Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
20.2 C
Kampala
Stanbic Bank
Stanbic Bank
Home Blog Page 640

Absa Bank, Prudential Uganda collaborate on an insurance policy project

Absa Bank Uganda and Prudential Uganda have today announced the introduction of an affordable life insurance policy, expanding the bank’s bancassurance offer. All the top fees and financial baggage (funeral costs and any other paybacks) faced during the loss of the family member, that is; spouse, four legal children and parents, will be sorted by the policy.

Named the Absa Family Protection Plan, the policy will provide life insurance cover at premiums in three attractive packages of Shs5,000, Shs10,000 and Shs20,000 premiums which entitle the policy holder to funeral expenses, among other benefits to help families navigate the unexpected hardships that arise during times of losses and grief.

Funeral costs in Uganda are often high ranging from Shs500,000 to Shs15 million as a result of cultural and societal obligations including holding vigils, housing and feeding of relatives, caring for and transporting the body of the deceased.

Michael Segwaya, Absa Bank Uganda’s Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer said that there is a very low uptake of insurance in Uganda, which statistics are even lower than when considering life insurance.

“By partnering with Prudential, we are expanding our bancassurance offer toward ensuring that more Ugandans are insured as part of the drive to deepen financial inclusion in the country,” Segwaya said.

Musa Jallow, Absa’s Retail Banking Director added that this is affordably priced and offers more benefits than what is available on market’ which is going to be a key element to encourage more Ugandans to invest in life insurance.

“As a bank we will continue to play our part like we are doing today to in line with our purpose to bring possibilities to life and help customers to get things done,” Musa revealed.

Mr. Tetteh Ayitevie, CEO Prudential Uganda said that there is still work to be done when it comes to showing more members of the public the tangible benefits of life insurance and debunking the myths associated with the industry in general.

“However, we are energized because we are taking great strides towards improving the benefits and pricing of these products, with the Absa Family Protection Plan as an example of many more to come,” he applauded.

Stories Continues after ad

Prioritise psychiatric treatment – MPs

Parliament of Uganda

The soaring figures of Ugandans who are suffering from mental disorders have instigated Members of Parliament to demand for improved psychiatric health services in the country.

According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health and Uganda Counseling Association as published in the media, about 14 million Ugandans are mentally sick with a majority suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on Mental Health, Hon. Geoffrey Macho, urged government to mainstream mental health treatment in all government hospitals by increasing funds for psychiatric treatment, upgrading the Mental Health Unit under the Ministry of Health into a department, among others.

“We request government to put budgetary plans into the budget of the Ministry of Health concerning mental health because the money allocated to the unit of mental health is very little. We also request that this unit is upgraded to a department because 14 million people is not a small number; this is more than a quarter of the country’s population,” Macho said.

He urged that government urgently takes over the supply of mental health medicine which has been left in the hands of the private sector who sell it expensively.

Macho was reacting to a statement from the Minister of State for Health (General Duties) Hon. Anifa Kawooya, on the status of operationalisation of the Mental Health Act, 2018 and the increasing need for mental health and psychiatric care in the country during the Tuesday, 10 May plenary sitting.

The concern was raised by Tororo District Woman Representative, Hon. Sarah Opendi, on 27 April 2022.

In her statement, Kawooya said that government is on course to implement the new Mental Health Act 2019, which came into force on 18 February 2021.

According to Kawooya, the new law introduces mental health services at community level, new referral and admission procedures and has significantly strengthened the protection of rights of people with mental health conditions.

However, operationalisation of the Mental Health Act 2019 still faces challenges of low recruitment of psychiatric personnel in health facilities, non-existence of the Uganda Mental Health Advisory Board to set standards and monitor the implementation of the Act and other regulations to properly enforce the Act.

“Some provisions of the Act require regulations for proper enforcement. A case in point is, Part III of the Act, which focuses on treatment and admission of persons with mental illness that requires guidelines on voluntary and involuntary admissions. The process of writing these regulations is ongoing….the ministry is also currently in the process of appointing and inaugurating the board members [of the Uganda Mental Health Advisory Board],” she said in the statement.

As per the Integrated Mental Health Services, a health centre IV is required to have an enrolled psychiatric nurse, while a district hospital should have a psychiatric clinical officer and two psychiatric nurses to run a mental health clinic. The Regional Referral Hospitals should have a psychiatrist and other cadres of mental health workers.

Kawooya said that so far, five out of the 13 regional referral hospital mental health departments are headed by psychiatrists and more than 15 new psychiatrists are being trained.

Aruu County MP, Hon. Christopher Komakech, questioned government’s capacity to recruit and fill up all the vacant psychiatric positions due to lack of training institutions.

“Right now, there is only one psychiatric nursing school in the entire country and that is the Butabika School of Psychiatric Clinical Officers. I do not think this institution can provide us with the psychiatric nurses that we need,” Komakech said.

Koboko Municipality MP, Dr Charles Ayume, also the Chairperson of the Committee on Health, said there are less than 60 psychiatrists in the country because most people think it is not well paying, thus explaining why most of the hospitals do not have psychiatrists.  He added that the committee on Health that is currently processing the Public Health (Amendment) Bill is trying to capture mental health as one of the Non-Communicable Diseases.

The Speaker, Anita Among who chaired the session, demanded that government provides countrywide counseling services for people with mental health problems.

Stories Continues after ad

New Sprite clear bottle launched to enhance plastic collection and recycling 

CCBA Management Team led by General Manager Melkamu Abebe pose with the new clear Sprite bottle

The Coca-Cola system has unveiled a new iconic look of its leading sparkling lemon-lime flavored soft drink Sprite in a clear polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle packaging. 

This shift from its iconic green bottle means more Sprite bottles can be collected, recycled and reused to make new items, a move that is part of The Coca-Cola Company’s World Without Waste vision, which targets to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells and use 50% recycled content in all its packaging by 2030.

“People in Uganda can enjoy a much better taste of their favorite sparkling lemon-lime drink knowing their bottle can be easily recycled and made into new items,” said Melkamu Abebe, the General Manager at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda, during the launch.

“The shift from the green bottle to clear PET is a significant step in driving our sustainability agenda which is a key element of our business. We know that our vision for a World Without Waste is ambitious and can be challenging but together with our partners, we are committed to the course. This move also allows us to work with partners in the recycling industry and with waste collectors and aggregators to achieve more value for our recyclable plastics,” said

Melkamu Abebe, the General Manager at Coca-Cola Beverages Africa in Uganda, during the launch.

Clear PET can be made into a wide range of new products, such as pillow and duvet inners, as well as into new bottles, making it more valuable than green PET, which has limited uses.

“The World Without Waste” strategy represents The Coca-Cola Company’s commitment to doing business sustainably which includes addressing the packaging waste challenge. Additionally, clear PET plastic contributes to economic empowerment as it will contribute to enhanced income for waste reclaimers in Uganda who depend on collecting and selling packaging waste for a living,” said Debra Mallowah, Vice President Coca-Cola East and Central Africa Franchise (ECAF).

Since its launch 60 years ago, Sprite has been known for its iconic green bottle and this marks a major milestone in its growth and sustainability in various markets.

With its presence in over 200 countries, including Uganda, Sprite’s new transparent look features a see-through bottle, refreshed icon of the brand’s bold Sprite ‘spark’ with a distinct label and bright green cover.

Uganda becomes the 5th African market to introduce the Sprite clear PET, after South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Stories Continues after ad

Speaker directs on merger process of government agencies

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.

Stories Continues after ad

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

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.

Stories Continues after ad

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

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

Stories Continues after ad

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

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.

Stories Continues after ad

Gov’t to fund Team Uganda at Commonwealth Games

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.

Stories Continues after ad

Parliament gives Finance Minister ultimatum to pay South Sudan traders

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.

Stories Continues after ad

Bebe Cool Endorses Cindy For Uganda Music Association Presidency

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.

Stories Continues after ad