The Together for Progress 2024 event, held on September 25th at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, successfully brought together leaders from the private sector and civil society for meaningful discussions aimed at building sustainable partnerships to drive Uganda’s development. Organized by USAID/Uganda’s Civil Society Strengthening Activity in collaboration with the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda and other key partners, the event underscored the critical importance of cooperation between civil society organizations (CSOs) and the private sector in shaping Uganda’s future. With the theme “Shaping Uganda’s Future Through Sustainable Partnerships,” the event highlighted the need for collective action in tackling the country’s development challenges. Leaders from prominent organizations such as MTN, UBL, Centenary Bank, Total Energies, and Uganda Baati joined forces with civil society representatives to explore joint initiatives that could create lasting impact across multiple sectors. Throughout the day, participants engaged in insightful panel discussions, focusing on how CSOs and private sector companies can unlock opportunities for mutual benefit. By aligning corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives with civil society efforts, both sectors identified new strategies to more effectively address Uganda’s socio-economic issues. The event also featured interactive networking opportunities, including the popular “Speed Dating” session, which allowed stakeholders to connect and explore potential collaborations. AFLI was proud to participate in this impactful event, recognizing the significance of such gatherings in fostering dialogue, action, and innovation. By working alongside other partners, AFLI remains committed to strengthening partnerships that drive social, economic, and governance improvements across Uganda. A key highlight of the event was the private sector panel discussions, where leading companies shared their CSR initiatives and discussed ways to better align their resources with the work of CSOs. Participants gained valuable insights into overcoming barriers to collaboration and learned how these partnerships could generate long-term social impact. AFLI extends heartfelt thanks to USAID Civil Society Strengthening Activity and to all participants, partners, and organizations that contributed to the success of Together for Progress 2024. Through open dialogue and collaboration, we are confident that the outcomes of this event will help shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for Uganda.
Today in Parliament | 28th August 2024
Greetings from AFLI and the Parliament of Uganda! House sitting commences at 10:01am. Having been adjourned on Thursday August 15th 2024, by the Deputy Speaker Mr Thomas Tayebwa, plenary returned on Wednesday 21st August 2024 with an inaugural sitting in Gulu City of the several others that are scheduled to be held in other three regional areas across the country. The proclamation of Kaunda Grounds becoming the precincts of Parliament was done premising on Rule 17(1) of the Rules of Procedure. The conveners of plenary sitting in Gulu, Northern Uganda argued that this also enshrined in Article 95(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda which empowers the Person of the Speaker to convene Parliament at such a place at time as chosen after proclamation. The plenary sitting was chaired by the Speaker of Parliament Ms Anita Annet Among who last chaired plenary over a month ago. While she was away, the Deputy Speaker Mr Tayebwa presided over sittings which were largely characterized by demands by a section of opposition and some National Resistance Movement (NRM) pressed the presiding officer, Mr Tayebwa to provide space for MPs to debate issues that triggered anti-graft March to Parliament, plight of Medical interns and also censure motion that was orchestrated by the Lwemiyaga County MP Mr Theodore Ssekikubo. Ssekikubo demands for censure motion debate The push for the censure motion was also supported by the Tororo Woman MP Ms Sarah Opendi and the Aringa South MP Mr Odria Alion. Even when Mr Ssekikubo fulfilled all the conditions that would require House Speaker Ms Anita Among to place the item on the order for deliberation, the matter has been okayed to get into the order paper. In two separate two communiques outted by her office over the past 10 days, Speaker Among declined to have it on order paper reasoning that the matter under question was settled by in a court ruling that was made Justice Douglas Singa over 10 days ago. The mover Mr Ssekikubo has not given up. Minutes after the Speaker Among made a proclamation that the sitting at Kaunda grounds in Gulu would constitute Parliament, he used his awakened his demand for answers as ti why his matter had not been okayed. “I am glad to be in Gulu because, as I was seeking for signatures with my colleagues, we set up a camp here, so the people of Gulu have come back to you, to show you that I never ended in shame, the signatures were obtained,” Mr Ssekikubo inquired. His plea was, however, futile considering that Speaker Among trashed his inquiry. “This session is devoted for the people of Northern Uganda and for us to discuss issues regarding the Greater North, let us have respect for the people of the Greater North. We should learn to have respect. Issues that don’t concern this region, shouldn’t be issues to be discussed. You have your Kampala House there, where you can do all the manyanga, (a term that could loosely translated to mean Nonsense),” Ms Among said. MPs boycotting regional sitting condemned Shortly after all legislators had formally introduced themselves, the Government Chief Whip Mr Hamson Denis Obua lashed out at a section of MPs, mostly opposition leaning Legislators led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mr Joel Ssenyonyi who elected to boycott the regional sittings. Legally, in the minds of the framers of the constitution, they envisaged a situation where the presiding officer would take Parliament to any part, as long as it is within the Republic of Uganda. So legally, our sitting in Gulu is anchored on the provision of Article 95(2) of the Constitution,” Mr Obua said. He added “Implying, a Member of this House who refuses to be in Gulu, that act should be termed as unconstitutional and against the spirit of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament. So we want to thank you and the leadership of Parliament for the first time in our history for operationalizing Article 95(2) of the Constitution by bringing this Parliament to Gulu, which is in Uganda.” He therefore lauded Speaker Among and the entire Parliament leadership for convening House sittings in Gulu, saying that the sittings have a trickle-down effect on the residents of Gulu. “You should be commended, together with the leadership of Parliament, economically, is a big boost to the Gulu economy, to the Northern Uganda economy, because, over 10 Committees of Parliament in the last two weeks were deployed in west Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja,” Mr Obua said. He added: “All these members were sleeping in hotels within this region and for these days, we are sleeping in hotels in Gulu. We are eating from restaurants in Gulu, we are fueling cars from fuel stations in Gulu. Implying, a farmer growing cassava in Gulu benefits because we are eating food, locally grown.” Draft law to regulate engineers tabled Minutes later, government through the State Minister for Works Mr Musa Ecweru tabled the Engineering Professionals Bill, 2024. This is chiefly meant to define Code of Conduct for persons serving as Engineers and Technologists in Uganda. “There is therefore need to regulate the technologists and engineers who are the other cadres of engineering professionals aside from engineers, to provide for the licensing of the engineering professionals and provide for a code of ethics for the engineering professionals and a mechanism for inquiry into the conduct of an engineering professional who contravenes the code of ethics,” justification for the draft law reasons in part. Speaker Among thereafter referred the Bill to the House committee on Physical Infrastructure for deeper scrutiny and further processing before it is brought it is brought back for the third and final reading. Road network pitfalls In one of the reports tabled, the Vice Chairperson of the House committee on Physical Infrastructure Mr Tony Awany indicated that several parts of Uganda’s road network require fast paced remedial action from government. He particularly demanded the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) expeditiously undertakes to effect required upgrade
Gulu City all set to host MPs for regional sitting
Gulu City is bustling with activity as Members of Parliament (MPs) and other stakeholders decent upon it for the inaugural regional parliament sitting to be held from 28 to 30 August, 2024. This historic event has sparked a wave of activity, from cleaning up the streets to reorganising the town’s infrastructure. The city’s transformation reflects both anticipation and hope as it welcomes this significant occasion. In the days leading up to the sitting, Gulu has seen reorganisation – bushy areas around the city are now neatly trimmed, and the streets are cleaner than ever. Truck drivers, who typically park around the venue, have moved, making way for the event and the timber dealers, usually occupying space near the grounds, have also relocated. For the people of Gulu, this event is more than just a parliament session. It is an opportunity to reconnect with the rest of the country. Northern Uganda, still healing from the scars of war, has often felt detached from national progress. The conflict brought with it poverty, disease, unemployment, and a lack of education. This sitting represents a chance to address these long-standing issues and bring tangible changes to the region. Leaders from the area have rallied together, calling for unity as they prepare to host the parliament sitting. The buzz around town is palpable, with locals discussing the potential benefits and challenges that this event might bring. On the positive side, there is a surge in economic activity. Cab drivers, boda-boda riders, food vendors, suppliers, and hotel proprietors are already reaping the benefits of the influx of visitors. As visitors stream into the city, restaurants are cooking way more than before, and local businesses are thriving. The streets are adorned with posters from hotels welcoming Parliament to Gulu, and there is a general sense of excitement in the air. The programme for the event is packed with significant activities. On 27 August, Speaker Anita Among will visit Lalogi Village in Omoro District to pay respects to the late Jacob Oulanyah, the immediate former Rt Hon. Speaker of Parliament. The day will also feature the official opening of the medical camp at Pece P.7 School and Gulu Prisons P.7 School; tree planting; and meetings with local groups, including the boda-boda riders’ association and market women groups. The medical camp running from the 26 to the 31 of August, will offer free services like Hepatitis B testing; health education; nutrition and wellness talks; blood pressure check-up; consultation; diabetes check-up; and fitness sessions among others to the community. Beyond the immediate economic benefits, there is a sense that this sitting could lead to more significant changes. Locals have been calling into radio stations, urging their leaders to address pressing issues in Parliament. The hope is that the discussions during the three plenary sittings will lead to concrete solutions for the problems facing the region. H.E. President Yoweri Museveni is scheduled to address Members of Parliament and the country at large on a wide range of issues on 29 August. The event is a moment of pride and possibility for a region that has long yearned for a brighter future and as a people, are more than ready to make the most of this opportunity by showing the country what they can offer. Similar regional sittings that draw inspiration in putting the citizenry at the centre of legislation and bringing Parliament to the people, will also be held in the east, west and central parts of the country. Arrangements have made for the several residents who had hoped to attend the plenary sessions in person, to follow the proceedings from designated areas outside the parliament precincts.
Grant of tax waiver to companies queried
Legislators on the Committee of Finance have questioned the manner and criteria the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)is using to extend tax waivers to companies and individuals. While appearing before the committee, the State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi said the tax waivers will be extended to eight organisations which include academic institutions and business entities. Musasizi was appearing before the committee on Tuesday, 20 August 2024. Among the companies under review by the committee is M/S J2E Investment Corporation Limited which is seeking a tax waiver worth Shs2.718 billion as at 01 December 2023, accounting for interest accumulated. M/S J2E Investment Corporation is carrying out works at Kawewe6a Military Training Barracks. The minister revealed that in December 2019, the Defence Ministry requesting for the waiver.“This is because during the implementation of the works, the contractor faced investigations from the Inspector General of Government and suspended all works and payments from Ministry of Defence. This resulted in penalties and interest,” Musasizi said. Hon. Patrick Ocan (UPC, Apac Municipality) said the absence of audited accounts and articles of association for the company made it questionable to grant a waiver.“Today, the minister has presented to us non-existent companies. If they are existent, I am sure the minister can provide the necessary documents for this company. How can we process a waiver for a company that is not known? How do we ascertain reputation and credibility?” Ocan asked. Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju and Hon. Maximus Ochai (NRM, West Budama County North) put the minister and URA to task on the procedures that were followed in granting tax waivers to selected companies. Hon. Jane Pacuto (NRM, Pakwach District Woman Representative) wondered on why the companies were granted a 100 per cent tax waiver. “I need a clarification on whether or not, an entity or individual must meet all the criteria or part of the criteria, to qualify for a waiver. The minister also chose to waive 100 per cent and I want to know why they chose to go that direction,” Pacuto noted. Sarah Chelangat, the Commissioner Domestic Taxes at URA said applications for tax waivers are received and assessed on a case by case basis adding that companies are granted a grace period within which to pay the tax. “We also look at the big picture in terms of the impact of this business on the community it serves. Businesses like universities employ families, so we consider that if this company gets a relief, it can continue paying more tax in the near future,” Chelangat said.She also clarified on the matter of audited accounts.“When a tax payer is doing a self-assessment return, they normally summarise all their account information in their tax returns. Sometimes, assess based on third party information whereby if you work with a ministry, we can get the information from that ministry,” Chelangat added. The Committee Chairperson, Hon. Amos Kankunda, asked the minister and URA to present the requisite information on M/S J2E Investment Corporation Limited to the committee before a final report is made on its waiver. Other individuals listed for a tax waiver are Donati Kananura, who as at 12 September 2023 sought a waiver on rental income tax amounting to Shs1.69 billion and a waiver on Value Added Tax amounting to Shs2.08 billion. Legislators noted that grounds on which URA granted the tax waivers including health and advanced age were not justifiable. “I want to withdraw Donati Kananura from my list so that we limit debate on the matter. We will find another way of rescuing him,” Musasizi responded. The other entities presented before the committee for tax waivers included M/S Nicontra Limited, Busoga University, Nkumba University, Makerere Business Institute, Kisiizi Hospital Power Limited, and Mr. Peter Lokwang, a dealer in limestone mining in Moroto District.
Pope Francis Commends Speaker Among and Uganda’s Progressive Refugee Policies During Vatican Meeting
The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon. Anita Annet Among, had the honor of meeting His Holiness Pope Francis during a private audience at the Vatican on August 24th, 2024. During the meeting, Pope Francis expressed his admiration for Uganda’s welcoming approach to migrants and refugees from various countries, commending the Uganda’s progressive laws and policies that provide sanctuary to those seeking refuge. The private audience, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, saw Pope Francis express his deep appreciation for Uganda, for the country’s unique qualities, warm-hearted people, and strong spiritual values that have helped maintain national unity. Speaker Among conveyed greetings from the President, Parliament and the people of Uganda and urged the Vatican to continue supporting humanitarian efforts in Uganda. She also extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit Uganda again. “I want to thank you and the Church for always praying for us and invite you to visit Uganda again,” she said. His Holiness last visited the country in 2015. Pope Francis extended his regards to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni through Speaker Among, acknowledging his leadership in promoting peace and stability in Uganda. The Pope assured her of his continued prayers for the nation and its people. Following her meeting with the Pope, Speaker Among held discussions with His Eminence Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, to explore opportunities for strengthening the bilateral relations between Uganda and the Vatican. Over the years, Uganda and the Vatican have enjoyed strong and cordial ties. Speaker Among’s visit to the Vatican came as a result of a special invitation from the Holy See, reflecting Uganda’s positive relations on the global stage. This meeting marks the fifth time Speaker Among has been received by Pope Francis for a private audience which is testament to the deepening relationship between Uganda and the Vatican. In their previous meetings, Pope Francis praised Speaker Among for her outstanding leadership in guiding the Ugandan Parliament, offering his continued prayers and support for her role in leading the legislative body.
Museveni Urges Leaders to Emulate Speaker Among for Development
President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday, 18 August 2024 officially opened the 21st Edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games. The games, which will run up to 27 August 2024 are being hosted by Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School in Bukedea District, making it the seventh time Uganda is hosting these intercontinental secondary games. This year’s FEASSA Games have brought together over 3,000 participants from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan. While at the launch of the games, which also marked the official commissioning of Bukedea Comprehensive Sports Park, a multipurpose sports stadium built by Speaker Anita Among, President Museveni commended the Speaker for being industrious and developmental, thus promoting the local economy. He urged other leaders to emulate her good and exemplary deeds to attain regional development. “I want to thank the Rt Hon. Anita Among who developed this stadium at a reasonable cost and quickly. This should serve as an example for other regions to emulate so that they can develop stadiums in other parts of the country,” Museveni said. Museveni re-echoed the Speaker as instrumental in bridging the gap between the executive and legislature. “I am very happy with what Rt Hon. Anita Among has done. There is less friction in Parliament, between Parliament and the Executive and as you can see, she is very active in the area here,” Museveni said, adding that he found her a quick learner and an active person. To the young athletes, Museveni urged them to take sports as a source of livelihood. “Do not be diverted into only thinking of things in Europe and forget about your own destiny…The East African integration is not just about sports. It’s an issue of livelihood,” he said. Among appreciated the President’s commitment to sustainable growth and development including the promotion of sports. ” Sports is indeed a universal language which enables participants to understand each other regardless of where they come from, how they look like or what they believe in,” Among said. State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang advised the athletes to desist from engaging in acts that undermine the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. President Museveni later proceeded to Kongunga Primary School in Kachumbala County where he addressed a rally. The Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, several Ministers, Members of Parliament and the business community were in attendance.
Uganda Faces Expensive Credit as Deputy Speaker Backs UGX535 Billion 97Km Ssembabule Road Loan
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has defended the government’s decision to borrow Euros 126.44 million (UGX 534.91 billion) from CitiBank for the construction of the 97-kilometer Lusalira-Lumegere-Ssembabule Road, urging Ugandans to abandon the notion of cheap loans. Tayebwa emphasized that credit has become expensive globally, citing his own difficulties in securing affordable loans for personal business ventures. “We need to update ourselves; there is no cheap money in the world right now. If you are waiting for concessional loans, forget about it. We can no longer get cheap money globally, even for business. So, we either stop borrowing completely or accept these terms to proceed with essential projects,” Tayebwa stated during a heated plenary session. Tayebwa’s defense came despite warnings from the Committee of National Economy and Parliament’s Budget Office. Experts cautioned that the loan terms would burden taxpayers with additional costs, pushing the total project cost to an estimated UGX 627.309 billion. Committee Vice Chairperson Robert Migadde (Buvuma County) opposed the loan, urging Parliament to reject the proposal and push the Ministry of Finance to renegotiate. Migadde argued that the non-concessional nature of the loan contradicts Uganda’s NDP II financing framework and would lead to exorbitant costs, including a 5.0% interest rate, 1.4% upfront fees, and a 1.7% commitment fee.“The project’s financing terms are unsustainable, and the unit cost per kilometer, at UGX 5.2 billion excluding land acquisition, is excessive. The highly commercial nature of this loan, combined with its high costs, will severely diminish the return on investment,” warned Migadde. The Ministry of Finance defended the loan, citing delays associated with multilateral lenders offering concessional loans and the tight fiscal space in Uganda’s infrastructure investment. However, the Committee maintained that despite the road’s importance for oil production, the project’s high cost necessitates re-evaluation. Land acquisition challenges further complicate the project, with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) revealing that only 62% of the necessary land had been secured by December 2023. A significant portion of the road must pass through Kabamba Barracks, but the Ministry of Defence has yet to sign off on the required land. Opposition MPs, including Hassan Kirumira (Katikamu South) and Nicholas Kamara (Kabale Municipality), also urged the government to seek alternative funding. They exposed additional unfavorable loan terms, such as a 12% interest rate, commitment fees, and the requirement for payments in Euros.“This loan is significantly more expensive than concessional loans. It would be prudent for the government to renegotiate or seek alternative funding sources,” Kirumira argued. Despite these concerns, the Deputy Speaker put the government’s motion to a vote, resulting in a majority of MPs supporting the borrowing, effectively ending attempts to halt the loan. Source: Parliament Watch
Today in Parliament | 1st August 2024
Greetings from the Africa Leadership Institute and the Parliament of Uganda! This is an update from the Parliament of Uganda marking the 6th Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 4th Session of the 11th Parliament. This Sitting was chaired by the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. In his communication, the Speaker steered Parliament in commemorating Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, the former WHO Representative in Uganda, for his outstanding service to Uganda during the time when the country grappled with deadly diseases like COVID-19 and Ebola. Tayebwa disclosed that Dr. Tegegn completed his assignment on 31st July 2024 after being assigned to Uganda in 2018. He supported the Ministry of Health during Uganda’s first COVID-19 case announcement, actively participated in all meetings, and contributed significantly to the development of Uganda’s COVID-19 response strategies. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also directed the Ministry of Health to address the recurring issue of medical intern students’ deployment & related problems. He made the directive during a parliamentary session this afternoon, citing numerous complaints from medical intern students. “I have received several complaints from medical intern students regarding their deployment and related issues. This is a recurring problem that we need to address. I suggest that the Minister of Health present a statement on this matter on Tuesday”, he said. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa informed the House that the Business Committee met on 24th July 2024 and endorsed the parliamentary calendar for the 4th Session. The committee also approved the legislative agenda put forth by the Leader of Government Business during the meeting. Reacting to the Speaker’s communication, Hon. Achieng Sarah Opendi (DWR, Tororo District, NRM) said “WHO is a key partner of the health sector in the country. You haven’t just been giving the technical support, you have been giving the country the technical guidance to the Ministry of Health and we want to thank you for walking with them. Wherever we had issues in the health sector, he was always there by the side of the political leadership, but also the technical leaders, to give guidance, but also provide the necessary support”. Hon. Opio Samuel Acuti (MP, Kole North County, Kole District,Indep) who also doubles as the Vice Chairperson, Parliament’s Health Committee said that the last 6 and half years that Dr. Tegegn served as WHO’s Representative to Uganda were the most critical years in Uganda’s health sector, where the country broke the world record of containing Ebola outbreak in 2022 within 69days & Uganda was also commended for its effective emergency response in fighting COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, Hon. Ssemujju Nganda (MP, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, FDC asked the government to explain how 36 FDC members who had gone to Kenya for leadership training were kidnapped and beaten by Ugandan security personnel. “We have 36 FDC leaders who were kidnapped from Kenya by the External Security Organisation (ESO) and the Ugandan military. I don’t know whether Uganda simply walks into another country, we nearly had problems here with Rwanda because Rwanda was accused of coming into Uganda and kidnapping refugees, one of the 36 is actually a registered refugee in Kenya”, he said. He added “There was no extradition order, they had gone to attend a leadership training and they were kidnapped. We want Government to tell us, under which arrangement did they go to Kenya, to kidnap FDC leaders who had gone for leadership training, why did they beat them”. Responding to the issue, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said, “From the words of Ssemujju, Government side, why are you kidnapping my OBs?”. The Attorney General, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka in response asked the FDC to bring the issues of torture during arrest at the time of trial, as this is one of the defence the Party can front to have the case dismissed. “I am not aware that any people were abducted, what I know is that 36 people whom you say were from FDC, were charged in court for terrorism. What I was saying is that these people were charged, they are before court and if there are any issues of them being beaten, wrongly arrested, they can be raised in court at the appropriate time, and we have laws to deal with that. And in fact if a person was tortured at the time of his arrest, that case will be dismissed, so that is a good defence that you can put before the Court”, he said However, Hon. Lubega Medard Sseggona (MP, Busiro East County, Wakiso District, NUP) who also doubles as the COSASE Chair opposed Attorney General Kiwanuka Kiryowa’s decision to explain the circumstances under which 36 FDC members are said to have been kidnapped from Kenya into Uganda and charged with terrorism, claiming that the Head of the Bar’s actions are unusual professionally because they fall outside of his mandate as Chief Legal Advisor to the Government. “The Attorney General can advise us on matters before court, where they were placed under his hands, issues to do with how they were arrested, abducted or kidnapped are issues to do with the Minister for Security and therefore the docket of ESO, or if it was Police, the Minister of Internal Affairs and how he managed to cross the border and I am constrained that is why I am seeking for your procedural guidance, because you asked Government and the Attorney General volunteered, which is uncommon professionally”, he said. He added “For the last 22 years I have been a lawyer and my learned friend Kiwanuka Kiryowa having been a lawyer even much longer, knows that a lawyer only acts on instructions. Instructions of the Attorney General are only standing instructions under the constitution, and they only deal with matters of law, and we are dealing with matters relating to the deployment of Forces out of the country and managed to go to Kisumu and get these Ugandans. I don’t want to speculate on how they got them; whether they kidnapped them, or whether they
Supporting Annual Accountability Meetings for Communal Land Associations (CLAs)
The Africa Leadership Institute (AFLI), in partnership with USAID/EWMI Uganda Civil Society Strengthening Activity (CSSA), is executing a one-year project called “Improving Pastoral Communities’ Engagement in Decision-Making Processes in Mineral Resource Governance (PACED)” in Moroto district, Karamoja Region, Uganda. The project aims to enhance the participation of indigenous pastoral communities in decision-making related to mineral resource governance and equitable benefit-sharing in the mineral extractive industry. From July 25th to 27th, 2024, AFLI supported the three CLAs of Rupa and Lotisan sub-counties in Moroto district to hold their annual accountability meetings. The primary aim of these meetings was to ensure that the CLAs remain accountable to their constituents. The meetings aimed to increase accountability and transparency within the CLAs, thereby strengthening their governance structures and enhancing their ability to serve their communities effectively. Target groups The accountability meetings were held over three days, with each day dedicated to one of the three clans: Ngimogoth, Ngigolito-Monia, and Ngitopon. Each meeting was conducted physically at the respective sub-county offices, gathering around 100 participants per CLA. The attendees included CLA executives, sub-clan representatives, Manyatta leaders, Akiriket leaders, Awii-kraal leaders, youth, women, and persons with disabilities. This diverse representation ensured that the meetings captured a wide range of perspectives and concerns from within the communities. Key Outcomes and Action Points from the Meetings The annual accountability meetings for the CLAs in Rupa and Lotisan sub-counties resulted in significant decisions and action plans. These outcomes highlighted the commitment to resolving land disputes, enhancing education, and improving governance within the communities. For the Ngigolito-Monia clan, a key outcome was the decision to re-evaluate its current structure to create two separate clans: Ngimonia and Ngigolito. This division aims to facilitate better management and representation of each clan’s interests, allowing for more focused development initiatives and equitable distribution of resources. For the Ngitopon clan, it was emphasized that RUCODET must ensure all relevant information and actions are shared with the CLAs. This transparency is expected to build trust and cooperation, enabling CLAs to effectively represent their communities and foster a collaborative environment where decisions are made with comprehensive input from all stakeholders. The Ngimogoth clan identified an urgent need to clarify and establish boundaries to prevent encroachment by neighboring communities. It was decided that RUCODET should lead this effort, ensuring that boundaries are clearly marked and respected to safeguard the land and resources for future generations. Conclusion The annual accountability meetings provided a vital platform for the CLAs of Rupa and Lotisan sub-counties to engage with their communities, address critical issues, and chart a path forward. The action points discussed and agreed upon during these meetings reflect the commitment of AFLI, RUCODET, and the CLAs to enhance governance, promote education, ensure land security, and foster transparent communication. These efforts are crucial for the sustainable development and well-being of the pastoral communities in Moroto district.
Museveni fulfills sh1.2bn Pledge to Ghetto Youth SACCOS
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has met the leaders of the ghetto SACCOs in Kampala Metropolitan Area at State House Entebbe. The group included 100 ghetto youth leaders who are also the heads of the 12 ghetto SACCOs in Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono. The beneficiaries of the SACCOs are from Rubaga Kakeeka Zone dwellers, Kasangati Ghetto Community, Kampala Central Division, Nakawa Division, Makindye East, Kawempe South, Makindye west, Kawempe North, Mukono industrial, Kasokoso, Nansana division and Masajja Para Zone ghetto in Makindye. During the meeting, the president underscored the role of the ghetto people in the liberation of Uganda. “What you call ghetto people, in the 1950s used to be called “Abawejere” and they were centred around Katwe. When Uganda was fighting for independence, much of the activities were around Katwe and I think the first offices of the Uganda National Congress were located in Katwe and that is where I think Dr. I.K Musazi and Dr. Barnabas Kunuka and others operated from. Even Augustino Kamya who organised the boycott of Indian goods in 1958 was from Katwe,” he said. “I linked up with the ghetto in 1968. I was there, Katwe is my place. I was not a ghetto boy myself; my background is in the villages with farmers. That is where I came from to go to university, but we (Student movement) wanted to link up with the “Bawejere”. The Head of the abawejere that time was Abbas Kibazo whom they used to call “Ssabawejere” so I linked up with them. So, this story of saying this is my first time to link up with the ghetto is not true.” He explained that when former President Idi Amin announced his coup on the 25th of January, 1971, the former students together with the help of the Abawejere decided to fight him because they believed in solving the problems of the people. “We had and still have a program of the prosperity of the people and Idi Amin could not understand that. Of course, we had problems with Obote, but we were at least able to talk to him. That is why we had not taken the route for fighting. On January,27 1971, I left to fight Amin, so he ruled me for only 2 days. I left with two people from Kampala; Abbas Kibazo and Zubair Bakari and when we went to Mbarara, the people there added some other two chiefs. The five of us entered Tanzania where we met Mwalimu Nyerere and that’s how the fight against Idi Amin started. All the time when we were fighting Idi Amin, I used to come to Kampala and my contacts were mainly these bawejere,” he said. “In 1971, we also recruited Ahmed Seguya who was from Katwe. He was among the 14 fighters I sent to Mozambique for training. When we went for the second battle in 1981 to fight Obote, Ahmed Seguya was our first army Commander but he died due to liver problems. Amin used to emphasise politics of identity based on religion saying he was fighting for Islam yet there was nothing he was doing for Muslims and other people also. During that time when I used to come to Kampala, I used to stay with my bawejere contacts who were mainly Muslims.” The President further assured the ghetto youths that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government is pro- people that emphasises politics of interest and works for all Ugandans. President Museveni also rallied the ghetto youths to hold their leaders accountable and demand what is meant for them. According to the president, the problem of the ghetto people started when the educated people (elite) failed to deal with the uneducated although also the uneducated have had their weaknesses like the failure to hold their elected leaders accountable. He said on top of the government workers like the chiefs who existed during the time of the British (colonialism), when the NRM government came to power, they decided to add on leaders elected by the people from Local Council 1 up to LC.5 (district level) including a woman member of parliament for each district to fill the gap in case the government chiefs failed to perform their roles. “When we were preparing, I said, you people, to defend the people, we must add another structure, these ones should be elected by the people themselves so that the people’s delegates are there to monitor and hold the government accountable. That is why we created the LCs and MPs to be elected by you people. As people who have power in your hands, why do you go on to elect useless people,” he wondered. “But also, the wananchi, including the ghetto people, don’t use the weapon which we gave you to deal with the people who don’t work for you. The gun we gave you is that of electing the people who speaks for you if they don’t speak for you, bring them back. We removed the monopoly of power from the administrators and gave you the power to vote your own leaders who speak for you. They even join corruption, and you don’t follow them up. Why don’t you bother to find out? If we bring programs and you don’t follow them, whom do you blame?” On the other hand, President Museveni tasked the ghetto youths to advocate for the interests of the masses like free education for all and prosperity for all as well as embracing government poverty alleviation like the Paris Development Model (PDM) to uplift their livelihoods. “Its good now that we have the group of Ddamulira which has linked up with you again, then we will be able to guide you on how to defend the interests of the masses. This is your country and home, you should defend it, you shouldn’t get involved in criminality like illegal protests,” he said. “In 1997, we launched UPE; education for all in government schools but the people you elect have paralyzed that effort on the ground