Yara East Africa and agro dealers in Eastern Uganda have celebrated digital connectivity through Yara Connect.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), technological change has been the key driving force behind increasing agricultural productivity and fostering agriculture development in all OECD countries. Agriculture is becoming more integrated into the agri-food chain and the global market, with growing impacts from environmental, food safety, quality, and animal welfare regulations.
This is in line with Yara’s Global ambition to grow a nature positive food future, the agri sector is now confronted with new challenges, including meeting the rising demands for food, international competitiveness, and producing high-quality agricultural products.
Through Yara’s research and development, fertilizers such an MiCROP have been designed to suit specific crop and soil needs, as well as training stakeholders across the distribution channel on the correct application and handling of the products.
Aligned with Yara’s dedication to promoting a world free from hunger and protecting the planet, the company continues its pursuit of sustainable value growth through climate-friendly crop nutrition, zero-emission energy and digital solutions.
During the event, participants were introduced to smart farming practices and digital tools designed to optimize productivity, sustainability, and profitability. Yara East Africa reinforced its mission to create a food future that is in harmony with nature, adding value to customers, shareholders, and society while fostering a more sustainable food value chain.
William Nge’no, Country Manager, Yara Kenya & Uganda, emphasized the company’s commitment to empowering stakeholders across the agricultural ecosystem with innovative agricultural solutions. Through Yara’s connected platforms, farmers gain access to cutting-edge information, high-quality inputs, customized services, and sustainable markets. This empowerment drives higher yields, better quality produce, and efficient use of resources and knowledge systems.
” We celebrate with our partners and clients who have entrusted us over the years, and we remain confident in the transformative impact we can achieve collaboratively within Uganda’s agricultural sector,” Nge’no stated. “At Yara, our social impact initiatives position us as a catalyst for digital inclusion and empowerment in farming. Our aim is to facilitate economic opportunities for women and youth in agriculture, accelerate growth for Micro, Small, and Medium businesses within our communities, and continue contributing to food security.”
Yara East Africa remains committed to its global mission of responsibly feeding the world and protecting the planet. The company’s focus on sustainable agriculture and digital solutions reaffirms its dedication to creating a resilient and prosperous agricultural future for Eastern Uganda and beyond.
The event drew participation from over 100 attendees, with distinguished retailers recognized for their invaluable contributions to the industry, walking away with prizes including motorbikes, phones, and other exciting goodies.
Sarah Nafuna Proprietor, Home of Farmers, one of the distributors and winners of the goodies, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Yara, for fulfilling your promises. When I heard about the initiative on the platform, I had my doubts, but I’m elated to be among the winners. You’ve eased our transportation as we deliver products to rural farmers. We also appreciate the knowledge sharing, enabling us to guide farmers in utilizing your products effectively.”

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Housing Finance Bank joined PostBank and Pride Microfinance Limited to unveil a partnership with Airtel Money Uganda that will facilitate seamless disbursement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds by the Government of Uganda through the Wendi mobile wallet platform. This partnership guarantees convenient access to funds for intended beneficiaries across Uganda through Airtel Money’s extensive agency network at minimal to no cost.

With 53% of the population embracing mobile money services while only 10% have access to traditional banking, this collaboration resolves the need for heightened financial inclusion. It holds the potential to bridge critical gaps and amplify the Government of Uganda’s efforts in achieving its development objectives. 

The partnership launch was presided over by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Nabbanja Robinah, represented by Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs in the presence of the Kakumiro district leadership and PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) leaders at Kakumiro District headquarters. 

Wendi, powered by PostBank, is an electronic payments platform meticulously tailored to bridge the gap between unbanked Ugandan communities and essential financial services. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including group savings and funds management, digital money transactions, transfers, deposits, and withdrawals. The platform’s development comes after several complaints by beneficiaries on bank charges and other risks involved during the disbursement process. Through Wendi, PDM beneficiaries can now access their funds through the Airtel money network without going through the bank processes as a result. 

Mr. Julius Kakeeto, Chief Executive Officer of PostBank, expressed gratitude to Airtel Money Uganda for embarking on this transformative journey. He emphasized Wendi’s convenience to the PDM disbursement process, stating, “With Wendi, subscribers will receive funds directly to their phones, eliminating the need for a bank account and the associated time and cost of manual disbursements.”

Mr. Micheal Mugabi, Managing Director of Housing Finance Bank, echoed the sentiment of collaboration and emphasized the Bank’s commitment to uplifting all Ugandans. He said, “Our mandate is to drive home ownership and financial independence. And that’s why the Bank has devoted significant resources to promote the Wendi mobile wallet solution that enables financial services to reach the majority of Ugandans who currently do not have a bank account.”

Mr. Japhet Aritho, Managing Director of Airtel Money Uganda, affirmed the company’s dedication to Uganda’s financial inclusion agenda, stating, “We aim to address the digital inclusion divide by extending services closer to the people. Airtel Uganda’s vast network of over 200,000 agent points eliminates the need for beneficiaries to travel long distances for accessing or repaying PDM funds.”

Mr. Edward Nkangi, Executive Director of Pride Microfinance Limited, emphasized the transformative impact of the Wendi App. He highlighted, “With Wendi, we do not need to open a branch in Kakumiro as the PDM funds can now seamlessly reach each Ugandan without visiting a bank. We thank the Government for the Parish Development Model in enabling funds to reach every Ugandan.”

In closing, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, commended PostBank and Airtel Money Uganda on their good timing with the launch of Wendi. He said, “Wendi is a much-needed intervention in support of the government’s Parish Development Program as it allows for easy and convenient access to funds via mobile technology.” 

The Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs also encouraged beneficiaries of PDM and the public to take advantage of the opportunities that come with Wendi by downloading and using the App from Google Play Store and App Store and onboarding via a *229# USSD code.

Wendi offers a wide range of mobile transactions, including paying for utility bills such as Umeme, URA, NWSC, TV subscriptions, school fees, goods, and other services. Customers will also enjoy easy access courtesy of over 3000 Wendi agents stationed countrywide

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The State Minister for Finance, Henry Musasizi, has revealed that the Government plans to review the 2023/2024 national budget following the World Bank’s decision to halt the financing of some Ugandan projects over the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
The Minister, who was appearing before the parliamentary committee on finance on Thursday, August 10, 2023, said that the World Bank decision is likely to affect the emoluments of some public servants.
“We took a firm decision, and we agreed that we would face the consequences. We shall be coming soon. I want to prepare your minds that very soon we are going to revise the budget downwards, and we shall be coming to you for support. Even the emoluments are going to be affected given the preliminary results we are seeing. We shall be coming in one week or so to tell you the consequences and ask for your approval on how we shall move forward with the current challenges,” Musasizi said.
The chairperson of the parliamentary finance committee, Amos Kankunda, however, said that Parliament does not regret the decision it took to pass into law the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, saying the committee will offer leadership to Uganda on how to survive the financing ban imposed by the World Bank.
“I know you are aware that, as a country, we have been slapped with the stopping of funding from the World Bank, given the position we took as a country, which we don’t regret for the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Law, and indeed, we are on the right trajectory. We will find ways of surviving, and as a committee, this is our responsibility since we handle mainly the supply side of the budget, to make sure we work with the Ministry to mobilise sufficient funds and work within our means to make sure the country moves on,” Kankunda said.

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The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has mourned the fallen Bishop Emeritus of Ankole Diocese, George Tibwesigwa who passed on yesterday evening at Mayanja Memorial Hospital, Mbarara.

Thomas Tayebwa referred to him as a hardworking man of God and strong pillar of faith in the Ankole region.
“In Bishop George Tibesigwa, the faithful in Ankole have lost a strong pillar of faith. The Emeritus Bishop preached faith, hard work. Love for one another and unity. Ankole as a region will miss him dearly,” Tayebwa mourned.

He added, “My condolences go out to his family, and all the faithful. And May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Bishop George Tibesigwa at 87 years old has been a wise and compassionate leader, a loving friend, and a dedicated servant of God with true inspiration to many people in the Ankole region.
Bishop George William Tibesigwa also served as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Religious Affairs in southwestern Uganda.
Tibesigwa retired from service in 2010 after clocking the recommended canonical age of service in the Church of Uganda.
He was replaced by the current Bishop Rt. Rev Fred Sheldon Mwesigwa, who was enthroned on 18th July 2010.
Tibesigwa graduated with a Doctor of Ministry from the Asian Centre for Theological Studies and Mission/United University of ASIA, and a Master of Divinity University College of Emmanuel and St. Chad.

He also held a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Psychology) University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Theology University College of Emmanuel and St. Chad.
Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Rt Rev Dr Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu hailed Dr Tibesigwa for his service towards the church describing him as a diligent servant of God who will be greatly missed.

“I am saddened by the passing of my brother Bishop George Tibeesigwa, who went to be with the Lord.. He served diligently as the Provincial Secretary of COU and as the 4th Bishop of the Ankole Diocese,” the Archbishop said in a brief statement.
He revealed that the burial details will follow soon.

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The Director of Butabika National Referral Hospital, Dr. Juliet Nakku has urged Members of Parliament to ignore the economic pressures, and ban the production and sale of cannabis and khat.
Nakku said that their consumption contributes greatly to mental health cases and poses social and economic pressures to government and families.
“Data from Butabika Hospital in 2022 showed that for the Financial Year 2021/2021, 25 per cent of young adults were admitted for alcohol and substance use problems. Of these 44.7 per cent had alcohol use problems, one third had cannabis use problems and 2.1 per cent were using stimulants including Khat,” said Nakku.
She argued that cannabis use ranks second to alcohol use among patients receiving rehabilitation at Butabika Hospital and it is associated with slow improvement and relapses.
Nakku made this appeal while appearing before the Committee on Health with the Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.  Officials from the National Drugs Authority (NDA) were also in attendance.
The Committee on Health is receiving from stakeholders on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill, 2023.
Nakku said that people using the two drugs suffer severe mental illness such as depression, psychosis and often end up committing suicide. Minister Aceng re-echoed Nakku’s call saying countries that have legalised the two drugs for medical use have reaped undesirable consequences.
“In Thailand, cannabis was legalised in 2022; within seven months of legalisation for medical purposes, there was a significant increase in non-medicinal use from 4.3 per cent to 25 per cent,” Aceng said adding that, ’there was an insignificant increase of one per cent for medical use amidst an increase in cannabis associated disorders and suicide’.
She rejected the argument by khat and cannabis growers in Uganda, who claim that the production and sale of the drugs have a significant economic impact, and asked MPs to study the economies of African countries where such drugs are legalised.
“Look at their economies and see whether they are growing; we had better protect our people before we go into something we do not know” said Aceng.
Aceng added that the new law clarifies on the ownership of rehabilitation centres for people with drug use problems, saying the earlier proposal to have the centres under the Ministry of Internal Affairs disregards that the centres offer both medical and psychosocial support which is mandate of the Health Ministry.

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PostBank and Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited (AMCUL) in collaboration with Housing Finance and Pride Microfinance, have announced their partnership to support the seamless disbursement of PDM (Parish Development Model) funds by the government through a wallet dubbed Wendi.

Wendi is a digital payments platform powered by PostBank that strategically pivots on group savings and funds management, digital money savings, transfers, deposits, and withdrawals, to drive financial inclusion within unbanked Ugandan communities.

Airtel Money offers a wide range of e-commerce and financial services including mobile payments, microloans, savings, international money transfers and health insurance services

53% of the Ugandan population is using mobile money services while only 10% of our population is banked. As a bank that has financial inclusion at the core of its operational goals, investing in partnerships and digital financial services helps PostBank and partners bridge the gap between banked and unbanked Ugandans. The Wendi App will give access to close to 74% of Ugandans who live in rural areas to financial services and support them to participate in the Uganda government’s development agenda.

Accessible for download from Google Play Store and onboarding via a *229# USSD code, Wendi offers a wide range of mobile transactions, including paying for utility bills such as Umeme, URA, NWSC, TV subscriptions, school fees, goods, and services among others. Customers will also enjoy easy access courtesy of over 3,000 Wendi agents, many of them Airtel Money agents already, that will be stationed countrywide.

Speaking at the event in Kakumiro, the Managing Director of PostBank, Julius Kakeeto expressed his gratitude to the management of Airtel Money as well as Housing Finance Bank and Pride Microfinance for partnering with the bank on the journey of digital transformation. He also highlighted the convenience that Wendi brings to the PDM disbursement process.

“Wendi is empowering the SACCOs to manage their funds, and very importantly, for money to reach the intended beneficiaries without the need to come to the banking halls and also fill in tedious paperwork,” Kakeeto said.

He further expressed PostBank’s commitment to bringing Ugandans into the money economy, stating that, “Out of 2,540 PDM SACCOs with accounts in PostBank, PBU has already digitized 1,298 SACCOs and is planning to complete digitizing all of them by the end of this month. So far, the experience has been positive, with beneficiaries of around 205 PDM SACCOs receiving funds from the comfort of their homes, gardens, etc. They are able to do this because of strong partners like Airtel”

Also speaking at the partnership’s launch was Airtel Uganda’s MD who reaffirmed Airtel’s commitment to Uganda’s financial inclusion agenda. “With a partner like PostBank and support from the Government, we shall continue to develop partnerships that will support our agenda for growing financial inclusion. A digital economy that works for the many” he said.

Speaking at the event, the State Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye who was representing Prime Minister Nabbanja commended PostBank and all its partners for the wonderful idea and for stepping in to support the government drive financial inclusion.

“We have eliminated all the paperwork involved in opening bank accounts and brought the bank to your farm with Wendi. All it takes is to dial *229# if you don’t have a smartphone to receive your money,” he said.

Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye also encouraged beneficiaries of PDM to take advantage of the opportunity to make life simpler by installing and utilizing Wendi.

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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Patrick Oboi Amuriat has directed the Chairperson of the Party’s disciplinary committee, James Otto to investigate the misconduct of Elias Lukwago-Ag. Deputy President, Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda- Secretary for Information & Publicity and other members.

“I proceed under article 28(3)(b) (u) and acting in consultation with the party Working Committee to request you to convene meetings of the Committee on Discipline to hear and disposed cases of hostility towards the party, failure to execute and absconding from duty on the following members.” reads part of the letter.

The other members to be investigated include Kennedy Okello-Ag. Deputy Secretary for Presidency, Dr. George Okello Ekwaro – Ag Deputy Secretary for Mobilization, Mr. Samuel Makheka W’Mugenyi – Ag. Deputy for International and Regional Affairs , Mr. Amon Ayesigomwe Rubarema-secretary for Works & Transport and Mubarak Munyagwa-Ag. Secretary for MobIlization.

“In the meantime and moving under the above-mentioned constitutional provision, I will be making appointments on acting basis to offices held by the above-mentioned members,” Amuriat added in a letter.

Amuriat added that with the exception of Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda and Mr. Amon Ayesigome who were elected by the National Delegates Conference, all the above members were appointed by him on acting basis.

In the past few weeks the above-mentioned individuals and Dr Kiiza Besigye (former party President) have been accusing Amuriat and his group of accepting dirty money from unknown sources to fund the party’s 2021 General Elections.

On Tuesday, Party Secretary General. Nathan Nandala Mafabi replaced Party Chief Whip Semujju Nganda with Yusuf Nsibambi.

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