Tallinn, Estonia – In a captivating keynote address at a prestigious global eGovernment Conference, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, mesmerized the audience with a visionary discourse on how cooperation between governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia can foster innovation in the public sector, while advocating for digital innovation as a catalyst for social and economic transformation.

The eGovernment Conference is a top-tier global conference focused on exploring the potential of cooperation between governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia in fostering innovation within the public sector.

Amidst an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement, Dr. Zawedde passionately advocated for digital innovation as a catalyst for profound social and economic transformation in Uganda. With unwavering conviction, she highlighted that true digitization could only be achieved by working collectively to develop and implement innovative e-governance policies that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.

During the enthralling address, Dr. Aminah emphasized that the responsibility for Uganda’s development did not solely rest on the shoulders of the Government. Rather, it necessitated the active participation and collaboration of the private sector, development partners, and academia. By uniting these stakeholders, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance aims to leverage its highly skilled ICT labor force and create a favorable environment for investment and growth.

Dr. Aminah’s speech left the audience inspired and motivated, as she unveiled a vision where Uganda emerges as a beacon of digital transformation and progressive Governance across Africa. Her profound declaration resonated throughout the event, echoing the sentiment that the nation stood ready and eager to welcome global partners, investors, and innovators.

Drawing from the vibrant landscape of Uganda’s burgeoning digital ecosystem, Dr. Zawedde illuminated the extraordinary potential for meaningful digital transformation. By embracing digital innovation, the country aspired to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, enhance service delivery, and empower its citizens with technology-driven solutions.

As the event drew to a close, Dr. Aminah’s resounding message reverberated through the hearts and minds of attendees. Her impassioned plea for cooperation among governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia underscored the transformative power that lies within collective action.

With the Dr. Aminah’s call to action still reverberating, Uganda unveiled itself as an enticing destination for global investment and collaboration. The nation’s highly skilled ICT labor force, combined with its commitment to fostering innovation, positioned it as a compelling prospect for those seeking to make a sustainable impact in Africa.

As the event concluded, the resolute invitation remained clear: Uganda, with its fervor for progress and dedication to cooperation, eagerly welcomed the global audience to come and invest in a nation poised to lead the way in digital transformation and inclusive change.

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Patients that had sought for treatment at Medipal International Hospital were thrown into panic when management of the building that houses that medical facility decided to close it over accumulated rent arrears.

Tembo Steels Uganda Ltd through Securex private security company closed Hospital.

The proprietors of the building are demanding more than Shs1.8 billion outstanding rent since mid-2022. Securex security guards have reportedly left one entry and exit point for both patients and medics at the facility.

“Our client has given us strict instructions. He has instructed these security people,” landlord’s lawyers said before they had a short meeting inside the health facility.

The hospital is reportedly having no clients as many would be patients haven’t flocked the medical facility for treatment.

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KAMPALA-Veteran Journalist Andrew Mwenda, MP Fox Odoi and nine other activists have petitioned the Constitutional Court challenging the just signed Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023.

Yesterday President Yoweri Museveni passed an Anti-Homosexuality bill into law. The law protects traditional families through prohibition of sexual relationships between people of the same sex, strengthening that country’s capacity to deal with emerging threats to the traditional family, protecting the cherished culture of Uganda and protecting children and youth who are vulnerable to sexual abuse.

Other petitioners include; Dr. Busingye Kabumba, a lecturer of Law at Makerere University; Dr. Frank Mugisha, the Coordinator of Sexual Minorities Uganda-SMUG; Solome Nakaweesi Kimbugwe; Eric Ndawula;  Richard Smith Luthimbo, the Executive Director of Uganda Key Populations Consortium-UKPC; Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, former Executive Director of Freedom and Roam Uganda-FARUG, Williams Apako, the Executive Director of Tranz Network Uganda and Adrian Juuko, the Executive Director Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum –HPRAF who is also a lead lawyer.

The petitioners claimed that the act was passed without meaningful public participation. During the hearings of the committee, and during the time when the bill was under discussion, no single LGBTI person was invited to appear before the committee yet the law affects them directly.

“During the second and third reading of the bill on March 21 2023 and May 2, 2023, the speaker Anita Among’s conduct showed bias yet she is supposed to be impartial while handling parliamentary sessions. The bill is blatantly unconstitutional,” Juuko said.

The petitioners contended that section 11(1) and 2(b) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 by criminalizing the publication, communication or distribution of any material that promotes or encourages homosexuality is in contravention of the principle of legality, freedoms of speech and expression, freedoms of thought, conscience and belief including academic freedom, the right to impart and access and receive information.

Further that section 12 of the Act by prohibiting and disqualifying persons convicted of an offence of homosexuality from employment is in contravention with the right to practice one’s profession or carry on lawful trade, right to equality and Nondiscrimination.

They therefore want the court to quash the entire act and issue an injunction stopping its implementation.

The Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2014 was passed by Parliament on December 20, 2013 with life in prison substituted for the death penalty. Whereas it was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni on February 24, 2014, the Constitutional Court on August 1,2014 annulled the law citing that it was passed without the required quorum in the House.

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KAMPALA-Amnesty International has said that the signing of Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 is a grave assault on human rights and the Constitution of Uganda.

Yesterday, President Yoweri Museveni signed Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 into an Act following his decision to return it to parliament for scrutiny.

The Bill aims at among others protecting traditional families by prohibiting sexual relationships between people of the same sex, strengthening that country’s capacity to deal with emerging threats to the traditional family, protecting the cherished culture of Uganda and protecting children and youth who are vulnerable to sexual abuse.

Flavia Mwangovya, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director said the signing of the bill was a desperately dark day for LGBTI rights and for Uganda. The signing of this deeply repressive law is a grave assault on human rights and the Constitution of Uganda and the regional and international human rights instruments to which Uganda is a party.

She said the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023 will do nothing other than enshrine discrimination, hatred and prejudice against LGBTI Ugandans and their allies into law. It’s unconscionable that they risk losing their lives, their freedom, their privacy, their freedom of expression and their ability to live free from discrimination.

“Amnesty International has repeatedly called for this egregious legislation to be scrapped. As we wait for the Bill to come into force. Amnesty International urges the international community to urgently put pressure on the Ugandan government to protect the rights of LGBTI persons in the country. We stand in solidarity with Ugandan LGBTI communities, and all Ugandans affected by this hateful legislation.” she said.

On March 12, 2023, the Ugandan Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, with 387 out of 389 MPs voting in favour. On 21 April 2023, Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni refused to sign into law the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023, sending it back to Parliament in Uganda for reconsideration of several clauses. On May 2, 341 MPs voted for the amended bill and sent it back to President Museveni who assented to it earlier today.

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