to self-described socialists and socially-conscious university students.

The writer is a Pan Africanist based in London, Political scientist & International Relations expert, studied conflict Resolution, a member of Royal African Society (RAS) Founder /Chairman Pan African Forum (UK)Ltd @MatsangaDr

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Driving Economic Inclusion: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Empowers Women Across the Continent

By
Our Reporter
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On International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, the spotlight shines on the critical role of the private sector in advancing the economic inclusion of women in Africa. Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) stands at the forefront, leveraging its industry leadership to drive positive change across the continent. Recognizing that the success of its business is intertwined with the prosperity of the communities it serves, CCBA has made the economic inclusion of women a cornerstone of its sustainability strategy.

Melkamu Abebe, Managing Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU), underscores the company’s commitment to fostering greater shared opportunity throughout the value chain. CCBA’s initiatives aim to enhance skills and business knowledge among women, thereby expanding their access to economic opportunities.

In Tanzania, CCBA runs the “Mwanamke Shujaa” (“A Brave Woman”) program, which provides training and mentorship to women food vendors. Participants receive essential tools and guidance in areas such as bookkeeping, customer care, stress management, and capital growth, empowering them to grow their businesses.

In Ethiopia, CCBA’s “Women in Engineering” trainee program offers female engineering students valuable development opportunities and exposure to the company’s operations, positioning them for future employment. Similarly, in Ghana, CCBA subsidiary Voltic partners with Girls in Science and Technology (GIST) to mentor and coach women pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

In South Africa, CCBA supports female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds through a bursary fund at the University of Pretoria, specifically targeting those in their final year of engineering studies. Meanwhile, in Mozambique, CCBA champions economic inclusion by providing training to women plastic waste collectors, empowering them to educate their communities about the benefits of recycling.

Abebe emphasizes CCBA’s commitment to creating a better shared future, enhancing small businesses, and improving livelihoods for women and communities. Through a holistic approach, both within and outside the organization, CCBA aims to inspire inclusion and drive meaningful change across Africa.

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Minister Tumwebaze praises Kampala Parents School for giving son good foundation at graduation

By
Our Reporter
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The Tumwebazes.

Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Minister Frank Tumwebaze is all the moon after his son known as Abamanya graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Information Systems from Middlesex University Dubai.

However, what made the youthful minister joyous was the fact that he got a strong foundation from Kampala Parents School during his childhood education.


“Congratulations @AbamanyaG on registering this academic milestone of graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business information systems & data science. We thank God for the gift of life and children over the years. I thank your teachers from Kampala Parents School for giving you the foundation to stand on”

Previously president Museveni has singled out Kampala Parents School for grooming good leaders.

Museveni made remarks during the swearing in of new current cabinet at Kololo Airstrip on June 2021, where he commended Kampala Parents School for preparing good leaders and emphasized that the children from the school have proved “bright”.

The President gave an example of KPS alumni, Ms Mutasingwa Diana Nankunda who he appointed State Minister in the Office of the Vice President.

 Museveni said Kampala Parents School, one of the elite schools in Kampala, had raised the bar for education in Uganda and has produced incorruptible leaders.

The President gave an example of one of KPS alumni, Ms Diana Mutasingwa Nankunda who he appointed State Minister in the Office of the Vice President.

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Bamburi quits Ugandan market after completing sale of its shares in Hima Cement

By
Francisco Adongo
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Bamburi Cement has sold its remaining 1,335,600 ordinary shares in Uganda’s Hima Cement, marking its formal exit from the Ugandan market.

According to a notice issued by Bamburi Cement on Wednesday, March 6, the company said it has sold its remaining shares, which are equivalent to its 70% holding in Hima Cement Limited to Sarrai Group Limited and Rwimi Holdings Limited. The transaction is valued at $120 million.

The remaining 30 percent (572,400 million shares) will be acquired by Swiss firm Cementia Holding AG.

“Further to the announcement on 14 November 2023 regarding the sale of shares in Hima Cement Limited to Sarrai Group Limited and Rwimi Holdings Limited (the Transaction) and the publication of the results of the virtual general meeting of the shareholders of Bamburi Cement Plc (Bamburi) held on December 14, 2023, wherein Bamburi’s shareholders approved the Transaction, Bamburi is pleased to announce that all the conditions precedent to the transaction have been satisfied and that the Transaction successfully completed on  March 5, 2023,” the company stated.

Bamburi announced that as a result, Hima Cement would no longer be considered its subsidiary.

“This development constitutes material information and shareholders and investors of Bamburi are urged to exercise caution when trading in Bamburi’s shares due to this significant change,” Bamburi stated.

The Board of Bamburi appreciated its shareholders and Capital Markets Authority for their roles in facilitating the transaction.

This comes four months after Sarrai Group owned by billionaire Sarbjit Singh Rai together with Rwimi Holdings announced in November 2023 that they would buy Bamburi Cement’s stake in Uganda and Rwanda.

Bamburi Cement said it was exiting the Ugandan market amidst shrinking demand in the cement market, increasing competition and high production costs.

 It said it wanted to concentrate on the Kenyan market.

Sarrai Group operates the Rai Cement factory in Kisumu and has some other holdings in Kenya, including the contested Mumias Sugar Company (MSC).

The East African cement market is projected to remain highly competitive with the entrant of new players.

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Museveni names Ruth Ssenyonyi as Chairperson Uganda AIDS Commission

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Ruth Ssenyonyi.

The former president of the Mothers Union Dr Ruth Kauma Senyonyi, has been appointed chairperson of the Uganda Aids Commission.

She was appointed by President Yoweri Museveni.

Canon Ruth replaces Dr. Eddie Mukooyo, who has been at the helm of the commission for the last five years.

Shs is a daughter of the late Bishop Misaeri Kauma and wife to the former Vice Chancellor of Uganda Christian University Dr. John Ssenyonyi.

 Ruth Senyonyi (PhD), served as a Deputy Director, Counselling and Welfare Division, in the Human Resource Department at the Central Bank of Uganda for 22 years. She is currently the director of Bethel Counselling and Consultancy Centre.

Her commitment to community well-being extended beyond her professional career. She served as the eighth Provincial President of the Mothers’ Union in the Anglican Church of Uganda.

Through counselling, mentorship, and training, she brought hope to families and made a lasting impact.

“Dr. Ruth Senyonyi’s appointment as Chairman of the UAC is a great honor. Her tireless efforts in both Christian and secular work have not gone unnoticed,” the family said in a statement.

The UAC is a national organization established by parliamentary statute in 1992. Its primary objective is to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the national strategy to combat HIV/AIDS, which was adopted by the Government of Uganda in 1990.

“Bishop Misaeri Kauma’s dedicated service as the first Chairman of the Commission, we now witness his legacy continuing through his remarkable daughter, Dr. Ruth Senyonyi,” the statement sent to Eagle Online reads.

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African health ministers commit to end malaria deaths

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Africa Health Ministers

Ministers of Health from African countries with the highest burden of malaria committed today to accelerated action to end deaths from the disease. They pledged to sustainably and equitably address the threat of malaria in the African region, which accounts for 95% of malaria deaths globally.

The Ministers, gathering in Yaoundé, Cameroon, signed a declaration committing to provide stronger leadership and increased domestic funding for malaria control programmes; to ensure further investment in data technology; to apply the latest technical guidance in malaria control and elimination; and to enhance malaria control efforts at the national and sub-national levels.

The Ministers further pledged to increase health sector investments to bolster infrastructure, personnel and programme implementation; to enhance multi-sectoral collaboration; and to build partnerships for funding, research and innovation. In signing the declaration, they expressed their “unwavering commitment to the accelerated reduction of malaria mortality” and “to hold each other and our countries accountable for the commitments outlined in this declaration.”

The Yaoundé conference, co-hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Cameroon, gathered Ministers of Health, global malaria partners, funding agencies, scientists, civil society organizations and other principal malaria stakeholders.

The ministerial conference has four key aims: review progress and challenges in achieving the targets of the WHO global malaria strategy; discuss mitigation strategies and funding for malaria; agree on effective strategies and responses for accelerated malaria mortality reduction in Africa; and establish a roadmap for increased political commitment and societal engagement in malaria control, with a clear accountability mechanism.

 “This declaration reflects our shared commitment as nations and partners to protect our people from the devastating consequences of malaria. We will work together to ensure that this commitment is translated into action and impact,” said Hon Manaouda Malachie, Minister for Health of Cameroon.

The African region is home to 11 countries that carry approximately 70% of the global burden of malaria: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, NIgeria, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania. Progress against malaria has stalled in these high-burden African countries since 2017 due to factors including humanitarian crises, low access to and insufficient quality of health services, climate change, gender-related barriers, biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance and global economic crises. Fragile health systems and critical gaps in data and surveillance have compounded the challenge.

Funding for malaria control globally is also inadequate. In 2022, $4.1 billion – just over half of the needed budget – was available for malaria response.

Globally the number of cases in 2022 was significantly higher than before the #Covid-19 pandemic, rising to 249 million from 233 million in 2019. In the same period, the African region saw an increase in cases from 218 million to 233 million. The region continues to shoulder the heaviest malaria burden, representing 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of global deaths, an estimated 580 000 deaths in 2022.

“Globally, the world has made significant progress against malaria in recent decades and yet, since 2017, that progress has stalled,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The #Covid-19 pandemic and long-standing threats like drug and insecticide resistance pushed us further off-track, with critical gaps in funding and access to tools to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria. With political leadership, country ownership and the commitment of a broad coalition of partners, we can change this story for families and communities across Africa.”

To help accelerate efforts to reduce the malaria burden, WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria launched the “High burden to high impact” approach in 2018, a targeted effort to accelerate progress in countries hardest hit by malaria.

The declaration signed at today’s conference is aligned with the “High burden to high impact” approach, which is founded on four pillars: political will to reduce malaria deaths; strategic information to drive impact; better guidance, policies and strategies; and a coordinated national malaria response.

 “Malaria continues to cause preventable deaths in children and great devastation to families across our region. We welcome today’s ministerial declaration, which demonstrates a strong political will to reduce the burden of this deadly disease,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “With renewed urgency and commitment, we can accelerate progress towards a future free of malaria.”

To put malaria progress back on track, WHO recommends robust commitment to malaria responses at all levels, particularly in high-burden countries; greater domestic and international funding; science and data-driven malaria responses; urgent action on the health impacts of climate change; harnessing research and innovation; as well as strong partnerships for coordinated responses. WHO is also calling attention to the need to address delays in malaria programme implementation.

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Ghost workers: Govt threatens to erase its employees from payroll

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Mary Mugasa Akiik

The Ministry of Public Service is set to conduct a verification exercise for public officers in ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments who remained unverified or partially verified during the special audit of the payroll by the Office of the Auditor General.

According to Mary Mugasa Akiik, the Minister of State for Public Service, the exercise will run from March 11, 2024, to May 17, 2024, at the National Archives and Records Centre (NARC) along Lourdel Road, Kampala.

“We shall continue with the validation of public officers who missed the verification exercise, those partially verified, and those absent on official duty, study, or sick leave,” she said.

She asked the affected officers to come along with an introductory letter personally signed by the responsible officer. A scanned copy should be emailed by the responsible officer. A valid employee identity card; an original and photocopy of the national identity card; original and photocopies of academic and professional certificates; and original and photocopies of appointment or promotion letters.

She also asked them to present an original and photocopy of the confirmation letter; an original and photocopy of the current deployment letter; and a pay slip for December 2023 and January 2024, signed by the responsible officer and public officer who will remain unverified, which shall be permanently deleted from the payroll.

Last year, the Auditor General conducted a specialised audit encompassing the salary payroll of the entire government, involving the validation of all government employees in 367 entities.

During the comprehensive validation exercise, a total of 358,753 employees diligently provided all the required documents and information and underwent thorough verification. These employees were subsequently confirmed by their respective accounting officers.

In addition, 25,439 employees were partially verified as they did not submit all necessary documents. It was recommended that these individuals remain on the payroll temporarily until the appointing authority completes their verification process and takes appropriate action.

Approximately 2,246 employees were absent for legitimate reasons such as official leave, sick leave, secondment, and official work abroad, among other valid causes. Additionally, 7,744 individuals who were absent from the base payroll in February 2023 actively participated in the validation exercise and furnished all required documents.

The audit report highlighted a critical issue involving 2,067 employees who were paid a total of Shs1.87 billion in the base month alone (equivalent to Shs22.44 billion annually), yet they did not meet the validation exercise requirements. Consequently, it was strongly recommended that these individuals be excluded from the validated payrolls.

Furthermore, 6,307 employees were either confirmed as deceased, had absconded, or had retired by the time of validation. Among them, 2,483 employees were promptly removed from the payroll, while 3,824 were not deleted in a timely manner. As a result, Shs23.62 billion was erroneously disbursed to them after their exit date. It was recommended that these individuals be removed from the validated payroll to rectify this financial irregularity.

Lastly, the audit report identified 1,818 individuals who, in the base month of February 2023 alone, received payments totaling Shs560 million and were subsequently confirmed as non-existent, essentially representing ghost employees. These improper payments could potentially lead to an annual financial loss of Shs6.72 billion to the government.

The auditor general asked the Inspectorate of Government and Criminal Investigation Directorate to investigate cases of ghosts, irregular employment, loss of funds, and public officers who have occasioned loss, misappropriated public resources, and other forms of irregularities be subjected to disciplinary actions in accordance with the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, and the Public Finance, Management Act 2015.

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UACE results: Over 80,000 candidates qualify for university admission

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

80,643 (73.7%) of the candidates who sat for the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) have qualified for university admission following the released 2023 examination results.

Dan Odongo, the UNEB Executive Director said, “University admissions to degree courses have, up to date, been considering 2 Principal level passes as the minimum requirement. If this consideration is maintained, 80,643 (73.7%) qualify to be admitted, compared to 67,815 (70.3%) in 2022,” he said. “This is consistent with the fact that there was better overall performance and a significant increase in entries for the examination in 2023. In cases where one Principal and two Subsidiary pass levels are considered for admission to other tertiary institutions, 90.7%% of the candidates will qualify. This is better when compared to 2022 with 89.3%.”

Dan Odongo further noted that a total of 110,553 candidates registered for the 2023 UACE examination from 2,102 centres compared to 97,890 candidates from 1,969 centres in 2022 and this is an increase of 12,663 candidates (12.9%).

“Of these, 47,226 (42.7%) were females and 63,339 (57.3%) were males,” he said. “Candidates who appeared for the examination were 109,488, compared to 96,557 in 2022, an increase of 12,931 candidates (13.4%). Of these, 46,860 (42.8%) were females and 62,628 (57.2%) were males. At this level, the number of females,” he noted.

Odongo added, “The numbers of candidates registering and appearing for Mathematics and the Sciences are gradually increasing, with Mathematics showing the greatest promise.”

However, overall, the numbers have remained well below half of the total candidature and this is consistent with the fact that pass rates in these subjects in the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) examination have also been low, impacting transition to UACE.

During the same event, Prof. Celestino Obua, the chairperson of UNEB, said that entries for Sciences at UACE continue to be lower than for Humanities.

“It is gratifying though. that the numbers are going up. Honourable Minister the performance of the candidates has improved especially at the upper level of candidates obtaining 3 Principal passes,” said Prof. Obua. “We note that, once again. female candidates have performed better, proportionally, than males at all levels and have shown a lower failure rate. Even at individual subject levels, they have shown better performance. However, we continue to see a low percentage of female Candidates at this level offering Mathematics and Science combinations. The paradox, Honourable Minister. is that the girls who offer STEM subjects perform well, if not better than the boys. Why then do the girls shy away from these subjects?” Obua said.

He added, “We note that, once again, female candidates have performed better, proportionally than the males at all levels and have shown a lower failure rate. Even at individual subject levels they have shown a better Performance. However, we continue to see a low percentage of the female Candidates at this level offering Mathematics and Science combinations. The paradox, Honourable Minister is that the girls who offer the STEM subjects perform well, if not better than the bovs. Why then do the girls shy away from these subjects?”

Examiners reported improvement in the quality of candidates’ work, with higher mean scores in many subject areas where performance has been reported to have improved. Notable has been Biology, where performance has been rather poor in the past years. The core science subjects continue to show lower than desired principal performance levels. The factors responsible for this state of affairs have been reported by UNEB during earlier releases of #UACE2023 results. They include teaching theoretically, with candidates lacking in practical skills to perform experiments, record and interpret their results. Questions based on practical experience posed problems as a result.

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European Investment Bank, Housing Finance Bank partner to support private sector entities

By
Francisco Adongo
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Ambassador Jan Sadek, Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda and HFB CEO Michael Mugabi during the signing.

EIB Global and the Housing Finance Bank (HFB) of Uganda have announced a partnership to avail €50 million investment to support private sector entities, notably Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda.

The operation has a special gender focus with an aim to enhance women’s access to finance by reserving at least half of the investment funds to be allocated to businesses owned and/or run by women, and/or employing and/or serving women, and to thereby generate higher developmental impact.

This is considered as a significant intervention for the women customers of Housing Finance Bank through financing activities of micro, small and medium enterprises. Some of the critical sectors include agriculture, health, manufacturing, transport, trade, education, renewable energy, and clean water.

The project is aligned with Ugandan and EU priorities for the region as it aims to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable economic development through supporting women. Gender Inclusion is also at the core of the Uganda Vision for 2040 and availing better opportunities for women is one of the key drivers to reduce gender inequalities and unlock the socio-economic transformation of the country.

The EIB was the first multilateral lender to sign on to the 2X Challenge Criteria. The criteria require that the EIB offer at least 30% of its investment support to businesses that are 51% of owned by a woman; a business founder is a woman; 30% of the senior leadership or Board composition is by women; 30-50% of the workforce is women; or the company offers services or products that specifically or disproportionately benefit women.

The EIB and HFB jointly agreed, in line with the recommendation of the European Commission, to raise the 30% threshold of loans allocated to businesses to 50% as a mark of their strong commitment towards the enhancement of the socio-economic conditions of women.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the EIB Head of the Regional Hub for East Africa, Edward Claessen, said: “Signing this partnership ahead of International Women’s Day celebrations in Uganda re-emphasises our continued strong support in the way of entrepreneurship and business development for all entrepreneurs, more so women. We are committed to support projects and investments that empower women worldwide and address the systemic gender inequality in accessing capital.”’

This is considered a significant intervention for the women customers of Housing Finance Bank through financing activities of micro, small and medium enterprises. Some of the critical sectors include agriculture, health, manufacturing, transport, trade, education, renewable energy, and clean water.

The project is aligned with Ugandan and EU priorities for the region as it aims to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable economic development through supporting women. Gender Inclusion is also at the core of the Uganda Vision for 2040 and availing better opportunities for women is one of the key drivers to reduce gender inequalities and unlock the socio-economic transformation of the country.

The EIB was the first multilateral lender to sign on to the 2X Challenge Criteria. The criteria require that the EIB offer at least 30% of its investment support to businesses that are 51% of owned by a woman; a business founder is a woman; 30% of the senior leadership or Board composition is by women; 30-50% of the workforce is women; or the company offers services or products that specifically or disproportionately benefit women.

The EIB and HFB jointly agreed, in line with the recommendation of the European Commission, to raise the 30% threshold of loans allocated to businesses to 50% as a mark of their strong commitment towards the enhancement of the socio-economic conditions of women.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the EIB Head of the Regional Hub for East Africa, Edward Claessen, said: “Signing this partnership ahead of International Women’s Day celebrations in Uganda re-emphasises our continued strong support in the way of entrepreneurship and business development for all entrepreneurs, more so women. We are committed to support projects and investments that empower women worldwide and address the systemic gender inequality in accessing capital.”

Housing Finance Bank CEO, Michael Mugabi said, “Housing Finance Bank is keen on strategic partnerships with like-minded entities and the shared purpose to contribute to the socioeconomic development of Uganda through enabling micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) especially those owned by women is the pillar of this strategic partnership with EIB.”

“The Bank has a wide range of affordable solutions to drive this agenda which continues to form a significant part of our 2023- 2027 strategic plan. The new line of credit to HFB and a technical support grant will be used effectively to improve the capacity of women business and MSMEs in general,” he added.

Housing Finance Bank has previously worked with the EIB having signed an investment partnership of €13 million back in 2014 under the East and Central Africa Private Enterprise Finance Facility project.

HFB ranks as the 9th largest commercial bank in Uganda by asset size out of 25 commercial banks and focuses on consumer banking, business banking and housing finance. Currently, HFB operates through its head office and 18 branches with 9 branches in Kampala. The HFB customers who will be enlisted into the project will also benefit from technical assistance under the African Women Rising Initiative delivered by the EIB.

Ambassador Jan Sadek, Head of the European Union Delegation to Uganda said: “This loan will contribute significantly to the objectives of the Team Europe Initiative ‘Sustainable Business for Uganda’ (SB4U) Platform and ‘Investing in Young Businesses in Africa’ (IYBA). It will promote employment via the financing of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) clients in the country, all of which will be female final beneficiaries.”

Apart from the partnership with HFB, entrepreneurs in Uganda also stand to benefit from the EIB’s SheInvest initiative launched in 2019, which commits to mobilise €2 billion of gender-responsive investment across Africa, focusing on empowering female-led businesses.

In addition to its public-sector lending to governments, the EIB recognises that strong financial intermediaries are key to addressing market challenges and suboptimal investment situations across the continent. EIB Global is building on its many years of experience and partnership with banks, microfinance institutions and equity funds by supporting their efforts to innovate and enhance the scope and financial inclusiveness of their outreach. It also considers non-banking financial institutions, such as guarantee funds, leasing companies or fintechs, that have a financial model to enable greater outreach to underserved smaller businesses.

The EIB in partnership with the various financial institutions in Uganda has provided over €346 million in the past to support private sector businesses, targeting agriculture and gender thematic sectors. Accompanying technical assistance was also offered to these banks or microfinance institutions and their clients across a wide range of topics including risk management, product development, environmental and social assessment, and financial literacy among others.

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Gov’t set to amend Public Finance Management Act

By
Simon Kabayo
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Minister Musasizi before Budget Committee of Parliament.

Finance Ministry is undertaking consultations that will lead to amendment of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015 to effectively cater for the budgeting process through the legislature.

The revelation was made by the State Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, during a plenary sitting held on Tuesday, March 5, 2023.

“It is now about eight years ago since we enacted this law and so many things have evolved,” Musasizi said.

The revelation comes after the Chairperson of the Rules, Privileges and Discipline Committee, Abdu Katuntu, presented a report on the proposed alignment of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament with the programme-based budgeting framework of government.

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, previously raised concern over misalignment between the National Budget Framework Paper (NBFP) for financial years 2024/2025 – 2028/2029 and the report of the Budget Committee on the document.

Tayebwa noted on January 15, 2024, that whereas the NBFP was programme-based, the report of the Budget Committee was sector-based, contrary to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

The Budget Committee Chairperson, Patrick Isiagi, then, observed that programme-based budgeting was not yet aligned at all stages of the budgeting process, and for such alignment to be effected, it would require amendment of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament to constitute programme committees.

While presenting the findings of the committee, Katuntu said amending the Rules of Procedure to align them with the programme-based budgeting framework would depend on amendment of the Public Finance Management Act.

“The committee recommends that government tables amendments to the PFMA to give legal effect to programme-based budgeting and conduct a comprehensive review of government ministries which are currently sector-based to be programme-based,” said Katuntu.

He noted that this will enable Parliament to make appropriate amendments to its Rules of Procedure, to reflect the changes.

The Deputy Speaker gave the minister a year within which to make and complete consultations on amendments to the PFMA and present a report to Parliament.

“It is a long process but, in the meantime, you should give us periodic updates,” Tayebwa added.

Musasizi noted that the highlighted mismatch will not inhibit the current budgeting process.

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