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Speaker directs on merger process of government agencies

By
Our Reporter
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Speaker Anita Among

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has directed the Minister for Public Service to withdraw a letter halting recruitment in departments and agencies based on decision by Cabinet to rationalise government agencies.

Among said the move has suffocated institutions and they could be blamed for no work done given that they have few or no staff. She asked: “Can you commit to yourself that you are going to ensure that all institutions are operational?”

The Speaker gave the directive during plenary on Tuesday, 10 May 2022, after a presentation of a report by the Parliament Ad hoc Committee on the February 2021 Cabinet decision to rationalise government agencies.

Members of Parliament raised concern on the effect of the proposed rationalisation of government agencies, urging the ministry to protect employees whose agencies have been affected.

“Government already started the process of the merger without repealing the Act and without taking care of the interest of workers. The minister should suspend the entire process until this House takes a final decision,” said Hon. Geofrey Ekanya (FDC, Tororo North County).

Hon. Eddie Kwizera (NRM, Bukimbiri County) reiterated the call to the Minister for Public Service to retract the directive to stop appointments of Chief Executive Officers to government agencies.

“We are going to pass a budget and that budget will not have accounting officers. So, what shall we be doing?” he asked.

Bugiri Municipality MP, Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, said the discussion on mergers has caused anxiety and uncertainty as well as impacted on staff morale in government agencies.

“If you engage any of the officers in some of these agencies established by an Act of Parliament, they are not sure of what to do especially with regard to their mandate. I hope government finds a way of addressing these issues,” said Basalirwa.

The minister, Hon. Wilson Muruli Mukasa, said a roadmap by the ministry planned that agencies whose staff contracts have expired can recruit, with the new contracts documented to end by 30 June 2023.

Among has given the minister two months within which to present a harmonised position with the recommendations contained in the committee report.

This followed Muruli Mukasa’s request for time for Cabinet and the Ministry of Public Service to study the recommendations of the report and get an opportunity to interact with the committee.

He said this will advance harmonisation so that debate on the report is made brief.

“This a substantial report and contains many recommendations that are of profound import. Some of them go to the contrary of the recommendations of Cabinet,” he said.

Hon. Sarah Opendi (NRM, Tororo District Woman MP) urged the ministry to engage some institutions that did not interact with the committee during its investigation.

“The committee was constrained by time according to their report yet some key institutions like Mulago National Referral Hospital did not interface with it. Can we allow a few of such comments so that cabinet can also study them?” Opendi said.

While presenting the committee report, the chairperson, Hon. Nathan Byanyima, said the rationalisation process was embarked on without a comprehensive study of the whole government machinery for service delivery.

He also said that exercise did not benefit from adequate consultation of the stakeholders, and proceeded without examining the legal and economic costs involved, and without a business continuity assurance study.

“There are risks that Uganda faces…including legal risks arising from litigation against government, loss of investor confidence, loss of employment opportunities, loss of competitiveness of Uganda’s economy and products, loss of international markets, injury to Uganda’s image and brand and reduced service delivery,” reads the report in part.

The committee agreed with a Cabinet decision to retain 80 agencies as semi-autonomous except the Uganda Retirements Benefits Regulation Authority which it recommended to be transferred to the finance ministry.

The committee also agrees with the decision to merge some agencies for efficient operations and economies of scale including electricity companies, constitutional commissions and investment agencies among others.

Also, the committee proposed the merger of Pride Micro-Finance and Micro-finance Support Centre to form a credit bank for vulnerable and weak economic actors who cannot access services of big commercial banks that charge high interest rates in light of the Parish Development Model.

The committee concurred with Cabinet’s decision to mainstream 33 agencies excluding the National Library of Uganda, Centre for Dispute Resolution and Rural Electrification Agency.

The committee also recommended retention of agencies in the road sector, water and environment sector, agriculture sector and ICT sector, being mainstreamed.

“The committee calls for a cautious approach in rationalising agencies. Poor leadership of some agencies should not be confused with poor value of agencies in service delivery,” said Byanyima.

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We don’t operate any safe houses in the country – UPDF

By
Simon Kabayo
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The Minister of State for Defence, Jacob Oboth Oboth has asked MPs to furnish his office with any information regarding the existence of safe houses for further investigation, adding that UPDF is not operating any safe houses in the country.

Oboth Oboth, who on Tuesday led a team of UPDF generals to the committee on Human Rights chaired by Fox Odoi, was responding to allegations of human rights violations in the country.

“I have heard issues of safe houses even before I became minister of Defence and my response is that we do not operate any safe houses and this committee can help us identify if there are people who are operating safe houses and are allegedly doing it on behalf of UPDF,” Oboth Oboth said.

The committee that is currently investigating allegations of human rights abuse by security forces had sought a response from the ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs on the number of safe houses and their locations.

Allan Mayanja, the MP for Nakaseke Central referred to the minister’s response as “dodgy” and “unsatisfactory” saying UPDF ought to do better in probing the alleged existence of safe houses, which have turned into torture chambers for suspects.

“I think the minister is just dodging the question of safe houses because I am sure there is a department for investigations in the UPDF and the issue of safe houses has been raised by Ugandans. It is unfair to tell us (MPs) to look for these safe houses. The UPDF should investigate and come up with a report,” Mayanja said.

Odoi, the committee chairperson said that there is some progress in respect of the existence of safe houses following a recent report from Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), a body that serves to monitor and advance human rights in Uganda.

“Uganda Human Rights Commission reported to us that all previous safe houses were closed and we still have not come up with any known locations of a safe house. So it wouldn’t be fair to insist that the minister give us a list yet even UHRC says they were all closed,” Odoi said.

This is not the first time Parliament is investigating allegations of human rights abuse in relation to the existence of illegal detention centers commonly referred to as safe houses.

According to the November 2019 report of the Committee on Human Rights that first investigated this matter, the then minister of Security, Gen Elly Tumwine acknowledged the existence of safe houses in different locations where operations deem them fit to fulfil their purpose and functions as provided in the Security Organisations Act Cap. 305 of 1987.

 Tumwine told the committee that “safe houses are there to coordinate clandestine intelligence information and to secure and protect witnesses in danger, especially criminals who have turned into witnesses.”

 Col Deo Karikona, the Director, Human Rights-UPDF defended UPDF’s continued trial of civilians in the General Military Court saying it is premised and sanctioned by the law under section 119(g) and (h) of the UPDF Act, 2005.

 According to the law, any person not otherwise subject to military law, who aids or abets the commission of a service offence or any person found in unlawful possession of equipment which is a preserve of the UPDF, shall be tried by the military courts.

 Using an example of robbery case that took place in Stanbic Bank at Cham Towers in 2007 where a civilian orchestrated a bank robbery using his armed brothers who were UPDF soldiers, Col Karikona said the definition of a service offence under UPDF Act, does not only include offences stipulated under the act, but includes offences under the penal laws.

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Crested Cranes learn Group opponents for Cecafa Women’s Championship 2022

By
Our Reporter
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crested-cranes-XI

The draw for the upcoming CECAFA Women’s Championship has been successfully held on Wednesday to determine the groups.

In a function conducted via zoom, the 8 teams that confirmed participation have been divided into two groups, each containing four.

Hosts Uganda have been placed in group A and will have to compete against Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti.

The Crested Cranes under the stewardship of coach George Lutalo already entered camp in preparation for this tournament.

Both Uganda and Burundi will use the regional Championship as part of their preparations for the 2022 TotalEnergies Women Africa Cup of Nations in July.

Group B has Tanzania, Zanzibar, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

The tournament is expected to take place from May 22nd – June 5th 2022 at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.

This is the second time that Uganda is hosting this Championship, the first coming in 2016.

The regional championship was last held in 2019 when Kenya beat Tanzania to win the title in Dar es Salaam.

Groups
Group A
Uganda
Rwanda
Burundi
Djibouti

Group B
Tanzania
Ethiopia
Zanzibar
South Sudan

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Dfcu Bank commits to fight against HIV/AIDs as Buganda Kingdom unveils 2022 Kabaka birthday Run

By
Our Reporter
-
dfcu Team led by Jude Kansiime, Head Marketing dfcu Bank holding the placard alongside the Bugada Katikiro Owek Charles Peter Mayiga

Run to take place under the theme; “Men against HIV/AIDS to save the girl child.”

Dfcu Bank in partnership with the Buganda Kingdom have today unveiled the 2022 Kabaka Birthday Run Kit during a press conference held at Bulange, Mengo, Buganda Kingdom Headquarters. The kit unveiling event was graced by the Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom Owek. Charles Peter Mayigga and attended by Kingdom partners as well as officials from dfcu Bank led by Jude Kansiime, Head Marketing. The run is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 3rd July 2022, and will be flagged off by Ssabasajja Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, the King of Buganda.

For the third consecutive year, the Kabaka Birthday Run has been organized under the theme “Men against HIV/AIDS to save the girl child” with the aim of encouraging men to take the lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS by getting tested, treated, and ultimately protecting girls and women against infections. 

Speaking at the event today, Katikiro of Buganda Owek Peter Mayiga said that the campaign against HIV requires a joint effort to bring about behavioral change and sharing key information.

“Each time you participate in the run or purchase a kit, you have joined the fight against HIV/AIDS. The Kabaka’s Birthday Run is a celebration of life. When we couple that with a noble cause focused on saving lives and improving the quality of life of so many, we’re able to achieve positive socioeconomic transformation.” he noted.

He applauded dfcu Bank for its commitment to making positive and lasting changes through partnering with Buganda Kingdom to enlighten and empower communities to live fuller, healthier lives.

Over the years, the Kabaka Birthday Run has focused on different societal impact issues including; fistula, sickle cells and currently HIV/AIDS. 

Speaking at the event, Jude Kansiime, dfcu Bank’s Marketing Manager reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting the kingdom in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the country, by calling for individuals to take greater responsibility for their wellbeing and that of their families.

“HIV/AIDS has had significant negative effects on humanity across the globe, despite the introduction of new treatments and advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART). Moreover, the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic magnified the challenges that people who use drugs face, especially because of limited access to health services and support systems. On behalf of dfcu Bank, we honored to be part of this great movement that seeks to create awareness and rally efforts towards the prevention of, testing for and treatment of HIV/ AIDS,” Kansiime said.

“It is a fact that Uganda’s success in fighting the HIV/AIDS scourge is attributed to the collaborations that have been formed between the Government, grassroot communities, Non-Profit Organizations, and other reputable institutions. It is therefore dfcu Bank’s great honor to add our contribution to this fight,” he concluded.

Tickets for the Kabaka Birthday Run and kits priced at Shs 15,000 can be purchased at any of dfcu branches.

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Gov’t to fund Team Uganda at Commonwealth Games

By
Our Reporter
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Sports Minister Hamson Obua

The State Minister for Education and Sports (Sports), Hon. Denis Obua, has confirmed to Parliament that Team Uganda shall travel for the Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom.

Obua told MPs during plenary on Tuesday, 10 May 2022 that in a recent meeting with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, funds would be released in two quarters.

“The ministry will release funds in two instalments – in the fourth quarter for Financial Year 2021/2022 and first quarter of the Financial Year 2022/2023 to facilitate the teams in qualification, preparation and presentation Team Uganda at the Commonwealth Games 2022,” Obua said

On Tuesday, 03 May 2022, the Shadow Minister for Sports, Hon. Godfrey Kayemba, raised on a matter of national importance in regard to the lack of funds to facilitate Uganda’s participation in the Commonwealth Games due to take place from 28 July to 08 August 2022.

“We want results and good performance but we are not participating in the preparations for better results. We request government to expedite funds for the sports people who are to participate at the Commonwealth Games in two months’ time,” Kayemba said.

Obua during the session, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, said that government had plans to fund the athletes since it was in the plan to facilitate the National Council of Sports with the additional funding of Shs4.7 billion to support the athletes.

The Speaker requested for an enhancement of the sports budget in the next financial year.

She said: “We need a team to go and represent the country and we need to prioritise sports in the next financial year so that we avoid ad hoc decisions like these. All we need as Parliament is a team to go.”

With the games around the corner, 58 out of 72 Commonwealth Games Associations had confirmed participation.

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Parliament gives Finance Minister ultimatum to pay South Sudan traders

By
Our Reporter
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Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija

Parliament has given the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija up to June 2022 to present an addendum, as proof of government’s commitment to compensate 23 companies which supplied goods and services to South Sudan between 2008 and 2010.

MPs are concerned that although the plight of traders has been discussed in Parliament for long and a resolution for payment passed, government is hesitant to pay out.

“Government has no excuse to say there is no money because Parliament gave them powers through resolutions. Parliament went ahead to pass a supplementary budget to cater for the 23 verified companies. If their money was diverted, the minister must tell us where the money went,” said Hon. Cecilia Ogwal (FDC, Dokolo District Woman MP).

On 30 March 2018, Parliament passed a supplementary allowing government to borrow and compensate 23 traders whose claim was up for verification. The claim totaled to US$ 47,207,849 and Sudanese Pounds (SDG) 36,332,227.

These companies were excluded from an initial agreement between the governments of Uganda and South Sudan to compensate 10 companies that supplied goods to South Sudan.

Kasaija while presenting a statement to Parliament on the status of compensation, on Tuesday, 10 May 2022, said government was incapacitated to pay traders.

“The problem, first of all is the capacity we have as the Treasury, and as you have seen even for the 10 companies, we have been compensating them since 2019 because the funds were not available – sometimes were are constrained by cash flow,” said Kasaija.

Legislators did not buy into Kasaija’s justification for delayed payment and implored government to move fast considering that traders lost not only property but lives. Many have been pushed out of business, MPs said.

“There is a gentleman called Bongomin Sunday, this man has ran mad because he lost US$3.3 million.  There is a woman called Jane who collapsed in Hon. David Bahati’s office. There is also a man called Gunya whose businesses in Lira have been closed – he has lost all his houses. Hon. Minister, we want these people to get their money,” said Speaker Anita Among.

Busia Municipality MP, Hon. Geoffrey Macho also testified about traders from his constituency who lost lives, homes and families due to the financial loss suffered since 2008.

“Our very own Masaba of Busia, the owner of Masaba Coaches had all buses burnt. I know people who lost tons of maize that have not been paid,” he added.

Bukooli County Central MP, Hon. Solomon Silwany, said he knew of a trader who died of pressure caused by the financial loss and asked Parliament to bring to an end the plight of these traders.

“Today is the 8th time the minister is coming here telling Parliament that we are sorting this matter. You asked the minister how long he is going to take to pay but he is still talking about estimation of days – Madam Speaker, when are we going to complete this matter?” Silwany asked.

The Speaker directed Kasaija to get an addendum to the initial payment agreement between Uganda and South Sudan by June 2022, upon which Uganda would base on to pay the claimants.

“We are asking the minister that go back to South Sudan get an addendum for the 23 companies to be paid, once you get that addendum, it takes the first call to pay these people because it’s a public debt,” she directed.

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Bebe Cool Endorses Cindy For Uganda Music Association Presidency

By
Our Reporter
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Renowned music star Bebe Cool alias Big Size has endorsed Cindy Sanyu as his candidate of choice for the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) presidency in the upcoming polls.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Bebe Cool said dancehall star Cindy- also known as the King Herself- is the right person for the job.
Cindy faces King Saha for the position.

“Cindy is the right person for the job. She has all the credentials,” Bebe said.
He added that since Cindy is the incumbent, she is the right person to continue in office so as to accomplish and consolidate UMA goals.

Cindy Sanyu at one of her past shows

He added: “Cindy has done an incredible job with her team. Finally UMA is now recognised by all the important stakeholders in the country. Musicians must give her the mandate to accomplish the job she started. She is my candidate, no doubt.”

Mr. Cool described Cindy as the full package, someone who can easily express herself.
“Being president involves constant lobbying, interacting with the different stakeholders that include government. We need a president who can speak English for starters. I only see Cindy as the right candidate,” he added.

“I’ve always been so passionate about Uganda arts, artists, and the Ugandan music industry as a whole. I’ve observed and experienced all the ups and downs the Ugandan industry has faced. I have also witnessed different UMA presidents abandon ship before their terms of office expire because of challenges within the arts industry. But Cindy even in the challenging Covid times withstood the pressure and kept moving. This resilience in her is proof she’s up for the task.
Some artists might not agree with me because of their differences with Cindy but I believe those same differences forced other presidents to retire prematurely,” he further said.

The elections to select UMA leadership are expected to happen soon and Cindy is considered favorite by many.

The Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) is licensed by the National Union of Creative Performing Artists and Allied Workers (NUCPAAW), to represent musicians, producers and artist managers.

UMA exists to protect, promote and preserve Ugandan music, and advocate for the interests of its members to the government, the music industry, the media and the public.

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We are not closing business in Uganda – WorldRemit clarifies

By
Our Reporter
-
World-Remit-mobile

World money transfer service provider, WorldRemit has confirmed that it is not closing business in Uganda.

WorldRemit clarified that they will not be facilitating money transfers sent from Uganda starting June 6th but customers in the country receiving funds won’t be affected by the decision.

Customers will continue to receive funds via the WorldRemit service without disruption.

The full statement from WorldRemit;

As of 6th June, WorldRemit will not be facilitating any new transactions sent from Uganda. Customers receiving funds in Uganda are not affected by this decision and will be able to continue to receive funds via the WorldRemit service without disruption.

It is our continued goal to ensure we are offering the greatest value for our customers around the world, and to do so, we occasionally have to make difficult decisions that impact a small number of customers. We have therefore decided to no longer support money transfers from Uganda to keep costs for our global customer base, including for people receiving money in Uganda, as low as possible.

Any transactions made before 6th June will be processed as normal, and users will continue to receive SMS and email updates. All users can continue to access past transactions and recipient information, by logging into their account on the WorldRemit website.

WorldRemit is a leading global payments company and, along with Sendwave, part of Zepz, a group powering two global payments brands. We disrupted an industry previously dominated by offline legacy players by taking international money transfers online – making them safer, faster and lower cost. We currently send from 50 countries to recipients in 130 companies and operate in more than 5,000 money transfer corridors worldwide.

We look forward to continuing on our path towards long term growth ambitions and best serving our customers around the world.

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Mpuuga urges Opposition MPs to mobilise people to demand for better services

By
Our Reporter
-
Former LoP Mpuuga

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Hon.  Mathais Mpuuga has told Opposition lawmakers that after registering successes on the Floor of Parliament, focus should now be at mobilising the population to demand for better services and accountability of public resources.

Addressing Opposition MPs at a one day training workshop on alternative policies, Mpuuga said that while the Opposition had successfully influenced a number of Bills and policies in the House, it may not be possible for the government to implement ideas from the Opposition.

“We can’t be hoodwinked that the government will do what is expected of a democratic government. Implementation of our good policies like those espoused in our Alternative Policy statements is a preserve of a well-intended government not a rotting regime, not a regime that is self-serving, where corruption is endemic and abuse of human rights is widespread,” Mpuuga said.

“We have to make sure that our policies are not in futility,” Mpuuga added as he told the MPs to use both the mainstream and social media to popularise the Opposition policy proposals to as well ask the population to hold the government accountable.

Among the legislations that the Opposition effectively influenced is the recently passed Electricity Act, the Physical Planning Bill and the Fisheries (Amendment) Bill.

Mpuuga’s side also succeeded in pushing through its proposals at the time of passing the Charter of Fiscal Responsibility as well as the National Budget Framework Paper.

The Opposition however, contend that there is a mismatch in the figures contained in the National Budget Framework Paper 2022/2023 which was passed by Parliament and the figures that government presented in the draft National Budget estimates for 2022/2023.

Nonetheless, the LOP is so far contented with the performance of his troops but at the same time feels that there is still work to do to turn the Opposition platform in Parliament into a “focal point for disentangling an otherwise stuck economy.”

“It is not just about the numbers but the quality of outcome from the small numbers can outweigh the numbers on the other side of the House. Don’t look at yourselves as very few and therefore, incapable of driving the narrative in the House,” the LOP told the MPs.

“At the onset, we were not understood; the naysayers could not understand why we were talking about a Legislative Agenda [for the Opposition], they were saying, ‘how are you going to present your proposals when you don’t have the numbers?’ Strength of proposals can easily set the agenda,” he added.

The training focused on the Alternative Policy statements the Opposition laid before the House in response to the government’s budget proposals for the next financial year.

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Uganda the sleeping Giant

By
Guest Writer
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Samuel Colin Walugembe

During the month of October 2021, I took a road trip to Tanzania and I got a chance to visit several Tanzanian National Parks. While in Tanzania, I was surprised by the huge number of tourists that flock to Tanzania’s tourist attractions. The parks, waterfalls and mountains are all busy with tourists and of course, I started to wonder why Uganda was failing to attract such numbers of tourists, while our country has so much to offer and hence the potential to get more visitors.

Uganda is a sleeping giant with countless natural attractions, lush green country sides, diverse cultures, landscapes, snow covered Rwenzori Mountain peaks, beautiful lakes and dotted islands. Not to mention the gorillas and the usual African Big Five safaris that always leave the few international tourists wondering why they didn’t know anything like this existed in Uganda.

Uganda the sleeping giant is said to have more than 50% of the remaining mountain gorillas in its two National Parks Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park but it’s funny that most people outside of Uganda don’t even know that there are mountain gorillas in The Pearl of Africa. I recently was in Kenya’s Diani beach and I happened to meet a tour operator, who didn’t know that Uganda even had Gorillas, as strange as it seems; and by the way, he is one of the best in the area of Diani beach according to TripAdvisor rankings.

When it comes to Mountain Gorilla trekking, the world quickly looks at Rwanda and we all know trekking permits here don’t come cheap: they come at a cost of 1500$, compared to Uganda’s 700$.

Take a look at bird watching for example: Uganda is home to 10.2% of all bird species in the world. American tourists spend $4.1bn a year on bird watching tours. Now imagine 10% of these tourists knew about Uganda as a birding safari destination and booked tours to Uganda that means as a country, we would make $410m out of the birds we have. Remember we don’t feed or treat these birds; basically don’t cost us anything, yet we could heavily profit from them if we did our homework better.

Uganda is like a beautifully dressed woman, wearing nice jewelries and make-up but locked in her room… Meaning no one sees or appreciates how endowed she is. Anyone who has visited Uganda will tell you that this country is a sleeping tourism giant, having everything to make is a preferred holiday destination. It is maybe small, but surely has everything the African continent has best to offer.

With all what we have, I believe we could fully optimize it and reap the tourism dollars… something that might be part of the solution to the youth unemployment. With an increase in tourists in Uganda, I see endless opportunities for many (young) people like me, employed as safari guides, chefs in lodges, porters on our mountains, interpreters, mechanics maintaining safari cars, craft makers, etc. Maybe this would help to save young people from going to Arab countries, where many of them claim to be treated as slaves.

My recommendation

In my opinion, we lack of serious marketing and sensitization campaigns – something our neighbors have mastered, explaining why Uganda has remained overshadowed by countries like Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Different tourist companies have tried to market on their own but trust me, it can’t work well if the government is not seriously involved. The government should increase on the budget that’s given to Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) to enable them sell exhibit Uganda as a preferred holiday destination. We need to know that this business of tourism is built on awareness and serious/aggressive marketing to tell the world: “hey! You can come spend your holidays here”; and that Uganda is not all about gorillas and chimpanzees. If we sit back and relax, other countries advertising and signing deals with international football teams will beat our sector’s revenue – yet we are so much gifted by nature.

Samuel Colin Walugembe, Founder and Director of Laba Africa Expeditions

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