Prison Officers and their spouses will get free financial literacy courtesy of Stanbic Bank Uganda. This transformative training launched on Wednesday is aimed towards enhancing their personal economic progress.
The programme follows discussions between Johnson Byabashaijja, the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons and Anne Juuko, the Stanbic Chief Executive.
Israel Arinaitwe, the Head of Private and Personal Banking, who represented the Juuko at the launch over the weekend, said the new initiative aligns with the lender’s purpose, ‘Uganda is our home; we drive her growth.’
He said, “we made a commitment to the Commissioner General to provide free financial literacy training to all staff of Uganda Prisons and their spouses across the country. This includes all five regions of Uganda and the 49 prisons.”
Arinaitwe said the programme aims to benefit 52,416 officers and their families with the main aim of empowering them to make smarter decisions about their money.
Ali Lwanga the Stanbic Bank Kampala Metropolitan area Regional Manager said that through conversations with the Prisons leadership, a number of issues were identified.
These included managing multiple loans, dealing with financial burdens from extended families, coping with financial struggles arising from redundant families and children, limited access to proper medical care, and prioritizing expenditure on a small government salary among others.
“Through the series of financial literacy clinics we plan to conduct, we will address these financial pain points, provide practical solutions and guidance that will empower the prisons fraternity to overcome these challenges,” Lwanga said.
Stanbic Bank also pledged to provide a special and swift financial partnership waiver like subsidizing interest rates on different financial products for all the prisons officers country wide.
Stella Nabulya, the Commissioner of Prisons, Kampala Extra Region hailed Stanbic Bank for providing this opportunity to acquire new skills and transform the lives of staff for the better.
She highlighted that a good number of prison officers struggle with issues related to financial management.
She said, “after today, I know the lives of our officers and their spouses will not remain the same as the topics and experiences being shared here are timely. During my time in office, I have witnessed several civil savants, including those from the Prisons Service, retire into absolute poverty. With this brotherly intervention, I’m exceedingly optimistic that the script is indeed going to change.”
Charles Ocici, the Executive Director of the training consultancy, Enterprise Uganda and who will lead the programme, said the issue of managing wealth has been a big challenge to many people no matter their ranks or level of education.
He advised Prisons staff to stay away from mediocrity and other unethical trends if they want to have financial independence.
“There are basic principles everyone in employment needs to respect if he/she ever dreams of making a financial breakthrough.  First, time management; how do you manage the 16 hours out of office daily? This matters because what you always do will shape your character and shape your competencies.
Again, you also need to use the eight hours you spend in office to build your competencies which will make you more productive during the 16 hours,” Ocici said.
He cited lack of planning, keeping bad company and lack of discipline as some of the factors keeping many people in poverty.
Nelson Kasada, the Programmes Manager at the Stanbic Business Incubator spoke on the training opportunities the bank offers to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“In your free time, come to the Business Incubator in Kololo and learn more at no cost. We offer enterprise development training aimed at enhancing local SMEs’ capacities and promote business resilience and sustainability,” he said.

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The government of Uganda has finalized plans to set up 10 pilot electric vehicle charging stations within Kampala Metropolitan through its Clean Energy Access Project, Dr. Peter Aimat Lokeris, the Minister of State for Minerals has said.

Speaking at the Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Conference 2023 at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, Mr. Lokeris said that access to electricity, and affordability of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure are the two major barriers to Electric Vehicles adoption in Uganda.

“In order to provide for electric vehicle charging, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has embarked on developing a framework for setting up electric vehicles charging stations,” the Minister said.

He added that the absence of electric vehicles on the market creates a delay in investment for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and vice versa, making the drop into a chicken and egg dilemma.

“Energy efficiency is paramount in offering cost reduction, reduced dependence on imported energy, and environmental preservation. We must intensify efforts in promoting electric mobility and developing charging infrastructure,” Dr. Lokeris said.

He said the Ministry of Energy has embarked on the Development of a master plan and feasibility study for electric vehicle Charging infrastructure including designing a roadmap for smart, scalable, and replicable electric vehicle charging business propositions.

This plan, Minister Lokeris said, will also take into account standards and protocols for electric vehicle chargers and include exploring the electric vehicle charging market opportunities in Uganda for both local and international companies.

Mr. Lokeris urged energy sector players to double their efforts in the promotion of electric mobility by improving the framework conditions for the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

“With the ever-increasing cost of energy, we find ourselves experiencing energy shortages, yet we have to continuously advocate for the conservation of our environment, and reduce our carbon emissions. One sure answer is Energy Efficiency, which is the first fuel available for a clean and sustainable energy future and reduced environmental energy-related impacts,” he said.

Eng. Bateebe Irene Pauline, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said the government has laid out a comprehensive strategy to promote energy efficiency and e-mobility, including the Energy Policy of 2023, the draft EECD Bill, and the Energy Efficiency Roadmap for Uganda of 2017.

Key among other policies, Eng. Bateebe said that the government has set up Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for energy-using appliances; implemented Energy Management Systems and undertaken Capacity Building for energy efficiency professionals.
She said the ministry has also developed guidelines for Energy Efficiency Certification and Appliance Energy Performance Labelling to guide energy efficiency improvements in the various sectors of the economy.

Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative revealed UNDP had launched its first electric car, a major step forward for Uganda’s transition to a clean energy future.

She said that Uganda’s transport sector emissions are a major public health threat, causing non-communicable diseases and putting a huge strain on the health budget, and reasoned that transitioning to e-mobility is a chance for Uganda and Africa to seize control of their own resources.

“By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we can improve air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases. This can lead to significant savings on healthcare costs,” she said.

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As the countdown to the festive month of December continues, the Police and Sister Security Agencies, are urging the public to be more vigilant, following targeted attacks on mobile money dealers, traders, village saving groups and SACCOs, motor vehicles and cattle among others.
SCP Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson said that this pre-festive season is a time of stocking festive items by several business persons, but it also provides opportunities for criminals.
“We would like to ask the public to be vigilant for suspicious people and vehicles and to report any concerns to police immediately. And in addition, to have security measures around them, to help safeguard their properties, like ensuring cashless transactions, altering banking routines/patterns, use of armed escorts and guards while transporting or collecting cash, keeping cash out of sight etc are all great ways of keeping your money safe,” Enanga said.
Enanga noted that meanwhile Police is strengthening its network of vigilance, ahead of an increase in business activity, by identifying and carrying out raids on criminal hubs and increasing visibility.
“Our CLOs are already working with the community and encouraging them to be our eyes and ears, and to report suspicious activity. Do not assume that someone else will report it for you. However, insignificant you think something may be, report it, because your actions could potentially save lives,” Enanga urged.
Enanga further reflected on the crimes of theft and murder that Police recently worked on and arrested the suspects.
Enanga revealed that the territorial police in Bukedi South and Busia arrested 5 suspected robbers, who were targeting a money dealer in Busia Municipality. The police received a tip through the crime intelligence unit about the robbery mission on 1.11.2023, where the victim would be attacked from his front-gate, as he left his home, at Kisenyi “A” village, Busia Municipality, near Busia Senior Secondary School, on the 4.11.2023.
He added that at around 6am, the money dealer called Osege Rajab and his son, left their home, on sports bikes, and was attacked after a short distance, by the 5 suspected robbers. During the scuffle, the task team that was lying in wait, rounded up the suspects and arrested them. The 5 suspects include; Musana Omar, Manana Derrick, Igobe Peter, Kadaya Umar and Makhoha Gilbert. The victim, Osege, sustained minor injuries to the head. Again on the 5.11.2023, a group of 3 robbers armed with 2 guns, attacked two different homes keeping village savings at Wandago parish, Magamaga Town Council in Mayuge district, where they robbed Ugx 5m, from Wamunga Daniel, a 46 year old, LCI Chairman of Church Zone at around 7:30pm. The defence secretary, Mugaju Steven, who was responding to the alarm, was cut to the head, with a knife. The armed robbers also attacked Iwate Shifah, at around 8pm and robbed Ugx 1.8m from him and escaped.
On 11.11.2023, at around 2am, a group of 3 men, disguised as customers, dressed in jackets and face masks. One of them who was armed, drew out an AK 47 gun and a second one a pistol and put the cashiers at gunpoint, before robbing cash Ugx 3.6m plus 2 smartphones. They escaped immediately from the scene. The business premise had no CCTV cameras, and operated till late in the night, the reason why it was targeted. The local askari was not armed at their location at Kabojja cell, Kyengera town council.
In Isingiro district, two notorious cattle thieves, namely Higiro Fred and Byaruhanga Didas, were arrested on the 11.11.2023,, at around 6am, while transporting 9 stolen sheep in motor vehicle registration number UAL 815F, at Katafali cell, Kyabishawo ward in Isingiro district.
In West Nile region, the police at Arua CPS, have put up a serious manhunt for two private security guards, attached to GKO security limited, who in the night of 12.11.2023, broke into Micro Finance Support offices, Arua branch, located in junior quarters, Awindiri ward in Arua city that they were guarding, damaged the safe and stole an unspecified amount of cash, a DELL Laptop and escaped, after abandoning their two rifles, at the scene. The two suspects include; Okullu Kenneth and Omara Andrew.
He said, “Preventing acquisitive crimes such as robbery, theft, burglary, shop breaking remains a priority for the Joint security agencies.”

However, to report any suspicious activity, Ugandans are encouraged to call the National Operations Command Centre on 0800199699, 0707600773 or 0776999136

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Jubilee Health Insurance has today launched its wellness program dubbed Maisha Fiti in the Ugandan market. This marks a significant step towards the company’s commitment to promote the physical and mental well-being of its customers. 

Maisha Fiti will empower customers to take charge of their preventive and curative health. The program will also create a community for users to interact with peers and medical professionals on various topical issues such as nutrition, lifestyle management, maternal andmental health among others.

In recent years, the society has witnessed a concerning rise in diseases and conditions that can be directly attributed to lifestyle choices. The World Health Organization reports that 41 million people lose their lives globally every year as a result of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Uganda is equally affected by this global health crisis as the burden of lifestyle-related illnesses continue to exert a significant toll on individuals, families and the country’s health infrastructure.

It is estimated that 39 per cent of deaths in Uganda are due to NCDs and for every Ugandan citizen, the probability of dying prematurely from one of the four main NCDs is 22%. Physical activity, heavy alcohol consumption and poor diet have been identified as the major contributors to the rising disease burden. 

Lifestyle-related illnesses, often preventable, have far-reaching consequences on individual wellbeing and the country’s health infrastructure. The Maisha Fiti Program will invest in health education and initiatives that promote healthier living. 

While speaking during the launch, Jubilee Health Insurance CEO Dan Musiime noted that the increase in lifestyle-related illnesses is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. 

“Lifestyle-related illnesses not only impact an individual’s quality of life but also places an enormous burden on a family’s and nation’s resources. The alarming increase in lifestyle-related illnesses requires that we urgently prioritize our health. Maisha Fiti will encourage our customers to make informed choices about their diet and overall well-being,” said Musiime.

Jubilee Health Insurance has also launched a campaign dubbed “Do Anything For The Steps” to motivate individuals to incorporate physical activity in their daily lives. This campaign will encourage people to take up activities such as walking, running or cycling to increase energy levels and overall vitality making life more enjoyable. 

To participate in this campaign, individuals will be required to purchase JCare Medical Cover from the company’s website. The company will then deliver a free smart watch that will enable the customer to enrol in the “Do Anything For The Steps” campaign.

This challenge will enable customers to set targets of physical activities to be undertaken within specific period of time. Individuals who hit their targets will receive up to 20 per cent discount or cashback on their health premiums. 

While commenting about the campaign, Jubilee Insurance Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Caroline Ndungu noted that incentivizing physical activity will combat the escalating wave of lifestyle-related illnesses. 

“It is increasingly evident that individuals and companies must come together to address the growing health crisis. Our company is centred on empowering people to access both preventative and curative care. This campaign will empower individuals to take up physical activities that not only enhance their well-being but also pave the way for healthier and happier communities. Furthermore, the lower premiums will make health insurance more accessible and affordable,” noted Caroline.  

“Do Anything For The Steps” campaign is the first of its kind in the health insurance space across East Africa. The one-year campaign will significantly reduce the prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses and promote physical and mental health.

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The opposition in parliament has continued to boycott parliament following the government’s delay to address their concerns.

The opposition legislators led by Nyendo-Mukungwe MP Mathias Mpuuga tasked the government to account for missing persons and the continuous detention of their supporters without trial.

“The Opposition will stay away from the proceedings until the government officially communicates to us, detailing how the issues we raised will be addressed, and giving a time frame within which they will be resolved,” Mpuuga said.

He stated that the executive is adamant and obstinate, our duty as opposition is to insist and the instance can be various. We are engaging the right gear and we aren’t about to change it, if necessity arises for us to change the gear, we will assess the feasibility of that engagement, but at the moment as their team leader, you probably might think the Executive is comfortable, probably the comfort is on their faces, but they

The Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) said the opposition is going to change tactics, saying the team is on course.

Mpuuga also laughed off claims that the boycott isn’t paying off because the Gov’t has refused to oblige by the demands and business at Parliament has continued, noting that such individuals shouldn’t purport to know how he works because any attempts to do cram work on how he conducts his business will see such individuals crash.

“They also purport to know me, yet they don’t know me. That is the danger & mistakes that people make, purporting to know people they do not know & they are forgivable for their ignorance. I don’t do anything by cram work, those who have known me, know that I respond to issues depending on how they were raised. I have some level of imagination and that is how I handle them, so ask them to drop their cram work. I assess situations and supply answers depending on the conditions prevailing and if anybody tries to cram me, they will crash. I am not linear by the way I work,” Mpuuga said.

“After that meeting with government, no progress had been made, save for a transitory commitment with no time frame to the effect that they are ready to respond to the issues we raised and pour stance then and now is that we are out of plenary sittings until we have received response and there is no new development since then,”

“I also see some attempts at blackmailing me and my office, I follow it, I want to advise whoever is financing whoever so please take your paycheck but report what we say, do not misrepresent me and my office, if you have any questions raise them, I have never failed to make a response even if it is really flat. Raise the questions, do not attempt at blackmail because I never buckle at blackmail. Otherwise you aren’t helping the cause of citizens, for you to divert us into small things. If you have any questions, raise them here or shut up,” he said.

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