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Anglican Bishops Luwalira, Ssebaggala, Nsubuga retire home

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Rev. Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira

Three Church of Uganda Bishops hailing from Buganda region are set to retire, Eagle Online has learnt. The three include; the Bishop of Namirembe Diocese Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, Mukono Diocese William Ssebaggala and Luwero Diocesan Bishop Eridard Kironde Nsubuga.

Bishop Ssebaggala will retire in February on 28, 2023, followed by Bishop Nsubuga in July and Bishop Luwalira later in December 8, 2023. Several priests are in the meantime dusting their papers and posturing around ahead of the synod meetings which be held in few months.

According to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, replacements of the three bishops will be elected a few months to their retirement dates.

“Usually when a bishop is about to clock 65 years, the mandatory age of retirement, the diocese prepares. Among the preparations, Diocesan Synod convene and nominate two names of priests who they think can be a bishop,” he said.

“The three bishops retire in different months but in the same year. Their dioceses will forward us two names of priests when they are ready and we shall convene the house of bishops for elections and later be enthroned at their respective dioceses,” he said.

Sources however intimated that Mukono Diocesan Provost; the Rev Con Enos Kiito Kagodo and is one of the candidate expected to replace Bishop Ssebaggala.

Ven. Godfrey Buwembo – the Archdeacon of Nateete Archdeaconry, Ven. John Gitta of Entebbe Archdeaconry are the best candidates expected to replace Bishop Luwalira.

The source said Rev. Canon Samuel Muwonge- the Mission Coordinator of Namirembe dioceses, Venerable Reverend Fred Kironde – the Archdeacon of Namukozi Archdeaconry (Mityana Diocese) are the possible replacements of Luwero diocesan Bishop.

Established in 1897, Namirembe Diocese covers Wakiso, Kalangala districts and some parts of Kampala city. Bishop Luwalira has been in charge of one cathedral deanery, six Archdeaconries, 62 parishes and 342 churches.

Bishop Eridard Kironde Nsubuga

Bishop Eridard Kironde Nsubuga was enthroned as third Bishop of Luwero Diocese on May 17, 2015 at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Luwero district, succeeding the Rt. Rev. Evans Mukasa Kisekka who has served as the second Bishop since 1996.

During his reign, Bishop Nsubuga ensured that church of Uganda health facilities like Kiwoko hospital and others offered utmost services to people of Luwero diocese.

 “My administration ensured that Church of Uganda founded schools like Ndejje Secondary school performed at the national level and the number of enrollment has since increased both in primary and secondary schools.” he said

In terms of development, the Bishop Nsubuga said believers under various groups of Mothers Union, Christian men Fellowship and youth groups have embraced church founded programs to alleviate themselves from poverty.

“Youth have since received engaged in piggery and coffee growing. This has contributed to increase of household income and reduction in crime rate since most of them have busy.” he said.

“I was called to preach the gospel. When I was enthroned as the bishop of Luwero, I committed to do church planting and indeed I have achieved it. Over five churches which include St. Stephens Church Lukomela, Lusanja, Ngoma and others were elevated to the parish level. Ngoma was elevated to Archdeaconry. The church has to grown spiritually, numerically and other aspects.” he said

“The church has supported us during our mission in Luwero. By the grace of God I am retiring to my home in Nalyamagonja along Kasana – Kikikyusa road, in Luwero district.” he said

He is credited for establishing Luwero Diocese pension house project and its proceeds will be used to raise four more floors and pension for retired evangelists.

He holds Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Theology from the University of Gloucestershire and Redcliffe College UK, Advanced Diploma in Christian Education from the University of Birmingham, a certificate in Anglican Communion Studies from College of Ascension, Selly Oak-Birmingham, UK and Provincial Certificate in Theology from Bishop Tucker Theological College, Mukono.

Bishop Kironde served as Archdeacon of Ndejje in Luwero Diocese, Provost of St. Mark’s Cathedral, Luwero Diocese. He also served as the Diocesan Secretary of Luwero Diocese, Vicar at St. Mark’s Cathedral, Parish Priest, and assisted Vicars/Rectors of different Parishes in Gloucestershire and Birmingham in UK.

Bishop William Ssebaggala

Mr. Ssebaggala was on 19th September 2010 enthroned as the Bishop of Mukono Diocese. He was enthroned at Sts. Philip and Andrews Cathedral, Mukono. He replaced Bishop Eria Paul Luzinda Kizito who served from 2002 to 2010.

Bishop Ssebaggala was ordained as Deacon 1984 and priest 1986. He holds a masters degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from Uganda Christian University (UCU), Bachelor of arts in Divinity from UCU, Diploma in Theology from Bishop Tucker Theological College now UCU and Diploma in Land Surveying.

Speaking to the Eagle Online, Ssebaggala said during his term, the diocese has a lot achievements which include; the diocesan radio station, 89.8 Mukono Broadcasting Service (MBS) FM, premised on preaching the gospel and promoting the diocesan activities, reclaiming Nakanyonyi farm land.

“ Due the financial constrains in diocese, in 2013 we started Mukono Diocese Savings, Credit and Cooperative (MUDISACCO) where people borrow money at low interest rates. The SACCO has over 4,000 members,” he said

He is credited for establishing Mukono Diocese School of Nursing and Midwifery sciences offering diplomas to both male and female students. He established Bishop West Boarding primary school for children with all forms of disabilities, Mukono Diocese School of music and Pension house.

Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira

Born on December 8, 1958, Bishop Luwalira is a son to the late Eriazali Kityo Wanzu and Gertrude Faith Nantume. Mr. Luwalira he has been the Diocesan Bishop of Namirembe since 2009.

He Went to Balitta Nursery School, Namulonge Primary School and Kololo Secondary School. He was ordained deacon on 14 December 1986 and priest on 27 November 1988.

 He holds a Diploma in Theology and Bachelor’s degree in Divinity from Bishop Tucker Theological College now Ugandan Christian University (UCU).

He served as vicar of Namirembe Cathedral from 2001 to 2009 and Bishop of Namirembe a position he has held since May 31, 2009.

He is credited for refurbishing of both the Namirembe Cathedral’s roof under the ‘tegula project’ and the floor, establishing 93.9 Namirembe FM and other projects. He has been a critique of human rights violations and corruption tendencies in the country.

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Stanbic PMI: August sees higher growth, but job cuts continue

By
Our Reporter
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Stanbic Bank

The Stanbic Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has regained a positive outlook as the August data pointed to a renewed improvement in business conditions for Uganda’s private sector as both output and new orders returned to growth.

The headline PMI rose to 50.5 in August, up from 48.2 in July and back above the 50.0 no-change mark to signal an improvement in the health of the private sector.

Ronald Muyanja, the Head of Trading at Stanbic Bank Uganda said, “Renewed expansions in both output and new orders were signaled in August. Some firms reported that they had been able to secure new customers over the month, thereby leading to higher new orders. This fed through to rising activity, although there were still some reports of demand remaining muted. Four of the five monitored sectors saw output increase, the exception being services.”

The monthly survey covers the agriculture, industry, construction, wholesale & retail and service sectors. It is a composite index, calculated as a weighted average of five individual sub-components: New Orders (30%), Output (25%), Employment (20%), Suppliers’ Delivery Times (15%) and Stocks of Purchases (10%).

The Stanbic PMI is an analysis of data collected from the monthly survey of business conditions in the Ugandan private sector involving about 400 respondents. The survey, sponsored by Stanbic Bank and produced by S&P Global, has been conducted since June 2016. The Headline PMI provides an early indication of operating conditions in Uganda.

Readings above 50.0 mean improvement in business conditions of the previous month while readings that are below 50.0 show deterioration.

Companies increased their purchasing activity in August, following a fall in the previous month. According to respondents, the expansion in input buying reflected trends in output and new orders.

Referring to the latest findings, Mulalo Madula, Economist at Standard Bank said, “Apart from the services sector, output growth was broad-based, with agriculture, industry, construction, wholesale & retail sectors increasing output. New orders increased in agriculture, industry, and wholesale & retail, but decreased in construction and services. On the other hand, new export orders fell for the past four months. Businesses are confident that output will increase in the next 12 months, supported by expectations of more new orders and stable prices.”

Overall input prices continued to rise and were often linked to higher fuel and transportation costs, but also reflecting increases in the price for items such as cement, sand and food. In turn, output prices also rose further during the month.

Respondents often mentioned that higher fuel prices had led to increases in their transportation costs, while rising material and utility prices were also reported. All five monitored sectors posted an increase in overall input costs during the month.

The passing on of higher input costs to customers resulted in a further increase in selling prices in the Ugandan private sector during August. Charges have now risen in each of the past 12 months. Exactly eight percent of respondents increased their selling prices in the latest survey period.

Employment blues

In efforts to limit costs, many companies in Uganda continued to lower their staffing levels during August. Employment has now decreased in three consecutive months. The overall reduction in headcounts reflected falls in the agriculture, industry and wholesale & retail sectors, while construction and services posted rises.

In line with the picture for output and new orders, purchasing activity rose, with stocks of purchases also higher. Suppliers’ delivery times lengthened for a second successive month, with delays caused by poor road conditions, material shortages and high transportation costs.

However, the August data point to an ongoing confidence in the year-ahead for business activity. Approximately 72% of respondents predicted an increase in output, with confidence driven by expectations of higher new orders and more stable prices. On the other hand, just 4% of panelists expressed a pessimistic outlook.

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Bajaj Auto launches new fuel efficient motorcycle in Uganda

By
Our Reporter
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Bajaj Auto Ltd in association with Nish Auto Ltd and Verma Co Ltd has launched the new 125cc motorcycle CT 125 in Uganda.

The launch of the CT 125, positioned, ‘Champion of Fuel-Efficiency in 125cc’ marked the company’s commitment to provide a fuel efficient 125cc motorcycle with the trustworthy performance.

The CT 125 is powered by a superior 125cc engine with the power of five gears. Boda boda riders can now enjoy an efficient engine which delivers power packed performance. CT 125 boasts many first-in-class features which include strongest and long-lasting double cradle chassis, advanced oil filter for longer engine life, zero maintenance 6amp VRLA battery, gear indicator and mobile charger.

The motorcycle is backed by an unmatched 1year/50,000 km warranty. With all this, CT 125 comes at an attractive price of Shs 4.8 million.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Soumya Das, Vice-President, Bajaj Auto said, “Bajaj has been Africa’s number one motorcycle brand trusted by more than 7 million customers. New CT125 has been exclusively designed for Uganda with key inputs from Ugandan riders. We are very delighted to launch the CT125 which gives them great fuel efficiency, power of 5 gears and lots of other advanced features.”

Mr. Pramod Yadav, Chief Commercial Officer, Nish Auto Limited said, “Nish Auto has established its strongest service network of 1106 workshops and 18000+ trained mechanics. Our durable Boxer 100 has already ensured a dominant position in the Ugandan market. We aim to further reinforce our leadership position through the CT 125. This motorcycle is truly made for Ugandan riders and roads.”

Mr. Sanjay Verma, Managing Director, Verma Co Limited, added “Customers have always longed for a fuel efficient 125cc motorcycle with 5 gears and I am thankful that Bajaj Auto has attended to the precise needs of the riders and given us such a great product, new CT 125”

The new CT 125 is available for sale at all dealer outlets nationwide and will be showcased across the country with a host of market connect activities.

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Liz Truss to replace Boris Johnson as UK Prime Minister

By
Agencies
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Liz Truss

Britain’s Conservative Party has chosen Foreign Secretary Liz Truss as the party’s new leader, putting her in line to be confirmed as prime minister.

Truss’s selection wasannounced in London after a leadership election in which only the 180,000 dues-paying members of the Conservative Party were allowed to vote.

Truss beat rival Rishi Sunak, the government’s former Treasury chief, after promising to increase defense spending and cut taxes, while refusing to say how she would address the cost-of-living crisis. Truss received 81,326 votes to Sunak’s 60,399.

Queen Elizabeth II is scheduled to formally name Truss as Britain’s prime minister tomorrow.

The ceremony will take place at the queen’s Balmoral estate in Scotland, where the monarch is vacationing, rather than at Buckingham Palace.

The two-month leadership contest left Britain with a power vacuum at a time when consumers, workers and businesses were demanding government action to mitigate the impact of soaring food and energy prices.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has had no authority to make major policy decisions since July 7, when he announced his intention to resign.

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Kenyan Supreme Court confirms Ruto’s presidency

By
Agencies
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President William Ruto.

The Supreme Court in Kenya has today upheld the election of William Samoei Ruto as Kenya’s fifth president.

The Chief Justice Martha Koome-led Bench unanimously threw out a petition by Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition candidate Raila Odinga, who argued the declaration of Dr Ruto was null and void.

Justice Koome said that the court will issue a summary, and then give the full judgment after 21 days.

The court in its considered view, found no evidence of a man in the middle server and no evidence was produced to show that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati and other IEBC staff were involved. 

Justice Koome also said that the Supreme Court found no significant differences found between forms uploaded on portal and forms delivered to Bomas, at the IEBC National Tallying Centre. 

“No credible evidence was given to show forms given to agents were different,” CJ Koome said. 

The court also found that affidavits by two of Mr Odinga’s experts not admissible. “There is nothing to show that Raila asked the two people to swear affidavits. We must remind counsel who appear before this court or any other court that swearing to falsehoods is a criminal offence,” she siad. 

The Court also dismissed the contents of the affidavit of John Mark Githongo, adding that it may have contained  falsehoods. “No admissible evidence was presented to show that forms 34A were manipulated. The affidavits amount to double hearsay,” Justice Koome said.

IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati on August 15, six days after the General Election declared Dr Ruto as the president elect after he garnered 7,176,141 million votes (50.49 percent) against Mr Odinga’s 6,942,930 million votes (48.85 percent).

Ruto will swear in as Kenya’s next President on 13th September 2022.

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Ministry of ICT, NITA fight over Shs771.5 billion World Bank funding

By
Geoffery Serugo
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NITA-U logo

The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and National Guidance and the National Information Technology Authority (NITA) Uganda, a government agency are feuding over Shs771.5 billion funding from World Bank, Eagle Online has learnt.

On June 02, 2021, the World Bank approved $200 million (Shs771.5 billion) financing to expand access to high-speed and affordable internet, improve efficiency of digitally enabled public service delivery, and strengthen digital inclusion in Uganda.

The new Uganda Digital Acceleration Project-GovNet (UDAP-GovNet) is aimed at supporting the extension of 1,000km of the national backbone fiber infrastructure, an additional 500km of fiber optic network links between towns, mobile broadband connections for 900 government administrative units and service centers in underserved areas, and 828 Wi-Fi hotspots in select locations to support access to online services among rural and peri-urban, underserved and unserved communities.

With $140 million (Shs540 billion) in financing from the International Development Association (IDA) and a $60 million (Shs231 billion) grant, the project would support the implementation of the governments’ flagship initiative, GovNet, which contributes to the objectives of Digital Uganda Vision and the Digital Transformation Program under the National Development Plan III.

According to a source that declined to be named, since the approving of the funding, NITA Uganda and the Ministry of ICT officials have been feuding over the said funding and hence delaying the implementation of the project.

“Every Ministry in Uganda is supposed to have two representatives at the ministry of Finance. The Ministry of ICT officials have been fighting over that money. They want a share of that funding before approving it for NITA Uganda to implement the project but NITA declined,” the source said.

 “That money was supposed to be approved last financial year and NITA forwarded its budget proposals however the ICT officials declined to approve it. One of the ICT officials wants USD 1million (Shs 3.8 billion) of that funding while the other (junior officer) wants Shs 100 million. That has delayed the implementation of the project,” the source said.

The source said the leadership of NITA Uganda declined to heed to the ICT officials plea claiming that there is no way they will account for that money because the World Bank is so strict when it comes to issues of accountability.

“This is not the first time that the ICT officials are frustrating NITA activities. This year cut the NITA budget proposal to Shs 60 Billion. They were punishing NITA officials for their failure to give them kickbacks after approving the previous budgets,” the source said, adding that, “That is the practice, when representatives of the ministry approve your budget; you have to bring a kick back. By all means, the government agency has to look for a way of accounting for that money (Kickback).”

The source said the ICT officials are now pushing for the merging of NITA Uganda with the mother ministry. To their dismay, NITA Uganda is not on the list of the 53 government agencies that are set to be merged.

The source said when the leadership of NITA Uganda established that ICT officials cut their budget proposal, they engaged Matia Kasaijja’s (Minister of Finance) son who also works at NITA to have their budget maintained or increased.

Matia’s son engaged his father who later scheduled a meeting with the leadership of NITA. They later met and had breakfast at Kasaijja’s home. The minister accepted their plea and the budget was approved.

Following Kasaijja’s intervention and subsequent approval of their budget, the ICT officials didn’t shy away from asking the bribe claiming that they made sure that the budget was approved.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NITA SPEAKS OUT

When contacted to explain the delayed implementation of the project, Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, the executive director NITA Uganda declined to comment about the matter and urged our reporter to write to him requesting for an interview. The executive Director has not replied to our request since 22nd August 2022.

Florence Mukankusi, the communications manager of NITA Uganda said the money has not been budgeted for use however declined to delve into details.

“My boss is currently out of the country for a work visit so I can’t access his office for details,” she told Eagle Online.

NITA-U is an autonomous statutory body established under the NITA-U Act 2009, to coordinate and regulate Information Technology services in Uganda. NITA-U is under the general supervision of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.

The Agency is mandated, among others, to create and manage the national databank, its inputs and outputs, to set, monitor and regulate standards for information technology planning, acquisition, implementation, delivery, support, organisation, sustenance, disposal, risk management, data protection, security and contingency planning.

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Deputy Speaker Tayebwa to push for diaspora treasury bonds

By
Our Reporter
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Tayebwa to push for diaspora treasury bonds

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa has pledged to champion efforts to establish Diaspora bonds.
This he says, will encourage Ugandans in the diaspora to invest in the country’s treasury bonds. 

Tayebwa made this pledge at the 34th Uganda North America Association Convention (UNAA) in San Francisco, California on Saturday, 03 September 2022. 

“We want you to contribute to national development through diaspora bonds which have helped governments to get money from their people in the diaspora,” Tayebwa said. 

He said that investment opportunities are more in Africa, where the continent is making 30 per cent returns on investment compared to investing in America where returns on investment are as low as one per cent for Ugandans. 

“Most of you who are fixing money here, you can use your money to buy treasury bonds in Uganda because we borrow from the domestic market,” he said adding that, ‘you will find that your money is giving a return on investment of around 15 per cent per annum and you cannot make it here’.

The Deputy Speaker assured the Ugandans that the country’s debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio is 48 per cent compared to the rest of Africa at 50 per cent. 
“This means your money is safe. We allow you to bring in your money and take it out. We have free zones in which if you invest around US$2 million and also get all these benefits like tax free cars,” Tayebwa said. 

He added that Uganda is set to benefit the growing population as more countries join the East African Community. 

“East Africa is a market of 400 million people. By 2050, it is anticipated to be a market of 854 million people. We are going to be a much bigger market where you produce in Uganda and sell to 800 million people, duty free,” he said. 

Tayebwa said that Parliament will discuss strategies to increase Uganda’s presence in the USA, as a way of maximising business opportunities. 

“When you look at California alone, as a state, it is the fifth biggest economy in the whole world but we do not have any official presence here.  As a government, we have to go back and rethink. We are going to support you,” said Tayebwa. 

He also called on Ugandans to promote unity, saying that working together will make their stay in America easy. 

“You have immigration problems then you again fight yourselves on lines of yellow, red…to me you should love your country and focus on promoting it. The moment we have a country that is loved and taken in high regard, that is what we need,” Tayebwa said. 

Tayebwa said that the call by the diaspora to take part in the voting at the general elections will be considered when the constitutional review commission is in place soon.

The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Hamson Obua gave reassurance of government’s commitment to provide services to Ugandans in the Diaspora through missions abroad. 

“We are here to listen and discuss with you, but more importantly to take back home your action points for purposes of implementation. What unites us is the fact that we do not have a second choice country. That is our point of convergence,” Obua said. 

Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington DC, Ambassador Santa Laker Kinyera said the insufficient budgetary allocation to the embassy constrains them to serve Ugandans better.  

“The embassy in Washington DC covers a very wide area of accreditation. This calls for better appropriation of funds to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Missions abroad. Of course we appreciate what Parliament has done to improve appropriation,” said Kinyera. 

Kinyera also revealed that  the embassy is discussing with the Ministry of Internal Affairs to provide mobile kits for passport processing to increase outreach to Ugandans outside the USA and those in hard to reach areas within the USA 

She added that despite the shortcomings, the remittance flows to Uganda from abroad stands at US$1.2 billion, with US$100 million coming from the USA. 

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Imani Technologies unveils new smart business cards to ease information sharing and connection

By
Our Reporter
-

Imani Technologies has today launched a new and exciting digital product dubbed “Imani Smart Card”, a virtual business card to help businesses, corporates, and individuals easily share information, manage their social and professional connections, and enable their data-sharing experience.

This was launched during the Omweso-Tubayo market day event at MoTIV where creatives, tech-preneurs and SME businesses had the opportunity to display and showcase their products to customers and the general public.

The rise of the digital business card market has been hastened by the smartphone evolution and its popularity among millennials. According to a report by Market Research Future (MRSF) quoted by GlobeNewswire, the digital business card market will touch USD $242 million at an 11.2% Compound Annual Growth Rate by 2027.  

Speaking during the unveiling, Ivan Sewajje Founder Imani Technologies said, “The concept of Imani Smart Card originated during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the urgent need to create intelligent contactless networking solutions for businesses and individuals to experience a new way of sharing social contacts, building customers data-base and connecting with relevant networks and like-minded people with just one tap. This process has the ability to contribute to market growth through the products convenience”

The multiple benefits that come with the card including customized options, editable, contactless, affordable, eco-friendly, convenience, and others, and the flexibility to update changes like details, addresses, contacts, and other modifications along with notifications and keeping in touch with established collaborators has the opportunity to add to market growth.

“We aim to revolutionize the networking culture in Uganda. Our digital business cards are environmentally friendly, more interactive, cost effective and sustainable compared to paper-made cards that have been used since the 17th century. Imani Smart Cards are NFC-enabled and compatible with all IOS and Android smartphones. They can be customized to fit your brand, style, business, and an organization’s system. Also, they can be used to share information with anyone at anyone given time seamlessly” Sewajje added.

According to Ivy Kayitesi, Head of Customer Relations, we have segmented Imani Smart Cards into three digital products tailored to meet the needs of our customers. “ImaniConnect, our flagship card that allows the user to share information using Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology or customized QR code for those without NFC to make network connections. The card also allows customers to control and modify their accounts to suit their needs.” 

“The ImaniAdapt card is more customized for customers, and organizations to own the cards based on their brand name, logos, and colors. This is intended to give them the opportunity to stand out and make the first impression when pitching, selling and getting the attention needed. And finally the ImaniBlend card, our premium product, which has been modified to serve as both customer identity card and smart business card,” Kayitesi added.

Annually, over 100 billion business cards are produced worldwide and 88% get tossed within a week. “Our goal at Imani Technologies is to produce eco-friendly products that contribute to the reduction of carbon emission to offer a more reliable, secure, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly solution. It’s also contact-free, easy to update and enables customers to automatically digitize their information,” Kayitesi emphasized.

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India overtakes UK to become world’s fifth largest economy

By
Agencies
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India

India has overtaken the United Kingdom to become the fifth largest economy in the world, according to Bloomberg, which has cited GDP figures from the International Monetary Fund.

New Delhi pushed Britain to the sixth spot in the final three months of 2021 to become the fifth-biggest economy. The calculation is based on US dollars, with India extending its lead in the first quarter.

According to the Bloomberg report, the size of the Indian economy with regards to ‘nominal’ cash was $854.7 billion during the quarter through March on an adjusted basis and using the dollar exchange rate on the last day of the relevant quarter. In contrast, the UK was at $814 billion.

The calculations were done using the IMF database and historic exchange rates on the Bloomberg terminal.

The latest report reflects the economic trajectory these two countries have taken in recent months.

While UK is witnessing its worst cost-of-living crisis, soaring inflation—the highest in four decades—and a potential recession that is expected to last well into 2024, according to the Bank of England, the Indian economy, on the other hand, is forecast to grow more than 7 per cent this year.

“A world-beating rebound in Indian stocks this quarter has just seen their weighting rise to the second spot in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, trailing only China’s,” the Bloomberg report said.

Moreover, the IMF’s forecasts show India pegged to overtake the UK in dollar terms on an annual basis this year, putting the Asian powerhouse behind just the US, China, Japan and Germany. 

About a decade ago, India was ranked the world’s 11th largest economy, while the UK used to remain at the fifth spot.

The latest economic performance comes as a major blow to the ruling Conservative party, which is in the midst of leadership change following the resignation of Boris Johnson.

The Tory members will pick Johnson’s successor on Monday, with reports indicating a comfortable win for foreign secretary Liz Truss over former chancellor Rishi Sunak.

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NMS Sponsors 100 Staff to Participate in Rotary Cancer Run

By
Our Reporter
-

National Medical Stores (NMS), a government body tasked with the procurement, storage and distribution of essential medicines and health supplies, is set to take part in this weekend’s Rotary Cancer Run.

“In line with our commitment to preventive health and as part of our internal stakeholder engagement activities, NMS is sponsoring 100 staff to this year’s Rotary Cancer Run,” said NMS publicist, Sheila Nduhukire.

The Run will take place on Sunday, 4th September 2022 at the Kololo Independence Grounds.

The initiative by the Rotary Cancer run is meant to raise financial support for the Cancer institute. It will be a physical event after two years of COVID-19 pandemic.

Over 2,100 people die every year in Uganda due to cancer.

NMS has been at the forefront of fighting non-communicable diseases by promoting physical fitness exercises, sports, regular health checkups and mass awareness campaigns.

“We urge Ugandans to eat healthy, exercise regularly, and carry out regular health check-ups in a bid to curb non-communicable diseases, such as cancer thereby reducing the demand for medicines in our health facilities,” said Nduhukire.

Medics say active participation in sports activities helps ease stress and improves general well being of the body.

Sports also bring positive energy, discipline, and other commendable qualities.

The Rotary International President Dr. Jennifer Jones, who is in Uganda, will flag off over 20,000 runners at the Rotary Cancer Run.

Jones will also visit Rotary Peace Centre at Makerere University and tour a number of projects implemented by Rotarians in Uganda which include among others; the Mengo Hospital Rotary Blood Bank, the Rotary Centenary Bank Cancer Ward at Nsambya Hospital, Mulago Heart Instite

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