The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with United Nations Education, Science Culture Organisation has today unveiled two critical reports on the state of the creative industry post Covid-19 pandemic.

Highlighting the dire socio-economic status of artists, digital skills gaps among industry practitioners and recommendations for new policies, the two reports are a result of two joint projects by the Ministry of Gender and UNESCO which have been running simultaneously over the past year.

The two projects sought to review the current regulation environment for the culture and creative industry, design new policy frameworks and improve skills among audiovisual practitioners and recommendations among other objectives. They also aimed to equip the government and the civil society with necessary tools and information on how to best support the rapidly changing industry in the aftermath of the global pandemic.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held at Grand Imperial Hotel, the State Minister for Gender Mutuuzo Peace said that the reports would guide the next course of action in the government’s recovery program for the creative sector post the global pandemic.

“We will continue to work with UNESCO and other international partners as well as local stakeholders to implement the recommendations of the reports in line with global and national development goals,” she said.  

Uganda in 2013 ratified the 2005 UNESCO Convention, the foremost international statute on cultural governance and the backdrop for the two projects thereby binding itself into the statute’s provisions including an obligation for member states to uphold freedom of expression and economic rights for artists.

Government has in the past passed laws and implemented incentives to support the local arts industry. Recent efforts include a review of the 2006 national cultural policy, the launch of a film fund and establishment of the national cultural forum, an umbrella body for artists. The government has also regularly partnered with UNESCO over the years to implement development projects for the local cultural sector including a recent joint project with the European Union that proposed a new policy framework for the film industry.

The state of Uganda’s cultural industry pales in comparison to the growing global sector statistics which indicate that the industry accounts for more than 30 million jobs globally; employing more people aged 15-29 years than any other sector.

Judy Ogana, UNESCO’s Regional Programme Officer for East Africa, is hopeful that the two reports will go a long way in addressing some of the gaps such as inadequate funding and limited skills amongst the practitioners.

Polly Kamukama, a performing arts lecturer at Makerere University called for reinforcement of awareness on local content consumption through digital platforms. He further called for implementation of activities on digital literacy skills and confidence within the audiovisual industry.

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Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa has tasked the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF), Frank Tumwebaze to present a statement on interventions to curb the spread of foot and mouth disease. 

He said that the outbreak has led to concerns from farmers after the Permanent Secretary in MAAIF wrote to the Inspector General of Police to enforce quarantine in 32 districts in the cattle corridor.

“People in the cattle corridor would like to know when the quarantine will be ending and when the farmers will get vaccines. Many areas are affected and these farmers whose livelihood depends on these animals need to be appraised,” Tayebwa said.

This was contained in his communication during the plenary sitting on Thursday January 25, 2024.

“We need to know how the disease spreads to various districts and what measures are being put in place, and long-term plans to manage and reduce effects,” Tayebwa said.

He added that the statement is aimed at ensuring that all leaders are abreast with government interventions, saying that as politicians, they are likely to be questioned by their constituents.

“It is not that we are interfering but we want to be brought on board on what is happening,” Tayebwa said.

Allan Mayanja, (NUP, Nakaseke Central County) said that according to the district’s Chief Administrative Officer, 225 heads of cattle have been affected by the foot and mouth disease with some deaths recorded, in a period of two weeks.

“The ministry-imposed quarantine but no vaccines. Imposing quarantine without vaccines is alarming. Farmers have lost cattle but what is the government doing,” Mayanja said.

Abed Bwanika (NUP, Kimaanya-Kabonera Division) added that the ministry’s statement should include the progress made by the National Research Organisation (NARO) in developing such vaccines.

“NARO has invested heavily in innovation and is ready to provide vaccines, they need funds. The minister should appraise the government how far NARO has reached on developing vaccines,” Bwanika said.

The recent outbreak of the foot and mouth disease was recorded in November 2023.

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Telecom infrastructure provider, ATC Uganda has handed over 87 streetlights to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in fulfillment of the partnership in support of the KCCA Smart City Initiative.

In 2020, ATC Uganda joined with KCCA in their efforts to transform Kampala into a smart city by installing Smart Poles and Street lights. The innovative smart poles combine lighting with telecommunications infrastructure, boosting connectivity and safety across the city.

These smart poles, which are essentially outdoor distributed antenna systems, are being installed in densely populated areas of the city, including Old Taxi Park, Nakivubo Blue, and Namayuba Taxi Park. The initiative not only enhances telecommunication infrastructure but also integrates solar-powered street lighting, contributing to the city’s illumination and safety.

Dorothy Kabagambe Semanda, ATC Uganda Chief Executive Officer, says “We are happy to note that we have so far deployed 87 streetlights in total across different parts of the city with the recent addition of18 on the busy Nkrumah Road and 30 along Nile Avenue.”

 “These have enhanced security in these areas by lighting up these populated areas hence averting crime. This partnership is a part of our commitment to providing vital telecom infrastructure that combines connectivity with street lighting,” Ssemanda said.

Ssemanda also added that the streetlights are solar-powered which underscores ATC Uganda’s dedication to sustainability and supports the global drive towards net-zero emissions.

Speaking during the launch of the Street Lights at Nile Avenue, Dorothy Kisaka, KCCA Executive Director said, “The Smart City Initiative is more than just a blueprint; it is our strategic commitment to building an integrated, efficient, and sustainable urban environment here in Kampala. Leveraging technology is at the core of this initiative, aimed at improving our citizens’ well-being by enhancing service delivery.”

She said the city’s needs stand at approximately 40,000 streetlights, with only 6,000 active and about 75% functional. The magnitude of this gap is evident, and to bridge it, KCCA recognizes the importance of collaboration.

“While we’ve undertaken activities ourselves, the private sector’s involvement is crucial. This is where our private sector players like ATC, have played a significant role,” she said, adding, “ATC’s contribution to the deployment of smart poles and streetlights across various locations in the city has been instrumental. This partnership has not only opened up the night economy but also enhanced safety on our streets. The impact of this collaboration goes beyond the physical installations; it is about transforming how our city operates and ensuring a brighter future for all.”

Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, expressed strong backing for the partnership. She said the integration of solar-powered streetlights with telecommunication infrastructure is a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the government’s Vision for a modern, sustainable Kampala City.

“This partnership with ATC Uganda is a significant step in our journey to enhance the city’s infrastructure and provide our citizens with reliable services,” Kabanda said.

The dual-function smart poles not only offer high-speed connectivity for mobile data and voice call services but also provide eco-friendly, solar-powered street lighting.

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Two Congolese nationals were yesterday arrested inside Uganda armed with AK 47 SMG and several rounds of ammunition.

Brigade commander Lt Col Robert Nahamya confirmed the arrest saying the two militia men belong to maimai kabido, an armed group in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

Nahamya said, “They were intercepted by the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces -UPDF 23rd battalion in Kyeshero in Kanungu district.”

The duo confessed to being fighters of the Maimai militia group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and UPDF remains committed to defending the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Uganda,” he added.

Maimai militia is among the numerous active rebel groups operating in the Eastern DRC. Well known for its horrific savage acts such as mutilation, sexual violence, conscription of child soldiers and the killing of unborn children. It is an armed group that was formed by Gedeon Kyungu Mutanga in September 2011 to purportedly defend local communities of Katanga province against other armed groups.

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Forget carbon footprints; think green pitches! Dive into how African football is tackling climate change, from eco-friendly stadiums to community outreach campaigns. Discover innovative solutions, inspiring initiatives, and passionate players leading the charge towards a sustainable future for the sport we love. Be part of the solution, join the green revolution, and score eco-goals for future generations!

Green Goals for the Beautiful Game: Football’s Fight Against Climate Change in Africa

Across Africa, the roar of the stadium crowd isn’t just for goals; it’s for a greener future. Football, the continent’s beloved sport, is facing a new challenge: climate change. But instead of quivering, African football is taking proactive steps, becoming a champion for sustainability and inspiring the world to follow suit. Find out live scores today matches to follow all African football news.

From Bleachers to Green Oases: Transforming Stadiums for Sustainability:

• Solar Power Play: Imagine stadiums, not just floodlights, bathed in the sun’s glow. Solar panels are now adorning rooftops, providing energy for everything from scoreboards to snack bars. Senegal’s Diamaguene Stadium and South Africa’s Moses Mabhida Stadium are examples of generating clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Water Wise Champions: Lush green pitches in arid regions? It’s possible with intelligent water management. Rainwater harvesting systems, efficient irrigation technology, and even water-recycling initiatives ensure responsible water usage, combat droughts, and create vibrant playing surfaces.
• Green Building Goals: Sustainable construction materials, energy-efficient lighting, and waste reduction programs are being incorporated into new stadiums and revamps across Africa. Think eco-friendly seating made from recycled materials and composting initiatives that turn food scraps into valuable fertilizer.

Beyond the Pitch: Building a Sustainable Ecosystem:

• Community Green Teams: Football clubs leverage their immense community reach to spearhead environmental initiatives. Planting trees, organizing awareness campaigns, and partnering with local NGOs are just a few ways these clubs are mobilizing fans and local communities to become active participants in the fight against climate change.
• Green Travel Goals: Air travel generates significant carbon emissions. Some African clubs are investigating Initiatives like alternative travel options like train journeys and reducing the number of away trips, demonstrating a commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
• Education and Advocacy: Educating players, coaches, and fans about the importance of environmental responsibility is crucial. Workshops, educational programs, and green initiatives integrated into training camps empower the footballing community to become champions for sustainability both on and off the pitch.

Local Solutions, Global Impact: African Innovations for a Sustainable Future:

Africa is not just adopting existing solutions but pioneering its green innovations. Think solar-powered mobile floodlights illuminating rural pitches, biogas digesters converting food waste into clean energy for communities, and locally sourced, recyclable materials being used for football equipment. These African-born solutions tackle local challenges and offer inspiration and practical models for the global footballing community.

Challenges and Opportunities: Building a Greener Pitch Together:

Despite the strides made, challenges remain. Progress can be impeded by restricted access to resources, a deficit in awareness, and deep-rooted infrastructure challenges. However, these hurdles can be overcome through collaboration and partnerships between governments, federations, NGOs, and passionate individuals. Knowledge-sharing platforms, capacity-building programs, and financial support are crucial for ensuring all African nations have the tools and resources to green their footballing future.

Remember, every action counts, whether choosing sustainably-made merchandise, supporting eco-conscious clubs, betting promotions or raising awareness. By coming together, we can turn the passionate roar of the African football crowd into a powerful chorus for a greener, healthier planet, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beautiful game under clear skies and on vibrant green pitches.

Join the Green Revolution of Football! Together, let’s score eco-goals for a sustainable future!

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