Bank of Uganda (BoU) has halted the implementation of the Organizational Structural Review process after some of them petitioned President Museveni that it was unfair and was riddled with corruption.
In a statement, BoU said implementing the new structure, which was slated to start on August 1, 2023, has been paused to allow the Board of Directors to review and address some key issues raised by the staff.
“In the interim, implementing the new structure has been paused to allow the Board of Directors to review and address some key issues raised in relation to the implementation processes before proceeding further,” BoU stated.
This comes after staff aggrieved by the restructuring petitioned the President, claiming that it targeted those loyal to late Governor Emmanuel-Tumusiime Mutebile while rewarding those loyal to current Deputy Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego.
However, the Central Bank has defended the new structure, saying it was being implemented following a review by a consultant, KPMG and that it had even been suggested by the deceased governor.
“The structural review process involved a consultative approach that began in June 2022 when an external consultant was engaged through a public procurement process. The consultant conducted an organizational structural re-engineering exercise, resulting in proposals for a new structure,” they said on Monday, 07 August 2023.
“In February 2023, the Board of Directors received and approved the consultant’s report. They subsequently instructed management to implement the new structure,” BoU added.
BoU also said the Organizational Structural Review process is aimed at reviewing and aligning its organizational structure to facilitate the delivery of its new strategic plan for 2022 to 2027.
“BoU acknowledges that implementing comprehensive structural changes to achieve ambitious goals may present challenges in structural adjustments and their impact on individual staff. To address these concerns, management put in place mechanisms to formally receive and consider both structural and individual issues, reviewing them on their merits and making appropriate recommendations. This ongoing process is expected to be concluded by December 2023,” they said.
They added that they are confident that the efforts mentioned above will yield the desired results and build upon its track record of technical competence and resilience.
“Despite a challenging global environment, the Bank has successfully achieved inflation levels below the 5 percent target, maintained exchange rate stability, and ensured a sound and stable financial sector with sufficient buffers to withstand shocks,” they added.
Uganda is poised to take a significant leap into the digital revolution with the upcoming launch of its first Digital Transformation Roadmap on 17th August 2023. The highly anticipated initiative is led by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance (MoICT&NG) and the Ministry of Education & Sports, with support from the United Nations Development Program Uganda (UNDP) and Centenary Technology Services (Cente-Tech) will be unveiled by Vice President H.E. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo. The Digital Transformation Roadmap represents a moment of pride and optimism for Uganda, as it aims to leverage digital technology as an equalizing force between rural and urban citizens. With a strong focus on inclusivity and empowerment, the roadmap seeks to bridge the digital divide that has historically hindered opportunities for marginalized communities. By embracing the potential of digital technology, Uganda aims to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to participate fully in the digital economy and access essential services to improve livelihoods. In a statement, the Ministry of ICT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, expressed the significance of this roadmap, saying, and “The launch of Uganda’s first Digital Transformation Roadmap represents a moment of pride and optimism for our nation. “With this transformative blueprint, we aim to create a Uganda where digital technology becomes a powerful equalizer between rural and urban citizens, leaving no one behind in our pursuit of progress and prosperity,” Dr. Aminah said. She added that the roadmap’s core focus centers around the concept of inclusivity and empowerment, with special attention given to narrowing the digital divide that has historically hindered opportunities for those in remote and marginalized communities. By leveraging the potential of digital technology, the roadmap aims to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to partake fully in the digital economy and access essential services that can improve livelihoods. UNDP’s strategic intent of “Creating a world in which digital is an empowering force for people and planet” aligns perfectly with Uganda’s vision for the transformative roadmap. Through UNDP’s support, the nation is poised to unlock the vast possibilities of digital technology, fostering sustainable development and social progress that positively impacts both people and the environment. As the launch date approaches, excitement is palpable among citizens, industry leaders, and development partners, all eagerly waiting for the unveiling of Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap. The nation’s determination to embrace digital transformation as a catalyst for progress and inclusivity is a testament to its commitment to creating a brighter future for all. The Digital Transformation Road was designed by UNDP Uganda, with technical support from Centenary Technology Services, the technology company of Centenary Group. Centenary Technology Services, renowned as digital transformation experts with a track record of delivering innovations that truly matter, have played a pivotal role in curating the roadmap. Their expertise and vision have enabled the roadmap to address the unique challenges faced by the nation and inspire growth across all sectors. With the roadmap as their guiding light, Ugandans are set to embark on an unprecedented journey of innovation and prosperity, shaping a nation where digital technology empowers and uplifts every citizen, regardless of their background or location. Uganda’s digital transformation is set to become a game-changer for inclusive progress and an inspiring model for other nations to follow.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has expressed deep regret at the closure of his office in Uganda, following the Government’s decision not to renew the Host Country Agreement. The office in Kampala will officially cease its operations over the weekend. Sub-offices in Gulu and Moroto closed on 30 June and 31 July.
“I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with State institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans,” said Türk.
Since the establishment of the office in 2005, we have engaged closely with the Government and other partners on a range of human rights issues, including working with the authorities to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals into its national planning frameworks, as well as advising on bringing domestic legislation into compliance with international human rights laws and standards.
In 2021, with the office’s support to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Uganda became the second country in Africa to adopt a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. “Much progress has been made in the country over the years, but serious human rights challenges remain in the path to full enjoyment of human rights for all,” the High Commissioner said. Türk expressed particular concern about the human rights situation in Uganda ahead of the 2026 elections, given the increasingly hostile environment in which human rights defenders, civil society actors and journalists are operating. He noted that most of the 54 NGOs that were arbitrarily suspended in August 2021 remain closed. The High Commissioner also expressed concerns that the amended Computer Misuse law may further erode free expression. Türk warned against retrogression from Uganda’s commitments under the international human rights treaties it has ratified, including in the passage of the deeply discriminatory and harmful anti-homosexuality law that is already having a negative impact on Ugandans. Türk urged the Government to ensure the national human rights body can function effectively and independently, as the main body tasked with human rights oversight in Uganda. “The Uganda Human Rights Commission, our long-standing partner in the protection and promotion of human rights in the country, is chronically under-funded and under-staffed, and reports of political interference in its mandate undermine its legitimacy, independence and impartiality,” he said. “I urge the Ugandan government to provide the Commission with adequate human, technical and financial resources so that it may more effectively execute its important mandate.” “On our part, the UN Human Rights Office remains committed to working on human rights in Uganda, in line with my global mandate,” he added.
The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Francis Mwebesa, has sacked David Livingstone Ebiru from the position of Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards over corruption and mismanagement of office.
In an August 5 letter, Mwebesa said he had no option but to terminate Ebiru’s contract after findings of the National Standards Council and the UNBS ED’s bribery admissions before Parliament’s Committee on Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE).
The minister said Ebiru admitted to having withdrawn and spent 3.2 million dollars (11.5 billion shillings) from the PVoC (Pre-export Verification of Conformity) collection funds at source, yet it was supposed to have been remitted to the Consolidated Fund.
This contravened the Public Finance Management Act 2015. He is also pinned having admitted to spending up to 285 million shillings at source, from funds deposited by traders and businesses as security “contrary to the advice and guidance of the Accountant General and the Republic of Uganda Treasury Instructions 2017.”
Ebiru also admitted to having made several cash withdrawals without authorization of the Council and the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, violating the UNBS Finance and Administration Manual (5.0 [a]) and (5.6) and Treasury Instructions 2017; The letter further points out Ebiru’s admission to having failed to discipline five staff members who caused financial loss to the standards body totaling 9.282 billion Shillings. These had reportedly backdated inspection dates on Inspection Reports and edited application dates on the E-portal Applications.
His other offense was denying having been investigated and found culpable by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) for the misappropriation of funds meant for the Fuel Marking Project jointly, despite there being evidence of a plea bargain by him and others to refund the said misappropriated funds.
“In view of the above, and on account of your own admission to having breached the law and laid down procedures and in accordance with Section 11 (2), (5) [b] and [c] of the UNBS Amendment Act 2013, Council unanimously recommended that I cause your dismissal as Executive Director of UNBS,” Mwebesa’s letter reads in part.
In the letter he concurs with the recommendation of the NSC, explaining that Ebiru’s actions dented the UNBS’ reputation. “Your admission of bribery under oath and attempting to withdraw such an allegation has caused grave injury to the reputation of the Chairman and Members of the Council,” Mwebesa says.
“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to inform you that I hereby dismiss you from the position of Executive Director of UNBS with immediate effect; in accordance with Section 11(2), (5) (b), and (c) of the UNBS Amendment Act 2013”. Ebiru was confirmed 14th CEO of UNBS in May 2021 replacing the retiring Dr Ben Manyindo.
Following the parliamentary probe last month in which he admitted to bribing Council members in order to protect his job, he was suspended for six months pending further investigations, and replaced by Daniel Richard Makayi Nangalama in acting capacity.
I hope this letter finds AU, AUC in good health and high spirits. I write to AU, AUC today with a deep sense of concern and urgency regarding the impending chaos in the Sahel region in general.
2. As an African and one who stands for peace and arbiter of truth, I hold a tremendous responsibility in safeguarding the peace principles upon which our continent, was built.
3. My Pan African spirit will not fade away until Africa and AUC are fully liberated from the fangs of French colonial policy. The death of Gaddafi left a huge deficit on the continent. We seem to have lost the stamina to speak with one voice. Each state is speaking in its own language different from that of UNITY.
4. The chaos created by military coups in that region has the potential to shape the worst course of direction for OUR African Union (AU) and the very existence of our beloved Africa. We at crossroads as of now with nobody to help up but ourselves to RESCUE our organization from the FOREIGN CAPTURE
5. The eyes of most Africans and indeed the entire world are upon AUC, to deliver Africa from the current stalemate FINDS itself in. It is imperative that AU rises above any external influences, biases, or pressures that may seek to compromise the integrity of African Union (AU).
7. Africa is at a critical juncture as its electoral and democratic journeys seem
to be shaky and overwhelmed by deficit of TRUST. The element of trust and confidence in most African elections has diminished. It calls for more education on the differences between elections and democracy.
8. It sad that the above factors are absent in our Elections and institutions in Africa. The lack of trust and lack of confidence in electoral institutions have reversed the democratic space we had after the coups of 1960s&70s where military coups were Africa’s flagship.
9. We are sinking at a fastest speed. If we are not careful in 5 years to come almost all AU states will have coups. There is no election in Africa today that ends well apart from South African and Tanzanian systems. What are the causes of the violence during and after elections.
10. Almost all elections held in Africa in the last 10 years and especially in West African states have deficit crisis where peoples will have been undermined by those who supervise these elections. This has had the potential to invite the army and ignite civil unrest in most countries.
11. The erosion of credibility in electoral institutions, has plunged most nations into chaos and the armies have moved in. The consequences of such a scenario would be catastrophic and have led to the loss of innocent lives and destruction of property.
12. The AU has watched haplessly while our African countries one by one end up with people on the streets or the army knocking on the doors of Presidential Palaces. Africa has become a fractured society from which recovery may be arduous, if not impossible.
13. AU Peace, Political and Security commissions have become morimbund and failed to act as impartial arbiters in election monitor &observation missions in Africa but instead copy pasted the familiar statement that is read in all elections in Africa. There are no early warning signals about coups or violence by the AUC.
14. The AU Charter demands that AUC remain steadfast in upholding the principles of, fairness, and transparency. In doing so, AU and AUC will ensure that democracy in Africa remains intact, and the flame of hope continues to burn brightly in the hearts of every African.
15. AUC Chairperson must remember that history will judge you not only for the legacy you leave but what you have delivered and also for the repercussions it creates afterwards. The people of Africa have placed their faith in the AU, AUC trusting that TWO will be the guardians of truth but you have let them down.
16. I implore you to look at the far-reaching negative effects of militarism that is destroying the unwavering integrity of our hopeful masses .AU has been captured and is not able to take decisions on its own.
17. Let us look at Sudan, it is still burning since 15 April 2023 and very little efforts have been put across to resolve the crisis. Libya remains divided into two by France and there are no efforts to reunite it. General Khalifa Hafta remains a hired mercenary in the region whose rebel troops killed General Idris Derby in cold blood.
18. The type of sanctions you imposed on Chad where AUC Chairperson was born were not the same as those imposed on other states where coups have happened. These types of double standards have opened AU to ridicule to the extent that the Generals in Sudan prefer dealing with the Arabs across the Red Sea than dealing with AU or IGAD.
19. How then does Africa get out of this mess? I suggest you resign and concentrate on building your capacity to become the President of Chad after the sad and mysterious death of my friend Idris Derby in cold blood at the hands of General Haft’s trained men in South Libya.
20. What is wrong with Africa? The answer is here. The CONSTITUTIONS of almost all the countries are COPY & PASTE from USA of the type of WESTMINISTER ABBEY SYSTEMS which leads to the CHAOS we have today.
21. Why should African countries hold expensive ELECTIONS then CHALLENGE the same ELECTION RESULTS in a SUPREME COURT? It is here Where FEW Judges decide the FATE of an EXPENSIVE ELECTION? This is one of root causes that African GOVERNMENTS must heal.
22. Finally let us RECAPTURE our AU, and AUC institutions that have been CAPTURED by FRANCE and other FOREIGN AGENCIES.
Lieutenant Colonel Hannington Kigula, ATMIS Commanding Officer of Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) 41 Battalion has emphasized the importance of proper information sharing and cohesion among security forces. He made the call during the Barawe District security meeting held at Hotel Abu.
He noted that without the two elements, Al-Shabaab can exploit the opportunity to infiltrate and cause mayhem to innocent civilians.
“As ATMIS we are ready to work and cooperate with all stakeholders as mandated in order to create peace and stability in Somalia” Col Kigula noted.
At the same event, the South West Federal State Minister for Security, Hassan Abdikadir Mohammed, called upon security forces to unite in order to degrade Al-Shabaab and reminded the security forces to always consult the Somali Constitution which spells out the roles of the Armed Forces of Somalia.
“Unity is strength and key to flush out Al-Shabaab. Let the Constitution be your guiding principle as you are obliged to protect it,” said Minister Abdikadir.
He further urged Somali Security Forces to use the presence of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Forces to decisively defeat Al-Shabaab.
The Minister thanked ATMIS forces for creating an enabling environment where the federal government is able to provide services to the people. He said by curtailing Al-Shabaab terror activities, the government is able to construct administrative structures and other social and economic amenities.
The security meeting was attended by Hon. Nuur Siidow Baba; Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs, Dahir Abdulahi, Minister of Public Works, Dr. Libaan Osman, Barawe District Commissioner, Unit Commanders from SNA, Police and ATMIS, among others.
The delegation later inspected and laid a foundation stone at the site for the construction of the South West Federal State House.
DR Congo’s Soukous’s maestro Awilo Longomba and Afrigo Band joined Stanbic Uganda staff and clients in a symbolic tree planting campaign. The Campaign is aimed at raising awareness on the urgent need to conserve the environment, ahead of the weekend’s much anticipated ‘Legends of Sound’ concert.
Speaking to the press shortly after planting a fruit tree, Awilo said: “we need a beautiful environment to enjoy our beautiful music, therefore we must all join efforts to conserve our nature. I therefore thank Stanbic Bank for leading this effort in Uganda.” “Awilo and Afrigo are legends of music who are also rendering their platforms to raise awareness on the urgent need to save our climate through tree planting efforts, as Stanbic Bank Uganda, we thank them and call on all Ugandans to join support efforts to preserve the environment in their respective communities,” said Diana Ondoga, the Manager Corporate Social Investment at Stanbic Bank.
Awilo is in Uganda to perform at the ‘Legends of Sound’ concert organized to celebrate 48 years of Afrigo Band this Saturday at the Sheraton Hotel Gardens in Kampala. Speaking to the press, Philip Otim, Stanbic Bank’s Brand and Marketing Manager said “we are pleased to partner with Talent Africa Group to put these two legends of sound Awilo and Afrigo, on the same stage, this weekend.
“We love supporting the passions of our people that is why we invest in sports, music, and arts in general. To this end, we have innovated around these passions. We have created FlexiPay, our flagship digital payments solution that enables you to enjoy these- passions for less. This weekend, you will enjoy the full suite of benefits that comes with using Flexipay.” he said.
Njeru Police station has registered a tragic accident that occurred at 05:20 AM on August 4th, 2023, at Kitigoma village along the Jinja-Kampala highway in Buikwe District which claimed the lives of two people.
SP Butoto Hellen, PRO Ssezibwa Region said that the accident involved two motor vehicles with registration numbers UBB 716F (Fuso Fighter) and UAY 077A/UAY 928A (Fuel Tank).
The Fuso driver and turn-man lost their lives in the accident and their bodies are being removed from the truck. Meanwhile, the driver of the fuel tank and turn man has been rushed to Jinja Hospital in critical condition for medical treatment.
“According to preliminary findings, the Fuso Fighter with registration No.UBB 716F, driven by a yet to be identified person, was traveling from Jinja towards Kampala when it veered into the lane of oncoming traffic from Kampala, colliding with the M/Benz Fuel Tank vehicle (registration No. UAY 077A/UAY 928A) heading towards Jinja,” Butoto said.
He added, “Both motor vehicles are still at the scene, waiting towing, while inquiries are being conducted.”
Police urged all road users to prioritize road safety and avoid reckless driving.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his ban on the exportation of unprocessed timber in Uganda.
“I said nobody should export timber which is unprocessed. So if you are a furniture maker that is what you want. Keep the timber and make the furniture here. So, if you want to export, you export the furniture, not the timber,” President Museveni said.
The President revealed this yesterday during the closure of a 2-day 4th Bi-Annual CEO Retreat held at Kiira Vehicle plant in Jinja. Organized by the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) aimed at highlighting the private sector’s driving role in the country’s development.
The National Policy Committee in Environment had earlier resolved to ban the export of timber and canceled all licenses and permits issued in this regard as a way of protecting the environment. This followed President Museveni’s directive of 21st June 2023 instructing the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabanja to reverse the worrying trend of deforestation.
During the same meeting, President Museveni suggested that Uganda should also persuade the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to also ban the importation of timber to Uganda in order to make his exportation ban gain traction.
“Now when it is coming from Congo, I think we should also persuade our Congolese friends to make furniture because that will be a loophole. They will take out timber claiming that it’s coming from Congo. That lack of vision is what I cannot support. State House which we built in 2007, the furniture there is all imported, can you imagine? That is why I questioned the Comptroller who that time was there asking how they could allow us to sit on imported furniture,” the President explained.
“You don’t make a plane, you don’t make a computer, you don’t make medicine, you can’t even make furniture, and what do you do? What sort of people are these? Then you say, we are experts, experts of what? Ignorance? So that is why I cannot support the export of timber and import furniture. Convert the timber into furniture and export the furniture to those who don’t have trees. You can imagine people are importing furniture from Dubai, a desert.”
On the issue of taxation on imported raw materials, President Museveni said the raw material should come in Uganda tax free as long as it is not produced here.
“But if we have it here, why do you undermine us and how about intermediate products like the steel billets? But we shall discuss all that. Rt Hon. Rebecca will follow it up and we shall discuss it,” he assured.
On the other hand, the President commended the organizers of the retreat, saying they play a very important role in developing Uganda.
“The PCF retreat is a very good attempt, and I will always attend whenever organized because I always get free consultancy. Why would I refuse free consultancy? I have to be happy with them for helping me,” he said.
He also asked Ugandans to support UPDF’s National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), explaining that it has the capacity to help the country build an independent, integrated and self-sustaining economy.
“I want to thank Lt. Gen James Mugira, the Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation and his group. You can see that your children are educated, they have all the capacity but the problem has been the backup. They are not utilized so if the whole system wakes up and understands our original point number 5 of building an independent integrated, self-sustaining economy, they will do it, these people are educated. We already have a very educated workforce, but they don’t have any backup,” President Museveni said.
Running under the theme: “Uganda’s Industrialisation Agenda: Positioning Uganda as a net source of E-mobility Solutions in Africa”, the event was attended by over 300 business leaders, government executives, investors and scientists.
L-R - Belinda Namutebi, Rosemary Iwanu Mutyabule, Charles Mudiwa, dfcu Bank CEO and Dr. Gudula Naiga Basaza, new Chairperson WBAC pose for a picture during the meet & greet at Golden Tulip Hotel.
Dfcu Bank has announced the appointment of its Women in Business Advisory Council (WBAC) with a new chairperson and two Council esteemed members. The council will continue to play a crucial role in providing strategic advice to the Bank’s management, ensuring that the dfcu Women in Business program remains relevant and impactful in today’s ever-changing environment.
The reconstituted Women in Business Advisory Council include Dr. Gudula Naiga Basaza as the Chairperson, alongside Belinda Namutebi and Rosemary Iwanu Mutyabule. This announcement was made during an exclusive meet & greet event organized by the bank at Golden Tulip Hotel, ahead of their new term.
Established in 2012 by the dfcu Board of Directors, the Women in Business Advisory Council is a trailblazing initiative, making dfcu Bank the first financial institution to constitute such a council. The all-female council brings a diverse range of expertise, enabling them to provide valuable insights and support to the bank in strategy formulation, with a specific focus on gender-oriented approaches.
The primary goal of the dfcu Women in Business program is to build the capacity and enhance the skills of women entrepreneurs, enabling them to make informed decisions and thrive in their businesses. Additionally, the council aims to foster a conducive environment that addresses the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
Charles Mudiwa, the CEO of dfcu Bank, expressed his excitement about this reappointment, recognizing it as a significant milestone to bolster support for the dfcu Women in Business Program. He emphasized that the program goes beyond financial aid and offers various opportunities for women’s growth and development.
“As an advocate for women-focused programs throughout my career, I understand the immense impact they can have. Women are catalysts of change, and the dfcu Women in Business program presents us with the opportunity to support and empower more women entrepreneurs,” Mudiwa said.
Mudiwa further stated, “We eagerly look forward to collaborating with the WBAC members to promote various women initiatives, provide mentorships, training, and tailored financial solutions to empower the next generation of women entrepreneurs.”
Ruth Asasira, the Manager of Women in Business and Special Programs at dfcu Bank highlighted the pivotal role played by the Women in Business program in fostering a community of entrepreneurial women who support each other to achieve their personal and financial goals, backed by the Bank’s unwavering support.
The reappointed WBAC council, serving from 1st August 2023, for a term of two (2) years, will play a crucial role in establishing new partnerships and deepening existing ones, aiming to create an inclusive and empowering environment for women entrepreneurs in Uganda.
