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EC lists positions to be filled in the Local Government Council by-elections 2021

By
Our Reporter
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EC chairman Justice Simon Byabakama.

The Electoral Commission has approved the programme for conducting by-elections for Local Government Councils, including Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in electoral areas across the country, where vacancies exist.

The categories to be filled during these by-elections include the following: District Chairperson (Kayunga District), District Women Councilors (DWC), District Directly Elected Councilors (DDEC), Municipality Directly Elected Councilors (MDEC), Municipality Women Councilors (MWC), Sub-county Chairpersons (SCCP), Sub-county Directly Elected Councilors (SCDEC) and Sub-County Women Councilors (SCWEC).

The Special Interest Groups (SIGs) Councilors include: People with Disabilities (PWDs), Older Persons, Workers and Youth.

The by-election programme commenced with an update of the National Voters’ Register from 22nd to 26th October 2021 at the parish/ward level in each of the affected electoral areas.

Recruitment of officials to conduct Display of the Voters’ Register will be done 29th -and 30th October 2021.

Training of Display Officers, VLS Officials, Supervisors and issuance of appointment letters slated for 3rd to 4th November 2021.

The display of the National Voters’ Register will be conducted from 8th to 17th November 2021, at all polling stations in the affected Local Government electoral areas.

Display of Parish Tribunal Recommendations for deletion from or inclusion on the Register at the Parish/Ward Headquarters 18th to 23rd November 2021.

The nomination of candidates will be conducted on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th November 2021 at the respective district headquarters.

Period for inspection of candidates’ nomination papers and lodging of complaints from 1st to 6th December 2021.

Recruitment of polling day officials (includes written interview) on 2nd and 3rd December 2021. The Production and issuance of accreditation tags to Political Parties and Organizations and accredited observers on 2nd and 3rd December 2021 as well.

Candidates’ campaign meetings will be conducted for a period of thirteen (13) days, that is, from Thursday 2nd to 14th December 2021.

Display of names of polling day officials for inspection at Office of the District Returning Officer and Sub-county Headquarters 6th – 13th December 2021. Training of Polling day officials, Tally Clerks, Candidates’ agents and issuance of appointment letters 9th -10th December 2021.

Polling and tallying of results for elections of Councillors representing Special Interest Groups (SIGs) shall take place on Wednesday 15th December 2021.

Meanwhile polling for the District Chairperson, Kayunga, and other Local Government Councils shall take place on Thursday 16th December 2021, at all polling stations in the affected electoral areas.

Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission called upon all stakeholders in the affected electoral areas to participate in the above activities in accordance with the guidelines for the by-elections.

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NSSF, Mastercard Hi-innovator program moves to create over 132,000 jobs

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Equator Commercial Farming and Processing Ltd, one of the winning businesses.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Mastercard Foundation have kicked off the second phase of their entrepreneur support programme dubbed Hi-innovator.

The program will see 132,000 new work opportunities for youth and women in Uganda over the next five years.

The Hi-Innovator programme is a two-phase initiative that was officially launched in May 2021. The first phase consisted of self-directed online learning via a platform providing foundational business knowledge to entrepreneurs to enable them to address gaps in their businesses.

The second phase is a six-month business support process where entrepreneurs have an opportunity to receive grant funding, technical assistance, business development and market development support to enable them scale their businesses.

136 businesses in total completed the first phase and 42 were selected to pitch their business ideas to an investment committee consisting of seasoned entrepreneurs in Uganda.

NSSF Deputy Managing Director Patrick Ayota said that Hi-Innovator Programme, an Innovations initiative is aimed at creating an ecosystem where the innovation of Small and Growing Businesses in Uganda can be harnessed and supported to mature into viable businesses, providing a pathway to the creation of work opportunities for women and youth in Uganda.

“The programme focuses on women and youth businesses specifically to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit for which young Ugandans are known for. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and support from other partners, we hope to bring new economic opportunities through thousands of work opportunities over the next five years,” he said.

Ayota said that to qualify for grant funding, technical and market development support, the 42 businesses selected, were subjected to a strict criterion that assessed their readiness to expand their operations and potential to create work opportunities.

The businesses were evaluated by seasoned entrepreneurs in Uganda. They assessed their ability to profitably scale if provided with the right technical and financial assistance, potential to create work opportunities for young people and the competency of the management teams over a period of time.

“We also specifically targeted businesses in the agriculture value chain such as agro-processing, agro-industry, and service support. We chose agriculture specifically because the sector employs about 73 percent of the population and has potential to create more jobs for youth and women,” Ayota added.

Speaking at the same event, the Mastercard Foundation Lead Micro, Small and Medium sized enterprises for Uganda, Arnold Byarugaba, said that the Foundation’s vision is to support highly impactful and scalable small and growing businesses to access seed capital and technical support for their businesses while creating a collaborative, sustainable and efficient business ecosystem.

“Congratulations to the entrepreneurs who presented your projects today. We congratulate you on your progress thus far and we are humbled to be part of your growth. For those who were unsuccessful, remember that perseverance is one of the most important qualities on your journey to success. Use the lessons learnt to advance your business ideas,” said Byarugaba.

At least 28 of the businesses that pitched their ideas today, were selected to enter the second phase. Each business will receive grant funding of up to USD 30,000 and will be supported by the project implementing partner, Outbox and other partner incubation hubs in the next six months. These include; Makerere University Innovation and Incubation Centre (MUIIC), MUBS Entrepreneurship Innovation and Incubation Centre, Stanbic Business Incubator, and Shona in the Central Region.

Impact in the Western Region, Stanbic in the Northern region and Uganda Christian University in the Eastern Region are the other incubation hubs.

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Gen Muhoozi issues report to Parliament on the two bombing incidents

By
Our Reporter
-
Gen David Muhoozi

The Minister of State for Internal Affairs Gen David Muhoozi has issued a report to Parliament following the terrorist attacks on Digida Pork Joint in Komamboga Parish, Kawempe Division as well as the one aboard a bus bound for lshaka on 23rd October and 25th October 2021 respectively.

On Saturday 23rd October around 8 pm at a Pork Joint in Komamboga, there was an explosion that left one person dead and three injured. Similarly, an attack took place aboard a Swift bus registration number UAU 989T bound for lshaka on Monday 25th October in which one person, Matovu lsaac, died on the spot and several others were injured.

According to Gen Muhoozi, the crime scene in Komamboga was cordoned off and preserved pending examination by bomb experts/anti- terrorism team for safety assessment and expert analysis.

“The exhibits of wires, simcard, phone, nails, and ball bearings from the scene of the explosion, metallic pieces, and soil samples from the explosion crater (hole) were recovered, marked, labeled and preserved for onward submission to forensic headquarters for analysis,” Muhoozi told Parliament.

“According to eye witnesses, they sighted a red flashing light under a table which was surrounded by five empty chairs. At the table, there were some empty and unconsumed bottles of alcohol. The deceased, Emily Nyiraneza came and sat on one of the chairs saying she wanted to safeguard the alcohol which was meant for her clients.”

When a one Derrick Nandabi saw the flashing lights, he inquisitively asked Emily about them. They both bent down to examine the item and this is when the object exploded killing her and injuring the others.

“It was further established from witnesses that the empty table where the flashing object was located was initially occupied by two people. The two men were reportedly not first timers there, as they had been there two times before; the last one being two days before the incident,” Gen Muhoozi said.

There were no installed cameras of Komamboga. However, eye witnesses have a recollection of what took place.

“The second scene of attack along Kampala – Masaka road was also cordoned off and the victims evacuated as investigations continue, including an audit of events from where the journey started up to the point of explosion. There are unverified reports that some passengers alighted from the bus of Kyengera let alone inferences of the victim being the suspected bomb carrier due to the nature of the injuries. This will be investigated further,” he said.

Muhoozi assured that the Security Services are following all the leads in both incidents in order to apprehend the culprits. “The Security Agencies will do everything to apprehend the culprits and bring them to book as well as to step up the vigilance levels to decisively confront the threat.”

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Annual Safety Day: Vivo Energy registers improvement in health, product quality and security

By
Our Reporter
-
Vivo Energy

Vivo Energy has held its annual Safety Day across the whole company, reinforcing the importance of Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality (HSSEQ).

Safety Day is an opportunity for all employees and contractors at Vivo Energy to refocus on the importance of HSSEQ.

This year’s event, dubbed ‘Competent plus Prepared equals Safer’, invited colleagues to record examples of visible safety leadership they had experienced across the business. Over 1,200 entries were submitted, across a range of categories including the environment, health, product quality, reputation, safety and security.

The leading examples of safety improvement in each of these categories have been showcased and shared across to Group, to encourage replication of this best practice.

Commenting on Safety Day, Grant Bairstow, Head of HSSEQ for the Vivo Energy Group said: “Safety is integral to our business and Vivo Energy’s long-term success in Africa. I am delighted to report we have continued to perform well against all of our key HSSEQ indicators this year.”

In addition to employees sharing examples of visible safety leadership, each market has developed a programme of activities to remind their employees to focus on HSSEQ, culminating in physical and virtual events this week.

Allan Kibaya, the HSSEQ Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda added: “Our ultimate ambition is to achieve a world-class safety culture, where HSSEQ is fully integrated into the ways of working for all parties at Vivo Energy.  Whilst safety is embedded across the company, our annual Safety Day provides a moment for all our teams to ensure we are doing everything we can to achieve our aim of ‘Goal Zero’ – no harm to people and minimising our impact on the environment.”

Vivo Energy continues to work hard to achieve its HSSEQ goals in order to make continued progress towards its vision of becoming Africa’s most respected energy business.

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Uganda, American Chamber of Commerce sign MoU to promote investment

By
Simon Kabayo
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UIA Director General Mukiza and AmCham President Mike David exchanging the documents of the MoU

Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Chamber of Commerce with a view to connecting Uganda and America for business investment opportunities.

The president of American Chamber of Commerce, Mr Mike Davis, and the UIA Director General, Dr Robert Mukiza, signed the MoU at a function held in Kampala on Wednesday, 27 October 2021.

Mr Davis said the MoU is the first step in fostering bilateral agreements and trade between the two countries. “How do we tell the story of Uganda so that American companies can invest here? This MoU supports business and investment opportunities in Uganda,” he said.

“It is important that we bring money to Uganda and also create an environment that our investors are protected and can build their businesses successfully in Uganda,” Mr Davis added.

On his part, Dr Mukiza welcomed the partnership, saying Uganda is ripe for American investments. “We need to tell Uganda’s story and the pitch for investment in Uganda. It is important that we work with American Chamber of Commerce to tell the story of investment in our country,” he said.

“Uganda is ready for business, Uganda is ready for American Investment. We are looking forward to a very strong collaboration. The power of information is important- if you can provide an investor with all the critical information they need, you would have captured them and nurtured their business,” Mr Mukiza added.

According to UIA Board chairman Morrison Rwakakamba, under the MoU, Uganda has opportunity to export over 600 products to USA duty free and quota free.

Both UIA and AmCham have underscored the fact that they both play a vital role in Uganda’s economic transformation and achievement of Vision 2040 and both parties also look forward to continuously improving the investment climate and making Uganda attractive to American investors, which in turn translates into benefits for the country and her people.

Uganda Investment Authority was established in 1991 as Uganda’s primary Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) responsible for coordinating, encouraging, promoting and facilitating investment in Uganda and advising Government on investment policy and related matters.

The American Chamber of Commerce was founded in December 2008, and it is a non-profit professional association established by American investors in Uganda with interests in fostering and promoting greater commercial and cultural ties, cooperation, and dialogue between Ugandan and American firms and related professionals.

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BoU Report: 10 Forex bureaus exit Ugandan market

By
Simon Kabayo
-

The newly released Bank of Uganda (BoU) report indicates that at least 10 Forex bureaus have exited the Ugandan market amid declining profitability occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the BoU annual report for 2021, while 13 new Forex bureaus and 10 (ten) new money remitters were licensed during the year to June 2021, 10 forex bureaus and 4 money remitters permanently exited the sub-sector.

The report attributes this to decline in profitability of the sub-sector occasioned by government of Uganda measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“The sector’s profitability decreased by 31.3 percent or Shs 3.8 billion from Shs 12.2 billion registered in the year ending June 2020 to Shs 8.4 billion for the year ending June 2021. On the other hand, total sales of foreign currency amounted to Shs 13.0 trillion during the year while net money remittance inflows for the year amounted to USD 413.9 million,” the BoU report states.

“Once again, the government of Uganda measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, notably the lockdown of business activity in the central business district of Kampala, significantly affected the operations of the sub-sector and several institutions remained closed given their location in shopping malls and arcades,” it adds.

At end of June 30, 2021, the Forex bureau and money remittance sub-sector comprised of 210 foreign exchange bureaus with a total of 315 outlets, inclusive of 1 Microfinance Deposit-taking institution (PRIDE MDI) licensed to do foreign exchange business under the Foreign Exchange Act, 2004. The money remitters as at the same date were 85 with a total of 263 outlets, inclusive of 3 Microfinance Deposit-taking institutions (PRIDE MDI, FINCA MDI and UGAFODE) licensed to engage in money remittance business under the Foreign Exchange Act, 2004.

The total assets increased by 0.1 percent, from Shs 127.5 billion at end June 2020 to Shs 127.7 billion at end June 2021. Total capital and reserves held by the sub-sector as at end June 2021 stood at Shs 79.8 billion, up from Shs 78.8 billion held as at end June 2020.

On the other hand, total sales of foreign currency amounted to Shs 13.0 trillion during the year while net money remittance inflows for the year amounted to USD 413.9 million.

The total value of the investment portfolio for the Money Remittance Fund stood at Shs 9.7 billion as at end June 2021, an increase of Shs 0.9 billion from Shs 8.8 billion as at end June 2020. The Fund’s average quarterly return for the period ended June 2021 was 3.01 percent, mainly driven by positive performance on the fixed income and money market assets.

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Rev. Canon Nandaah elected Bishop of Mbale Diocese

By
Geoffery Serugo
-

Rev. Canon John Wilson Nandaah has been elected the next Bishop of Mbale Diocese. Canon Nandaah will be consecrated and enthroned on 5th December at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Mbale. He  succeeds the Rt. Rev. Patrick Gidudu who has been Bishop since 2008.

Rev. Canon Nandaah was born on 30th January 1962. Originally trained as a teacher, Canon Nandaah earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 2002 from Uganda Christianity University, followed by a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education in 2004.

Rev. Canon Nandaah grew up in a Christian home with his father serving as a pastor. But, on 3rd June 1993, he committed his life to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Since then, he has been an active member and leader of Revival fellowships and Renewal ministries.

Rev. Canon Nandaah has served many churches as a parish priest, lectured part-time at Uganda Christian University, Buwalasi, and served as Diocesan Education Coordinator. He is currently serving as the Diocesan Secretary, a position he has held since 2013.

Canon Nandaah married Betty Wabule in 1987 and God blessed them with four children. Tragically, in 1994, his wife died, leaving him a single father to four children. In February 2001, after consulting church and cultural leaders, he married Harriet Jackline Khaitsa. Together they have had four children, and she has been a strong partner in the ministry.

The election was made by the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda sitting at the Martyrs Shrine, Namugongo, on 27th October 2021.

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Uganda men’s team for Safari 7s named

By
Our Reporter
-
Uganda rugby 7s team in training

Uganda 7s Head Coach Tolbert Onyango has named his 12-man squad for the Safari 7s Tournament scheduled for 30th and 31st October 2021 at Nyayo Stadium.

Ian Munyani will captain assisted by Aaron Ofoywroth as Vice Captain.

Uganda last took part in the Safari 7s in 2019 where they finished 10th of 16 teams.

”We’ve selected a young squad to enable us build capacity. This tournament will give us a good test of high intensity international rugby. It will be a notch higher than our tournaments here and what a better way to put our players skills to the test. First test is to go through the pool games and into the main cup knockout games,” Coach Tolbert Onyango.

World 7s Series core side Spain, 2018 winners Samurai, South Africa All-stars Academy, Germany, Uganda, Red Wailers, and Nigeria’s Stallion sevens are all set to feature in tournament.

Kenya will be represented by Kenya Morans- the defending Champions, Shujaa, Kenya Under 20 and 2019 National 7s Circuit Champions KCB.

Confirmed sides

Men: Spain, Germany, South Africa All Stars 7s Academy, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Samurai, Red Wailers, Stallion Sevens Nigeria, KCB, Kenya U20, Kenya Shujaa and Kenya Morans

Women: Zimbabwe, South Africa Select, Kenya Lionesses I, Kenya Lionesses II

Uganda A squad: Byron Oketayot, Ivan Otema, Kelvin Balagadde, Levis Ocen, Ian Munyani, Adrian Kasito,Aaron Ofoywroth, Karim Arinaitwe, Innocent Gwokto, Timothy Kisiga, Nobert Okeny, Denis Etwau

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Illegal miners given six days to leave Kisiita mines

By
Simon Kabayo
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Kisiita mines.

The State Minister for Mineral Development Mary Goretti Kitutu has set November 3, 2021, as the final date for illegal miners to leave Kisiita mines.

In May 2021, President Yoweri Museveni issued a directive to have all illegal miners evicted from Kisiita Mines. Museveni said illegal miners should be given a 6-month grace period, for them to voluntarily leave the mining site.

Mr Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson said the Police Mineral Protection Unit has already deployed at the Kisiita mines. He said they are already tracking compliance. Reports indicate that police have deployed about 200 Field Force Unit (FFU) officers to help in the eviction.

Enanga said; “We expect to hand over the mines to Kisiita Mining Company that got a grant for the mining lease for 21 years.”

The Mining Company is expected to convert the vast mineral wealth in the area. Apparently, they will also increase the level and revenue in tangible benefits.

“We are consistently keeping illegal miners off the site, ensuring no violence at the site and overseeing the removal of gold processing tanks belonging to illegal miners. With only Eight days remaining, we want to greatly thank all stakeholders but in particular, Kitumbi Artisanal Miners Association,’’ he said.

He applauded the association for prevailing over the pit miners and ensuring they left the mines in time.

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Absa Bank Uganda names new Board of Directors

By
Our Reporter
-
David Wandera, Absa Bank Uganda's Head of Markets.

Absa Bank Uganda has announced four new appointments to the Bank’s Board of Directors. The new appointees are Non-Executive Directors Alex Rugamba, Sophie Nkuutu, and Phillip Aliker as well as Executive Director David Wandera, who collectively bring together over 85 years of experience in the transport and energy, accounting, international trade law and financial services sectors, respectively.

Speaking to the appointments, Ms. Nadine Byarugaba, Board Chairperson, Absa Bank Uganda Limited said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for businesses to adapt their strategies to the realities of the times. Coming with a wealth of experience from across various sectors, the new Board Members collectively bring unique expertise to enhance the efficiency of the Board in steering the bank’s strategy and driving execution.”

Alex Rugamba is an infrastructure professional with over 30 years of diverse experience in the transport and energy sectors, including 20 years at the African Development Bank (AfDB). He holds a masters degree in Highway Engineering from the University of Birmingham, UK and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Makerere University.

Sophie Nkuutu is a seasoned accountant, consultant and Project Manager who has spearheaded significant IT projects such as the implementation of core banking, accounting, payroll and practice management systems, as well as large-scale transformation projects in sectors including banking, telecommunications, insurance and professional services. A Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), she holds a first-class degree in Business Studies from London Metropolitan University.

Phillip Aliker is an Advocate of the High Court of Uganda, a barrister in England and Wales and a Licensed Foreign Legal Consultant in New York. He is a Chartered Arbitrator, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and an Accredited Mediator specialising in international commercial disputes. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Vanderbilt University), an LLB (University of Leeds) and a Diploma in International and Comparative Arbitration (University of London).

David Wandera is currently the Head of Financial Markets and a member of the Country Management Committee at Absa Bank Uganda Limited. With an experience spanning over 20 years in the financial services sector, David has held senior positions at Stanbic Bank Uganda, Citibank Uganda, East African Development Bank and Bank of Uganda. A Fellow of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) UK, he holds a Master of Science degree in International Finance from the University of Leeds, UK, a Post Graduate Certificate (Project Planning, Appraisal, Financing) from Bradford University, UK and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree from Makerere University, Uganda.

The four new Board Members join existing Board Members who include George Opiyo Wasonga (Non-Executive Director), Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Non-Executive Director), Ina De Vry (Non-Executive Director), Mumba Kenneth Kalifungwa (Executive Director), Michael Segwaya (Executive Director), Edward Ocen (Company Secretary) and Nadine Margaret Byarugaba as Board Chairperson.

Byarugaba added, “We are excited to have the new team on board and are confident that as a whole, the highly competent Board will continue to deliver value for our customers, first and foremost, and for our stakeholders.”

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