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UWEAL awards seven women for exceptional entrepreneurship and leadership skills

By
Our Reporter
-

The Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) has awarded seven women for exceptional entrepreneurship and leadership skills.

Under the theme ‘Digitalization Advancing Women in Trade’, the outstanding women were awarded during Annual Business Achievers’ Awards and Gala Dinner UMA Show Grounds.

UWEAL’s baseline study revealed that 83% of women entrepreneurs faced a lack of trade and market information. Digital readiness inequalities, a shortage of competitive advantages, high business costs, and inadequate management skills compounded these challenges.

UWEAL CEO Connie Kekihembo emphasized the transformative power of digital tools and the importance of creating an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs. Kekihembo highlighted UWEAL’s efforts, including training programs and distributing laptops to chapters, expanding the digital network to help women thrive in the digital age.

Keynote speaker Rosa Malango, the UNDP resident coordinator, urged women to formalize and register their businesses in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of certification for small-scale entrepreneurs.

David Bahati’s was represented by Cleopas Ndorere, Commissioner for External Trade, encouraged women entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses to benefit from government programs, suggesting incentives like literacy and financial training.

The Awardees include;

Dr. Jover Byarugaba Abahikye, a multifaceted entrepreneur, Founder, and CEO of Ebenezer Schools, and a Director of Pearl Engineering Company Ltd, received the prestigious T. Mbiire Award. Her impact spans education, construction, healthcare, and agriculture, embodying excellence in diverse sectors.

Jolly Banugire, the force behind Jostar Limited in real estate, was honored with the I. Wanendeya Award. With a remarkable entrepreneurial journey, she defied norms, diversified into textiles and handbags, and boasts a real estate portfolio including 15 residential units.

Bright Phiona, the visionary leader behind Tooro Gallery Foundation, received the UWEAL Regional Entrepreneur Award. Her organization, established in 2014, empowers women through handcraft skills, creating income-generating opportunities.

Sharon Bency Acio, the Managing Director of ReadySprout Uganda Limited, received the C. Kisumba Award. Her venture shifted focus to soybean value addition, contributing to health initiatives with products like “joysoy and joymillet flour.”

Ann Kalinzi, the Founder of Tooro Gallery Foundation, was honored with the C. Busulwa Pioneer Award. Her journey, starting with addressing the struggles of young women, has evolved into a transformative force in handcraft skills and livelihood improvement.

The Reach Out Wives of Soldiers’ Association (ROWOSA) received the A. Lubogo Community Involvement Award. ROWOSA stands as a vital umbrella organization, empowering the wives of Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers, fostering self-reliance and enhancing the overall well-being of soldiers’ families.

Lydia Obbo, a highly experienced lawyer and Senior Partner at Frederick Francis and Associates Advocates, received the UWEAL Honorary Award for her impact on women entrepreneurs which spans over 40 years, contributing to legal practice, corporate governance, and private sector training.

Uganda Revenue Authority was acknowledged for its exceptional efforts in trade facilitation for women entrepreneurs. URA’s commitment to engaging with women in business through tax education workshops and the Women Trade Facilitation Framework (WTFF) has significantly contributed to the economic empowerment of over 5,032 women members.

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Gov’t tables Shs3.5t supplementary budget for paying ward reparations to Congo

By
Simon Kabayo
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Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (Planning) Henry Musasizi

The Minister of State for Finance Henry Musasizi has tabled Shs3.5 trillion supplementary budgets for among others paying war reparations to DRC, debts and facilitating national census.

Appearing before the finance committee of parliament, Musasizi said he introduced before parliament supplemented expenditure under schedule one for financial year 2023/ 24 amounting to Uganda shillings 3.5 trillion.  The funds include; Shs1.57 4 trillion and Shs1.926 trillion requires prior approval by parliament.

Section 25 of the Public Finance Management Act states that the total supplemental expenditure that requires additional resources over and above what is approved by parliament shall not exceed 3% of the total approved budget for that financial year without approval of parliament.

He said the supplementary budget is aimed at payment of the domestic debt obligations to the Bank of Uganda amounting to Shs3 trillion. As of June 2023, the government owed the central bank, Shs4.8 trillion, which had accumulated from the financial year 2019/20.

“In order to support the recovery of the economy from slowdown brought by #Covid-19 government expenditure as expansionary in order to provide a fiscal stimulus to various sectors of the economy, however, the government was not able to fully fund its expenditure. Accordingly, the Bank of Uganda met government obligations on domestic debt redemptions. Now that the economy is recovering and given the prevailing macroeconomic conditions, it is important that the government pays off its obligation to the central bank,” he said.

The funds will also go towards refunding of World Bank funded projects of Uganda intergovernmental fiscal transfer and Uganda support to municipal infrastructure development; however, some votes were not able to absorb funds by end of data 22/23 and the appropriation expired. There is a need to revote this expenditure and provide corresponding funding for it given our commitment to these programs, which support the critical expenditures of school and health centers construction and the joint agreement with the World Bank.

“The funds will also support critical government policy commitments that cannot be postponed such as the National census, mass enrollment and renewal of national ID and the government’s commitment support research and development and other statutory obligations, such as payment of International Court of Justice award to the Democrat Democratic Republic of Congo, payment of debt incurred to purchase shares in Roko and payment of interest on debt,” he said.

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Lyca Mobile Uganda speaks out on exit rumors

By
Francisco Adongo
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Telecom Company Lyca Mobile has clarified that it experienced a technical fault, leading to temporary breakdown on its network on Sunday, contrary to reports that it was set to exit the Ugandan market.

“We reassure you that Lyca Mobile is here to stay and grow. We remain committed to providing best value and high-quality services to the people of Uganda,” Lyca Mobile said in a statement issued on Monday, December 4, 2023.

The company explained that the glitches were caused by an ongoing network expansion project to improve its services.

“This project aims to ensure that our services are accessible to every customer even in the remotest corner of our country,” he said.

“During one such system upgrade, we encountered a slight unexpected downtime of our data services yesterday 3.12.2023, which lasted for less than an hour. The outage affected data services only, while voice, SMS and USSD services remained operational,” it added.

On Sunday, several users of the network took to social media to report that the telecom company was winding up business in the country. Others followed suit, saying this could be the reason why the company’s network had gone off.

But Lyca says the outage was for a short duration and “any inconvenience caused to our customers is deeply regretted. Your trust is paramount, and we assure you of measures to prevent any such happening in the future.”

This comes amid continuing exits of several foreign-owned companies in the country.

Large brands such as retail chains including Shoprite and Game Stores, and telecom firm Africell, have all left Uganda in the last three years, citing shrinking sales.

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US sanctions Uganda’s Speaker, Security Chiefs  

By
Our Reporter
-
Bobi Wine arrested

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced sanctions against current and former Ugandan officials who committed human rights abuses against opposition leaders and other groups including homosexuals.

“After Uganda’s flawed 2021 presidential elections, I announced a visa restriction policy targeting those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda,” said Blinken in a statement.

“At that time, I implored the government of Uganda to significantly improve its record and hold accountable those responsible for flawed electoral processes, violence and intimidation.”

However, this website has learnt that most of those on sanction list are security chiefs and commanders of different units whose role during and after the 2021 general elections were questionable. Sources further revealed that the list includes the leadership of parliament and key members of the August House who participated in the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

Blinken announced “the expansion of the visa restriction policy to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations.”

“These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons and civil society organizers,” he said.

He added that the immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.” 

Blinken further noted that the U.S stands by the Ugandan people and remains committed to working together to advance democracy, human rights, public health and mutual prosperity.

“I once again strongly encourage the government of Uganda to make concerted efforts to uphold democracy and to respect and protect human rights so that we may sustain the decades-long partnership between our countries that has benefited Americans and Ugandans alike,” he said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on May 29 signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which contains a death penalty provision for “aggravated homosexuality.” The State Department a few weeks later announced visa restrictions against unnamed Ugandan officials.

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Uganda records significant reduction in new HIV infections among newborns

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Aids Ribbon.

In Uganda, women are disproportionately affected by HIV. Out of 1.4 million people living with the disease, 860 000 are women and 80 000 are children.

As part of the drive to reduce the number of babies born with HIV, Uganda has a robust prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme. It involves following up women of reproductive age living with, or at risk of acquiring, HIV from their reproductive years, throughout pregnancy and to the end of the breastfeeding period.

Using a well-coordinated, multi-sectoral response and through strong coordination between the Government of Uganda, World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United States President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, the PMTCT programme has led to a dramatic reduction of HIV infections among newborns by 77%, from 20 000 cases in 2010 to 5900 cases in 2022.

Bitali Mwanaisha is a 29-year-old pregnant woman living with HIV, she says every month, she undertakes a thorough routine medical examination to check on the development of her pregnancy. A mother of two children, Mwanaisha discovered her HIV status in 2017 during her first pregnancy.

“When I got the news that I was HIV positive six years ago during my first antenatal visit, I was devastated. I thought that all my children would be sick like me, starting from my unborn baby,” she says.

WHO recommends that pregnant women should test for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B at least once during pregnancy, preferably in the first trimester, as part of antenatal care. These tests enable more women to be diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections so that they can access proper treatment and prevent disease transmission to their children.

In 2000, as part of HIV prevention efforts, Uganda adopted high-impact HIV prevention strategies that are cost-effective and reach as many people as possible. This included the PMTCT programme, which provides for following all pregnant women living with HIV or at risk of contracting the virus from preconception through pregnancy until 18 weeks after delivery.

“From the health facility where I was diagnosed, I was referred to Baylor, a specialized HIV management centre. I was immediately put on HIV treatment and since then, I have given birth to two HIV-negative babies,” says Bitali.

The prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme has been extended to over 3600 health facilities nationwide. “It is implemented in the country using WHO-adopted tools,” says Dr Linda Kisaakye Nabitaka, HIV focal person at the Ministry of Health.

On each visit at the Baylor Uganda Centre of Excellence, one of the HIV points of care in Uganda where she is registered, Bitali goes through a screening process with a nurse.

Starting with an assessment, the nurse takes her vital measurements, including temperature, height and weight. She also undergoes screening for noncommunicable diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, and is referred to other specialists, based on the results of the assessment.

One of the specialists she always visits in the centre is the reproductive health midwife, Leticia Nakandi.

For women like Bitali who are in the later stage of pregnancy, Nakandi performs physical examinations, including listening to the foetal heartbeat using a foetal scope.

Nakandi also provides family planning services, treats reproductive health problems, including sexually transmitted infections, provides screening and management of precancerous lesions of the cervix, and provides education on lifestyle risks and behavioural changes.

“Every time I visit the clinic, I discuss with Leticia about the appropriate use of condoms to avoid contracting any other sexually transmitted infections potentially dangerous to the life of my unborn baby,” explains Bitali.

In 2022, WHO published new guidelines on the prevention and management of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

“Our new HIV management guidelines recommend, among others, that all HIV-positive pregnant women have their viral load checked every three months, rather than every six months, to ensure low transmission risk,” explains Dr Kaggwa Mugagga, the HIV National Professional Officer at WHO Uganda.

 “When the amount of HIV in the body is continuously suppressed through proper taking of medication, the mother has a high chance of giving birth to an HIV-negative baby,” explains Dr Jacqueline Balungi Kanywa, Senior Medical Officer and Clinic Manager at Baylor Uganda.

In a bid to improve the management of PMTCT in Uganda, in 2022 the country introduced the Point of Care for the HIV PCR test, a blood test to check the amount of HIV in a sample of a person’s blood, results of which are available almost immediately. This test is available in all specialized HIV centres.

This has reduced the turnaround time for HIV viral load testing in pregnant and breastfeeding women from one month to within 48 hours.

To ensure the success of the PMTCT programme, working with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, WHO has developed training tools and materials, including a comprehensive HIV/Aids care training package that integrates PMTCT and has previously conducted training of over 60 trainers to improve implementation of the PMTCT programme in health facilities across the country.

The goal of all these efforts is to end Aids as a public health threat by 2030. “While prevention of mother-to-child transmission has made major headway in Uganda in limiting new HIV infections among newborns, we must also pay particular attention to factors contributing to new HIV infections, especially among adolescent girls and young women,” says Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO Representative to Uganda.

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Retired Bishop of Kumi Rt Rev Thomas Edison Irigei is dead

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

The first Bishop of Kumu Diocese Rt. Rev Thomas Edison Irigei has passed away this morning. 

His death was confirmed by the Bishop of Kumi, Rt Rev Micheal Okwi Esarkan.

“Your Grace, The Most Rev Dr Stephen Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, Brother Bishops and all Christians. I announce the news of going home to the Lord of Papa, The First and Retired Bishop of the Diocese of Kumi. The Rt. Rev. Thomas Edison Irigei rested early this morning shortly after midnight Tuesday December 5, 2023,” Bishop Okwi said in a message to the Archbishop.

“We thank God Almighty for the gift of his life salvation, calling and ministry as a Christian, Lay Reader, a chaplain, parish priest, bishop of the Diocese of Kumi and former Provincial Dean of the Province of Church of Uganda,” he said.

A tentative burial program shall be communicated to you in due course.

Rt. Rev Thomas Edison Irigei was consecrated as the first Bishop of Kumi Diocese by His Grace the Most Rev Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo on July 22, 2001.

Bishop Irigei has served under three Archbishops; The Most Rev. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, The Most Rev Henry Luke Orombi and The Most Rev Stanley Ntagali.

During his tenure, Bishop Irigei ordained 68 priests (some few have passed away) and made four deacons. He made a number of clergy into Canons and few laity Canons. Other priests were ordained earlier under COU Soroti Diocese by Bishop Geresom Ilukor.

The retired Rt. Rev. John Charles Odurkami ordained four priests and made four into deacons. He made six senior clergy into Canons in specific fields.

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Zeus The Agency Secures Top Honor as Rising Agency of the Year at Uganda Marketing Excellence Awards 2023

By
Our Reporter
-

In a dazzling showcase of creativity and marketing prowess, Zeus The Agency emerged victorious as the Rising Agency of the Year at the prestigious 2023 Uganda Marketing Excellence Awards (UMEA), hosted by Evolve Group Africa. The gala, held on December 1, 2023, at the esteemed Kampala Serena Hotel, unfolded under the theme “Celebrating Ideas That Work.”

This win marks an impressive hat-trick for Zeus The Agency, building on their consecutive titles as the Digital Agency of the Year in 2021 and 2022. The agency’s journey to success underscores its steadfast commitment to excellence in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing.

Rita Arinaitwe, Digital Director at Zeus The Agency, expressed joy upon receiving the well-deserved recognition at Serena, saying, “Winning the Rising Agency of the Year award is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. We are thrilled to be acknowledged for our innovative digital strategies, and this award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.”

Beyond individual accolades, Zeus The Agency’s triumph extended to securing prestigious awards for several clients at the ceremony. The Whiskey Desire campaign by Jonnie Walker secured Advertising Campaign of the Year, Smirnoff Fiestas won Experiential Marketing Campaign of the Year, Leave Eat to KFC claimed the Digital Marketing Campaign of the Year, and Twekozese by KCB Uganda in partnership with GIZ emerged victorious as the PR Campaign of the Year.

Jeffrey Amani, Executive Creative Director and CEO at Zeus The Agency, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are honored to have received these awards, and we take pride in the work we have undertaken to assist our clients in achieving their marketing objectives. We eagerly anticipate continuing to provide innovative and effective marketing solutions to our clients in Uganda and beyond.”

Notably, Zeus The Agency, celebrating its fourth year in operation in August this year, has solidified its position as a rising star in the competitive marketing realm with this triumph at the UMEA Awards 2023. The win promises a future marked by innovation, creativity, and sustained success.

Stay connected with Zeus The Agency on social media for updates and insights:

Instagram: Zeus The Agency

LinkedIn: Zeus The Agency

TikTok: Zeus The Agency

X: zeus_agency

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Swedish Artists Timbuktu, Esther to perfume in Uganda, sign commitment to act against Gender-based Violence

By
Geoffery Serugo
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A group of Swedish artists led by renowned rapper Jason Diakité aka Timbuktu, accompanied by the MASAKA trio jazz band and Esther Kirabo are set to perform in Uganda.

The group will participate in various activities aimed at fostering cultural exchange and artistic freedom in Uganda, climaxed by an exclusive concert that will showcase a fusion of hip hop and jazz.

They will collaborate with Ugandan rapper and record producer Navio and Selam’s national partner Pearlwood on different activities including workshops and live performances while in Uganda.

Highlights of their visit include an engagement at Makerere University in Kampala where Timbuktu will do a small performance with Navio and sign the Orange Pledge as a commitment to act against Gender-based Violence.

According to Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda Maria Håkansson, culture is a driver of development, as the creative economy is one of the world’s most rapidly growing sectors. Culture also enables development in that it empowers people and can challenge us and inspire change.

“I am excited to welcome Selam along with Swedish artists Timbuktu, MASAKA Trio and Esther Kirabo to Uganda. We all know that culture builds bridges and creates understanding. I hope that this week’s visit will contribute to a platform for dialogue and exchange between Swedish and Ugandan artists, civil society, media and policy makers on the potential of cultural and creative industries and the importance of artistic freedom,” she said.

Selam’s CEO and founder Teshome Wondimu; “We are excited to continue our efforts in Uganda and present our new initiative (CfCA) – Connect for Culture Africa, where we are advocating for increased public funding for the culture sector. We join efforts with our national partner Pearlwood to organize a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities to access public funding for the culture sector in the country. We particularly look forward to meeting a diverse group of culture actors to better understand the support needed to build a stronger and more unified culture sector in Uganda,” he said.

Timbuktu said; “I am grateful and happy to return to Africa in collaboration with Selam and for the first time together with Esther Kirabo and the MASAKA Trio. It is a kind of diasporic homecoming for us and a valuable opportunity to partake in culture and connect with the people of Kampala. Mother Africa, we are on our way from the cold north but we bring lots of love, vibes and music with us,” Timbuktu said.

The visit is expected to strengthen the ties between the Swedish and Ugandan artistic communities, as well as raise awareness and advocacy on issues that affect both countries. The visit is also a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of both nations, and an opportunity to learn from each other.

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Over 10000 students to graduate from Kyambogo University

By
Our Reporter
-

A total of 10926 students are set to graduate from Kyambogo University. The revelation was made by Prof Eli Katunguka, the Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University.

The Graduands will be conferred on degrees at the 19th graduation ceremony scheduled to start on Wednesday. Of these, 6118 are males, and 4808 are females.

Speaking during a press conference held at the university, Prof Katunguka said 483 graduands have attained first class degrees and I congratulate all those who have worked so hard to attain this.

“Eight PhD students will be graduating; Six from School of Education and two from Faculty Science. This is a good sign of growth for a university which started in 2023,” he said.

He said this is the biggest number of graduates we have ever had in a single year and therefore the graduation ceremony will be held for three days.

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Minister Amongi seeks Shs2b to renovate Gaddafi National Mosque

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Gaddafi National Mosque

The Ministry of Gender is seeking for a supplementary budget of Shs2 billion to renovate Gaddafi National Mosque.

The supplementary budget comes at a time when there are ongoing legal matters between Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and a businessman Justus Kyahabwa.

Last week, The Court of Appeal dismissed Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’ (UMSC) petition which sought to halt the sale of eight properties of over Shs19 billion debts.

On June, 24, 2020, UMSC and Justus Kyabahwa entered into a sale agreement for the land comprising LRV 3693 Folio 12, Ranch 31A Land, Ssembabule. The land was allegedly occupied by squatters.

According to the agreement, both parties agreed that the squatters will be given 60 days to vacate the said land; however, after three days, Kyabahwa and his agents attacked the squatters which prompted one of the squatters to drag UMSC to court over the loss of their properties.

It is averred that the land in questions had caveats thereon. The encumbrances were allegedly known by Kyabahwa. Three years later, Kyabahwa dragged UMSC to court seeking Shs18.9 billion compensations for the said land. Court however agreed with the applicant. Following the court ruling, UMSC appealed the ruling.

Last month, Kyabahwa sought instructions from the Commercial Division of the High Court Registrar to sell eight properties. The properties a plot in Entebbe opposite Victoria Mall, two square miles of land in Migyera, plot of land at Mbale City, one acre of land on Lubas road Jinja, One square mile at Buikwe, plot of land at Kyanja, plot 23-25 old Kampala and plot 30 on William street to recover his money.

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