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Caf Champions League: Vipers SC open up campaign against Al Hilal

By
Our Reporter
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Al hilal arrived in Uganda on Tuesday

Vipers Sports Club will open up their 2020/21 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League campaign when they engage Al Hilal Omdurman of Sudan in the first leg preliminary round on November 28th at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Coach Fred Kajoba’s troops will be under no illusions of the challenges that lie ahead if Vipers want to make it to the group stages of Africa’s elite club competition next year.

The Venoms have faced a couple of teams from different parts of the continent in the past and will for the second time make a trip to Sudan having been there in 2018 to play El Merriekh and will be eager to dump out another Sudanese side.

The Kitende side lost 2-1 away in Khartoum before winning 1-0 at home and progressed on the away goals’ rule after a 2-all aggregate score.

The Venoms went on to face CS Constantine at the qualifying round losing 1-0 away and 2-0 at home. The Algerian outfit knocked them out to the Confederation Cup where we played Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.

Their pursuit for group qualification has been elusive but each appearance has been a learning curve of sorts and they hope to make it count this time round.

The Sudanese side arrived in Uganda on Tuesday and held various training sessions at the StarTimes Stadium in Lugogo and at St. Mary’s Stadium.

AI Hilal is the home of Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Salim Jamal Magoola.

Hassan Mohamed Hagi will be the centre referee and will be assisted by fellow countrymen in Hamza Hagi Abdi and Suleiman Bashir as the first and second assistant referees respectively.

Omar Abdukadir Artan also from Somalia will be the fourth official while David Gikonyo Mwangi is the Match Commissioner.

Hagi is not new in Uganda having officiated the game between KCCA and Rivers United of Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2017.

The winner between Vipers and Al Hilal over the two legs will face either Mauritania’s Nouadhibour or Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko in the first round of the qualifiers before they progress to the group stages.

A minimum of $550,000 (sh2bn) cash prize awaits Vipers should they make it to the group stages.

If Vipers progress to the first round and they are eliminated by either Mauritania’s Nouadhibour or Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko, then they will be subjected to a CAF Confederations Cup play-off round.

No fans will be allowed in the stadium.

CAF Champions League

Preliminary Round

First leg

Saturday, 28th November

Vipers SC Vs Al Hilal Omdurman

St Mary’s stadium, 4 pm

Second leg

December 6th

Al Hilal Omdurman Vs Vipers SC

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Burkina Faso incumbent Kabore wins presidential election

By
Agencies
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Roch Marc Christian Kabore

Roch Marc Christian Kabore will serve another 5-year term as president of the West African nation of Burkina Faso, according to the election results.

President Kabore won 58% of the vote to remain as president of Burkina Faso, the National Independent Electoral Commission announced on Thursday.

Kabore, who became president of the west African nation in 2015, beat out 12 opponents in the first round, receiving 1.6 million out of 3 million votes cast.

The landslide victory removes the need for a runoff ballot, which his opponent were hoping for.

Many opposition figures decried the election as marred by bribery and irregularities, but independent commentators say the election was the most open for years. Because of unrest caused largely by jihadi insurgents from neighboring Mali, polling stations were unable to open in at least one fifth of the country.

The election took place on Sunday. Pro-Kabore candidates say that issues with polling stations affected all candidates equally.

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Local sugar companies seek protection from importers

By
Our Reporter
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Local sugar companies seek protection from importersLocal sugar companies seek protection from importers

Sugar companies in the Busoga region are seeking Parliament’s intervention in what they call unfair competition from sugar bonds which they accuse of unfair competition.

In a meeting with Speaker Rebecca Kadaga on Wednesday, 24 November 2020, the managing directors of sugar companies revealed that sugar bonds which were earlier banned by President Museveni are still operating. They says that sugar bonds stock pile imported sugar which they sell at cheaper prices since they are not taxed.

The executive director Madhvani Group Ltd, Mwine Jim Kabeho said traders from neighboring countries are now buying sugar from the said bonds which he says has lled to their sugar getting spoilt in storage.

“Currently, the markets of Sudan and DR-Congo no longer buy our sugar. They buy from sugar bonds yet our sugar is rotting,” said Kabeho adding that, “we now have stocks of sugar worth US$30 million in various companies.”

Kadaga said she was not aware of the illegal sugar trade. She revealed that Parliament has had debate on the poor trade relations with neighboring countries. She added that the Minister for East African Community Affairs was tasked to address them at regional level.

“We had a motion on the floor of Parliament for Government to demand Kenya to implement East African trade protocols; they have blocked our milk, sugar and chicken. They have blocked everything,” Kadaga said.

She observed that Tanzania and Rwanda were also becoming unreliable, prompting her to advise the Minister of Trade to explore other markets in  COMESA.

Kadaga also urged the sugar companies to give back to the community by constructing some roads in the regions which she said were impassable.

“Some roads such as the ones in Kaliro are now impassable; when the locals see me, they tell me they can’t reach the markets and hospitals,” Kadaga said.

The Managing Director of GM Sugar Ltd, Milan Dobaria said that since most companies have construction equipment, they will support the cause.

“We need to identify the road which is affected the most that we can start with then sit down and come out with the budget,” Dobaria said.

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EU calls for ‘full and Independent investigations’ into riots 

By
Geoffery Serugo
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Amb. Attilio Pacifici head of the European Union to Uganda.

 

 

The European Union delegation to Uganda together with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea have called government carry out an investigation into riots that claimed over 50 people dead.

In a short statement emailed to newsrooms,  says that Uganda witnessed rioting, chaos as well as disproportionate use of force by security services. The statement further says the government of Uganda and its institutions have the responsibility to ensure the safety, security and dignified treatment of all citizens including electoral candidates and their supporters in line with national laws and Uganda’s international human rights commitments.

“The deaths of dozens of people amidst widespread violence marred the electoral campaigns on November 18 and 19. We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the victims, who reportedly include innocent bystanders. A full and independent investigation should be launched into the events of November 18 and 19 to ensure justice for victims and avoid impunity for perpetrators who must be held accountable for their action”

They further asked political players in the electoral process to refrain  from violence, inflammatory language and take firm action to end any provocation or incitement to violence or any unlawful action.

“All political parties, candidates and their supporters should ensure the full implementation of the #Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedures and relevant regulations designed to curb the spread of the virus”.

Violence and riots erupted in some parts of Uganda last week when police arrested one of the presidential candidates Robert Kyagulanyi popularly know as Bobi Wine at political rally in Eastern Uganda on allegations that he had not observed the #Covid-19 SOPs. He was subsequently detained and later on after two days produced in court. He is out on bail.

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How Mutebile was reportedly ‘duped’ on confirmed #Covid-19 cases at BoU

By
Our Reporter
-

An insider in the Bank of Uganda (BoU) has revealed that Deputy Governor and a group of ‘influential’ individuals in the Central Bank duped the Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile that there is a confirmed #Covid-19 cases.

According to sources, the reported cases never existed but it was a creation of some individuals together with Deputy Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego who informed Mr Mutebile that the central bank had been hit by #Covid-19 and therefore, there was need for most of the workers that weren’t essential to work from home.

However, this was later never to be true but the scare on Governor Mutebile who is already sick managed to keep home as he could not come to office given his health status.

Sources further revealed that it is at this very time that matters  of Crane Bank resurrected and so is the issue liquidation. Sources within the central bank say there is no central cohesion anymore in the bank due to the absence of the governor most of the time given that he works from home and secondly the issue of Coronavirus.

Deputy Governor, Dr Michael Atingo-Ego

Some heads and deputy heads of department were required into office to perform some duties of among others signing documents and later leave. It was revealed that there was no #Covid-19 case in the BoU but some individuals were colluding to take over the bank which was put under receivership.

“Thieves are utilizing the absence of the governor to execute selfish motives at the BoU. As you are aware, the governor is frail and spends most of the time at home. He only comes in when there are urgent issues so they are taking that chance,” the source said.

This comes in awake of property mogul Sudhir Ruparelia’s motives to repossess his former Crane Bank. Sudhir claims that the receivership ended in January 2018 noting that the board is ready to run the bank. Source further reveal that Atingi-Ego is a close buddy of his predecessor Louis Kasekende and has since followed his advice and instruction in conducting business. Kasekende is rumoured to have saved him when he was  sent Luzira prison some years back.

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Mukhisa Kituyi declares his candidature for Kenyan presidency

By
Agencies
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The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Dr Mukhisa Kituyi

He is considered one of Kenya’s finest brains and has held several high positions both locally and internationally.

Currently serving as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Dr Mukhisa Kituyi’s decorated CV is impeccable.

In an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday, Kituyi spoke of his desire to occupy Kenya’s top seat, saying rising from adversity during his childhood days is a huge motivation.

“As I have gone to 119 countries around the world, I am constantly asking myself what they are doing better than us that makes them shine.

“I feel my body still has the energy…my head still has the intellectual capacity to make that contribution in a practical way…” he said.

Adding: “I have a sense of shared empathy with the vulnerable, not only a desire to give hope to the hopeless but a burning ambition that through enterprise Kenya, I can be part of the solutions to build Kenya for the next generation.”

Kituyi said once he leaves his position at the UN he will share his ideas with Kenyans and he strongly believes he will be the right person for the job.

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Wealth and job creation programmes a priority for government in Greater Nebbi districts

By
Our Reporter
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The NRM National Chairman Yoweri Museveni Tuesday travelled to Nebbi district to drum up last-minute support for the party flag-bearer, Emmanuel Urombi ahead of the polls on Thursday. Photo credit, New Vision.

 

In the Financial Year 2020/2021, government provided a capitalization to Uganda Development Cooperation worth Shs130 billion to be invested in agro processing factories in every sub-region in Uganda to process locally produced material in line with the government’s plan to empower farmers to earn more from their sweat.

Prior to this government through UDC had completed a Shs20 billion mango fruit factory at Londonga in Yumbe District. Shs9 billion was put aside for working capital and processing at the factory is expected to start the next mango season in 2021. It is projected that the factory will process 48 tons of fruits daily.

Besides the one in Yumbe, government has also set up another fruit factory in Arua which is yet to be operationalized with funding from UDC. Still through UDC, government s carrying out a feasibility study for the construction of a Tea Processing Factory in Zombo district. It is expected that the above factories will process fruits and tea in the West Nile region.

The factories are part of a bigger NRM government plan to extend resource to the Greater Nebbi that  is comprised of 01 Municipality and four districts, namely; Nebbi, Zombo, Pakwach and Madi-Okollo.

Government has over the last five years invested in development programmes that are targeting at empowering the people of Nebbi and Uganda at large to fight poverty. Among the programmes initiated are the capitalization through the Uganda Development Bank, where Shs1 trillion was invested in this Financial Year (2020/21). Before this, UDB had been capitalized by close to Shs400 billion. This fund is supposed to address the high cost of money the commercial banks charge. This fund will be accessed by those investing in value addition, agriculture production, tourism and education infrastructure at an interest not more than 12 per cent. In Northern Uganda after Nusaf 1, II and III and PRDP I, II and III which focused mainly of social infrastructure, we are going to introduce PRDP 4 which will be focusing on household incomes on top of Operation Wealth Creation.

Across the country, Shs160 billion has been disbursed to various Youth Groups in the country under the Youth Livelihood Project (YLP). The four districts of greater Nebbi have received Shs3,975267,329 for the YLP for a total 556 projects. Shs699 million has been given out to 1,166 (645 male and 521 female) under 91 YLP projects in Madi Okollo. In Nebbi, Shs994 million has been disbursed to 2,020 youth (1,207 male and 813 female) under 148 YLP projects. In Nebbi MC, 32 YLP projects with  389 youth (233 male and 156 female) have received Shs254 million. In Obongi Shs330 million has been disbursed to 437 youth (250 male and 187 female) under 37 YLP programmes. While in Pakwach 97 projects have received Shs753 million for 1,276 youth (712 male and 564 female). In Zombo 151 YLP projects with 1,899 youth (1,103 male and 796 female) have received Shs972 million.

Government under State House is setting Youth Industrial Hubs in every sub region in Uganda. These will train the youth in various skills like carpentry, welding, mechanics, shoe making, tailoring, knitting, weaving etc.

This is in addition to the countrywide Emyooga Fund where 18 different activities are already being organized in every parish. Each myooga will get Shs30 million at constituency level while the one of the elected leaders will get Shs50 million. In total, each constituency will get Shs560 million.

Since inception of the Women Fund in Uganda, a total of 268 Projects worth Shs 1,619,411,941 billion have been financed in the four districts of Greater Nebbi. This is benefiting 3,609 women.

In the past four years, 83 projects have received Shs437 million for 1,197 women in Nebbi. In Nebbi Municipality Shs248 million was given out to 40 projects with a total 481 women. In Pakwach, 58 women projects with 787 beneficiaries have got Shs404 million and in Zombo Shs529 million was given out to 87 groups wit1,144 women.

Under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (Sage) fund Nebbi and Pakwach Districts have so far paid 11,340 elderly totalling up to Shs32,424,580,590, while Zombo District has so far paid 8,881 elderly totalling up to Shs23,409,971,435.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Police, UPDF eject Bobi Wine out of Spice FM radio studios

By
Geoffery Serugo
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bobi_wine

The security agencies of Police and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have forced the National Unity platform’s (NUP) Presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert out of Spice FM radio studios in Hoima moments after introducing himself.

The singer, who paid Shs1 million to appear for a radio talk show, was in the studios to converses for support ahead of the 2021 general elections. Recently the chairman of the Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama revealed that some of the campaigns will be carried out in media as move to curb the spread of the deadly #Covid-19 pandemic.

And last week, Mr. Kyagulanyi was nabbed and charged for acts likely spread $Covid-19. His arrest and detention sparked off protests in various parts of the country and hence leaving over 40 dead.

“We booked and paid to appear on Spice FM radio station in Hoima District. As soon as we got to the station this morning and started introducing ourselves, the police and military cordoned off the building and forcefully ejected us out of the radio station,” Bobi Wine Said.

So far Bobi Wine has been blocked from addressing Ugandans on thirteen radio stations across the country. “Mr. Museveni has been trading violence and intimidations however the time is now for Ugandans to regain their freedom,” he said.

Bobi Wine said that he has written two protest notes to the Electoral commission (EC) and also spoken to Justice Byabakama on phone about continuous blocking of their campaign rallies but he continues to trade ignorance.

“Justice Byabakama admitted that he didn’t know anything, that he didn’t even know that I was arrested or that I am being blocked. I don’t know if the EC passed an order that I am not supposed to use the tarmac roads,” Bobi added.

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Uganda to host MTV Africa Music Awards

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
MAMAs

MTV Africa and MTV Base have partnered with Uganda to host the continental flagship award show in 2021.

The partnership was announced during a virtual press conference broadcast from Johannesburg and Kampala by Monde Twala and Craig Paterson, Senior Vice Presidents and General Managers at ViacomCBS Networks Africa (VCNA), The State Minister for Tourism, Godfrey Kiwanda at Ugandan Ministry of Tourism and the CEO for the Ugandan Tourism Board, Lilly Ajarova, artist Bebe Cool,  Sheebah Karungi and talented South African rapper Nasty C.

The Iconic MTV Base celebration, MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs), which showcases the ultimate in African culture, music, and creativity, will be held in a re-imagined virtual format in partnership with Uganda, The Pearl of Africa on February 20th 2021.

The MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 will be broadcast on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130). The repeat show will also be aired on BET Africa, BET International and MTV channels across multiple continents as a one-hour MAMA-themed MTV World Stage feature.

The ultimate celebration of local African and international talent and achievement, MAMA 2021, in partnership with Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, recognizes and rewards musicians, trailblazers and those who are shining a light on the continent’s diverse talent and creativity by instilling positive impact on African music and youth culture over the previous year. The awards ceremony will feature vibrant performances from leading African and international artists and will also showcase some of the biggest cross-genre and cross-border collaborations.

The event will celebrate African talent across 20 award categories, including Best Male, Best Female, Best Song, and Best Collaboration. The contribution of artists from Portuguese and French-speaking Africa will also be recognized in the Best Lusophone and Best Francophone categories. Additional new categories included are the MAMA Generation Change Award, Best Fan Base, Alone Together Best Lock-down Performance and Personality of the Year. These new categories seek to demonstrate MTV Base’s commitment to supporting the youth of Africa.

The MAMA Generation Change Award will recognize the inspiring, young change makers of the continent who are tackling some of the world’s most challenging social problems. The Alone Together Best Lock-down Performance recognizes outstanding performances that took place virtually by celebrating artists who took to streaming services to share their music and unite society during the unprecedented 2020 Lockdown. The category selection criteria are from October 1st 2019 to October 1st 2020.

The nominees will be announced in December 2020 and music lovers will have their say by voting for their favourite stars online.

Peaking during a virtural press briefing, Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and General Manager, VCNA said; “It is an incredible honour to announce that the seventh MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 will be hosted by the vibrantly diverse Uganda, The Pearl of Africa for the first time on February 20th, 2021.”

“We are excited to bring this amazing showcase to audiences across the continent and globally with an innovatively re-imagined awards show and celebration. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, content production has embraced innovation as the new gold and we are excited to take Africa to the World and showcase its immense talent and culture as we stage the biggest music awards show on the continent.”

State Minister for Tourism Uganda Godfrey Kiwanda said; “It is an incredible achievement for Uganda to host the continent and International stakeholders for the MAMA Kampala 2021 for the first time. The awards are an extraordinary African cultural experience, and we understand the important role it plays in driving awareness, cross culture education and profiling the continent’s rich leisure tourism offerings on the international stage.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for global audiences to experience Uganda’s magnificence, the profusion of brilliant life and diverse natural wildlife, and the vast scale of entertainment, events, art, culture, cuisine, history and shopping. We are also so proud to be able to highlight Uganda’s musical richness and give our talented artists the opportunity to showcase their immense talent, and the diversity of Uganda’s sounds, to music fans beyond this continent. This is indeed a momentous occasion for audiences to experience Uganda as truly The Pearl of Africa.”

The MTV Africa Music Awards Kampala 2021 is brought to you by Uganda, The Pearl of Africa in an effort to promote tourism, wildlife and cultural heritage conservation for the socio-economic development and transformation of Uganda. Sustainable tourism, wildlife and cultural heritage will contribute to transforming Uganda into a modern and prosperous nation.

Craig Paterson, Senior Vice President and General Manager, VCNA,  noted that the latest edition of the MAMA promises to be our biggest and most innovative yet. Millions of fans worldwide will enjoy the digitally re-imagined celebration and African music via multiple broadcasts globally. We are excited to partner with Uganda to bring viewers a unique format and experience that positions Africa’s diverse heritage and digital innovation.

Always celebrating the pan-African scope of the MAMA, the awards will encompass three pulsating Road to MAMA broadcasts featuring MAMA nominees from across the continent. The MAMA Kampala 2021 brings the much-anticipated music industry workshops in a virtual format for the continent’s aspiring musicians, youth upskilling and development.

First staged in 2008, the MTV Africa Music Awards has recognised the talent of musicians, achievers and personalities from across Africa, rewarding iconic artists and gamechangers such as 2Face Idibia, AKA, Anselmo Ralph, Big Nuz, Cassper Nyovest, Clarence Peters, Cabo Snoop, Davido, D’Banj, Diamond Platnumz, Flavour, Gangs of Ballet, HHP, Fally Ipupa, Liquideep, Lira, Lupita Nyong’o, Mafikizolo Nameless, P-Square, Sarkodie, Tiwa Savage, Toofan, Trevor Noah,  Uhuru, Wahu, Wizkid, Yemi Alade,  Zebra and Giraffe and many more.

MAMA 2021 Award Categories

  1. Best Female
  2. Best Male
  3. Best Group
  4. Best Breakthrough Act
  5. Best Collaboration
  6. Best Hip Hop
  7. Best Alternative
  8. Best Ugandan Act
  9. Best Lusophone Act
  10. Best Francophone Act
  11. Best International Act
  12. Video of the Year
  13. Song of The Year
  14. Artist of the Year
  15. Alone Together Lockdown Performance
  16. Listeners Choice
  17. Best Fan-Base Award
  18. Personality of the Year
  19. MAMA Legend Award
  20. MAMA Generation Change Award
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Farmers supplying Uganda and Nile Breweries lose Shs19b due to continuous closure of bars

By
Geoffery Serugo
-
In the photo: Stella Keitirima, Twesiga Sosimu and Eria Semaganye

Farmers supplying Uganda Breweries and Nile Breweries have called on the government to consider re-opening of bars with strict observance of COVID-19 standard operating procedures.

Under their umbrella, Farm Uganda Farmers’ Group, they revealed that they have been earning approximately Shs95 billion annually from the breweries to supply locally grown barley, sorghum, maize and cassava, which value has since gone down as bars and nightclubs continue to remain closed. They have since lost revenue worth Shs19b.

Twesiga Sosimu, the Chairman of Farm Uganda Farmers’ Group, said, “Since the lockdown came into effect in March this year, we continue to lose revenue at a steadily increasing pace, which is placing a strain on the livelihoods of approximately 45,000 farmers and about 225,000 dependents. Many of us have had to lay off workers like offloaders and millers, while others have been forced to abandon their grain farms altogether to find other ways of making ends meet.”

He added that before lockdown, over 7,000 farmers under his association were supplying 1,500 metric tonnes of cassava alone to Uganda Breweries per year, which quantity has reduced to 200 metric tonnes in 2020, leading to a loss of revenue amounting to Shs1.3 billion and counting.

Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing a reported 72% of the population in 2020  and contributing about 24% to Uganda’s gross domestic product in the 2019/20 financial year . The sector accounted for 79% of Uganda’s national poverty reduction between 2006 and 2013, leading to a reduction in the number of Ugandans living below the national poverty line from 31% in 2006 to 20% in 2013 .

This progress has been severely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued closure of bars is significantly straining their livelihoods and the economy as a whole.

Stella Keitirima, the Director of Stella Keitirima Enterprises, a farmer and supplier of cassava, sorghum and maize to the breweries, said, “With commercial farming, we too invest and plan for the long-term. We employ workers, we get loans and engage in other commitments as part of the brewing value chain that is intertwined. With the bars closed, that breakage in the value chain is being felt all all the way down to the smallholder farmer and casual labourer on the ground.”

The farmers say they are urging all the stakeholders to work together to strictly implement COVID-19 standard operating procedures in bars as the as the increase in consumer demand will lead to increased demand for raw materials from the farmers and in turn result in higher employment opportunities and revenues.

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