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Equity Bank Unveils Equi-Mama, a Business Product for Women, Alongside the Opening of Its 50th Branch in Uganda

Equity Bank Uganda has launched a new product called Equi-mama, which is a credit facility designed to support women entrepreneurs in rural Uganda. The aim of the product is to provide affordable capital, business skills training, mentoring, networking opportunities, and tools to help women succeed in business. The product was launched at the Ntungamo Municipal Grounds, with First Lady and Minister for Education Janet Museveni praising the bank for creating a product specifically for women. Mrs. Museveni also highlighted the challenges faced by women in accessing credit facilities, particularly due to the lack of collateral and limited financial literacy.

Equity Bank Managing Director, Anthony Kituuka, affirmed that the Equi-mama proposition has been designed to address the unique needs of women at the micro-level. The bank conducted extensive research to understand the financial challenges faced by women at the bottom of the economic pyramid and how to overcome these challenges. The product offers unsecured loans ranging from UGX5m to UGX40m, as well as insurance for maternity, life, catastrophe, fire, and temporary or permanent disability. Equity Bank also provides free financial and entrepreneurial literacy training to help women overcome hurdles such as record-keeping, accounting, and long-term business planning.

Equi-mama was first developed in 2021 to address the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Equity Bank has already trained over 89,000 women in various aspects of business development and growth and given loans to over 20,000 women in various groups under the program. The bank’s support for women entrepreneurs includes tailored business advisory sessions, advanced business workshops, networking, and linking them to financial services, investments, and markets.

Before the product launch, Mrs. Museveni opened the new Equity Ntungamo branch, bringing the total number of branches to 50. Equity Bank operates in six East African countries and Ethiopia. The Equi-mama product is accessible to women of all backgrounds and income levels, offering flexible payment options and no application fees to make it easier for women to access the bank’s services.

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Dfcu Bank hosts NGO Forum; reiterates support to Non-Profit Organisations

Non-Governmental Organisations play a critical role in the socioeconomic development of a country, whether that be the creation of a citizen agency or creating employment for thousands of citizens. In the execution of these and more roles, NGOs come across multiple hurdles which oftentimes require the intervention of and response of financial institutions.

It was against this background that Dfcu Bank held a successful breakfast meeting for Non-Governmental Organizations at Hotel Africana in Kampala, bringing together participants from various NGOs across multiple areas of work from across the country.

Godfrey Mundua, Head Corporate Banking at Dfcu, highlighted the Bank’s commitment to supporting NGOs in Uganda to achieve their objectives, stating that “dfcu Bank recognizes the critical role NGOs play in driving social and economic development in Uganda. We are committed to providing the necessary support to enable these organizations to overcome the challenges they face and achieve their objectives.”

He also spoke about the Bank’s dedication to its vision to transform lives and businesses through innovative solutions and empowering people. 

“The road to recovery has not been easy for anyone, and the NGO sector has been particularly affected by the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our reason for hosting this meeting is to make the road to recovery shorter, less tedious, and to partner with NGOs as we figure out how to support your organizations to run sustainably now and in the future.” 

“We believe that partnerships and collaborations are key to achieving sustainable development. We, therefore, urge NGOs to take advantage of this opportunity and engage with each other and with dfcu Bank to explore ways of working together to drive social and economic development in Uganda,” Mundua added.

The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Moses Isooba, Executive Director of Uganda National NGO Forum called on dfcu to increase its interactions with NGOs, to assist the latter in increasing their access to funding. In addition to the co-creation of socially-responsible infrastructure, Dr. Isooba noted that this would “…create community-benefiting solutions and programs.”

At the event, Julius Kateera, Head Financial Markets at dfcu Bank gave a Macroeconomic overview presentation, detailing what is happening in the economy locally, regionally, and globally while Robinah Nanjego Muhinda, Relationship Manager Corporate Banking made a detailed presentation on the dfcu NGO Customer Value Proposition. 

Non-Governmental Organisations play a critical role in the socioeconomic development of a country, whether that be the creation of a citizen agency or creating employment for thousands of citizens. In the execution of these and more roles, NGOs come across multiple hurdles which oftentimes require the intervention of and response of financial institutions.

It was against this background that dfcu Bank held a successful breakfast meeting for Non-Governmental Organizations at Hotel Africana in Kampala, bringing together participants from various NGOs across multiple areas of work from across the country.

Godfrey Mundua, Head Corporate Banking at dfcu, highlighted the Bank’s commitment to supporting NGOs in Uganda to achieve their objectives, stating that “dfcu Bank recognizes the critical role NGOs play in driving social and economic development in Uganda. We are committed to providing the necessary support to enable these organizations to overcome the challenges they face and achieve their objectives.”

He also spoke about the Bank’s dedication to its vision to transform lives and businesses through innovative solutions and empowering people. 

“The road to recovery has not been easy for anyone, and the NGO sector has been particularly affected by the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our reason for hosting this meeting is to make the road to recovery shorter, less tedious, and to partner with NGOs as we figure out how to support your organizations to run sustainably now and in the future.” 

“We believe that partnerships and collaborations are key to achieving sustainable development. We, therefore, urge NGOs to take advantage of this opportunity and engage with each other and with dfcu Bank to explore ways of working together to drive social and economic development in Uganda,” Mundua added.

The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Moses Isooba, Executive Director of Uganda National NGO Forum called on dfcu to increase its interactions with NGOs, to assist the latter in increasing their access to funding. In addition to the co-creation of socially-responsible infrastructure, Dr. Isooba noted that this would “…create community-benefiting solutions and programs.”

At the event, Julius Kateera, Head Financial Markets at dfcu Bank gave a Macroeconomic overview presentation, detailing what is happening in the economy locally, regionally, and globally while Robinah Nanjego Muhinda, Relationship Manager Corporate Banking made a detailed presentation on the dfcu NGO Customer Value Proposition. 

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Uganda Pentecostal University VC John Ntambirweki dies at 68

Prof John Ntambirweki, the Vice Chancellor of Uganda Pentecostal University has died at 68 years.

Ntambirweki died on Wednesday12, evening at Le Memorial Hospital in Kampala where he had been admitted for some time with an illness.

“The family of Prof John Ntambirweki and Uganda Pentecostal University regret to announce his death which occurred on Wednesday, April 12, 2023,” read the family’s public death announcement.

The deceased’s daughter, Brenda Ntambirweki, tweeted: “Rest in peace, Daddy. You were the best dad in the world. You fought and we will keep your legacy alive.”

According to the family announcement, there will be a funeral service at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero on Thursday at 2 pm followed by the vigil at the late Ntambirweki’s home in Katuso-Buziga, Kampala.

He will be buried on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at his ancestral home in Bisheshe, Ibanda District, in Western Uganda.

Prof John Ntambirweki was a renowned legal scholar who was passionate about legal education, and the linkages of the universities with various law schools around the globe, championing comparative legal education and the legal profession.

Ntambirweki held a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Makerere University, a diploma in law from the Law Development Centre, Kampala and a Master of Law degree (LLM) from the University of Nairobi.

Ntambirweki founded Uganda Pentecostal University in 2001 as the Grotius School of Law and Professional Studies and has since been the Vice Chancellor.

In 2005, the Grotius School of Law was licensed by the National Council for Higher Education and named Uganda Pentecostal University.

As the VC, Ntambirweki was in charge of academic excellence at Uganda Pentecostal University and had championed access to education for indigenous communities in Western Uganda, Uganda and in East Africa through the uprising institution.

He had a wealth of experience as a Professor of Law, having taught at the University of Nairobi, Pacific in the United States, Makerere University and Uganda Christian University as well as providing legal advice to Government agencies in many African countries and International organizations in several legal aspects.

He was also a former Senior Lecturer at Makerere University and also served as Head of Department of Law, Uganda Christian University.

Prof Ntambirweki served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE); one of the leading think tanks in Uganda.

The deceased was a Consultant at the law firm of Ntambirweki Kandeebe & Company Advocates, based in Kampala.

Other advocates at the firm include Barbara Ntambirweki, a daughter to John Ntambirweki, and a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law at Uganda Pentecostal University.

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DFCU to pay Sudhir Shs32 Billion

City Tycoon, Sudhir and his lawyer Peter Kabatsi

Business tycoon Sudhir Ruparelia demands Dfcu Bank, the financial institution that took over management of Crane Bank in January 2017 to pay $8,660,462 (Sh32 billion) for rent arrears.

Sudhir through his company Meera Investment Limited says the amount is in breach of the tenancy agreements in respect to plots 38 and 40A Kampala Road. Plot 38 Kampala was the headquarters of Crane Bank.

Dfcu expressly inherited all tenancy agreements and, therefore, “assumed the rights and obligations under the tenancies in respect of the suit properties.”

The case stems from a December 16, 2014, in the commercial Court presided over by Justice Stephen Mubiru, where Sudhir expressed that by the time of execution the tenancy agreement was a separate legal entity from the Crane Bank Limited.

“Under clause 3(c) of the tenancy agreement, it was specifically agreed by the parties (Crane bank and Meera) that the tenancies shall remain firm and binding on them until the expiry of ten years,” reads part of the plaint filed by Meera.

In the above tenancy agreement, Crane bank would pay $46,980 (Shs171m) in rent and $46,980 (Shs 171m) in ground rent per month with a seven per cent annual increment for Plot 38 Kampala road and $9,890 (Shs36m) in rent and $9,890 (Shs36m) in ground rent for Plot 40A Kampala road.

At the time of the takeover, dfcu inherited the entire premises previously rented by Crane bank and rebranded the entire premises. Dfcu also undertook to pay to Crane Management Services (managers of Meera) $531,000 (Shs 1.93bn) in restoration costs and arrears in utility bills.

According to the Meera plaint, Dfcu, in February 2017, entered into a revised contract in “respect of the basement and ground floors of Plot 38 Kampala road for a fixed period of three years.”

Dfcu, however, reportedly continued to occupy 1st, 2nd 3rd and 7th floors of Plot 38 Kampala road and Plot 40A Kampala road “under the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement dated December 16, 2014” until April 30, 2017, when it opted to vacate them.

According to Meera, this constituted a breach of clause 3(c) of the surviving tenancy agreement, that covenanted that the “tenancies shall remain firm and binding on them until the expiry of ten years” and for this breach, dfcu is “liable to pay the plaintiff the sum constituting rent for the unexpired period of 84 months being $8,660,462.34 (Shs 31.6bn).”

Meera, read Sudhir, now wants this money plus interest “at the prevailing commercial rate from the date the defendant was in default until payment in full.”

Sudhir added that the tenancy agreement which is scheduled to expire on March31, 2024 has no clause of termination in the contract.

“The agreement was a fixed tenancy for 10 years which binds the successor, Dfcu, which continued occupying the premises. The rentals were on an excluded liability,” Sudhir said.

Sudhir added that the rent is in respect of the four floors occupied by Dfcu.

“No reasonable tenant as a bank would behave in that manner. Dfcu Bank was in breach of the agreement,” Sudhir expressed.

Meera contends that non-payment of the rent has not only caused it losses, but also deprived it of use of its money and interest, caused it more suffering and grave inconveniences and adversely affected its damages which it claims general damages.

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Uganda inaugurates first-ever National Forensic Sciences University

Uganda has inaugurated the first-ever National Forensic Sciences University (India – Africa Campus) in Africa.

The ceremony was graced by the Third Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Nakadama Rukia on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre (URDCC) Gaddafi Barracks in Jinja .

Speaking to distinguished guests at the function, Nakadama and Woman MP for Mayuge District commended the Government of India for helping Uganda establish the NFSU – Uganda Campus.

She said that the act demonstrates the excellent diplomatic relationship between India and Uganda, and will create forensic and allied experts that manage complex security situations.

Nakadama pledged government support to the NFSU to meet its expectations and further enhance the existing cordial bilateral relations.

“This is the first NFSU branch that India has built outside their country,” remarked Nakadama.

She further said that the Uganda Government has already secured 130 acres of land with a 99-year-old lease for the construction of the permanent NFSU – Uganda campus.

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyan Jaishankar praised the robust relationship between India and Uganda, saying it reflects the vision and leadership in both countries.

Hon. Jaishankar also noted that the first foreign campus for the NFSU of India will mark a significant milestone in furthering bilateral defence cooperation between India and Uganda.

He observed that courses in forensic science are in high demand world over for the past few years.

The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja recognized the strategic vision between President Museveni and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in building modern and efficient economies based on science and technology to spur social-economic transformation.

He said that both Uganda and India need a shared peace, adding that the University will facilitate technological transfer and enhance defence capabilities to address emerging threats.

“The investigative capacities of our legal experts will be greatly enhanced with this university,” he concluded.

Speaking at the same ceremony on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the Deputy CDF Lt Gen Peter Elwelu commended President Museveni for his earlier guidance on building the workability of the tripartite doctrine; where any assistance must seek to build internal capability, as evidenced by the day’s security-related scientific education at URDCC.

Lt Gen Elwelu noted that the coming of the NFSU will have a positive bearing on the national security architecture since it will plug the gap of the acute shortage of forensic experts both in Uganda and Africa, bust crime more easily and in a scientific way, aid more research in forensic science crime management and add on the already existing curriculum.

“By building capacity and capability enhancement, UPDF is becoming more of a highly productive force,” said Lt Gen Elwelu, adding that UPDF shall remain focused on providing conditions for investment in Uganda and beyond.

The D/CDF also remarked that the management of contemporary security challenges calls for science and technology.

“The spirit of science and technology has taken over man,” he said.

The D/CDF further noted that the most serious threat to man is science, not conventional wars and crimes, thus necessitating the adoption of science and technology to safeguard our human life and security.

At the same ceremony, a plaque was declared and signed by the Hon Dr. Jaishankar for a satellite survey program and mapping agreed upon between the Government of Uganda and the Government of India.

The NFSU will provide specialized training in forensics (use scientific methods and techniques to investigate crime), cyber security, and digital forensics, behavioral and allied sciences.

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Minister Goretti Kitutu denied bail over unsubstantial sureties

Minister Kitutu breaks down upon court refusal to grant her bail.

The Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo has denied the Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu Kimono bail on grounds of unsubstantial sureties.

Last week, the Minister was remanded to Luzira Prison by the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of causing loss of public property, corruption, and conspiracy to defraud the government.

According to state prosecution, Kitutu is accused of allegedly diverting iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people in Karamoja to her own benefit and to the benefit of third parties, having reason to believe that such an act would result in the loss of public property.

On count two of the same charge of causing loss of public property, the minister is accused of causing the loss of 5,500 iron sheets.

Under the charge of conspiracy to defraud, the DPP contends that the minister and Mr Abaho, between June 2022 and January 2023, allegedly conspired to defraud beneficiaries under the Karamoja Community Empowerment Programme of 9,000 pre-painted iron sheets.

Kitutu’s brother is accused of receiving stolen property. The charge sheet says he received 100 pre-coated iron sheets from OPM, having reason to believe the same to have been feloniously obtained.

If convicted of the charges, Kitutu could spend at least 10 years in prison.

Yesterday President Museveni weighed in onto the issue of iron sheets for the disadvantaged communities in Karamoja saying all those ministers and legislators implicated should return them and be prosecuted as well.

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Sacked staff is blackmailing URA on corruption- Commissioner General

John Musinguzi Rujokyi, URa Commissioner General

The Commissioner General of Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), John Musinguzi Rujokyi has said the allegations of corruption at the tax body are the work of former staff members who are trying to blackmail the company.

The Inspectorate General of Government (IGG) is conducting a wide-ranging investigation into allegations of unstrained corruption, gross abuse of office and tax evasion at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where it is said the country may have lost hundreds of billions of shillings.

According to Musinguzi, in the last three years, 63 staff members have lost their jobs and three have been prosecuted for corruption-related crimes, and it is some of these that could be blackmailing the company.

“The allegations in the media are unfair and manipulative being fueled by some wrong elements that have been sacked and are now trying to use their influence to blackmail the institution. The fight against corruption is at the heart of URA’s daily operations and is unstoppable,” Musinguzi said.

“As we serve our country, we are instituting several internal anti-corruption measures to maintain our integrity. We are on a mission to mobilize enough revenues for our nation’s development, and we will not be diverted. I urge the public to wait for the IGG’s conclusive report on the ongoing investigations,” he added.

The IGG is investigating allegations of “blatant alteration and concealment of records by URA officials to facilitate tax evasion; non-collection of taxes worth hundreds of billions; undue and reckless waivers of tax liabilities; gross misappropriation of informer rewards scheme cash; and connivance in management of tax disputes leading to revenue loss.

In the last financial year, the URA fell short of its Shs22.8 trillion revenue collection target by more than Shs700 billion, according to the Auditor General’s (AG) 2021/2022 report.

The tax body has over the years been derided for reportedly being a hotbed of corruption, with President Museveni describing it as a “den of thieves”.

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Police cracks down criminal gang attacking schools

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga

Police Flying Squad Unit has cracked down an organized criminal gang that had specialized in attacks on schools. 12 cases of attacks were registered between February 9, and March 27, 2023.

As a result, 26 suspects have since been arrested, including a Kenyan National called Yusuf Babu who is the overall commander of a criminal gang that operates in small clusters of 3-7, and are deployed and evacuated on motorcycles and motor vehicles.

Fred Enanga, Police spokesperson said four notorious suspects who include; Yusuf Babu (the group commander), Ssetenda Emma, Mayengo Paul Musinguzi aka Mulefu and Reagan Mawejje, admitted to having participated in the attack and robberies at UMEA Primary School in Kyebando – Nansana, Bodoko Primary School at Kayunga in Wakiso and Kyadondo Islamic Secondary School, Matugga. During their attack at Kyadondo Islamic Secondary School, on September, 2, 2023, they killed an askari, called Solomon Mujumbi and critically injured John Asingya John, before robbing Shs111,000,000 (One hundred eleven million shillings).

The group was also behind the attack and robbery at St. Joseph’s Junior Seminary, Nswanjere, where they stole the communion cup (ciborium) and robbed Shs1.400.000, two laptops and mobile phones from the priests.

The task teams have so far recovered three motor vehicles used to facilitate their criminal operations. Other exhibits include; an HP printer, three laptop bags, black face masks, several house breaking implements etc.

“We have now clocked 14 days without any new attacks on schools. The recoveries and arrests demonstrate our resolve to disrupt and dismantle rackets behind attacks on schools. We also thank all members of the task team, who participated in the operation and all persons who volunteered information that led to the arrests and recoveries,” Enanga noted.

He added, “As we conclude; we urge all school administrators and proprietors to periodically review and upgrade their security and safety measures.”

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Uganda to pay Shs800b to acquire UMEME majority shares

Government is set to pay Shs802.17 billion ($215 million) to acquire majority shares in UMEME, the country’s main electricity distribution company.

This comes at a time when Umeme’s 20-year contract is scheduled to end in 2025.

The development came to light on Tuesday during a meeting between Parliament’s Committee of Environment and Natural Resources and officials from the Ministry of Energy officials led by, Irene Bateebe the Permanent Secretary.

Bateebe said that Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) requires $158 million, approximately Shs589.5 billion to enable it to invest in the distribution system over the next three years.

This is meant to reduce the final Umeme buyout amount to $7.1 million when the concession ends. Bateebe said that as of December 2022, the buyout price was at $215 million.

 “On an ongoing basis, Umeme is investing, and the Electricity Regulatory Authority- ERA has a recovery mechanism where they recover part of this investment from the tariff. The Umeme concession and the asset remained on the books of UEDCL and the agreement provides for an option where UEDCL can come in and invest today,” she said.

Bateebe said that if they attract concessional funding through UEDCL, the government can invest and gradually reduce Umemes’ investment.

She added that the figure of the final buyout could either decrease or increase based on the Auditor General’s investigations.

 Members of Parliament have called on the Ministry of Energy to take action and ensure a steady energy supply for Ugandans during and after UMEME’s exit.

The committee noted that UMEME was failing to replace damaged transformers and poles due to its impending exit in 2025 and MPs raised concern over the possibility of widespread blackouts and power outages.

Polycarp Ogwari, the Agule County MP, asked the Committee Chairperson to ensure that the Ministry of Energy addresses the issue since the exit is still far away.

Dr. Emmanuel Otala, the Committee Chairperson expressed the need for the Ministry of Energy to take action and ensure that Umeme’s exit does not affect the electricity supply.

He tasked the Minister of State for Mineral Development, Peter Lokeris with the responsibility of finding a solution and providing clear information about who will take over after Umeme.

Eddie Kwizera, the Bukimbiri County MP tasked the ministry to provide their strategy for handling the Umeme exit.

“When you indicate the $63 million, yet we know that the company is absent on the ground; like in Kisoro, we don’t have them and when there is no power, there is no personnel, we need to know that there is the capacity for them to use the money,” he said.

Bateebe said UEDCL which will replace Umeme needs a capitalization of $64 million to build its capacity.

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Health Ministry to re-launch free mosquito net distribution campaign

Ministry of Health is set to re-launch the Mosquito Net Distribution campaign to reduce chances of Ugandans contracting Malaria.

The free mosquito net distribution campaign will be launched during the World Malaria Day celebrations on April 25, 2023 in Bugiri District.

Under the campaign, the ministry targets to have all citizens sleep under a mosquito net every night to prevent malaria

According to the Ministry of Health, sleeping under a mosquito net can reduce one’s chances of contracting Malaria by 60%.

In 2020, Uganda’s ministry of health completed an eight-month nationwide distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets in a renewed fight against malaria.

A total of 27.5 million long-lasting insecticide-treated nets were distributed in the campaign, dubbed “Under the net campaign,”

Emmanuel Ainebyoona, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said, the ministry prioritized distribution of mosquito nets as a key intervention for malaria control and prevention every 3 years for people to get their nets replaced.

“We have had some districts recording a high number of Malaria cases so we want to ensure that their nets get replaced and strengthen awareness on how to use nets and other aspects of Malaria prevention. We shall be launching the campaign officially so people need to keep following the media for when the campaign will be in their districts.” Ainebyoona said.

The nets distribution campaigns have contributed to the reduction of malaria in the country, with the national malaria prevalence dropping to 9 percent in 2019 compared to 17 percent in 2014/2015, according to the ministry.

According to the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) study, over the past 20 years, the scale-up of Malaria control efforts has led to marked reductions in mortality and morbidity. An estimated 663 million cases were averted by malaria control interventions, nearly 70% of these were attributed to use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets between 2000 and 2015.

However, global progress has slowed in recent years, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa which accounted for 94% of the world’s 219 million cases in 2019. In Uganda, malaria accounts for 30-50% of outpatient visits at health facilities. 15- 20% of all hospital admissions and up to 20% of all hospital deaths and 27.2% of inpatient deaths among children under five years of age.

Long-lasting insecticide treated nets are the ones recommended by the World Health Organisation to reduce malaria transmission and prevent malaria in high risk communities. Since 2013, the government of Uganda has conducted 3 mass mosquito net distribution campaigns to achieve universal coverage and reduce inequality in ownership of nets between the poor and wealthy households, with the most recent mass campaign conducted in 2020/2021.

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