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News

Ministry of Local Government Signs Contracts for Design and Supervision for over 800km Road Project in Northern Uganda

By Adam Walusimbi and Gloria Kembabazi In a move aimed at transforming rural infrastructure and enhancing agricultural productivity in Northern Uganda, the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) has officially signed three major contracts to initiate the design and supervision of over 800 kilometers of community access roads. The initiative is part of the broader Rural Development and Food Security in Northern Uganda (RUDSEC) Project. During a contract signing ceremony held at the MoLG headquarters in Kampala on April 30, 2025, the Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, formally awarded the contracts to three consulting firms: UB-Consulting Engineers, Kom Consult, and LEA Associates. The selected firms will oversee the planning and supervision of critical road works across the Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions. The contracts, worth a combined total of approximately Shs4.2 billion, are split into three geographic packages with package one (Acholi Sub-region) covering detailed engineering designs for 124.1km and supervision of construction works for 195.1 km in Acholi Subregion. Package two (Lango Sub-region) covers the design of 90.8 km and supervision of 132.2 km in Lango Subregion while package three covers design works for 109.5 km and construction supervision for 151.4 km in Teso subregion. This brings to a total of 803.1km to be worked on in this phase. Kumumanya emphasized the importance of completing the work efficiently within the project timeline, which spans from 2023 to 2028, with no possibility for an extension. “Time is of the essence to ensure that the project is implemented and achieves its objectives within the set timeframe. There will be no extension, as there will be no resources to cater for additional time,” Kumumanya stated. The RUDSEC project is a result of a cooperation agreement between the Ugandan and German governments. The Ministry of Local Government is implementing the EUR32.1 million (Shs130.2 billion) project with support from the Ministry of Works and Transport on behalf of the government of Uganda. KfW is the implementing partner of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). RUDSEC will unlock the agricultural potential and increase the income of smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda. This project will focus on improving road transport and market infrastructure to create better local economic opportunities. The road construction and rehabilitation efforts will benefit nine districts: Lamwo, Pader, Agago, Lira, Dokolo, Oyam, Soroti, Serere, and Kaberamaido. In total, the RUDSEC project will rehabilitate and upgrade 1,327 kilometers of roads, focusing primarily on Community Access Roads (CARs) and District Roads. In addition to the roads, the project will also support the development of key market infrastructure. Markets slated for rehabilitation and improvement include Amach, Minakulu, Katine, Pader Town Council, Aswa, Dokolo, Loro, Dakabela, Abone, Arum, Oliga, Padibe, Oriamo, and Kidetok Mulago. “The project will employ climate resilience measures to ensure that the roads remain usable in all weather conditions, including heavy rains,” explained Eng Paul Kasule Mukasa, the Ministry of Local Government Projector Coordinator. The RUDSEC Project is expected to directly benefit over 3,000 smallholder farmers by improving their access to markets, reducing transportation costs, and minimizing post-harvest losses. Moreover, the project is projected to create over 1,000 employment opportunities in construction, engineering design, and supervision roles. This marks a promising step forward in the government’s efforts to promote inclusive rural development, boost regional food security, and improve livelihoods in some of Uganda’s most underserved areas.

May 16, 2025

Digitalization

ILO HANDS OVER KEY ITEMS TO ADVANCE LABOUR JUSTICE, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, AND STRENGTHEN WORKERS’ RIGHTS IN UGANDA

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has today, Friday, 13 September 2024, held a significant handover ceremony at its headquarters in Kampala, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s journey toward digital transformation in labour justice and the strengthening of workers’ rights. The event, presided over by Ms. Caroline Khamati Mugalla, Director of the ILO Country Office for the United Republic of Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, marked the official handover of key items from various ILO projects aimed at enhancing Uganda’s labour sector. The Items included; a vehicle, tablet computers, Logistics Management Information Systems (LMIS) Servers, and copies of the 7th Edition of Laws Compendium of Uganda. This handover represents a critical step toward ensuring that all workers in Uganda, including the most vulnerable, can access swift and just resolution of labour disputes. “The ILO remains committed to strengthening the systems that uphold workers’ rights and ensuring that we empower national institutions to deliver justice more effectively,” says Khamati Mugalla. Digitalization of the Industrial Court, by the ILO PROSPECTS Project As part of the ILO PROSPECTS project promoting refugee and host community livelihoods, the Industrial Court of Uganda is undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation to enhance efficiency and access to justice for both refugees and host communities. The initiative aims to modernize the court’s operations and address longstanding challenges, ensuring swifter and more transparent resolution of labour disputes. The handover included the provision of notetaking computer tablets to key judicial officers and panelists representing workers and employers, facilitating improved court sessions. Hon. Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha, Ag. Head Judge, Industrial Court, expressed optimism that the digital tools received will significantly enhance the court’s ability to process and resolve cases in a timely, fair, and transparent manner. Moreover, efforts are underway to implement technological upgrades based on a comprehensive assessment of the court’s digital limitations. The ongoing digitalization process is currently focusing on key court halls in Kampala, Mbarara, and Lira, with the goal of reducing case backlogs, streamlining legal research, and enhancing the efficiency of the judicial process. Legal Compendium for the Industrial Court, by the ILO CAPSA Project The ILO, through the CAPSA project, provided the Industrial Court with the newly revised 7th edition of Uganda’s consolidated laws. These legal resources are vital in ensuring that the court’s decisions are accurate, credible, and based on the most current legal frameworks. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the court’s ability to process cases and promote a more transparent and fair legal process for both employers and employees. “These updated legal resources will be instrumental in ensuring that the decisions made by the Industrial Court are both efficient and credible. The consolidated laws allow our judicial officers to work with the most up-to-date information, eliminating delays caused by outdated references,” says Hon. Justice Linda Lillian Tumusiime Mugisha. Labour Management Information Systems (LMIS) Digitalization, by the ILO Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Project In collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the ILO is supporting the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) project, which seeks to strengthen the capacities of countries in East and Horn of Africa to govern labour migration through evidence-based policies. The BRMM project in Uganda is focused on developing a Labour Management Information System (LMIS) to enhance the governance of labour migration and improve migrant workers’ qualifications and skills while engaging social partners. “The new LMIS servers will transform how we collect, manage, and analyze labour market data. This will not only benefit the Ministry but also all stakeholders in Uganda’s labour sector, as we can now deliver more responsive and evidence-based services to employers and workers,” says Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development. The ILO’s initiatives in Uganda align with the organization’s broader commitment to promoting decent work and ensuring that workers, including those in vulnerable situations, have access to fair and timely labour justice. Vehicle to Support Workers’ Rights Advocacy across Uganda: In addition to the digital equipment and compendium, ILO handed over a vehicle to the National Organization of Trade Unions (NOTU) to support their operational capacity. This vehicle will enable NOTU to expand its outreach efforts and continue advocating for workers’ rights across Uganda. ILO and NOTU have a longstanding partnership, working together to protect and promote the rights of workers in Uganda, particularly those in the informal sector. The provision of this vehicle underscores the ILO’s commitment to strengthening institutions that advocate for decent work and workers’ protection in the country. The vehicle was received by Richard Bigirwa, the NOTU ,Secretary-General. “With this support from the ILO, we are now in a stronger position to reach more workers across the country and ensure that their rights are protected. This vehicle will help us to extend our efforts in promoting fair labour practices in even the most remote areas,” says Bigirwa The handover ceremony marked a critical moment in Uganda’s journey toward enhancing labour justice and strengthening workers’ rights. By providing digital tools, legal resources, and operational support, the ILO is helping to create a more efficient, transparent, and fair labour system that benefits all workers, including refugees and those in the gig economy.

September 18, 2024

News

Kiira Motors Announces Uganda’s First e-Mobility Expo

PRESS STATEMENT Kiira Motors Announces Uganda’s First e-Mobility Expo 31st July 2024 – Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) has today announced Uganda’s first e-Mobility Expo and Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP Open House– which is taking place on Friday 16th August 2024 at the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Held under the theme The Future is Green; The Future is Now, the first-of-its-kind event is designed to explore, showcase, and encourage the adoption of electric mobility solutions in Uganda. The Kiira Vehicle Open House and e-Mobility Expo 2024 will gather over 200 industry leaders, potential customer, suppliers, policymakers, investors, innovators, and the public to discuss Uganda’s readiness to adapt to the e-mobility revolution – all towards positioning the nation as a net source of e-mobility solutions in Africa. During a media roundtable held on the all-electric city bus the Kayoola EVS Model 2024, Mr. Paul Isaac Musasizi, the Chief Executive Officer of Kiira Motors Corporation, said, “This expo marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s journey towards embracing electric mobility which offers immense potential for reducing the nation’s carbon footprint and creating new economic opportunities while fostering innovation. We are proud to host this inaugural event and showcase the innovations that will shape the future of mobility in our country.” The expo will feature a series of fireside conversations drawing content experts in the fields of e-financing, carbon trading, energy and e-mobility infrastructure development, and more. Uganda in the recently concluded census recorded a population of 45.9 million people. Thanks to increased urbanisation, the mobility needs of this population have resulted in vehicular emissions which are the leading cause of Kampala’s increased air pollution readings from a dangerous annual averaging at 39.5 micrograms of pollutant matter in each cubic metre in 2019 increasing to 41 micrograms per cubic metre in 2024. This is eight times higher than the 5 micrograms per cubic meter that the World Health Organization defines as the safe limit for air pollution- negatively affecting the health and well-being of citizens epically in the urban centres making the case for e-mobility solutions which also serve to improve the national energy equation considering that with fossil fuels today we import both the energy ~ USD 2Bn annually and the vehicles ~ USD 730 M annually. Allan Muhumuza, the Team Leader of the Mobility Bureau in the Secretariat of Science and Technology in the Office of the President, said, “With a vision to see Uganda transition to e-mobility in public mass transport, motorcycles, and passenger vehicles, the Government is implementing the National e-Mobility Strategy – which looks to build an efficient and self-sustaining ecosystem. This event is a bold step towards further bringing together all the relevant players towards seeing this vision come to life to combat climate change and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.” The expo will draw exhibitors with a wide range of products and services including Innovex, Nexus Green, Green Hub, Karaa, KaCyber Securities Ltd., GoGo and many more. The Open House provides an opportunity to participants tour the state-of-the-art Kiira Vehicle Plant. The Kiira Vehicle Plant has an installed capacity of 2,500 vehicles per annum. This will be tooled up to 5,000 vehicles per annum in the medium term positioning Uganda as a net source of Mobility Solutions in Africa. ENDS

July 31, 2024

Education

More than 500 youths trained in multimedia skills to combat unemployment and boost incomes ingreater Masaka

By Adam WalusimbiAt the Kyazanga Town Council headquarters in Lwengo District in greater Masaka, trainees pay attentionto every detail as their trainers explain how to design a graphics card for marketing a product using thefree smartphone app, Canva. From colour selection, font selection, image placement, and integration,the trainees follow along on their smartphones, creating designs unique to their business ideas.One of the trainees is Earnest Kaitare, a senior six leaver who recently took up poultry farming to raisefunds for university tuition fees. Kaitare’s poster design features pictures of a chicken and eggs with textthat reads “20% Eid Discount on all products. Order Today.”Kaitare’s strategy aimed to increase sales during the Eid Al-Adha celebrations that was held on June 16,2024, when Muslims celebrated by sacrificing animals and holding feasts. Once completed, Kaitareintended to share the poster on social media and print and distribute posters and flyers in Kyazanga,which has a large Muslim community.Kaitare is one of the youths from five selected districts in the greater Masaka region who were trainedand as part of the digital skilling program of the Uganda Communications Commission under the UgandaCommunications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF). The skilling program implemented inpartnership with Prime Time Communications is aimed at enabling youth to create and/or findsustainable jobs.According to Kaitare, the training has been an eye-opener, especially on how the use of free mobileapplications like Adobe Express, Kine Master, Canva, TikTok, among others could help expand hiscustomer base and boost sales online. With the skills acquired from the training, Hadijjah Nanteza will enhance her work as a generalmerchandise salesperson by using short videos and multimedia content. This would allow her to sharevideos and pictures of her products, expanding her customer base beyond Kyazanga and increasing hercommissions, without the need to travel from house to house.In Kalungu District, trainee Winfred Nalusiba described the digital training as ‘eye-opening’ in regards tothe mobile apps she often overlooked on her phone. “We learned how to effectively use Google Meet toconnect with other people. As a caterer and event planner, I can now plan efficiently with clients evenwhen we are not in the same location, using video to show them the various decorations and mealoptions,” said Nalusiba.Bugembe Cyrus Miller, a trainee from Kalungu, who has always used TikTok for socializing, now plans toventure into social media influencing, thanks to the videography and social media skills acquired duringthe training. Speaking to trainees at the Mateete Sub-County Headquarters in Sembabule District, Eng. JamesBeronda, the UCUSAF Director, commended the youths for their enthusiasm in acquiring new skillswhich would enable them to earn extra income using their smartphones. Eng. Beronda emphasized theimportance of using the skills acquired during the training to generate income using their smartphones, instead of using them for non-productive activities. He reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to supportingdigital skills acquisition to boost youth incomes and combat unemployment in Uganda.Eng. Susan Nakanwagi, the UCUSAF Technical Manager said that the digital skilling program, currently inits third year, will be extended to include more underserved districts in the 2025/26 financial year due toits significant impact and success among targeted youth. Eng. Nakanwagi confirmed that many youngpeople in these districts have had smartphones for a long time but lacked the skills and knowledge touse them effectively to improve their livelihoods.

June 27, 2024

Automotive Industry

Kiira Motors unveils the 2024 8-Meter Kayoola EVS Model

6th June 2024 – Kiira Motors Corporation today delivered a batch of eight (8) 8-Meter Kayoola EVS buses produced at Luweero Industries Limited in Nakasongola to the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja, bringing the total stock of Electric Buses produced in Uganda to fifteen (15). This has signalled Kiira Motors’ readiness for delivering bespoke electric mass transit solutions for the African market. The 2024 8-Meter Kayoola EVS is a fully electric city bus with a nominal range of 200 kilometres on a full charger and capacity of 56 passengers. It forms the latest offering from Kiira Motors’ rich portfolio of state-of-the-art Ugandan-made buses. The bus is built to offer the utmost comfort and convenience with features like infotainment systems, CCTV cameras, E-Ticketing & Cashless Payment Systems, Wi-Fi, inclusive design for the elderly and persons with disabilities, USB charging, ample carrying capacity, and the highest quality and safety standards. The convoy of 8 buses caused a stir as they weaved through traffic from Luwero to Kawempe, across the Northern Bypass for a brief stopover at the Kisaasi roundabout before proceeding to Bweyogerere and finally to Jinja covering a distance of 236 kilometres. Hon. Prof. Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa, Kiira Motors’ Executive Chairman, said, “Uganda’s push towards becoming a net source of e-Mobility Solutions in Africa is steadily getting closer and we are proud to be contributing to this agenda. This progress has been made possible by the strategic partnership we have fostered with National Enterprise Corporation and its Luwero Industries Limited subsidiary.” He added that following World Environment Day – which is celebrated internationally on the 5th of June every year – and with the knowledge that Kampala’s air is nine times more polluted than the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s recommended limit[1] – more Ugandan public and private sector players need to embrace environmentally sustainable means of mass transit for the good of the environment with solutions that offer quality and value for money like the Kiira Motors portfolio of products. The company is also looking to mainstream the deployment and distribution of its fast-charging infrastructure to cater to its customers and other Ugandans who have embraced the electric vehicle transition. Eng. Ian John Kavuma, Kiira Motors’ Quality Inspection and Testing Manager added, “We are in the process of onboarding several partners with whom we shall work to ensure that a robust charging network is established across the country in line with the National E-Mobility Strategy for a seamless electric vehicle ownership experience.” Kiira Motors offers fast-chargers ranging between 60kW and 360kW. The 2024 Kayoola EVS comes in the following variations: 18-meter EV with capacity of 120 passengers; 12-meter EVS with capacity of 90 passengers; 10-meter EVS with capacity of 70 passengers, and 8-meter EVS with capacity of 56 passengers. ENDS For orders, go to: https://bit.ly/kmcproducts For any inquiries, send an email to: sales@kiiramotors.com | info@kiiramotors.com [1] https://globalpressjournal.com/africa/uganda/trouble-breathing-kampala-quite-likely-air/

June 7, 2024

News

Buganda, Duke of Edinburgh sign youth pact

Buganda, Duke of Edinburgh sign youth pact The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth 11, has paid a courtesy call on the Kabaka of Buganda at Bulange Mengo. The Prince who chairs the The Duke of Edinburgh International Award program was received by the Katikiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, Prince David Kintu Wasajja, Dr. Christine Nabaloga (Kabaka’s co-heir) and Prince Kiweewa Junju (Eldest son to Kabaka Ronald Mutebi II). The Prince who was accompanied by the British High Commissioner to Uganda brought a message of good will from King Charles III to the Kabaka and recognized the Kingdoms efforts in impacting the youth through various developmental programs aimed at skilling and training the youth to ready them for the job market. Prince Edward emphasized that while access to formal education is vital, many of life’s greatest lessons happen beyond the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award gives young people the chance to discover exactly that. On his part, the Katikkiro , Charles Peter Mayiga warmly welcomed the Duke of Edinburgh to Bulange Mengo the administrative seat of the Kingdom of Buganda and passed on a special message to King Charles III from his majesty the Kabaka of Buganda. He welcomed the Edinburgh International award program and expressed optimism that the Kingdom youth will greatly benefit from this initiative. The Duke and the Katikkiro witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Kingdom of Buganda and the Edinburgh International awards program. William Blick, Chairman Board of Trustees signed on behalf of the Program – Uganda Chapter and Omuk. Sebuwufu Roland – Chief Executive, Buganda Investments and Commercial Undertakings signed on behalf of Buganda Kingdom. This initiative will be implemented by the Kingdoms ministry of Youth, sports and recreation.

March 20, 2024

Affordable Housing in Urban Informal Settlements: A Catalyst for Economic Growth in Uganda

By Robert Otim A good home is a base from which one can be economically productive. Good housing improves health and productivity of the occupants who in turn have the ability to contribute to the economic growth of a country. However, about 1.8 billion people globally within urban centers are struggling to find decent and affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing is a major driver of informal settlements. These are areas characterized by a high population, small and congested housing units with limited access to water and sanitation facilities and very prone to diseases and epidemics. The demand for affordable housing especially in urban centers is one of Uganda’s biggest challenges due to its fast growing population. This is coupled with increasing urban poverty resulting into the lack of access to credit and financing options hence the inability to take on opportunities such as rental housing or mortgage-financed homes which fuels the growth of informal settlements. Land tenure issues also contribute to the proliferation of informal settlements. Many residents in informal settlements do not have secure land tenure rights, making them vulnerable to eviction and displacement. This uncertainty discourages investment in better housing, leading to the growth of informal settlements as people settle on unoccupied or disputed land. Addressing the high prevalence of informal settlements in Uganda requires a multi-faceted approach that includes affordable housing initiatives, improved urban planning, secure land tenure, poverty reduction strategies, inclusive economic development, government policies, community participation, and the collaboration of various stakeholders to tackle this complex issue. In 2008, the government of Uganda approved the National Slum Upgrading Strategy and Action Plan in an effort to slow down the growth of slums and eventually stop the creation of new ones through legal and land market reforms, revamping planning and zoning regulations. The policy is also meant to provide security of land tenure as well as building codes to make housing more affordable to the citizens of Uganda. The policy further provides for inclusiveness by bringing all housing sector stakeholders on board to pull resources together to support government in providing affordable housing for Ugandans. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Uganda, a housing organization dedicated to eliminating poverty housing in Uganda has on a number of occasions yielded to government’s call through collaborating with government entities, private sector partners, and communities to seek out innovative ways of providing affordable and decent housing for Ugandans. Early this year, the organization together with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD) launched the Home Equals campaign, a five year advocacy campaign dedicated to achieving policy change, at all levels, to ensure that people living in informal settlements have equitable access to adequate housing. The Home Equals campaign seeks to advocate for increased collaboration with settlers of informal settlements, accessible quality services and improved land governance and leadership by local government land committees. This campaign together with other initiatives are steps to addressing the affordability challenge in the housing sector through providing a platform and foundation to access wider development opportunities that contribute to the well-being of humanity and the country as a whole. Investing in affordable housing initiatives in urban informal settlements creates employment opportunities for workforce which not only alleviates poverty but also stimulates economic growth by generating income for individuals and local businesses. During the World Habitat Day in October this year, the MLHUD and Habitat for Humanity Uganda will hold the second annual Uganda Housing Symposium under the theme: Affordable Housing in Urban Informal Settlements as a Driver of Economic Growth at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala. The symposium will seek for solutions so that affordable housing projects serve as a catalyst for micro-enterprise development within urban informal settlements. As new housing units are built, the demand for local goods and services increases. This presents an opportunity for small businesses to flourish, providing goods and services such as building materials, plumbing, electrical work, and home furnishing. By supporting these micro-enterprises, the local economy is strengthened, creating a ripple effect of economic growth. Access to affordable housing in urban informal settlements directly impacts the health and education outcomes of residents. Adequate housing provides a safe and healthy living environment, reducing the prevalence of diseases and improving overall well-being. Moreover, children living in stable housing are more likely to attend school regularly, leading to better educational outcomes. Investing in affordable housing not only improves living conditions but also contributes to the development of a healthier and more educated workforce, which is essential for economic growth. Affordable housing initiatives can serve as a catalyst for the development of infrastructure in urban informal settlements. As housing projects are implemented, there is a need for improved road networks, water and sanitation facilities, and electricity supply. These infrastructure improvements not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also attract future investments and economic activities in the area. The writer is the National Director, Habitat for Humanity Uganda. noffice@hfhuganda.org

October 23, 2023

News

Help! How do I revive my dying project of housing for 30 families?

By Joachim Buwembo …possibly, the only person Ugandans despise more than a pedophile is a male aged above forty who doesn’t own his shelter… Fellow Ugandans! Let me share my ongoing painful experience that started with a lot of hope six years ago when I decided to organize 30 residents mostly in Kampala’s Nakawa Division to build a modern housing estate on cooperative basis. In 2017 after 25 years of practicing journalism in different countries and capacities, I believed I was done with formal employment and when I saw an opportunity to serve humanity while enjoying it at the same time, I went for it. As a consultant helping to develop content for the youthful Urban TV then, I had commissioned and directed a series on the fate of the cooperative movement in Uganda. It wasn’t very exciting for the young Urban audience but it was so deep and insightful that the parent company’s newspaper, The New Vision, adopted it for print and it caught the attention of some interested stakeholders. One morning, a beautiful young lady of small build turned up at the New Vision reception asking for me. She looked really young and I mentally started dismissing her thinking she wanted an opportunity to appear on TV as a presenter of some social programme (there are always so many of those). But Miss Petite turned out to be the general manager of the only cooperative union our series hadn’t touched and the reason was simple: Just like its GM, the Uganda Housing Cooperative Union was too young to have existed during the period under review of our series when the cooperative unions (umbrellas of primary cooperative societies) were mostly about agriculture. For the next two hours, I set aside my schedule and listened attentively as Fiona – that is her name – introduced me to the concept of housing development on cooperative basis. By the time I saw her off, I had already decided what I was going to do besides supporting the union with publicity: organize people to build quality houses affordably. I already had a relatively nice house myself and was trying to figure out how to protect or dispose of another one I had built for my then freshly deceased mum, but I knew of so many people working at steady jobs who did not own their homes. Fiona had promised to take me on a tour of an estate (she soon did) built by a cooperative of poor urban women who were living with a lifelong health condition, of course under guidance of her union. I decided there and then to organize people and help them build a modern estate on cooperative basis. Apparently I was a Rotarian at heart five years before joining Rotary. I needed to help people, because all Ugandan cultures equate maturity to ownership of one’s shelter. The natives of Kyadondo say akezimbira tekaba kato (one who builds for himself is not young) and possibly, the only person Ugandans despise more than a pedophile is a male aged above 40 who doesn’t own his shelter. The preparation took about three months. First Fiona’s team came and started training the people I mobilized who included some civil servants, ‘corporates’ business people of medium to small scale. At the end, everyone knew fundamental and principles of cooperatives, and the basic laws governing them in Uganda. We ended up with about 50 willing members. To register, we needed at least 30 members with national IDs and these readily signed up. We agreed to pay annual subscription of Shs20,000 each for administration and a monthly Shs200,000 per member for the actual project. Members seemed excited especially when working out different scenarios with numbers, it was clear that building a smart, modern house would cost much less when done with economies of scale in a group that would be buying materials from the factory, shared utilities and facilities like sewerage, recreation areas and roads, while the union was providing technical assistance with architecture, civil engineering supervision and accounts. One year later, the group had raised enough cash to buy four acres complete with a title, some 30km from the city on one of the highways. But for years after, it is still just that – a piece of land. What happened? Or what did not happen? The first sign of trouble sounded like a joke: “But when will ‘they’ come and help us?” someone asked at a meeting. “They” must have meant either government or some donor organization. In meetings, some members started mentioning government programmes like operation wealth creation, which the group should try and benefit from. Then contributions started dwindling and by the time the land was bought, only half of the original 30 were upto date. This meant that after 12 months, some people had contributed the expected Shs2.4m each while others hadn’t. By the end of the third year, only eight members were up to date with a contribution of Shs7.2m. The Executive decided to stop coxing people to pay up and urged everybody to first build their contributions to Shs7.2m, so that they can participate in the next level. Ideas being mooted include diving the membership into clusters of every five that attain the Shs7.2m per person to develop their mini estate within the estate. Challenges now faced include the law – which requires a minimum of 30 to remain and enjoy the privileges of a cooperative society; members wanting out that “the coop isn’t working for me” (as of they are working for it); the likelihood that the clusters of 5 mini estates will not enjoy the economies of scale that the whole 30 would have; silence by dormant members who are not saying what they want or don’t want. By the way, you can’t terminate dormant members whose IDs you used for registration as the society will cease being legal, and recruiting new ones is tough given the inactivity. So dear Ugandans, I bring my dilemma to you. As initiator

August 17, 2023

#OutToLunch ‘Idle’ Electoral Commission could play a key role in COVID-19 vaccinations

By Denis Jjuuko Uganda slapped a 42-day nationwide lockdown two weeks ago effectively putting the country back to the March 2020 days. Lockdowns are particularly effective when measures to curb the spread of a disease are put in place. The most surely shot though to curbing COVID-19 is by having a significant percentage of the most vulnerable to the disease immunized. Uganda has yet to immunize a million people. By the time of writing, only 821,659 people had been immunized from the first batch of nearly a million dozes that were imported early this year. Another 175,000 dozes had been imported by the time of writing. More doses were expected in early July from COVAX, the COVID vaccine sharing facility for poorer countries and others from China. The Americans are donating 500 million vaccines to poor countries. If we lobby well, delay the Congo road adventure for a year or two until we have nipped COVID-19 in the bud, we would have enough resources and vaccines to ensure all the people who need to be vaccinated have received and completed their dozes. If all these vaccines come in, we may have a significant number of people especially those who are most vulnerable immunized. The problem though is that the country is under a lockdown. Although the president can say only one word and the lockdown is lifted, opening up the country can also reverse the gains made during the period if not properly planned. Our health system is already stretched to its limit given the number of people that need treatment not only from COVID-19 but also from other diseases. Health workers who are already working in health facilities should be left to providing healthcare to the sick. So as we wait for the vaccines, we could use this time to train a good number of unemployed youth to be able to do immunizations so that when the vaccines arrive in the numbers we need, we have a critical mass of healthcare providers to administer the jabs without interrupting already stretched health centres. Student nurses, village health teams, and basically anyone with an O-level certificate can be easily trained. There are also the teams that have been distributing mosquito nets countrywide. We are not short of unemployed educated people who are easily trainable. Then because the vaccines are most likely going to arrive when the country is under a lockdown, the government can use the structures that it used in January this year to conduct presidential and parliamentary elections. Polling stations were easily organized within walkable distance of almost every citizen’s residence. Ballot papers and all the other materials were delivered almost on time in all the places they were needed. Nobody needed transport to go to vote simply because polling stations were stationed so near to people’s homes. There were 34,684 polling stations serving the whole country. This number pales in comparison with the 6,937 health facilities in Uganda. My father traveled 15km to get his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. That is how far a health centre is from where he lives. I know that for some other people, the distance to a health centre is so long and expensive that they simply give up. Yet when it comes to voting, my father simply walks to the polling station. So are other people countrywide. If we can have polling stations within walking distances of people’s residences, we can have the COVID-19 vaccine there too. The Uganda Electoral Commission (UEC) has a network of offices everywhere and over the years they have built the capacity of delivering materials in the remotest of areas on time. Now that they are ‘idle’ for the next few years having concluded the election cycle for this political term, they can be deployed to use the same logistical proficiency to deliver the vaccines. I know that the National Medical Stores (NMS) is mandated for this role and they have done well over the years to deliver vaccines and medical supplies to facilities but they don’t boast of UEC’s numbers. The commission should come in and play a supporting role. The other organization that could help in this logistical exercise is the Uganda National Examination Board (UNEB). Every year, they deliver exams to thousands of examination centres across the country. Although they don’t have the reach of the electoral commission, they can also activate their logistical systems to help the country during this time of need. The writer is a communication and visibility consultant. djjuuko@gmail.com

June 2, 2023

News

#OutToLunch Ugandan businesses should join Centenary in Malawi

#OutToLunch Ugandan businesses should join Centenary in Malawi By Denis Jjuuko In the early 1983, the Catholic Church in Uganda set up a scheme that targeted the majority of Ugandans — folks in rural areas, the majority of which were unbanked. Ten years later, the scheme turned into a commercial bank that still largely caters for the same target market. Centenary Bank has evolved to the behemoth that it is today with millions of customers and nearly 100 branches countrywide. But that is not news to anybody reading this. What could be news is a story that for some reason has gone largely unnoticed. Centenary has acquired another bank in Malawi, signaling the start of a new phase in its life. We must note that Centenary isn’t the first indigenous local bank or business to venture out of the country. Greenland Bank, in its short-lived life had opened in Zambia and Tanzania. The BMK Group also owns a hotel (Hotel Africana Lusaka) in Zambia among other business. The Mandela Group owns four branches of Café Javas or CJs in Nairobi. There could be other Ugandan brands operating in the region. But Centenary, with Shs5.5 trillion in assets is the biggest of them all to operate outside the confines of Uganda’s borders. This is good for the country and many brands with the means should think of doing so. For some time, we have been spectators in the regional market. We have watched Kenyan brands expand and grow their assets in the region even in countries like South Sudan and Rwanda that we helped pacify. As we have argued before, as we build roads and even deploy boots on the ground in the western jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo, our businesspeople should be setting up companies there. Africa has been described as the next frontier, with a population of 1.4 billion people, majority of whom are young and ready to provide the labour force required for big businesses. Ugandan businesses should not just be watching and sending congratulatory messages to Centenary, they should be following up to set up businesses in Malawi. Malawi is politically stable having survived the thuggery of Kamuzu Banda. The rule of law seems to be established with even the supreme court brave enough to overturn a presidential election. What businesses are viable in Malawi? Almost everything. It is a virgin market with even some of its printing done in the dim lit corridors of Nasser Road according to some accounts. Malawi’s growth and development strategy outlines education, energy, agriculture, health and tourism as the sectors it is banking on to become an industrialized country by 2063. With a Ugandan bank now taking centre stage in the country’s financial sector, Ugandan businesses have a brand that can easily access them credit. Centenary can simply do due diligence here and lend to a business that would like to expand in Malawi. But the businesses here shouldn’t be in a rush. It has taken Centenary a whopping 39 years and an asset base of trillions to make its first move beyond its Ugandan comfort zone. They have experience in dealing with the rural poor and have enough resources to take on risks. They have an ownership model that has proved successful, using the structures and loyalty that people have with the Catholic church to provide a springboard for their success. It is this model they are somewhat basing on as the church is also its partner in Malawi. Structures are important and a Ugandan brand without such structures wouldn’t be able to succeed in another market. We have seen of recent some very sad news where a brand previously thought to be successful collapsing within a year of the founder’s death. Newspapers have been advertising the company’s assets for forced sale (including those of the children who had assumed directorships). By establishing structures, companies would be able to scale at home and even abroad. I don’t think there is still an employee or even a non-executive director that was part of Centenary’s founding in 1983 that is still involved. The company has been able to grow beyond its founders. The current managers and non-executive directors I am sure are aware that they won’t have to die in their offices unless if they suffer sudden death. They will have to hand over the company to its next leaders for further growth. That is a key lesson for all Ugandan companies. The writer is a communication and visibility consultant. djjuuko@gmail.com

January 9, 2023

News

#OutToLunch Dubai visas: Time for Africa to develop its ports, free trade zones and resorts

#OutToLunch Dubai visas: Time for Africa to develop its ports, free trade zones and resorts By Denis Jjuuko The emirate of Dubai has been one of the favorite destinations for Ugandans. About five hours away by air, Dubai glitters with its skyscraper spikes that pierce the clouds. The shopping malls, the desert safaris, dinners on dhow cruises, the pilotless trains, multiple lane freeways and spaghetti intersections, affordable 5-star hotels and serviced apartments, Dubai is always on people’s radars. For decades, Ugandan traders have been frequenting Dubai to source for their wares. From used cars and automotive parts, garments and jewelry to smart phones. Whether at a café in the airport or somewhere in the shopping malls, if you were keen you would find a youthful Ugandan earning a living in the city, on a business trip or eating life with a big spoon! Dubai is a world class city that has been on bucket list for many Ugandans. Honeymoons, festive season holidays, anniversaries, or just to chill out in the ocean while taking selfies with dhow shaped 7-star hotels providing the backdrop, Dubai was an ultimate visit for many. A few Ugandans have even invested in real estate in the city. But what made Dubai really endearing for most Ugandans was how easy it was for people to acquire visas. It was one of the few mega cities where a visa is required but where one didn’t have to donate half their salaries to pastors to pray for them so they could get it. Agents easily arranged tourist or business visas, making Dubai accessible for anyone with a few shillings to their name. That has however changed. Dubai says 20 countries including Uganda will no longer have access to these easy to get 30-day visas. One would have now to pray to get a visa. As I write this, some notable businesspeople I know were denied visas or didn’t get them in time for their trips. Apparently, some youthful Ugandans have been abusing the visa—going as tourists and overstaying their visas trying to eke a living in the lit city. Those who the authorities have been able to catch have been detained awaiting deportation. Many claim they have no money to pay for air tickets. The politicians quickly saw an opportunity and became benevolent helping some to return home. With access to Dubai becoming increasingly difficult, some businesses will suffer. Many tour agents have been surviving on tours to Dubai and as the festive season approaches, it is going to be tough for them. Many people had even booked trips already and paid. The agents would now have to refund if they fail to secure visas. Companies like Uganda Airlines will be hit as well. Some goods that have been always imported from Dubai or even from nearing emirates like Sharjah will now become scarce. Your car spare parts will most likely become expensive. If you have been looking for a gomesi, the prices may double and so many other such products. Those who have been exporting matooke and all such produce may see a dip in their pockets. It is already a tough economy for Uganda this year. Lack of access to Dubai will make things worse. Since almost half of the countries on the continent have been affected, it is time for the African Union to show what it is made of. Using the power of collective bargaining, they can talk to the rulers of Dubai for a way out. It isn’t Africa that has been only benefitting from easy access to Dubai. The Emirates Airlines, perhaps Dubai’s most important asset has daily or weekly flights to almost all international airports on the continent. It may not be its most lucrative route, but one it can’t live without. We are a continent of 1.4 billion people, same population as China and several times bigger than the USA. We have more natural resources than some of these very big economies. That is why the African Union should come in and work out a deal that is suitable for all parties. However, this is also a wake-up call for Africans to develop the continent and stop relying on outsiders for every little thing. It is time to develop our ports and create free trade zones that can attract investment. We must stop fighting each other for every little thing and ensure that there is rule of law which is key in attracting foreign direct investment or FDI. We can trade with each other. We have better weather than Dubai so we can build the resorts. We just need to focus. For the traders, may be it is time to invest in factories here than relying on only importing finished articles. The writer is a communication and visibility consultant. djjuuko@gmail.com

November 17, 2022

News

#OutToLunch How to tell a pyramid scheme from a genuine investment

#OutToLunch How to tell a pyramid scheme from a genuine investment By Denis Jjuuko In the late 1990s, at every little gathering, people especially men converged in every little corner and made their nails dirty. They were scratching for cash and Hyundai cars. Like in all such lotteries, a few people would be winning hence more people buying the tickets to scratch. The scratch for cash, cars and later houses business would propel the businessman behind it to one of the richest people in Uganda. Eventually, scratch for cash ran its course when more people realized that it was easier to go to heaven than becoming wealthy by simply scratching a piece of well decorated cardboard. As it was folding, the English Premier League was becoming increasingly popular being broadcast for free on one of the pioneer privately owned TV stations in Uganda. Being shown in color, the English Premier League quickly relegated Football Made in Germany to the backseat. Betting companies started sprouting up in every nook. If you predicted the score, you would walk away a millionaire. Like in all gambling, a few people must win to attract more others who fund the winning bonuses. The betting went beyond the English Premier League to all sorts of sporting activities. One day, on a walk in one of Kampala’s suburbs, I walked behind some security people perhaps from a night duty and they were discussing a football game that had taken place in Kazakhstan. One of them had bet on it. I didn’t know that there is anybody in Uganda interested in any football being played in Kazakhstan but that is how wide the betting net is cast. With everyone, apart from some members of religious sects who take vows of poverty, dreaming to becoming rich or at least go to their creator while trying, there is never a shortage of people willing to invest little and earn big. So a pyramid scheme will always show up. From crypto currencies, forex trading (though many of these are genuine), to the latest BLQ Football that is alleged to have disappeared with some Shs60 billion from Ugandans. There is another one that may become like BLQ. Using a similar model, it talks of being the future of football and its promoters claim to be backed by the world’s richest man—a real indicator of what lays ahead. They claim that if you invest Shs100,000, you would be able to earn Shs400,000 per a week. They don’t tell you how Shs100,000 can make so much money. But they also say if you recruit 1,000 members and you have “300 people on level one” (whatever that means), you earn Shs38 million per a month. What will the recruited 1,000 people be doing for one to earn Shs38 million monthly, they will never tell you. They also have an option where whatever you invest can return 4% to 8% daily. There is no business that can give you such daily returns that is genuine. Bonds give returns of up to 20% and that is annual for long term investors (15 to 20 years). The current rate is around 17% annually for such long term investors. If anyone promises you 4% to 8% daily (1,460% – 2,920% annually), go and eat your money instead of donating to them to eat on your behalf. There isn’t a business that is legal that one will do using your little savings or tuition fees to invest in a business, pay all the expenses, taxes, get themselves some profit and be able to give you 2,920% annually on top of what you have invested. The money they give the people who invest in the early days is got from people they keep recruiting and the only reason they pay them is to recruit more gullible people. This business model is not sustainable that is why once the people being recruited run out, the scheme collapses. And these days, you can’t even get the money. They simply make you open an online account where you see amounts being increased on a daily basis but once you try to withdraw it, they will claim a technical issue, an upgrade of the system or such other things before the site goes down completely. If you want to make money, without doing anything, go to your licensed bank and buy bonds or treasury bills or look for again a licensed insurance company or even those involved in unit trusts. You can reach out to Capital Markets Authority for the licensed ones. You can also buy shares in listed companies. Businesses promising you to simply recruit people, make them pay some money and earn Shs38m a month are just pyramid schemes.

November 17, 2022