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ZTE and Smartfren Business strengthen collaboration to drive network infrastructure market development 

By
Our Reporter
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ZTE

Jakarta, Indonesia – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, and Smartfren Business, the leading telecommunications service provider in Indonesia for both retail and corporate sectors, have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership aims to reinforce their commitment to driving the development of the network infrastructure market. 

The MoU was signed by Musa Gan, Sales Director of ZTE Indonesia, and Alim Gunadi, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of Smartfren Business, during the ZTE Day 2023 event in Jakarta. 

The collaboration aims to provide customized and scalable solutions that specifically address the unique requirements of government and enterprises, thereby facilitating their digital transformation goals. 

By leveraging their combined expertise, ZTE and Smartfren Business will provide cutting-edge solutions that actively drive the transformation of network infrastructure in Indonesia.

Musa Gan, Sales Director of ZTE Indonesia, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Smartfren Business as it marks a significant milestone in our joint pursuit of network infrastructure market development. Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage our respective strengths and expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of government and enterprises. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing advanced technology solutions that empower institutions and businesses.”

Alim Gunadi, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of Smartfren Business, said, “Smartfren Business is delighted and grateful for ZTE’s support in developing network infrastructure and providing the latest network solutions. With this collaboration, Smartfren Business is committed to providing advanced solutions to meet the needs of government and enterprises in achieving digital transformation goals, while expanding service coverage throughout Indonesia.”

This partnership represents a significant stride towards building a more interconnected and technologically advanced future. Together, ZTE and Smartfren Business aspire to introduce the advantages of advanced technologies to the Indonesian market, promote digital inclusion, and stimulate economic growth in the country. 

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Uganda cash consortium receives €6m funding from European Union

By
Our Reporter
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The Uganda Cash Consortium (UCC), led by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), has received €6 Million grant from the EU’s Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) to provide cash-based assistance across targeted refugee settlements in Uganda.

Through this funding, the UCC will support at least 62,000 of the most vulnerable individuals within settlements in the Southwest (Kyaka II, Kyangwali, Rwamwanja, Nakivale, Oruchinga), Mid-West (Kiryandongo), West Nile (Imvepi, Rhino Camp, Bidi Bidi, Lobule, Palorinya) and North (Adjumani, Palabek) regions of Uganda.

As part of the UCC’s intervention, more than 44,000 refugee community members will benefit from unconditional multi-purpose cash assistance designed to assist individuals and households to meet their most immediate needs. The assistance will be provided monthly over the course of five months, with a potential sixth cash transfer, and through a digital mechanism. 

The UCC is also scaling up the referral mechanism to better link to and assist referred beneficiaries from other agencies across the settlements.

The referral mechanism is also open to protection partners, able to identify individuals with high protection risks, and whereby the complementary cash assistance will reduce or eliminate the protection risk. Cash will also be provided to over 18,000 children and adolescents, including approximately 1,300 Ugandan nationals, who are currently out of school or at risk of dropping out. This sectorial cash assistance will be provided termly for Term 2 and 3 in 2023, all three terms in 2024, and Term 1 in 2025.

“The UCC has been providing cash assistance since March 2019, observing the positive outcomes of the support in the most vulnerable communities. The DRC is grateful to the EU for responding to the most urgent basic needs of the most socio-economically vulnerable refugees,” said Anna Maria Trzcinska, the Uganda Cash Consortium Manager.

She said people of concern face challenges in Uganda as the funding is drastically decreasing. Humanitarian actors also need to do more with less. One added value of the UCC is the strong focus on cost efficiency; 75% of the entire budget goes to beneficiaries. The DRC, with the partner LWF, are committed to continuing their effort in supporting the most vulnerable in meeting their basic needs and enrolling or retaining pupils in school.

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Court okays implementation of Intelligent Transport Monitoring System

By
Our Reporter
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The Court of Appeal has dismissed an application which sought to block the implementation of the intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS).

In July 2021, the Government signed a 10 year contract with the firm to provide digital vehicle trackers for motor vehicles and motorcycles in a bid to curb insecurity.

The proposal was first introduced by President Museveni in his 10 point security measure in the wake of gun violence in the country that saw several Ugandans killed in 2018. The intelligent Transport Monitoring System is set to be rolled out in July. 

In 2021, Legal Brains Trust (Lbt) Ltd through its lawyers led by Stanely Oketcho petition court seeking for a declaration that the presidential directives cabinet resolution and approval by the Attorney General, agreements, contracts, statutory instruments through which government of Uganda purportedly engaged or otherwise authorized a Russian Company, Joint Stock Company Global Security to execute a programme of compulsory digital surveillance of all motor vehicles, motorcycles and other vessels in Uganda, violate or threaten to violate a bundle of fundamental rights.

High Court injudiciously denied the Applicant the remedy of a temporary injunction and instead cleared the government to go on with the implementation of the programme. Legal Brains Trust did not relent, they appealed against the court decision.

In his ruling justice said the Applicant has not demonstrated the injury they are likely to suffer if the ITMS is implemented. 

“I am inclined to agree with the Respondent’s counsel submission that the implementation of the Intelligent Transport Monitoring System will only require persons who own cars to obtain new number plates that are embedded with digital tracking capacities,” he ruled.

“The application is dismissed. The costs of this application shall abide by the outcome of the appeal,” he ruled.

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Deputy Speaker Tayebwa:  Why is Africa not represented at the UN Security Council?

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called for the reservation of two permanent seats for African countries to present their issues on the UN Security Council.

Speaking at the 63rd Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) – European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly u in Brussels, Tayebwa said that it is a shame that Africa, which is three times bigger than Europe, is not represented at the UN Security Council.

Tayebwa also called for the African Union to be given a more significant voice at the UN’s International Peace and Security Organization.

He said Uganda and her friendly countries would press for Africa to have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

“The Security Council has been reduced to settling quarrels between big states and superpowers but when it came to the invasion of Africa, specifically, the invasion of Libya, you did all you could and you made a mess. Now you have seen one of your own, whom you considered an ally in the Security Council, what he has done to one of your European countries and you’re waking up. Maybe we need more of these examples for you to wake up,” Tayebwa said, adding that if the invasion of Ukraine by Russia had been done much earlier, “you would have listened to us much earlier”.

Tayebwa explained that Security Council membership where European countries have three out of the five seats since 1947 has no standing in any modern society

“There are no permanent members from Latin America or Africa, and China is the only Asian member. That damages the legitimacy of the Security Council if it is seen as a forum dominated by the West and Great Powers, where the Global South and smaller states are marginalized,” Tayebwa said, telling the assembly president that: “this has no standing in any modern society. We can’t continue living in the era of 1945 before most of us were born,” he added.

At several AU assemblies, Uganda has asked African countries not to accept anything less at the UN Security Council reforms, until the continent is granted at least two permanent seats.

Uganda’s position is that like the rest of other developing regions of the world are not asking for favors when they demand adequate representation. He said it was “obvious” that reforms will make the global body inclusive and relevant to the current realities.

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Over 2000 entrepreneurs benefit from GIZ E4D, Stanbic Incubator training

By
Our Reporter
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Over 2000 entrepreneurs that participated in various training modules to equip them with relevant business skills at the Stanbic Accelerator Program between January 2022 and April 2023, graduated on June 23.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at hotel Africana, Stanbic Business Incubator’s Chief Executive Tony Otoa said, “Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) are universally regarded as key engines of economic growth. Therefore, SBIL is closely supporting SMEs to access the financial services and skills they need to grow and thrive.”

He added that the goal is to see Uganda’s small businesses improve their operations and profits and create new jobs and business opportunities for women and youth.

Otoa noted that the training emphasized three key areas namely; access to markets, access to finance and business operational skills, all of which are necessary for the growth of MSMEs. “SBIL will continue supporting entrepreneurs to exploit their potential in various ways through networking, connecting them to market platforms and guiding them on how to be competitive locally and internationally,” Otoa said.

SBIL developed the EDP in 2018, supporting 190 SMEs in Kampala by building their capacity to actively participate in Uganda’s natural resource sector.

In 2019, the SBIL received funding from the GIZ Employment and Skills for Development in Africa (E4D) programme to enable expansion of the Enterprise Development Programme (EDP) to support SMEs in Gulu and Mbarara districts to become more competitive, attain sustainable growth and create jobs.

Based on the promising results recorded by E4D in 2019, a new partnership was entered in 2021 to further upscale and expand the Incubator’s reach across the country to cover at least 20 districts through four regional branches

Speaking on behalf of the project’s development partners, the GIZ E4D Uganda programme, Team Leader, Donald Agaba mentioned that E4D will continue promoting local employment through capacity development in partnership with the Incubator. He went on to say that the role of MSMEs in a country’s social economic development cannot be downplayed because of their contribution to Gross Domestic Product and to creation of decent jobs. He said, “We have partnered with Stanbic Business Incubator since 2019 and in our recent program evaluations we established that 1400 jobs were created as a result of these trainings”.  Mr. Agaba applauded SBIL for the significant achievements and solid partnership thus far.

During the graduation ceremony, Emma Mugisha, the Head of Business and Commercial at Stanbic Bank, advised entrepreneurs to always seize training opportunities. Ms. Mugisha said that in November 2020, Stanbic Bank launched the Economic Enterprise Restart Fund as a private sector led response to provide affordable funding for key sectors and groups that were most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She added that capacity building and training for SMEs through SBIL has been critical in ensuring faster business recovery and equipping business owners to survive through turbulent economic periods.  She said, “Stanbic Uganda Holdings is building an eco-system through its five subsidiaries that include Stanbic Bank, Fly Hub – A Fintech Company, Stanbic business Incubator, Stanbic Properties Limited and SBG securities- an investment firm, to support Entrepreneurs and drive Uganda’s economic growth as well as create networks and collaboratively work with Entrepreneurs”.

The Guest of honor, Aga Ssekalala Jr, a renowned entrepreneur advised on the need to uphold values like honesty, hard work and integrity. He said, “The real success is not in the financial gains but in the positive impact you create as entrepreneurs from the financial gains,’’ and “that’s the success you should embrace,’’ he said.

Cathy Adengo , The head of sustainability Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, said, “We understand the challenges and hardships and we are here to support entrepreneurs in their journey as we drive economic growth.”  She emphasized that, “Sustainability is a critical pillar in the Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited’s agenda through providing easily accessible finance solutions and mentorship to entrepreneurs especially those in the agriculture sector.”

Aisha Mayanja, an EDP graduate and founder, Ewaffe Cultural Village said, “We forced to do market research and competitor’s analysis after the training, these are things we never thought we needed to do. We have been trained on the importance of being compliant and formally registered”

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Health PS reinstates Dr. Byarugaba Baterana back to full salary as he awaits clearance to resume office

By
Simon Kabayo
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Dr Byarugaba Baterana

The Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine has reinstated the interdicted Executive Director of Mulago National Referral Hospital, Dr. Byarugaba Baterana back to full salary as he awaits clearance to resume office.

Dr. Byarugaba Baterana was interdicted in 2022 and detained by officials from the State House Health Monitoring Unit, led by its Director Warren Namara on allegations of mismanagement of the national referral hospital and misappropriation of funds totaling to Shs28.8 billion for the past four financial years.

In a letter dated June 21, 2023, the Dr. Diana Atwine ordered the reinstatement of Dr. Byarugaba Baterana referring to the interdiction letter of March 2, 2022.

“Reference is made to my letter of even reference dated March 2, 2022, under which you were interdicted from duty and put on half pay with effect from 2nd March to pave your way for investigations,” read part of the letter.

Pursuant to Section F-s (15) of the Uganda Public Service Standing Order, 2021, Dr. Atwiine lifted Dr. Byarugaba’s interdiction and reinstated on full pay with effect from March 2, 2022.

“In accordance with Regulation No. 38 (8) of the Public Regulations 2009 and Public Service Commission External circular No. 1/2021 dated September 14, 2021 “the interdiction of the officer shall remain in force until the Public Service Commission has noted the lifting the interdiction”, you shall not therefore assume duties until the health Service Commission has noted the lifting of the interdiction,” read in letter.

The office has since been run by his deputy Dr. Rosemary Byanyima as investigations were going on.

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FDC dismayed by DPP’s discontinuation on prosecution of ministers in stolen iron sheets saga

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has expressed deep concerns regarding the recent decision made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to discontinue the prosecution of ministers and other high-ranking officials involved in the iron sheets saga.

While the party acknowledges the DPP’s authority to close any case, the members firmly believe that this particular case is of utmost public interest, and the party is disheartened by the outcome.

“There exists clear evidence linking these ministers to the possession of the iron sheets in question. In fact, some ministers have even admitted that the iron sheets were found at their residences. As Ugandans who are committed to the fight against corruption, we had hoped that this case, which seemed so straightforward, would be thoroughly investigated and that the senior leaders involved would face prosecution. We believed that a successful prosecution in such a high-profile case would set a precedent for future corruption cases, making them easier to pursue,” FDC stated.

FDC added, “The DPP says that some ministers were compelled to return the iron sheets, and this raises further questions. Why would they return something they never took in the first place? The iron sheets were initially taken into government stores, marked as exhibits, yet now we are told that there is insufficient evidence. This inconsistency is deeply troubling to us.”

This situation has significant implications, particularly for whistleblowers who take the risk of coming forward with information. If individuals who expose corruption are not met with proper prosecution and accountability, it can deter others from stepping forward in the future.

The party further stated that it is only this time when they saw the collaborative efforts of anti-corruption institutions such as the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Inspectorate of Government (IGG), and Statehouse Anti-Corruption Unit and they thought they would do something, only to be ultimately told that the individuals under investigation had no case to answer.

“This not only undermines the faith of the public but also puts whistleblowers at greater risk,” FDC revealed.

FDC has urged the DPP to reconsider this decision and revisit the evidence and these officials are held accountable for their actions

“We have continuously told the country that Mr. Museveni and his government lacks the commitment to effectively combat corruption, because a significant majority, approximately 90%, of corrupt officials are either personally connected to or have familial ties with Mr. Museveni. That is why we are finding one individual being bigger than an institution,” the party noted.

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Wafula Oguttu’s wife loses a fight to cancer

By
Our Reporter
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Mrs Alice Nabugembe Oguttu.

Mrs Alice Nabugembe Oguttu, the wife of Wafula Oguttu, former Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Uganda and MP emeritus for Bukooli Central, Bugiri District, has passed away.

Mrs Wafula has battled cancer for a long time.

According to funeral arrangements, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 there will be a Vigil at their Home in Ntinda starting from 5:30pm.

The family has also planned for a funeral service at St. Luke Church of Uganda in Ntinda on Thursday June 29, 2023 at 10:00am.

And there after body and family will depart for Bugiri where she will be laid to rest on July 1, 2023, at Sanika village, Nsono Parish, Nankoma sub-county.

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Death toll at Lhubiriha Secondary School shoots up

By
Our Reporter
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CP Enanga

THE death toll at Lhubiriha Secondary School has risen to 44 following the terror attack. The revelation was made by Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson.

On June 16, criminals suspected to be Allied Democratic Force (ADF) attacked Mpondwe at Lhubiliriha Secondary School in Nyabugando Parish, Karambi SubCounty in Kasese District. The attack led to the death of 42 people including 37 students.

Police has since nabbed over 20 people in connection with Lhubiriha secondary school attack in Kasese including the Director as well as the Headmaster of the school to help in investigations.

“We do reiterate that there is no justification for terrorism whatsoever, more so on innocent schoolchildren and civilians. It is a cowardly act and reprehensible,” he said earlier today.

At least four of the five abducted children have since returned to their homes. Several parents are yet to receive bodies of their children who perished in the dormitory which was set ablaze.

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URA to engage and listen to manufacturers over challenges on tax compliance

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Uganda Revenue Authority-URA has rallied manufacturers and is willing to listen to manufacturers who are facing several challenges on tax compliance.

Sarah Chelangat, Commissioner Domestic Taxes General revealed this while presiding over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Uganda Supermarket Owners Association (USOA) and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) on Friday.

Chelangat, who oversaw the signing together with David Bahati, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Industry), said the tax body maintains an open-door policy and urged the traders in attendance to make use of it.

“We want to engage and listen to you; all doors are open; it’s our core mandate to educate and sensitize taxpayers,” Chelangat said.

She also commended the work being done by manufacturers and supermarket owners in promoting Uganda’s economy. This, she said, is boosting the country’s GDP. She encouraged them to keep track of their transactions to expedite the refund process.

In his remarks, the Honorable Minister called for a brain shift among manufacturers, asking them to start producing and selling to the greater African market under what he termed as shifting from BUBU to BABA, “Buy Africa and Build Africa.”

“Today, Uganda has 46 million people; in 2050, we shall be at 100 million people, but as a continent, Africa has 2 billion, and by 2050, the population is projected to be 2.5 billion. “How about we prepare to serve such a wide market rather than concentrating on Buy Uganda, Build Uganda alone?” Bahati cautioned.

Bahati tasked URA and UNBS to ensure fast business facilitation processes, especially for VAT refunds.

“If you delay someone’s refund, this money could have been used for reproduction, hence increasing economic growth, ” Bahati said.

Dr. Dan Tindiwensi, Chairperson of the Supermarket Owners Association, applauded URA for the new direction of engaging taxpayers.

“URA has chosen to listen; Musinguzi’s leadership has really transformed URA; my prayer is that they continue listening.” He asked for changes to the withholding tax saying it challenges distributors.

The MOU signed between the two entities is aimed at harmonizing their working relationship, promoting locally manufactured goods, and having standardized dealings with the URA.

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