Uganda has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the World Cities Day this Sunday, 31 October 2021, in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/239 of 27 December 2013, which emanated from the Shanghai International Expo 2010 deliberations.

The UN General Assembly designated every 31st October as World Cities Day to provide an opportunity for the promotion of global interests in urbanization, and engender international cooperation to address the challenges of urbanization, in turn contributing to sustainable urban development.

Over half of the world’s population lives in cities, a figure expected to increase by three billion by 2050. Uganda is a predominantly rural nation with approximately 20 per cent the population living and working in urban areas, and urbanizing at 5.2 per cent annually.

Uganda is joining the rest of the World on this day focusing on the promotion of sustainable urbanization.

According to Sheila Naturinda, the day gives individuals, communities, and government officials a chance to highlight challenges and find solutions. All in relation to cities, towns, and communities. She is the Communications Specialist at the World Bank’s Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID-AF) Programme.

“The UN General Assembly designated October 31 as the World Cities Day for the world to promote their interest in global sustainable urbanization, push forward co-operation among countries and cities in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization,” she said.

Furthermore, she said various engagements have been planned as part of the celebration. This year’s theme draws focus to cities that are prone to environmental disasters because of the concentration of socio-economic assets.

Naturinda said that building the adaptive capacity and cultivating the social capital that already exists will reduce disaster risks. She added that it will also strengthen urban resilience to often unpredictable shocks and stresses due to climatic changes.

“Adapting cities for climate resilience is being intentional about helping cities and their residents prepare for, mitigate and respond to risks posed by both predictable and unpredictable shocks and stresses due to climatic changes,” she said.

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Singer Juliana Kanyomozi has been named brand ambassador of Molfix, a Global diaper brand. She was unveiled alongside Tracy Kakuru Otatiina, Brenda Nanyonjo, singer Veronica Luggya aka Vinka, Manuela P. Mulondo and Rachael Mwine.

Molfix, the companion of mothers, is in more than 100 countries providing Hypoallergenic Molfix diapers designed to protect baby’s skin. Molfix diapers nourish your baby’s skin with the aloe vera, and chamomile extract it contains.

“Today, Molfix unveiled its Brand Influencers in Uganda. We are happy to be taking this journey with Tracy Kakuru Otatiina, Brenda Nanyonjo, Veronica Luggya aka Vinka, Juliana Kanyomozi, Manuela P. Mulondo and Rachael Mwine who are all exceptional women and mothers. We are happy to be taking this journey with them,” the company said.

The company revealed that the Soft breathing inner and outer surfaces of Molfix protect babies and prevent leakage and hence making parents comfortable to spend time comfortably with their babies.

“Globally, Molfix is the 5th largest baby diaper brand. It has elastic side bands and a middle rubber system which reliably protects babies against leaks without irritating them.”

In addition to providing ease of movement to your babies with airsoft technology, Molfix Pants can also be easily removed due to its flexible side bands. The impermeable elastic barriers protect your baby against rashes. The umbilical cord hollow grasps your newborn’s body without disturbing your baby.

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The Opposition in Parliament has demanded an explanation from government on the arbitrary directives awarding contracts to various construction entities for construction of roads, schools and health facilities across the country.

This was made in a statement presented by the Shadow Minister for works and Transport, Hon Yusuf Nsibambi during plenary sitting on Thursday, 28 October 2021.

He said that President Yoweri Museveni is now initiating procurement needs, informally meeting service providers and subsequently issuing directives commanding government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“He (President Museveni) issued about five arbitrary directives. Whereas the President enjoys executive authority under the Constitution, the same ought to be exercised judiciously and within confines of the law as provided under Article 9 (1) of the constitution,” he said.

Nsibambi cited some of the arbitrary directives including, a letter dated 15 May 2021 in which Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) was directed to enter and agreement with Zhongmei Engineering group on pre-financing agreement for construction of Kanoni-Misingi-Mityana Road (37 Km).

He further cited that in a letter dated 21 June 2021, the President directed UNRA to enter into an agreement with China Communication Construction Company on pre-financing arrangement for construction of Pakwach-Karuma Road, Pakwach Bridge, Kisubi-Nakawuka-Natete Road, Nakawuka-Kasange-Mpigi Road, Nakawuka-Mawugulu-Nanziga-Maya Road, Kasange-Buwaya Road, and Nakasero-Northern Bypass VVIP Road.

“The processes, cycle and activities of procurement and disposal of public assets in Uganda are governed by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets (PPDA) Act. Non-compliance of the PPDA Act and regulations made thereunder by any person whether public servant or not attracts criminal action or sanctions and in some cases civil liability,” said Nsibambi.

He added that the directive from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health to all Local Governments to surrender and prepare the ground for the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) brigade to take over construction works for schools and health facilities falls short on the required legal procurement standards.

“The law clearly guides that procurement processes do not commence with identification and zoning out a sole contractor where a competitive procurement was available but suffocated,” Nsibambi said.

He urged the Ministers of; Works and Transport, Health and Education to adhere to the provisions of the law under the Constitution, PPDA, Act and Public Finance Management Act, instead of the presidential directive.

He also called on the Minister of Health to recall and cancel the letter written by the ministry’s permanent secretary to all local governments on the UPDF.

“This House should move to advise the President to stop that arbitrary conduct,” Nsibambi said.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon Mathias Mpuuga, said that the ministries concerned should clarify the laws on pre-financing in regard to the Presidential directives.

“Pre-financing is indirect borrowing and without parliamentary approval. It is a public debt to which we would like the finance minister to come and explain whether he is privy to the arrangement and its implications to the law,” said Mpuuga.

He added that as a result of the arbitrary directives by the President, the World Bank has raised concerns and has threatened to cancel funding.

Deputy Speaker Anita Among directed the Attorney General to provide a statement on the presidential directives. “Give us a law that backs up the presidential directives. We need this on Wednesday,” she said.

She also clarified that the presidential directives are not final and that the burden to ensure that the right procedures are followed lies with the technical people.

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