Commissioner of Parliament Solomon Silwanyi, who also doubles as the Bukooli central Member of Parliament has condemned fellow MPs from Busoga for involving themselves in the plan to censure him and other commissioners. Silwanyi termed such behaviors as being hypocritical and selfish, noting a previous incident where some MPs in the sub-region led the drive to overthrow the then speaker of Parliament Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga. He was speaking during the commissioning of a Shs400 million maternity ward at Busowa Health Center II which he constructed in Busowa town council, Bugiri district. Silwanyi, who is among the four commissioners on tension over a censure motion by MPs accused legislators from Busoga for always fighting hard to bring down colleagues who achieve greater heights in leadership. He pointed out Bugiri Woman MP whom he said could be sour grapping for having convinced former FDC MP Eunice Namatende to join NRM. Namatende is eyeing the Bugiri Woman MP position. However, the new chairperson of the legal committee of parliament, Bakka Mugabi assured Silwanyi that they will not be censured even though the required number of signatures were raised The Minister for Presidency, Milly Babalanda commended Silwanyi for prioritizing health issues by constructing a maternity ward for his people. She urged other leaders to help monitor services at the facility to prevent drug theft and absenteeism of workers. Source: Parliament Watch
Police Back Alcohol Sales Restrictions, Call for Higher Bar Taxes
The Uganda Police Force has supported a proposal to limit the hours during which alcohol can be sold in Uganda. They also urged Parliament to strengthen the proposal by imposing higher taxes on bars to curb their proliferation and encourage home consumption of alcohol. The proposal was presented by James Ocaya, Deputy Inspector General of Police, before Parliament’s Joint Committee of Health and Trade on Wednesday 31 August 2024. The committee is reviewing the Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill 2023, introduced by Sarah Opendi (Tororo DWR) in August 2023. The bill proposes that alcohol sales in Uganda be restricted to 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 noon to midnight on public holidays and weekends. Exceptions would be made for licensed tourist camps, nightclubs, theaters, fetes, bazaars, or trade shows. Violators could face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of 20 million Ugandan shillings, or both. Ocaya suggested that higher taxes on bars would discourage their rampant establishment and promote at-home drinking. However, some MPs, like Richard Gafabusa (Bwamba County), questioned the practicality of enforcing these time limits, noting that the bill regulates sales but not consumption times. Ocaya emphasized that the bill is crucial for reducing alcohol-related crimes, citing the Uganda Police’s Annual Crime Report 2023, which links alcohol abuse to various crimes, including domestic violence and traffic offenses. Yet, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti (Kole North) requested detailed statistics to substantiate these claims. In addition to supporting the sales time limits, Ocaya proposed banning the sale of alcohol to uniformed law enforcement officers and extending this to officers on duty. This proposal aimed to enforce discipline within the security forces. Other MPs who include Godfrey Okello (Nwoya East) and Margaret Ayabare (Mbarara DWR) raised concerns about the practicality and enforcement of this rule. Ocaya also recommended extending the ban on alcohol sales in public transport to include water vessels. This suggestion faced opposition from MPs who argued that it would unfairly impact leisure activities on boats and ferries. They suggested restricting the ban to captains and crew members instead. Additionally, Ocaya called for a ban on firearms and dangerous weapons in bars and for bar operators to have the authority to expel violent customers. This proposal sparked debate about the feasibility of such measures in various types of bars across Uganda. The Police Force also proposed harmonizing the bill with the Traffic and Road Safety Act, calling for severe penalties for drunk driving, including license cancellation and compensation for crash victims. Lastly, the force suggested holding parents and guardians accountable for minors using their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to buy alcohol online, aiming to curb underage drinking. Source: Parliament Watch
Tayebwa Urges Stronger Measures Against Alcoholism to Address Child Hunger
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has called for an intensified fight against alcoholism, highlighting its contribution to increased cases of hunger and malnutrition in Uganda, particularly affecting children. He made these remarks during the 2nd National Children’s Parliament held at Parliament on 26th July 2024. The event, organized under the theme “A Call to End Child Hunger and Malnutrition,” brought together children from various schools across the country to debate and share their experiences about the challenges of hunger and malnutrition in their homes and schools. “We must combat drunkenness and backwardness in our families deliberately. If you are waking up every morning to go to the bar, what contribution are you making to national development? Aren’t you a nuisance and a burden to society? Children, forgive us your parents for the sins we have committed against you, from torture to neglect,” remarked Tayebwa. His concerns come as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Statistics 2023 Report ranks Uganda among the leading alcohol consumers globally. Ugandans consume 12.2 liters of alcohol per person annually, double the African region average of 6.3 liters and the global average of 6.18 liters per person per year. Regionally, Uganda tops East Africa with an alcohol per capita consumption of 9.5 liters per year. The Deputy Speaker noted that while hunger and malnutrition are caused by many factors, poverty and certain cultural practices are significant contributors. He cited examples from Mitooma district where men consume meat exclusively while their wives and children are left to eat beans and vegetables. “In Ruhinda North, some men only eat meat, leaving their families to subsist on dodo and beans. At distillation points, men trade meat for local brew, often signing away family resources in the process,” Tayebwa explained. “Meanwhile, women struggle to support their families, knowing their husbands are squandering what little they have.” Ritah Nakavuma, a student at Kasubi Secondary School, lamented the exclusion of children’s views in the formulation of laws and policies that affect them, despite children making up the majority of Uganda’s population. “While we make up over 51% of the population, our views are rarely sought or incorporated into government decisions. We lack recognized, government-funded spaces to continuously express ourselves,” Nakavuma said. Margaret Makokha (Namayingo DWR) called for the swift enactment of the Food and Nutrition Bill to address hunger and malnutrition. “Some parents are unaware of proper nutrition, and policies often go unenforced. We need to ensure our policies are functional and impactful,” said Makokha. “The Food and Nutrition Bill will help address many of these issues and support Ugandan children’s well-being.” Paul Mwirichia, Response Director at World Vision, urged stakeholders to take children’s concerns seriously. He announced World Vision’s new campaign, “ENOUGH,” aimed at mobilizing communities to end child hunger and malnutrition, with a target of reaching about 5 million people in Uganda. “The National Children’s Parliament is an opportunity to listen to children and create tailored solutions for issues like hunger and malnutrition,” Mwirichia said. According to UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children Report 2019, more than one-third of young children in Uganda are stunted, and half of children under five, as well as a quarter of women of childbearing age, are anemic. Undernutrition is responsible for four in ten deaths of children under five. The 2012 study, Cost of Hunger in Uganda, estimated that undernutrition costs the country UGX 1.8 trillion annually, equivalent to 5.6% of its GDP. Source: Parliament Watch
Lawmakers Question UDC’s Criteria for Corporate Bailouts and Investments
Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) has questioned officials from the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) over the selective bailout of certain companies while ignoring others, leading to job losses and reduced revenue. This inquiry followed a question raised by Medard Sseggona (Busiro East), who expressed concern about Nile Hotel International Limited’s UGX 11 billion investment to acquire a 49% share in Igongo Country Hotel and Cultural Center in Mbarara, without any established investment policy. Meanwhile, other struggling hotels have no bailout criteria to follow. Igongo Hotel is owned by Dr. James Tumusiime, the Board Chairman of Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). Sseggona asked, “What is your role in bailing out Pearl of Africa Hotel? We have other struggling hotels, like Protea Hotel in Kololo and Skyz Hotel in Naguru. Why did you prioritize Igongo Hotel? While I appreciate saving Igongo for its cultural value, what is your policy beyond a Presidential Directive, and can you share it with us?” Joseph Barungi, Manager of Nile Hotel International Limited, explained that the investment in Igongo Hotel followed a presidential directive. This response angered MPs and prompted deeper investigation into UDC’s bailout practices. “Our strategic direction is to focus on green fields where the private sector is not investing. We aim to complement the private sector by conducting feasibility studies and potentially partnering in upcountry hotels,” said Barungi. Sseggona questioned how Nile Hotel International Limited could commit resources to Igongo Hotel without an investment plan while other significant taxpayers and investors, like former Minister Ringa Okumu and Ssembule Limited, collapsed due to lack of support. “Certain individuals seem to receive help because they know the President, but a statutory corporation should advise the Government or President that there is no policy to support such decisions,” noted Sseggona. The Committee learned that the UGX 11 billion invested in Igongo Hotel came from savings earned from Kampala Serena Hotel’s 30-year concession, overseen by Nile Hotel, with an additional UGX 5 billion obtained through a loan. Despite this investment, the Auditor General’s December 2023 report faulted Nile Hotel International Ltd (NHIL) for failing to transfer Igongo Hotel’s land ownership to its registry. Eddie Kwizera (Bukimbiri County) questioned the criteria used to select Igongo Hotel, asking, “How do investors know about these opportunities? Is it because of connections with Barungi or Museveni?” Lucy Akello (Amuru DWR) added, “It would be good to know the partnership criteria. Must I be well-known to catch your attention?” Patrick Bitonder Birungi, Executive Director of UDC, defended the Corporation’s practices, stating that UDC has an investment policy guiding its decisions, focusing on local raw material utilization, trade balance impact, employment creation, and regional distribution. “Strategic investments can be determined by internally generated projects. UDC does not lend to everyone, given its strategic nature, and does not advertise widely,” said Birungi. However, Sseggona questioned the transparency of UDC’s investments. “What is so strategic that stops you from being open and transparent? Ugandans need to know the criteria to qualify for support, especially in financially stressed areas,” he said. Established by the UDC Act Chapter 326 of 1952, UDC is mandated to make long-term investments in strategic sectors of the economy in order to stimulate industrial and economic development and thus spur private sector growth. Source: Parliament Watch
Young Representatives Advocate for Food and Nutrition Bill in the second Children’s Parliament Session
In a poignant display of civic engagement, the second Children’s Parliament convened on Saturday with a singular focus on addressing the pressing issues of hunger and malnutrition affecting the nation’s youth. Young representatives passionately voiced their concerns and recommendations to the assembled lawmakers, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to combat this growing crisis. The major theme of the session centered on the scourge of hunger and malnutrition among Uganda’s children, with participants articulating the profound impact of these challenges on the well-being and future prospects of the young generation. A key highlight of the gathering was the impassioned plea made by the child parliamentarians for the prioritization and swift passage of the proposed Food and Nutrition Bill, underscoring the critical role that legislative measures can play in safeguarding the health and nutrition of Uganda’s youth. Acknowledging the significance of the occasion, stakeholders and supporters of the Children’s Parliament, including the Parliamentary Forum on Children Affairs, World Vision Uganda, UNICEF Uganda, and other partners, were lauded for their unwavering commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of children in the country. Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in providing a platform for young voices to be heard and advocating for meaningful policy changes that address the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. At the helm of this crucial initiative were prominent figures such as state minister youth and children affairs of Balaam Barugahara and Betty Amongi, who lent their support and leadership to ensure that the voices of Uganda’s youth were amplified and their concerns taken seriously. Their presence and guidance underscored the importance of fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, where children are not only seen but also actively involved in shaping the policies that directly impact their lives. As the proceedings of the 2nd Children’s Parliament drew to a close, a sense of optimism pervaded the chamber, with a collective resolve to work towards a future where no child in Uganda goes hungry or suffers from malnutrition. The impassioned advocacy of the young parliamentarians serves as a reminder of the power of youth voices in driving positive change and shaping a more equitable and prosperous future for all. The Children’s Parliament stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the indomitable spirit and unwavering determination of Uganda’s youth to create a better tomorrow for themselves and generations to come.
Today in Parliament | 2nd July 2024
Greetings from AFLI and the Parliament of Uganda! This is an update from the Parliament of Uganda marking the 4th Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 4th Session of the 11th Parliament. The Speaker Rt chaired this Sitting. Hon. Anitah Among. In her communication, Speaker Anitah Among apologized to Members of Parliament for recalling them from their recess, during which they were engaging with their constituents, to reconsider the Appropriation Bill 2024. “First, I want to apologize for calling you for this special session because I know you have been bonding with your voters, we are truly sorry for calling you on short notice,” she said. Speaker Anitah Among noted that today’s Plenary aims to reconsider the Appropriation Bill, 2024, which the House passed on May 16, 2024, but returned by the President on June 22, 2024. The Speaker clarified that the return of the Appropriation Bill 2024 did not violate constitutional provisions. She noted that the President is required to return the bill within 30 days of its passage by Parliament. However, she explained that after the Appropriation Bill 2024 was passed, Parliament took 15 days to send the bill to the President. So, the returned bill still falls within the 30-day timeframe as specified. In his letter dated June 22, 2024, accompanying the returned Appropriation Bill 2024, President Museveni addressed the issue of Members of Parliament being arrested for alleged offenses and emphasized the mistake of MPs interfering with his constitutional mandate of budgeting for the country. He criticized the reallocation of funds by Parliament, stating that over the past four financial years, MPs have reallocated Shs 3.1 trillion. He labeled this as sabotage, comparing it to the cost of constructing nine major roads like the Kampala-Masaka Road, which cost Shs 440 billion, or a larger number of smaller roads. Reacting to the Speaker’s communication, The Government Chief Whip, Hon. Obua Hamson who also doubles as the (MP, AJuri County, Alebtong District, NRM) proposed that the returned Appropriation Bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole House according to Rule 2 of the Rules of Procedure. On the other hand, Hon. Odur Jonathan (MP, Erute County South, Lira, UPC) rejected the referral of the Appropriation Bill 2024 to the Budget Committee due to serious allegations of corruption made against all committee members by the President. He noted that this isn’t the first time the President has accused the current Parliament of being corrupt. He instead supported Hon. Hamson Obua’s proposal to have the Bill considered by the Committee of the Whole House. “The strongest justification for not sending this bill to the Budget Committee is that there is a very serious allegation of grave corruption of the Budget Committee. And the wording of the President’s letter that specifically mentions allegations of corruption and he isn’t doing it for the first time, when he came to pay tribute to the Late Cecilia Ogwal, he accused Parliament, in your presence that the Parliament is corrupt. When we went for the State of the Nation Address he said that, on budget day, he said that. And in the letter, the accusation is on all members of the Budget Committee,” he said. However, Hon. Ssemujju Nganda (MP, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, FDC) protested allegations that all MPs on the Budget Committee are corrupt, and his defense was that despite being a member of the Budget Committee, he has never signed the Majority Report. “I disagree with my Minister for Justice that the whole of the Budget Committee is accused of corruption. I sit on that Budget Committee, I have never, I have never asked or even signed the major report,” he said. Moving forward Speaker Anitah Among said “We can’t say that our members are corrupt, even if some of our members have been arrested and are in prison, there is a presumption of innocence. Honourable members, can you shut up? Please! There is a presumption of innocence, you can’t say somebody is a thief. How many members are on the Budget Committee? There are 65 members on the Budget Committee”. Hon. Odur however stood by his remarks, noting, “This is a House of record. I was present when the Head of State came to pay tribute to the late Cecilia Ogwal, and in his speech, he said it. Madam Speaker, you were there; the President accused this Parliament of being corrupt. When we were in Kololo, it was mentioned. In this letter, the President has written the word corruption. It is also factual”, he said. The Finance Minister, Hon. Matia Kasaija, later moved a motion that the House constitutes itself into a Committee of Supply to reconsider the Schedule of the Annual estimates for FY 2024/2025 in order to address concerns raised by the President. Speaker Anitah Among also told MPs that the new Appropriation Bill does not affect the budget proposals. “There are no additions in this budget; it is basically realignment in some sectors”, she said. The House then constituted itself into the Committee of the Whole House to receive new budgetary reallocations for FY 2024/2025 for scrutiny and reconsideration. The proposals were presented by the State Minister of Finance, Hon. Musasizi Henry Ariganyira who also doubles as the (MP, Rubanda East County, Rubanda District, NRM). According to the Minister, the new budget proposals seek to reinstate funds that were cut by Parliament for FY 2024/2025. This includes reinstating Shs10 billion to support rural water supply, Shs22.74 billion for KCCA disaster mitigation, and Shs15 billion for rural electrification and connectivity projects, among others. The government also seeks to reinstate Shs6.8 billion for Namanve Thermal Power. “These funds are required for capacity payments for the operations of the Namanve Thermal Power Plant for energy security,” the Minister said. In the new budget, the Government also wants Shs25 billion reinstated for treasury operations to fulfill contractual obligations for loans acquired for the implementation of key projects, where funds have not been fully absorbed. According to Minister Henry Musasizi, the government also wants Shs300 billion reinstated to the Budget for obligations under the share subscription agreement in servicing ROKO Bills of Exchange. “These are funds for Government obligations under
Parliament Probes Revenue Losses from Tax Waivers and Bailouts
Legislators from the Committee of Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have pressed Finance Minister Matia Kasaija to provide a detailed list and criteria of companies that have received tax waivers and financial bailouts from the government. They are also seeking to understand the revenue implications of these gestures. Medard Sseggona, the Chairperson of COSASE and MP for Busiro East, emphasized the need for transparency. “Let us have a list of those companies that have got tax waivers and give us their monetary contribution to the economy over the last three years. This will allow us to compare the amount of tax we would have collected and the number of jobs created, even including lower-tier jobs,” Sseggona stated. The demand for clarity came during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Uganda Revenue Authority. MPs expressed concern over the secrecy surrounding the award of tax waivers and bailouts, highlighting the lack of clear criteria for qualification. Sseggona questioned the selection process, citing cases where local companies like Sembule, which manufactured electronics, were not supported, while others like Aya Investments Uganda Ltd received bailouts. “Under what law and policy framework do you determine who benefits? What criteria are used?” he asked. Elijah Okupa, MP for Kasilo County, raised concerns about the bailout for Pearl of Africa Hotel, questioning the urgency and rationale behind such decisions. He argued that the hotel would continue operating locally even if sold. These concerns follow a letter from President Museveni to Mmarks Advocates on May 1, 2024, halting the sale of Pearl of Africa Hotel, owned by Aya Investments (U) Ltd, due to a UGX 647 billion debt. The President argued that the hotel was a strategic investment supported by the government and thus should not be auctioned. Sseggona further pointed out the inconsistent support for struggling businesses, noting the lack of assistance for Skyz Hotel while Pearl of Africa Hotel received intervention. He also inquired about the returns on government investments in Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, asking for details on dividends, the amount invested, and the government’s involvement in managing these investments. Additionally, the committee requested details on the conditions attached to bailouts. Sseggona emphasized the need to understand the government’s level of involvement and prospects of recovering the funds. “Do you have prospects of getting back that money? What conditions are you pegging? Are you ensuring that these entities include Ugandans to learn the skills?” Equally, Timothy Batuwa, the MP for Jinja South Constituency, sought information on the tax waivers granted to Bujagali Energy Limited, questioning the benefits derived from these waivers. The Tax Expenditure Report for FY 2021/22 by the Ministry of Finance projected a revenue foregone from tax expenditures at UGX 2.881 trillion for FY 2022/23, higher than the UGX 2.478 trillion foregone in 2021/22. The report highlighted significant tax exemptions for projects like the Bujagali Hydro Power Project, which resulted in UGX 399.18 billion in foregone revenue over three years. The committee’s inquiries aim to shed light on the financial implications of these policies and ensure accountability in the management of public funds. Source: Parliament Watch
MPs Seek Meeting with World Bank Over UGX 800Bn Women Empowerment Project
Legislators on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are calling for a meeting with officials from the World Bank and Uganda’s Ministry of Finance to address concerns over a UGX 806.86 billion (US$217 million) women empowerment project. The project, aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs through the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) initiative, has faced criticism for allocating a significant portion of funds to administration rather than directly aiding women entrepreneurs. PAC Chairperson Muwanga Kivumbi, also the Butambala County MP, expressed the need for this meeting after MPs raised concerns about the distribution of funds. “We need to scrutinize the management of these funds to ensure the money reaches the intended beneficiaries,” said Kivumbi. “This should have been addressed in the sectoral committees, but we now need a comprehensive meeting including the World Bank, Parliament, and relevant committees to resolve these issues.” The GROW project, partly managed by the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), has allocated only US$35 million (UGX 129.17 billion) for direct lending to women, out of the US$89 million (UGX 328.45 billion) earmarked for the initiative. The remaining funds are primarily directed towards administrative costs, training, and infrastructure, with loans carrying a 10% interest rate. MPs questioned why loans from a grant-funded project should bear interest and why the selection process for recipients involves competitive criteria. Kivumbi emphasized the committee’s focus on ensuring more funds are directly available to women entrepreneurs, criticizing the heavy administrative expenses. “Our main concern is that only US$35 million is allocated for direct loans to women, while the rest is consumed by administrative and training costs,” he said. “We need to reallocate more funds towards lending to women rather than these elite processes.” Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, explained that the project targets established women entrepreneurs in need of affordable capital. “GROW is designed to support women already in business who face challenges in accessing credit on favorable terms,” Kibenge stated. “The project implementation began in January 2024 and will run until December 31, 2027.” However, Herbert Tayebwa, the Kashongi County MP and Sarah Opendi, the Tororo District Woman Representative raised doubts about the project’s design and its similarity to previous unsuccessful initiatives. They questioned the sustainability of constructing new infrastructure and the efficacy of targeting women already established in business. “We need to ensure this project doesn’t repeat past mistakes of providing funds without achieving significant impact,” Tayebwa remarked. The Ministry of Gender’s allocation includes US$42 million (UGX 156.17 billion) for training, US$49 million (UGX 182.19 billion) for infrastructure, and US$35 million (UGX 130.14 billion) for a credit facility. Commissioner Alex Asiimwe highlighted plans to build a modern women entrepreneurship training center. “This facility will provide space and support for women entrepreneurs to innovate and grow their businesses,” Asiimwe explained. Ibanda North Constituency MP Xavier Kyooma cautioned that the current project structure might reduce women’s productivity by making them compete for funds. “Women may end up spending more time chasing funds rather than focusing on their businesses,” he warned. Kyooma also questioned the rationale behind charging interest on the loans when the project is not a revolving fund. Meanwhile, Fredrick Angura, the Tororo South MP suggested revising the project components to eliminate duplication of efforts between the Ministry of Gender and the Ministry of Trade. “We need to ensure there is no overlap and that funds are used efficiently to support women,” Angura noted. Kivumbi also warned the media against negative coverage that could jeopardize the project. “Negative publicity can affect funding. We must handle this matter sensitively to avoid jeopardizing the project,” he cautioned. The PAC aims to ensure that the GROW project fulfills its goal of empowering women entrepreneurs by addressing the identified loopholes and ensuring efficient use of funds. Source: Parliament Watch
Effective Leadership Training for CLA Executives: Strengthening Governance and Accountability
AFLI, with support from USAID/EWMI Uganda Civil Society Strengthening Activity (CSSA), is implementing the PACED project in Moroto district, Uganda. This initiative aims to enhance the involvement of indigenous pastoral communities in decision-making processes related to mineral resource governance. This seeks to ensure these communities benefit equitably from the region’s mineral extractive industry. On Saturday, 22nd June 2024, a training workshop in Moroto district successfully enhanced transparency, accountability, and record-keeping among three Communal Land Associations (CLAs) in Rupa and Lotisan. The workshop aimed to equip CLA executives with the skills needed for better internal governance and organizational management. The main goal of the workshop was to strengthen the governance capacity of CLA executives so they could effectively fulfill their roles. Participants learned how to address internal cohesion issues, which often stem from weak feedback and accountability mechanisms. During the training, the focus was on understanding the internal governance and management gaps within the CLAs. The executives worked together to identify these gaps and discussed practical strategies to address them. They also received guidance on improving their managerial skills, which is crucial for running their associations smoothly. Another important aspect of the workshop was promoting group dynamics that encourage interaction, teamwork, and effective record-keeping. CLA executives had the chance to share their experiences and practice new skills in a supportive environment. This helped them appreciate the importance of good governance processes and strong group dynamics. The training was a one-day event, attended by nine executive members from the three CLAs. Local experts facilitated the sessions, which included group work, discussions, and experience sharing. The approach was tailored to accommodate the varying literacy levels of the participants, ensuring that everyone could engage fully and benefit from the training. The sessions encouraged reflective learning and active participation in decision-making based on transparency and accountability principles. The trainers also provided ongoing support to the CLAs, offering coaching during and after the workshop to reinforce the skills learned. Overall, the training workshop equipped the CLA executives in Rupa and Lotisan with better tools for internal governance and organizational management, leading to more effective and accountable CLAs in Moroto district. This workshop is a significant step forward in the PACED project’s broader goal of empowering pastoral communities in Karamoja to take an active role in the governance of their mineral resources.
Thinktank and Policy Advisory Support to Operation Wealth Creation
Thinktank and Policy Advisory Support to Operation Wealth Creation. AFLI-OWC strategic thinktank advisory support at the Office of the President – APEX Platform, is succeeding in facilitating the utilization of evidence-based, and action-oriented policy recommendations to provide the Executive office, decisions that improve effective implementation of Government of Uganda programs. It promotes good governance solutions to a wide range of the country’s development challenges. Through this goal, AFLI and OWC hope that Government will succeed in attaining better livelihoods and quality of life, with a shared responsibility between the communities and their leaders. Increased community trust, facilitates better decision-making and fosters collaboration thereby ultimately amplifying the AFLI’s impact in creating sustainable progress.