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Gender based violence needs more attention than anti-gay bill-activists

According to the 2022  annual Police Crime report, Uganda registered  a staggering 17,698 cases of domestic violence which was higher than the previous year that saw 17,533 cases registered.

Out of these cases registered last over 14,000 cases were sex-related cases which human rights activists say needs urgent attention because it’s threatening family cohesion and spreading HIV/AIDS.

Tina Mwebaze, a human rights activist says Gender and Sexual-Based Violence is one of the main drivers of HIV/AIDS in Uganda and is threatening marriages and families in Uganda. 

She said effective HIV prevention policies need to pay attention to victims of SGBV. “This is a very a big challenge that needs more attention than anti-gay law which has been given more  and unnecessary attention,” she said. 

She said more than 50 cases of Gender based violence are registered everyday but ” we don’t see much effort and enthusiasm from the state actors to end this vice. I wish the same energy, time and resources put to fight the gay community can be used to end this violence”

She said there was no need to introduce the new anti-gay bill which parliament passed three weeks ago because it was already covered under the Penal Code. 

According to the statistics from the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, the government loses over sh18b as health treatment costs as a result of domestic violence and its effects.

The Uganda police also loses shs19bn to fight practice and the local governments lose shs12b to fight the same problem.  Ms Mwebaze says this huge amount of money spent to fight Sexual and Gender Based Violence would have been used to build schools and hospitals if there were strong preventive laws like Witness Protection Bill 2015 which has been in the offing for more than seven years. 

It’s hard to quantify the implications of the SGBV on HIV/AIDS but Ms Mwebaze ” it must be immense”.   According to the 2011 Uganda AIDS Indicators Survey done with  12,153 women and 9588 men showed that SGBV significantly increases the likelihood of HIV infection, with victims having 34%, 1.34 [1.06–1.70] higher odds than non-victims. 

Ms Mwebaze says:  ” Government should have focused more on this[ SGBV] more than some of these new laws which are hurriedly passed because of conservative religious and cultural beliefs,” she said. 

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NCHE breaks silence about expired courses

Mary Okwakol

The National Course for Higher Education (NCHE) has revealed that the higher education institutions have not communicated any deletion, merge of teaching programmes. The revelation was made by Prof Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of NCHE.

Earlier this week, NCHE released a list of expired courses in various teaching institutions. The release of the list came shortly after several foreign universities rejected degrees obtained by Ugandan students, noting that the courses they pursued are expired or outdated.

Prof Mary Okwakol said the expiry of accreditation means that the program means that the program needs re-assessment to establish whether the key aspects upon which the accreditation as granted are still in place. No program will receive this label once the institutions conform to the requirements for reassignment.

 “Programs which require re-assignment are required to submit them before the end of November. NCHE assures the public and stakeholders around the world that qualification of graduates on programmes that received prior accreditation in accordance with NCHE minimum standards and regulations,” She said.

She said in the process of program review some higher institutions found it necessary to delete from offer, merge or improve the accredited programmes but the changes ought to be communicated to the NCHE for appropriate update of the programme data base of the NCHE.

She said qualifications awarded by Higher Educational institutions in Uganda are highly regarded both at home and abroad. Graduates from these institutions continue to receive international admissions, recognitions and acclaim.

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Ugandan Matsanga writes to ICC Chief Prosecutor over Putin’s indictment

Writer of the article David Matsanga.

Ugandan Matsanga writes to ICC Chief Prosecutor over Putin’s indictment

Ugandan peace maker, David Matsanga has written to the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court questioning the rational used in issuing a warrant of arrest against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

David Matsanga who isn’t strange to ICC matters says an attempt to arrest Putin puts regional and global peace at stake. In his stamped petition which Eagle Online has seen, Matsanga insists peace must be given first priority.

“Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I am writing this letter to alert you of your obnoxious warrant of Arrest against one Party in a Conflict between Ukraine / Russia. This is a pattern that ICC has used in all cases it has handled since its inception. Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I am not a Communist neither a capitalist. As a NON-ALIGNED Pan African who seeks peace, I must state that the world is staring at a World War that could be sparked by your obnoxious, flawed warrant of Arrest that was issued early this year on Russian leadership”. Matsanga wrote.

Matsanga said in order to prevent an aggravation of the situation, the Security Council may, before making the recommendations or deciding upon the measures provided for in Article 39, call upon the parties concerned to comply with such provisional measures as it deems necessary or desirable.

Matsanga previously helped the Kenyan situation in 2007 post violence period when Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto who were presidential candidate and running mate accordingly were referred to the same court but under his networks, Matsanga managed to collapse the case at the Hague.

Below is the soft copy of the petition

24th May 2023

The Chief Prosecutor

International Criminal Court

The Hague

Netherlands

Dear Chief Prosecutor,

RE: PRESIDENT PUTIN’S WARRANT OF ARREST A THREAT TO REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL PEACE

Mr. Chief Prosecutor Greetings of Peace.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I am writing this letter to alert you of your obnoxious warrant of Arrest against one Party in a Conflict between Ukraine / Russia. This is a pattern that ICC has used in all cases it has handled since its inception.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I am not a COMMUNIST NEITHER A CAPITALIST. As a NON-ALIGNED Pan African who seeks peace, I must state that the world is staring at a World War that could be sparked by your obnoxious, flawed warrant of Arrest that was issued early this year on Russian leadership.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I have attached the United Nations Charter, Chapter VII:

Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression

Article 39

The Security Council shall determine the existence of any threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression and shall make recommendations, or decide what measures shall be taken in accordance with Articles 41 and 42, to maintain or restore international peace and security.

Article 40

In order to prevent an aggravation of the situation, the Security Council may, before making the recommendations or deciding upon the measures provided for in Article 39, call upon the parties concerned to comply with such provisional measures as it deems necessary or desirable.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, such provisional measures shall be without prejudice to the rights, claims, or position of the parties concerned. The Security Council shall duly take account of failure to comply with such provisional measures.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor the above explains what can trigger war. I must state here that I was in Rome at in the Hall in 1998 at the inception of the Rome Statute. I can call myself a defender of Peace and public defender of peace.

Furthermore, I can state that my past engagements with ICC in the Kenyan and African plus many other correspondences to the ICC regarding the African cases speaks volumes.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, the truth is that I EXPOSED ICC mafia tactics of how they flawed its own investigations, indictments, its own procedure, how ICC bought witnesses and how corruption destroyed the CREDIBILITY of the ALTAR of International Justice.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I would like to give notice to the OTP that I intend to serve you personally with a petition through the appeal chamber V of the ICC with my objection to the procedure that was followed in the issuance arrest warrants.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor depending on the INFORMATION that you PROVIDE IN REPLY from you on HOW, WHEN, and WHY you decided to apply to the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber to issue a warrant of arrest for RUSSIANS and NOT UKRAINIANS.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I will decide as to whether I proceed and present to the PRESIDENT OF THE ICC & APPEAL CHAMBER V asking them to determine as to whether you erred in the indictment and issuance of Arrest Warrants against President Putin of Russia & Others.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I want to tell YOU and others that I don’t support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine neither do I support NATO’s invasion of Russia via Ukraine. I am not a Communist neither a Capitalist but a world PEACE maker. ICC was not created to take sides on matters of international law but the dispense international Justice.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, on this matter my understanding of the Rome Statute and procedure is that you MIGHT have overlooked Article 13 (b) or ACTED under POLITICAL PRESSURE from the USA and other States because there is no evidence to show that the right PROCEDURE was followed. Therefore, it NULLIFIES &VOIDS the ARREST WARRANTS that were issued against President Putin & Others.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, in all YOUR cases (SITUATIONS) in AFRICA and elsewhere that are before the COURT there is one simple factor or one COMMON DENOMINATOR where OTP always indicts ONE SIDE of the Conflict or war.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I cite the 1998 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court which states in

Article 13(b)

Exercise of jurisdiction

The Court may exercise its jurisdiction with respect to a crime referred to in article 5 in accordance with the provisions of this Statute if:

(b) A situation in which one or more of such crimes appears to have been committed is referred to the Prosecutor by the Security Council acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations; or

Article 15

Article 15 (1) (2) (3) (5) (6) (8) (9) (10)-(1,2,3,4,5)

Exercise of jurisdiction over the crime of aggression (State referral, proprio motu)

1. The Court may exercise jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in accordance with Article 13, paragraphs (a) and (c), subject to the provisions of this article.

2. The Court may exercise jurisdiction only with respect to crimes of aggression committed one year after the ratification or acceptance of the amendments by thirty States Parties.

3. The Court shall exercise jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in accordance with this article, subject to a decision to be taken after 1 January 2017 by the same majority of States Parties as is required for the adoption of an amendment to the Statute.

5. In respect of a State that is not a party to this Statute, the Court shall not exercise its jurisdiction over the crime of aggression when committed by that State’s nationals or on its territory.

6. Where the Prosecutor concludes that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation in respect of a crime of aggression, he or she shall first ascertain whether the Security Council has made a determination of an act of aggression committed by the State concerned. The Prosecutor shall notify the United Nations Secretary-General of the situation before the Court, including any relevant information and documents.

7. Where the Security Council has made such a determination, the Prosecutor may proceed with the investigation in respect of a crime of aggression.

8. Where no such determination is made within six months after the date of notification, the Prosecutor may proceed with the investigation in respect of a crime of aggression, provided that the Pre-Trial Division has authorized the commencement of the investigation in respect of a crime of aggression in accordance with the procedure contained in article 15, and the Security Council has not decided otherwise in accordance with article16.

9. A determination of an act of aggression by an organ outside the Court shall be without prejudice to the Court’s own findings under this Statute.

10. This article is without prejudice to the provisions relating to the exercise of jurisdiction with respect to other crimes referred to in Article 5. Article 15 ter6

Exercise of jurisdiction over the crime of aggression (Security Council referral)

1. The Court may exercise jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in accordance with article 13, paragraph (b), subject to the provisions of this article.

2. The Court may exercise jurisdiction only with respect to crimes of aggression committed one year after the ratification or acceptance of the amendments by thirty States Parties.

3. The Court shall exercise jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in accordance with this article, subject to a decision to be taken after 1 January 2017 by the same majority of States Parties as is required for the adoption of an amendment to the Statute.

4. A determination of an act of aggression by an organ outside the Court shall be without prejudice to the Court’s own findings under this Statute.

5. This article is without prejudice to the provisions relating to the exercise of jurisdiction with respect. Let the courts decide.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, based on my vast experience on the question of international politics, international law and the workings of the International Criminal Court (ICC), I am aware that the court does not only deal with criminal cases of the nature provided in the statute but also handles its business based on the geopolitics of the day.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, this request of CLARITY & WRITTEN EVIDENCE of LETTERS and REPLIES from the UN Secretary-General on the above matter of Russia will enable me to go a step higher in finding out as whether you acted on political pressure or simply acted on mob hysteria style that killed Jesus some 2000 years ago. This does not erase the fact that innocent people have died on both sides of the WAR.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, I quote your own words between 17 March 2023

Updated 18 March 2023

“Khan pointed out that no one thought Slobodan Milosevic, the Serbian leader who went on trial for war crimes in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo, would end up in The Hague.” Those that feel that you can commit a crime in the daytime, and sleep well at night, should perhaps look at history,” you said after indicting the Russian President.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, the MATERIALS and evidence of your CORRESPONDENCE to and from the UNSC on the matter of AUTHORIZATION to investigate a NON-PARTY STATES LIKE RUSSIA that will help me to address some of the salient features of the geopolitics and the DANGERS THAT COULD TRIGGER A THIRD WORLD WAR.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor by your FAILING to inform the PUBLIC INTERESTS that I represent about the REASONS and the decisions of your OFFICE and the actions taken by YOU to achieve the same will also form the discussion as to WHETHER a lawful PROCEDURE of the Rome Statute was followed in the INDICTMENT of President Putin.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor, from the very outset, I want to make an observation that the DECISION by YOU the Chief Prosecutor of ICC Mr. Karim Khan to indict President Putin of RUSSIA has GRAVE political and GREAT THREATS to Regional and International Peace under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. This could TRIGGER a THIRD WORLD WAR.

Mr. Chief Prosecutor my request is not purely ACADEMIC but very HISTORICAL to STOP A THIRD WORLD WAR that could kill more people than any other wars. My REQUEST is to enable me to decide as to whether there was political instigation by the USA which is a NON-STATE PARTY to the ICC Rome Treaty of 1998.

Finally, Mr. Chief Prosecutor, my letter and my next week’s filing will be to serve humanity. I condemn the slaughter of any human by any forces on earth. I believe you will furnish me with all details of the STEPS you took to prevent further escalation with your warrants of Arrest. Also, indicate to the world any country where Warrants of Arrest have been effective in stopping war.

Thanking Sir

I remain yours

Sincerely

Dr. David Nyekorach -Matsanga

Chairman Pan African Forum (UK) Ltd

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Fly Emirates announces exciting offers for travelers to Dubai

Fly Emirates has announced that travelers planning their summer getaway to Dubai will enjoy a complimentary stay at the iconic 25hours Hotel One Central or Novotel World Trade Centre. The offer started on 22nd May 2023 and will end on 11th June 2023.

People who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class to or stopping over in Dubai, will be able to enjoy a complimentary two-night stay at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. For those travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai.

This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, for travel dates between 26th May 2023 and 31st August 2023. The offer is available on bookings made on emirates.com or Emirates call centre or ticket offices and via participating travel agents, made at least 96 hours in advance of passengers’ arrival. 

Based right next to Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, the 5* 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin culture and design, but with a modernised twist. Lose yourself in a culinary experience from North Indian Cuisines to Bavarian beer across the five amazing in-house restaurants and bars all over the hotel. If you’re looking to relax, travelers can unwind in the Extra Hour Spa, a unique, rooftop sauna that overlooks the stunning city of Dubai.

Located within the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DWTC), Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai, gives off a luxurious yet homely vibe right in the heart of Dubai. Relax by the pool and enjoy signature cocktails and light meals from Chills Pool Bar and cap your adventure off with listening to a live music performance at the soul soothing Blue Bar. Whether travelling alone or as a family, make Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai your place to stay.

Exploring more of Dubai with Emirates, whether it’s cooling down in private pools or enjoying family fun at indoor theme parks and water parks, there is something for every traveler when visiting Dubai this summer. From sun-soaked beaches and cultural activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences for every visitor:

My Emirates Pass: Customers flying to or through Dubai can simply show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to hundreds of retail, leisure, and dining outlets, as well as famous attractions and luxury spas, to enjoy fantastic discounts throughout Dubai and the UAE. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, please visit www.emirates.com/myemiratespass.

Dubai Experience: Customers can browse, create and book their own customised itineraries including flights, hotel stay, visits to key attractions, and other dining and leisure experiences in Dubai and the UAE, through Emirates’ Dubai Experience platform, and enjoy even more unique benefits.

Skywards Partners: Members of Emirates’ award-winning loyalty program, Skywards, can earn Miles with our worldwide partners like hotels, airlines, car rentals, retail and banking. Members can spend these Miles on reward tickets, upgrades, or even tickets for concerts and sports events. Learn more about Emirates Skywards here: https://www.emirates.com/english/skywards/

Emirates Holidays/Vacations: Customers can book their holiday to Dubai through Emirates Holidays. All Emirates Holidays include flexible booking options. Whilst for even more peace of mind, Emirates Holidays’ dedicated 24/7 On Holiday Service team will be there to support holidaymakers for every moment that they’re away.

Emirates has safely restarted operations to more than 130 destinations, across six continents and currently operates 6 flights per week from Uganda to Dubai.

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Amb. Mayega, Dubai Chamber of Commerce resolve to increase Uganda’s trade exports

Amb. Mayega and the President of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce (DCC), Mohammad Lootah. Photo-Eagle Online.

The Consul General of Uganda’s Consulate in Dubai Ambassador Henry Mayega and the President of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce (DCC), Mohammad Lootah have resolved to work towards increasing Uganda’s exports to Dubai.

The two made a resolution during the meeting which was held to review the existing cooperation between the Uganda Chamber of Commerce (UCC) and the progress towards the formation of the Uganda Business Commission in Dubai.

According to UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Trade, UAE’s overall trade with six non-Arab African countries alone (Angola, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa and Tanzania) reached over a whopping $8 billion in 2020. Uganda has since emerged as a UAE trade partner. In 2020, Uganda exported gold worth $3.47 million (Shs12.9 billion) and other products.

 “We resolved that we form a list of bankable projects with their respective profiles and send them to the leadership of the DCC for onward transmission to potential investors who will constitute the visiting team to Uganda next year 2024,” he said.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and other relevant organizations, Mayega said they will file a list of Uganda’s best products including agricultural products in a bid to increase Uganda’s exports to Dubai.

Being a home of various tourist attractions, Mayega said they discussed the prospects of Dubai based private jets being allowed to fly tourists to Entebbe. Tourism is one of the biggest earners of Uganda’s economy.

“We reviewed the plans about establishment of business to business conservations to spur joint ventures between Ugandan and Dubai Emiratis, the aspect of medical tourism where Emirati investors could be sought to invest in the health sector as well as establishing an Arab Cultural Center in Uganda where Emiratis who wish to escape the oppressive summer heat in the Dubai/ UAE would take off time and visit rather than go to more pricey places elsewhere,” he said.

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Police officer shoots himself after failed attempt on his boss’ life

Territorial police in Kassanda are investigating circumstances under which a police constable shot himself dead.

The shooting incident occurred at Makokoto police post Makokoto Sub County in Kassanda District.

Rachael Kawala, the Police spokesperson for Wamala region said the deceased is No.1037 PC Kitiyo Alex, a 47-year old   resident of Makokoto Trading Center, and a police officer attached to Makokota Police post in Kassanda district.

“Preliminary facts indicate that today 24/5/2023 at about 500am at Makokota trading centre Police constable Kitiyo woke up and shot several bullets into the room of his in-charge police post Inspector of police John Kakooza while not talking anything, then he later returned   to his room sat on his bed and shot himself dead,” she said in a statement.

She noted that the scene of crime has been visited and documented by our task team. Relevant statements are being recorded to guide the investigation.

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Uganda’s Elison Karuhanga to discuss EACOP at Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris

Elison Karuhanga, Partner at Kampala Associated Advocates.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has confirmed that Uganda’s Elison Karuhanga, Partner at Kampala Associated Advocates, will speak at the Invest in African Energy Forum next month.

The event will take place at the Westin Paris Vendome in France on the of June 1, where Karuhanga will showcase Uganda’s oil and gas sector and share insights on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), making a strong case for investments into its development.

With a strong focus on litigation and energy law, Karuhanga’s impressive career spans various sectors. Working in the Litigation and Energy Law Department, he has successfully represented numerous local and international clients across diverse industries, including oil and gas, telecommunications, construction, banking, as well as public bodies and government agencies.

His wide-ranging experience has contributed significantly to shaping Uganda’s energy sector and legal landscape.

Karuhanga ‘s specialized expertise as an Oil and Gas lawyer, coupled with his LLM (Oil and Gas Law) from the University of Aberdeen, has equipped him with a profound understanding of the intricacies of the energy industry.

His active involvement in the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators has further expanded his knowledge and network within the sector. Moreover, his membership in GOXI, a program within the World Bank Institute’s Governance for Extractive Industries Program, highlights his commitment to strengthening governance in Uganda’s extractive industries.

Additionally, Elison’s membership in the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum showcases his dedication to fostering cooperation and development within the sector, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks essential for the sustainable growth of Uganda’s energy sector.

Additionally, Karuhanga’s expertise and extensive knowledge in energy law, particularly in the oil and gas sector, establish a strong link to the EACOP project. His involvement in comparative research has contributed to the analysis of the legal regime governing oil and gas law in Uganda. This expertise positions Karuhanga as a valuable contributor to discussions surrounding the legal framework and regulatory aspects of the EACOP pipeline.

The EACOP pipeline, spanning 1,443 km, will play a crucial role in connecting Uganda’s oil fields in Lake Albert to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, unlocking immense potential for increased export earnings and the creation of new economic possibilities.

In an article written by Karuhanga, he states, “The EACOP project represents a significant opportunity for Uganda and Tanzania to address the challenge of climate change. The governments will be able to use the revenue from taxes and royalties to support the development of renewable energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote energy efficiency. This will help to ensure that the countries’ energy sectors are more sustainable and that the benefits of the EACOP project are shared with future generations.” 

By prioritizing sustainable practices and investing in renewable energy, Uganda and Tanzania can pave the way for a greener and more resilient energy future while maximizing the socio-economic benefits derived from the EACOP project.

Regarding local content practices, Karuhanga has emphasized its importance in the EACOP project. By collaborating with local communities, the project can address social and environmental challenges and support sustainable development and economic growth. More work is needed to promote fair contracts for indigenous companies and encourage active participation from businesses, including small enterprises, to ensure a level playing field and equitable distribution of benefits. Karuhanga’s perspective highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance local participation and foster inclusive growth in the EACOP project.

“Having Elison Karuhanga speak at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris is crucial for Uganda’s energy sector and the EACOP pipeline. His expertise in oil and gas law, along with his involvement in precedent-setting cases, brings valuable insights to the table. His presence at the upcoming Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris signifies the AEC’s commitment to partnerships and the success of transformative projects like the EACOP in Africa’s energy landscape,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

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Stanbic Bank launches free financial literacy classes for salary earners

Sylvia Atuhairwe, Head of employee value banking. Photo-Eagle Online.

Stanbic Bank has launched a campaign that will solely focus on providing quality financial education and money management training to salary earners.

Sylvia Atuhairwe, head of Employee Value Banking directorate at Stanbic says that the three months tailored-made campaign will look at different money aspects including borrowing, investments and saving for retirement age.

“We know the economic situation is quite volatile at the moment where people are living in a situation where interest rates have been going up in the market. We have therefore come up with this campaign, specifically for salary earners to be able to get financial management training,” Ms Atuhairwe said at the launch, saying the campaign will go through Human Resource managers.

Atuhairwe added that the training helps look at different aspects of adjustment that the salary earners should go through from the time of earning their salary until retirement. We need to train them on how to earn money but also how to save, invest and spend it wisely.

“We have come up with affordable loans but also to teach the salary earners to borrow for something responsible and something they have carefully thought about. We are not an institution that just gives people money. We have extended our loan tenure to 84 months to help those struggling with paying too many loans to consolidate them into one and pay flexible installments which reduces the stress on their end.”

Ms. Atuhairwe expressed that as part of efforts to bolster its relations with borrowers, the bank has extended the loan tenure to 84 months to help those struggling with paying too many loans to consolidate them into one and pay flexible installments to reduce the stress on their end.

On her part, Damalie Kairumba, the Manager for Home Loans at Stanbic Bank said the bank has equally designed products to help address the housing gap in the Ugandan real estate market.

“We have done research and over 48% of the customers who take loans now do so to either buy land or construct. Therefore, our home loan offering is to be able to make go to customers whose need is construction which comes with flexible loan tenure of up to 25 years. This means you can be able to get more money and can do something you can start and complete as opposed to running into several cases to borrow money and end up being stressed.”

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Finance Ministry registers increased export earnings from gold, coffee and maize

Coffee has been one of the leading cash crops for Uganda.

The Ministry of Finance Performance of the Economy Report for April 2023 indicates that Uganda exported merchandise worth $674.54 million in the month of March 2023, a 90 percent increase from $349.44 million exported during February 2023.

The increase was mainly on account of higher export earnings from mineral products, tobacco, maize and cotton registered during the month.

For instance, coffee exports during the month amounted to $71.54 million, an 8.4 percent increase from $66.03 million in February 2023.

“This growth was mainly attributed to exporters who off-loaded coffee from their warehouses for sale to benefit from the rising international price of Robusta coffee,” the report states.

In comparison to the same month in 2022, merchandise exports grew by 85.4 percent from $363.74 million in March 2022 to $674.54 million in March 2023.

This was largely attributed to increased export earnings from mineral products, maize and tobacco during the month, the report states.

Gold products increased significantly following the resumption of gold trade in August 2022.

According to the report, the EAC remained the top destination of Uganda’s exports in March 2023, accounting for 35.7 percent of total exports for the month.

This was followed by the Middle East at 32.3 percent and Asia at 14.6 percent. It is worth noting that Uganda’s export earnings from the Middle East significantly increased from $21.41 million the previous month to $217.99 million in March 2023, owing to the growth in exports of mineral products to the region.

The value of merchandise imports increased by 41.6 percent from $ 647.09 million in February 2023 to $916.47 million in March 2023.

“This growth was mainly attributed to higher private sector imports particularly mineral products (excluding petroleum products), vegetable products, beverages, fats and oils, as well as animal products,” the report states.

Comparison with the same month last year shows that merchandise imports grew by 39.6 percent from $656.69 million in March 2022, to $916.47 million in March 2023. This increase was mainly driven by increased import volumes for mineral products (excluding petroleum products), machinery, equipment and vehicles, among others.

In March 2023, Asia remained Uganda’s largest source of imports accounting for 31.4 percent of the total imports. Within Asia, China and India were the major contributors, accounting for 71.6 percent of the total imports from the region. Other notable regions included the EAC, the Rest of Africa, and the Middle East, which accounted for 24.5 percent, 20.1 percent, and 15.5 percent of the total imports, respectively.

 
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Letshego Uganda nominated for Afawa bank of the year award in Egypt

Letshego Uganda has been nominated by the African Gaurantee Fund for the AFAWA Bank of the Year Award at the African Banker Awards set for Sharm-El-Sheikh Egypt on May 24, 2023 .

The African Banker Awards are a landmark annual event for African Banking that celebrates excellence and best practices in African banking recognising the personalities and banks that are driving Africa’s rapidly transforming financial sector. They celebrate the achievements of those who are driving growth, development and creating new economic opportunities for citizens and communities all over the continent and inspire new generations of bankers who are shaping Africa’s future.

Women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion have been recognized as key to achieving the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development. This year’s Awards gala is poised to accentuate the theme of gender equity in the industry. In partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and African Guarantee Fund, a fresh accolade has been instituted to acknowledge and encourage initiatives aimed at propelling financial inclusivity for “Women across the African continent”. The AfDB’s AFAWA (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa) is a Pan-African initiative to bridge the $42billion financing gap facing women in Africa.

Letshego Uganda CEO Giles Aijukwe said, “At Letshego, we spotlight financial literacy because we have realized the power that financial education provides; basic skills related to earning, spending, budgeting, borrowing, saving and seizing growth opportunities. Today, nearly a billion women around the world are unserved or underserved by the formal financial sector and unable to reach their full economic potential. If you brought all these women together, they would make up the third-largest country in the world.”

Given the might of financial institutions, be it, mainstream banks or MFIs (Microfinance Institutions) – they’re a powerful instrument for women empowerment. Women’s ability to save, borrow and control their own money and assets- reduces poverty and promotes inclusive growth. Unequal gender roles have implications for the most basic aspects of self-determination, dignity and freedom, which in turn influence financial inclusion – or lack thereof.   “Financial inclusion requires that low-income people have a convenient way to send money and make payments. We have prioritized this in Uganda with our Group Lending products (women as primary beneficiaries) alongside digital channels usage of USSD (*287#) and our Letshego Digital Mall (Omni-functional App or by following this linkwww.letsgo.letshego.com) that eases access to financial services accessible through mobile phones. This is a commendable and timely nomination for Letshego Uganda,” Aijukwe emphasized.  

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