MEDIA CENTRE Ministry of ICT and National Guidance

Thank You Uganda Cranes You unified the Nation!

INDEPENDENCE DAY 9TH OCTOBER 2016 EAC ANTHEM CONTENTS Verse 1 Ee Mungu twaomba ulinde Foreward 1 Jumuiya Afrika Mashariki Tuwezeshe kuishi kwa amani Editors Note 3 Tutimize na malengo yetu IGAD Summit in Somalia 4 Promoting Patriotism, National Unity and Hard Work 9 Chorus Jumiya Yetu sote tuilende The 23 Directives 13 Tuwajibike tuimarike Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo 14 Umoja wetu ni nguzo yetu Idumu Jumuiya yetu. Uganda Cranes Oyee 17 Branding 20 Verse 2 Uganda’s Contribution in Africa 23 Uzalendo pia mshikamano Viwe msingi wa Umoja wetu Evolution of Uganda’s Economy 26 Natulinde Uhuru na Amani Evolvement of 29 Mila zetu Na desturi zetu. Modern Abattoir 32 Verse 3 Ministry of ICT and National Guidance 34 Viwandani na hata mashambani Strides in Health Sector 37 Tufanye kazi sote kwa makini Energy Sector 40 Tujitoe kwa hali na mali Tuijenge Jumuiya bora Bee Farming in Busoga 43 Religious Criminality 46 Operation Fika Salama 48 UGANDA NATIONAL ANTHEM Cocoa Farming in Uganda 50 1. Oh Uganda! May God uphold thee, Patriotism and Uganda’s Independence 52 We lay our future in thy hand. Corruption Delays Development 53 United, free, The Revival of the Sector 56 For liberty Middle Income Status Achievable 59 Together we’ll always stand.

The Journey of Cooperatives 62 2. Oh Uganda! The land of freedom. Contribution to the Economy 66 Our love and labour we give, REDD+ 69 And with neighbours all At our country’s call Evolution of Production in Uganda 72 In peace and friendship we’ll live. Uganda Wildlife Authority 75 Protection of Environment and Development 79 3. Oh Uganda! The land that feeds us By sun and fertile soil grown. Uganda’s Rich Cultural Tourism 83 For our own dear land, ICT and Service Delivery 86 We’ll always stand: The Pearl of Africa’s Crown. UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT FOREWORD

KISANJA HAKUNA MCHEZO Today Uganda commemorates the 54th (RDCs), Chief Administrative Independence Anniversary under the theme; Officers (CAOs), and Chief Executive Officers of all major “Protection of our independence through government Agencies. The promotion of patriotism, unity and hard work,” main objective of all these which has been a clarion call for long. retreats have been to refocus collective attention to duty, identify the critical obstacles, t is the first anniversary inauguration of the president reset public priorities, achieve under the new five year and parliament, and about consensus, and plot the way term of President Yoweri three since cabinet was forward. Museveni and the NRM appointed. During this period, President Museveni as the Iparty elected in February there have been four critical pace-setter has outlined with a huge countrywide retreats of the top leadership and continues to explain in mandate; the president at of government that started detail the Twenty Three (23) 62.6%, NRM MPs at 75% and with NRM MPs-elect, then a Strategic Guidelines, which Local Councils at 75%. This joint NRM Central Executive although not entirely new is term has been dubbed by the Committee (CEC), all Cabinet leaders as “Kisanja Hakuna Ministers, and Permanent Mchezo,” and the population Secretaries. This was followed President Yoweri is taking note, indeed, as they by the retreat and induction Museveni and the took Museveni’s 1986 “This is of all MPs, and another joint NRM party elected in a Fundamental Change, Not retreat comprising Ministers, February with a huge a mere Change of Guards,” Permanent Secretaries, countrywide mandate; mantra. The NRM, particularly, District Local Government the president at 62.6%, has no lame excuses to make! Chairpersons, Resident NRM MPs at 75% and District Commissioners It is almost five months since Local Councils at 75%.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 1 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT hoped will form the basis for policy focus and formulation over the next five years in line with the National Development Plan II, and Uganda Vision 2040. The stated goal over the next five year term is that Uganda should attain the Middle income status by 2020, meaning majority of Ugandans should each be earning on average at least 1200 US dollars annually, or approximately 100 USD (350,000/=) monthly, which is achievable with focused hard work and collective efforts by all. The imperative, therefore, is that all leaders from household level, communities, NGOs, and government institutions must gear themselves to strategies that will tackle the sixty-eight (68%) households, most of them in rural and peri-urban areas who are still in subsistence, peasant, informal and irregular President Museveni has spoken bitterly about public officials economy to enable them enter who take bribes especailly from investors. the formal money economy government tasks are clearly where they can earn regular electioneering in 2021. Also, cut out. These included incomes. This can be done by leaders especially at the top among others the way public developing multiple models echelons of government in affairs are managed, huge, of small and medium projects cabinet, parliament and Local wasteful and duplicative and enterprises as possible Governments must ensure cost of government. Tackling regular income streams that policy clarity, consistency corruption, poor and ineffective can be mentored into success and predictability as critical service delivery and lack of stories. for the attraction of especially foreign investments and effective response to matters To achieve this feat, there must tourism into Uganda. of public concern by various be total national security and government relevant officials During the campaigns stability, and unity of purpose should top priorities that must as reflected in the results particularly among the political be urgently dealt with. It can there was noticeable, class that transcends political no longer be business as genuine and widespread partisan lines able to withstand usual! any form of diversion by the public frustration, anger and despondence which usual anarchists who would OFWONO OPONDO the opposition exploited wish that Uganda doesn’t EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR to the maximum through progress to socio-economic UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE transformation as planned in falsehoods, half truths and the hope they can exploit it for empty promises, and so

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 2 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Editor’s Note

will dedicate this issue to the Uganda Cranes for working tirelessly hard to qualify for AFCON 2017. I know it’s been years Iof hard work, mistakes, disappointments and prayers and finally here we are. So, bravo Uganda Cranes, you made history and your contribution needs to be celebrated in every sense of the word. The 38 year old curse in no more! We are free! Whatever happens here after is secondary in my opinion. Needless to say, go bring the Cup home. As we celebrate our 54th Independence Anniversary, like the Uganda Cranes, may we never give up on our dreams no matter how long it takes. May we be able to dress up and show up for our country whenever we are called upon. May we value hard work and team work no matter where we are. I pray that we learn to unite and exude patriotism like we do whenever Uganda Cranes is playing. Imagine what that would do for our country. This corruption that’s lagging us behind would have no place in our midst. I imagine we would be way past the middle income status we are dreaming of because we would be doing everything for the good of our country. Unfortunately the patriotism stops at Nambole and we quickly go back to our selfish selves doing things with no consideration PUBLISHED BY: for our neighbors. Like the theme suggests lets all value work Uganda Media Centre and love our country enough to make it a better place for those P.O.Box 2665, coming after us. Tel: +256 414 237 057 www.ugandamediacentre.go.ug Happy 54th Independence Anniversary. [email protected]

Editor in Chief: CAROLYNE MUYAMA Ofwono Opondo EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Deputy Editor in Chief Col. (Rtd.)

Executive Editor Carolyne Muyama

Photo Credits: 1. 2. State House

© UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE 2016

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. Uganda Cranes AFCON Hero, Farouk Miya

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 3 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Somalia IGAD Summit Epitome of NRM’s Ideological Victory Resolution 10 of the just-ended IGAD summit is that AMISOM and Somalia Security Forces must recover all the remaining areas. beginning of the Somalia people’s unstoppable journey to prosperity supported by the African and in particular, Ugandan-led solidarity. The IGAD summit ushered in a new dawn of optimism about the future of Somalia and her people. Even more significantly, the summit was an epitome of the NRA/NRM Pan- Africanist ideological victory. Why? Tuesday, September 13, when Mogadishu hosted the 28th Extraordinary Intergovernmental Agency on Development (IGAD) Heads of State Summit, was the first time in over two decades that Somalia was hosting a summit of such magnitude. The significance and symbolism of it could not be lost on those who have By Frank Tumwebaze patriotism and Pan-Africanism. keenly followed the tale of that Patriotism meant unity within troubled Horn of Africa state. s I watched various Uganda so as to ensure our Just over a decade ago, it international prosperity and security. Pan- would be termed as a dream channels report Africanism was to promote for anyone to imagine that four about the recent unity in and Africa heads of state and a host of AMogadishu IGAD summit, in order to guarantee the delegations of international this piece of President same prosperity and security development agencies would writing from even better.” – The message meet in Mogadishu, deliberate Kyankwanzi, March 17, 2016, from here is that just wars will and exit the city minus an came in mind. always be won. And just wars incident of at least a grenade “The legitimate interest of are those of right causes — attack or an explosion of sorts. the people is prosperity and nationalist and Pan Africanist After all, Mogadishu had that prosperity is, most of the causes... become the haven of extremist times, supported by inter-tribal Truly, the successful terrorist group al-Shabaab, linkages rather than intra-tribal Mogadishu IGAD summit who not only controlled the linkages…With this realisation, signalled a final defeat of city, but used it to launch a the NRM, therefore, evolved, extremism, radical ideology series of attacks across the quiet early and two principles: of the al-Shabaab and the region.

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UPDF Female Officers on Mission in Somalia A lot of commentary following Ugandan troops in Somalia— Uganda alone at the frontline, the summit affirms that the naysayers were quick was testament to how no one Somalia is slowly getting back to criticise him. From our wanted to touch Somalia — to its feet. The process of state- short-sighted opposition at not even with a long pole. recuperation is underway. home to pessimists abroad, Not only did President Al-Shabaab has grown weak most thought the UPDF had Museveni commit troops to and has been pushed out of committed suicide by taking Somalia, but also made a Mogadishu. Though they still the battle to the door of the daring appearance at the conduct intermittent attacks, extremists. frontline in Somalia in 2010, there is no doubt that their The hesitation by several when the battle for Mogadishu days are numbered. African states that had between AMISOM and al- Indeed Resolution 10 of the committed to sending troops Shabaab was the most just-ended IGAD summit is to AMISOM mission, leaving intense and fatal. His surprise that AMISOM and Somalia appearance at the battle line Security Forces must recover greatly boosted the morale all the remaining areas that are ... the successful Mogadishu of the combat forces and still under Al-Shabaab control. IGAD summit signalled a eight months later, the al- Shabaab were pushed out As we celebrate Somalia’s final defeat of extremism, of Mogadishu. AMISOM took push towards normalcy, the radical ideology of the al- full control of the city and it IGAD summit must also be Shabaab and the beginning marked the start of the journey feted as the epitome of the of the Somalia people’s to normalcy. NRA/NRM ideological victory. unstoppable journey to prosperity supported by the President Museveni has been When President Museveni African and in particular, consistent about the principle in 2007 with the backing Ugandan-led solidarity of Pan-Africanism. It is actually of Parliament deployed

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 5 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT the second ideological struggle to eliminate the Their combat victory is by principle of the NRM. Somalia, negative forces of and large victory of the perhaps, best illustrates this was supported by , ideological construction they concept in motion. Museveni best understands were grounded in. Therefore, the idea of Pan-Africanism. Somalia’s return to normalcy The NRM has always is victory of the correct believed that the security The pursuit of self- ideological diagnosis of its and prosperity of Ugandans determination and wellbeing problems and that is why NRM is closely inter-linked with the of the African people, free with its pioneer leader is proud security and prosperity of the from all forms of slavery and to have led and executed region. It explains why, when oppression, is one of the key this struggle. Quite often, the new state of South tenets of the NRA/NRM. It is ideology is misunderstood by was on the brink of collapse, the cause and purpose that some sections of the always the UPDF deployed there to has enabled Uganda to have subjective political elite to avoid anarchy. Indeed eye and build a resilient army mean partisan bidding. Far witnesses that were on the with a Pan-African formation. from this. Any organisation ground truly acknowledge Without a cause and purpose, or group with a mission how the UPDF helped to stop an army can never be worth of its establishment must yet another wave of genocide its name. At best it can articulate and make known in the region. Importantly, be a militia. Therefore, the its core beliefs of its purpose when was at successes of the Uganda and being. It is these beliefs peace, it had quickly grown People’s Defence Forces compounded that build an into Uganda’s biggest trading (UPDF) in Somalia not only ideology. If the beliefs are partner with thousands speak for braveness, valour wrong, the ideology will be of Ugandans seeking and professional standing of wrong as it is for al-Shabaab employment there. our soldiers, but also speak for their ideological grounding. and its network of terror. It takes vision and foresight But if the beliefs are good to hold and live by these Their appreciation for the need and correct, so will be the positions. For a President to pursue a pan-African cause whose ideological and agenda sustains their consciousness was shaped commitment and emboldens in Mozambique and whose their determination.

President Museveni addressing UPDF-AMISOM soldiers in Somalia recently. He was in Mogadishu for the IGAD Summit.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 6 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT ideology. As such, the beliefs accomplishment of Uganda The pursuit of self- of NRM namely: nationalism, and UPDF in Somalia; it is determination and Pan Africanism, democracy important to illuminate how wellbeing of the African and socioeconomic Somalia was before the entry people, free from all forms transformation, define and of UPDF how is it now. of slavery and oppression, constitute its correct ideology. Somalia Civil war grew out of is one of the key tenets of Nothing else compels the NRM resistance to the Siad Barre the NRA/NRM. leadership to deploy our troops government during the 1980s. to Somalia other than pursuing and defending its ideological By 1988–90, the Somali a real threat to any intervention objective. After the IGAD Armed Forces began force. Indeed, in1995, the US- Summit, President Museveni engaging various armed led UN force withdrew from went and visited UPDF troops rebel groups, including the Somalia leaving local factions at Halane Base Camp near Somali Salvation Democratic to sort themselves out. The the Mogadishu International Front in the northeast, the result of the foregoing was the Airport. He commended the Somali National Movement rise of self-confessed jihadists troops for a job well done and in the northwest and the al-Shaabab who controlled for maintaining high levels of United Somali Congress in the Somalia including strategic discipline — something the south. The clan-based armed installations such as the Somalis cannot stop thanking opposition groups eventually airport and seaport. The rest the UPDF for. Importantly, managed to overthrow the of the world had in meaningful however, he pointed out Barre government in 1991. measure forsaken the people the problem Somalia has In the absence of a central of Somalia. Africa needed grappled with and one that government, Somalia became to make a quick decision Uganda firmly dealt with; that a failed state. This triggered and take responsibility for its of pseudo-ideology. the December 3, 1992 UN own people faced with terror, Security Council Resolution hunger, diseases and other “You cannot build an effective 733 and UN Security Council forms of malfeasance. The and efficient army based Resolution 746 that led to UPDF was at hand to daringly on tribalism, religion and the creation of the United shoulder this chilling and male chauvinism. The army Nations Operation in Somalia I robust responsibility. must be exemplary in their (UNOSOM I) led by the United conduct, well trained to fight A recent chat with a senior States to provide humanitarian and ideologically conscious,” UPDF commander who is well- relief and help restore order in he told the troops. There is no conversant with Mogadishu’s Somalia after the dissolution better way to sum it. Therefore, combat terrain gave me of its central government. The as the world celebrates startling revelations about the battle of October 3-4, 1993 the return of statehood to whole operation. that was later immortalised Somalia, let us not forget to in the film and book Black He told me that when UPDF celebrate President Museveni Hawk Down — when 18 deployed in March 2007, and Uganda’s role in this American soldiers were killed the airport, where our troops dramatic journey. We must as a mission to capture or landed, was in al-Shabaab also not forget to celebrate kill warlord Mohamed Farrah control. They landed under the thousands of our soldiers Aidid went terribly wrong and fire and had to fight for every who have put their lives on the signified a turn of events. inch of ground they sought line to ensure a sister country to occupy. Four years later, returns to normalcy. It is a The sight of slain US troops the situation was not much triumph for NRM’s ideological being mutilated and dragged different. UPDF and clarity. through the streets of the National Force occupied about Somali capital remains a 10% of the city of Mogadishu Somalia before and after chilling scene that defines UPDF entry and al-Shabaab controlled what Somalia had become. 90%. To further understand the Perhaps this worked for long as

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UPDF Officers Distributing Clean Water to Communities in Somalia.

UPDF held the airport, Four ‘Operation Free Shabelle’ was borders regionally, continent- Kilometer seaport and Villa smartly executed by UPDF led wide and globally to help Somalia (the State House). AMISON. It was history through resolve conflicts whenever The enemy attacked these the eyes of those gallant UPDF and wherever they arise — positions multiple times daily. soldiers who lived it and who protecting lives and property The decision to conquer continue to shed blood for total and preventing genocides Mogadishu had been taken emancipation of Africa from all before they happen. after the July 11, 2010 forms of bigoted ideologies. Now Somalia is ready bombings in Kampala. Indeed Opiyo Oloya, in his for democratic elections. The decisive battles for seminal work, Black Hawks State capacity has been Mogadishu were fought by Rising: The Story of AMISOM’s restored. Heads of State and Battle Groups eight and nine war against Somali Insurgents Government can now freely supported by Special Forces. 2007-2017, captures with hold summits and meetings in The final battle for Mogadishu precision the sacrifice of our Somali’s capital Mogadishu to took place from July 24 to gallant men and women in chart transformative agenda August 6, 2011. Eyewitness uniform. He writes “…their for Africa. People can now accounts have told of very dedication, professionalism, peacefully and freely move fierce battle and how al- ideological commitment, hard on their streets and village Shabaab lost hundreds of work and humanity turned paths and take care of their fighters. On the night of August Somalia from a wasted nation families. This is an indelible 5-6, 2011 all enemy forces in to one with hope for peace, success of Pan-Africanism. Mogadishu withdrew in a huge stability and a better future for By their we shall see and convoy. the Somali people.” know them- Indeed that is the defining mark of the UPDF- the Since then, the African I, therefore, fully associate with NRA/NRM- and the founding Union Mission in Somalia the point of view that UPDF leadership! (AMISOM) has expanded its constitutes and continues area of control to include all to inspire new breed of The writer is the Minister of of Benadir region and most of African peace-warriors with ICT and National Guidance Lower Shabelle. That is how capacity to work across

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Safe Guarding Uganda’s Independence Through Promoting Patriotism, National Unity And Hard Work

By Henry Matsiko Uganda, like all former Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in TH OCTOBER 2016, colonial entities has transited his Jubilee lecture of 2012, Uganda celebrates from the nationalist post- articulated the 10 obstacles/ fifty four years of independence generation bottlenecks that confronted nationhood. It ought to of leaders, through the cold the immediate post- 9be appreciated that fifty four war era, military dictatorship independence era; these are;- years of existence, especially that swept a big chunk of 1. Ideological disorientation; for a nation, is significant in Africa to the new breed of after decades of colonial the sense that you are no enlightened leadership that domination, the people longer talking in terms of a is grappling with the mission suffered a great deal of young nation, but rather a of actual transformation from disorientation aimed at period of maturity and leap the neo-colonial economies to undermining their sense forward. Its ample time to have the envisaged middle-income of self determination. A experienced transition from status, onto the first world colonial mentality replaces one generation of leaders to status, preferably before or self-pride, love for self, those who have been nurtured about 2040. and this is replaced by under a new era. His Excellency President inferiority complex, self-

The Independence Monument

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hate, beggar mentality and/or sectarianism creating a colonial mindset; to move into a new era of and defeatism. Above all 7. No industrialization colonialism survived on transformation and leaping the policy of divide and 8. Underdevelopment of forward to the middle rule. The other obstacles service sector (banking, income status and eventually include; transport, insurance etc.) first world will require de- colonizing the mindset of the 2. Weak states especially 9. Underdeveloped African personality. fragile armies that Agriculture (subsistence hardly could defend the and rudimental) Decolonization inevitably sovereignty of the Neo- 10. Lack of democratic pre-supposes embracing colonies. governance and misuse of patriotism. Being patriotic is not simply a cliché of “Love 3. A suppressed private power. for country”, but it ought to be sector and hostility to These ten obstacles ought disaggregated, to address the private sector led policies to be fully tackled for importance of believing in the 4. Under developed human Uganda to become a middle values that actually guarantee resources on the account income country in the near self-esteem, self-reliance, self- of lack of poor education future (2020). But it must determination and cherishing and health of the people be appreciated that the a prosperous life as opposed single most obstacle that to accepting third class 5. Under developed fundamentally impiges on the infrastructure (no railways, status (misery, begging and speedy elimination of the rest defeatism). inadequate roads, meager of the obstacles is the issue of electricity, telephones and ideological disorientation. Patriotic values as it were, ICT are inadequate, limited in the context of Uganda water supply etc.) Africa and Uganda must should be founded on the confront the question 6. Small markets on account desire to cherish prosperity. of ideology/mindset. If Ugandans are to cherish of balkanized continent Colonization succeeded by

First Lady Janet Museveni Patron of UGGA with the Chairperson Minister for Teso Affairs Christine Aporu and Girl Guides from various schools.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 10 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT and value prosperity, it goes that cherishes prosperity of ...to move into a new without big debate that such individuals and the country era of transformation a mindset would cherish hard/ which demands hard work and gainful work, which in turn increased productive levels. and leaping forward means increased productivity. In a nutshell, as we celebrate to the middle income A productive people cannot 54 years of our nationhood; status and eventually be a poor people but rather will Ugandans must be reminded be creators of wealth (goods first world will require to acknowledge the gains so de-colonizing the and services). A productive far registered and which must people would inevitably be consolidated in the areas mindset of the cherish market as the only of; African personality way to sell what they produce and procure what they don’t 1. Building strong and viable state institutions, above produce. A people who think is revamping the railway all a formidable National of the market, will never transport, air transport and Peoples’ Army-UPDF that engage in sectarianism or in waterways transport. any way promoting policies of is able to galvanize our fragmenting the country. sovereignty, and is now 4. Industrialization is playing a formidable role picking up and will even Loving Uganda and Africa to guarantee the dignity expand more, once would then mean safeguarding of the African people the issue of power and National unity and PAN whenever called upon basic infrastructure is AFRICANISM, on account of within the PAN-Africanist fully tackled. More would guaranteeing bigger markets. and internationalist frame be accomplished with Of course National Unity is work. Africans adopting lifestyles that support consuming an acknowledgment of our 2. The country has locally produced products. commonalities as people of a undoubtedly made gains shared ancestry, people who in the area of economic 5. Agricultural transformation, share common history, as well transformation, boasting from the hitherto dominant as appreciating that we are of very sound macro- subsistence production to human beings, realizing that economic framework commercial production, we are the same and need that has unleashed relying on modern not discriminate on account unprecedented economic agricultural technologies of unfounded biases (ethnic, recovery and a conducive is the way to go. In this religious, racial or gender environment for a private sector the question of chuavanism). sector led development, mindset change among Unity is strength: - in the area of investments the Ugandan farmers will consolidating independence and distribution of be an added advantage. requires capacity to resources. The ministry of Agriculture has an opportunity to withstand any form of 3. There is steady transform the mindset of undue encroachment on recovery and expansion Ugandan farmers using the our sovereignty. However of infrastructural newly established National this requires a high sense of developments. This Farmers Leadership Patriotism with a willingness to covers the road School at Kampiringisa. sacrifice and pay the ultimate sector, water supply, price of your very life in defense telecommunications, 6. Transformation of the of the motherland. There electricity, human shelter, service sector is ongoing. ought to be undivided loyalty health and education Vibrant financial services to the country and above infrastructures just to sector (both big and micro all the necessary defense mention but a few. The finance service; insurance capability. All this however glaring gap being tackled etc.) Transportation rests on the fundamental value

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services (buses, taxis, shall attain a transformed values which are of a national heavy trucks), and the human resource that is character. Such values then improved tourism facilities. quite healthy and hence define the type of patriotism With a more skilled productive. we are to promote; - population this sector will 8. On the front of fragmented Value of prosperity is indeed fully develop. markets, strides being undisputedly a cross cutting 7. In the area of human made towards greater national imperative; which resource development, integration are paying Ugandans would not cherish mainly education and dividends. East mAfrica living a happy and full life? It health, big strides have alone is now a market is in the interest of any right been registered, literacy of more than 160 thinking citizen to be happy levels have improved million people. What is and free from misery. Can we since the introduction of to be worked on is to then inculcate this desire as a universal education both transform the quality of value? the population, to turn at primary and secondary If all citizens cherish prosperity it into an effective levels. What remains as a mindset, you then do not consumer population. to fill the gap in human have a problem inculcating Bigger integrated markets resource development is a spirit of Hard-work/ Gainful are attractive for direct putting emphasis on skills, production. innovation and science foreign investment. If Ugandans cherish to make our human In terms of promoting productivity, you then would resource competitive patriotism, Uganda shall cease being worried about and marketable in the be increasing people’s poverty, productivity brings employment world. awareness about the wealth which then guarantees As for health there imperativeness of prosperity. is expansion in both PANAfricanism that will preventative healthcare, solve the obstacle of a Such a mindset then becomes such as universal fragmented market. the bed rock of a patriotic immunization; improved ideology that believes in 9. In the area of democracy health facilities; public National Unity/ Nationalism and good governance, health education such as opposed to sectarianism. Uganda continues to as HIV/AIDS awareness This is on account of the fact register fundamental for the population, that integration is good for a progress with the cultivation improved latrine coverage bigger market. and general hygiene of a constitutional culture and sanitation. Once and adherence to the rule Other aspects of patriotic the population takes of law. Gaps still exist in the ideology such as belief in socio on good health habits area of accountability and economic transformation and such as eating right and transparency in service democracy are all premised physical exercises we delivery. The fight against on the fundamental patriotic corrupt tendencies will value of prosperity. National Unity is an be final step in improved Citizens lets resolve to pay acknowledgment of governance. attention to ideological our commonalities as Having broadly reflected on the nourishment for socio- people of a shared achievements accomplished economic transformation of in the last fifty four years Uganda. ancestry, people who of our independence, we Happy Anniversary. share common history, ought to resolve to embark as well as appreciating on a nationwide awakening The writer is the that we are human campaign to provoke Commissioner for Patriotic beings... a new spirit of national Clubs, Office of the consciousness that embraces President.

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9 Cooperation with around. No delays other African whatsoever. countries 18 There must be 10 Following an zero tolerance to economic strategy of corruption. a mixed economy. 19 In agriculture, the 11 The financing president ordered of public 11 interventions DIRECTIVES FOR infrastructure using including moving NRM 2016-2021 internal borrowing to commercial and creation of farming, linking TERM OF OFFICE employment in the with research country. institutions, use

1 Restoration of of fertilizers, food democracy. 12 Focused human processing, credit resource from Uganda development and 2 Restoration of Development Bank, security. capacity building mechanization, etc. in the technical 3 Consolidation of and public service 20 Oil companies national unity sector. must urgently get and elimination production licenses of all forms of 13 Preservation and and we move swiftly sectarianism. development of our on the refinery and culture. the pipeline. Oil 4 Defending and must flow by 2020. consolidating 14 Consolidation of national programmes which 21 Modernise mineral independence. are responsible testing and to gender and streamline and 5 Building an marginalized regulate artisanal independent, groups. mining. integrated and self- sustaining national 15 Environmental 22 Service delivery economy. protection and must improve in management. all sectors from 6 Restoration and healthcare, to improvement of 16 Build 22 industrial education to feeder social services and parks over the next roads. rehabilitation of five years, whether war ravaged areas it means using 23 Government will manual labour of encourage the 7 Elimination of prisoners. seeing up of a corruption and the national airline in 17 misuse of power Uganda Investment the next five years. Authority (UIA) 8 Redressing errors must be able to that have resulted license businesses in the dislocation of in two days without some sections of the tossing investors population. PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 13 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

KISANJA HAKUNA MCHEZO; The Implication Of The 23 Priority Areas

roads and railways that have tied down huge capital yet cannot bring quick returns need re-thinking. Top on the priorities should be tackling the plight of the sixty eight percent (68%) households that remain in the informal and irregular economy particularly agriculture, livestock and service industry. It is this, which may cause inclusive growth. Sectors that have performed relatively well, like national security, governance, health By Ofwono Opondo here is, need to and education need to be reflect on government consolidated but without Tperformance especially spending too much money. On his inauguration, in the last decade and There is need to look into May 12, 2016, President appreciate where we have where inefficiencies persist Yoweri Kaguta Museveni excelled, but also introspect and prioritize better, remove where it has been below wastage, and improve declared this term, average, stagnated, or at risk efficiency. There is near “Kisanja Hakuna of reversals. stagnation in critical public Mchezo,” warning While the president has issued service delivery social government officials his twenty three “strategic sectors of public health and that playing around guidelines,” some analysts education which are deep sores in our eyes. The very low with responsibilities, believe they are too many, and quality caused by deliberate resources, and service therefore will spread national resources and efforts wide negligence is unbelievable, delivery won’t be and thin. These guidelines and many public officials are tolerated. To critics need further scrutiny to a real pain in the system and and cynics, it carried a narrow them down to few don’t deserve their paychecks. double sword, because, critical priorities that can be Elected politicians-ministers, it implied that previously, funded adequately to cause MPs and LCs seem to the desired impact for socio- have absconded from President Museveni economic transformation by duty especially monitoring knowingly tolerated 2020, if the middle income implementation of government jokers, non-performers, status is to be achieved. programs in their respective and even the corrupt. Enforcing personal and areas but never-the-less still And yes, he has publicly collective responsibilities too demand to be accorded full are critical. respect. While we may not talked about them many succeed in preventing MPs times. Also, some major long- term projects like energy, from having many of their bad

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 14 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT ways, they must know that the general population during Sectors that have they are creating major and the election campaigns had performed relatively antagonistic contradictions given him insights about the with the wider public, and the performance of the public well, like national cost will be high in future. officials. security, governance, The recent surprise visits to Since inauguration, there health and national hospitals of Mulago have been four major retreats education need to and Naguru, as well as of senior government officials be consolidated but Nakawuka health centre all attended by President IV by President Museveni Museveni in an effort to refocus without spending too revealed bitter stories that collective attention to duty, much money. There are spread countrywide, and identify the critical obstacles, is need to look into Ugandans demand better, reset public priorities, achieve where inefficiencies and not to have business as consensus, and plot the way usual. Expectations were forward. However, at each persist and prioritize high as the public awaited of those retreats, there have better, remove Museveni’s announcement been loud lamentations and wastage, and of a new cabinet in the hope procrastination because the improve efficiency. it would be a clean sweep, civil service machinery which but many have since began is critical and supposed to speed, leaving little doubt it to lower their expectations. be the engine is moving at a needs a shake up. His several interfaces with painfully slow and uncaring

President Museveni has on several occassions urged the youth to engage in agriculture

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President Museveni at the value to productivity! tax bracket, crack down on Kyankwanzi retreat for newly It is not a secret that quite a tax defaulters particularly elected NRM MPs implored number of public officials have government bodies and big them not to expect salary been paying lip service to businesses so that domestic increment because the service delivery hiding under revenue improves. Equally, country needed to complete bureaucratic procedures and the policy on local content major infrastructure sheer corruption. Also, there and presidential directive projects that is hoped will is glaring incompetence, that public entities should cause socio-economic negligence, and complicity to buy Uganda products must transformation, but this, has fraud which all lead to wastage, be vigorously enforced to fallen on deaf ears. diversion and inefficiencies. create and spur an internal sustainable market. No The president has consistently Cases like X-Ray machines effort should be spared in put Accounting Officers to task or ambulances lying idle at making Uganda an attractive to explain why performance is hospitals for years without investment and tourism below expected standards. being installed, or repaired, destination so as to attract Some ministers and PS’s and the same facilities having affordable capital, appropriate have even tried to duck no power and running water, technology, and skills transfer when they couldn’t find when there is supposedly which are critical to improving appropriate answers, and ‘competent’ management our export earnings. others often stammered into are just but tips of the the microphone. iceberg. As a result, many Reports from the ongoing government programmes construction at both Isimba President Museveni at the are not implemented, behind and Karuma Hydro power Kyankwanzi retreat for newly schedule, and of poor quality projects are not pleasant. elected NRM MPs implored including those within the Although the president, them not to expect salary reach of political leaders. months back, directed increment because the the minister of Energy to country needed to complete And in spite of the structural urgently handle reports of major infrastructure projects reforms that have been negligence by the contractors that is hoped will cause socio- undertaken to combat the and allegations of possible economic transformation, but malaise and inefficiencies, or corruption by ministry officials this, has fallen on deaf ears. He reduce them to the minimum, little seem to have been lectured them as he has done service delivery is not to the corrected. The contractors to most Ugandan elites about expected standards. Uganda who appear protected by the dangers of prioritizing is a poor country and shouldn’t some bureaucrats in the consumerism at the expense afford the luxury of tolerating line ministry are still said of investing in national security incompetents and thieves. to be ignoring technical and critical infrastructure like Clearly, there is need for a recommendations from the transportation, energy, water, radical shift with view to merge consultants, situations that health and education that in many government agencies to shouldn’t be tolerated. turn deepen transformation. reduce duplication, wastage, The bureaucrats must The president has been rivalry, and salary disparities realize that there has to be a resolute in this thinking, especially by pressure groups. complete paradigm shift in unfortunately, as has been the Public officials must adapt to the way they work. Several case in the past, politicking has new and modern technology grand infrastructures have taken the upper hand, which to improve efficiency as been launched. It is these is distressing. How else, does they down size costs. There programmes that will shift the one explain the continuous must an aggressive effort nature of our economy into a creation of new administrative to expand the tax base by modern one. And the time for and political units which are bringing in more eligible this is now not tomorrow! all cost centres, not adding people and entities into the

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 16 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT UGANDA CRANES OYEE!

the African Cup of Nations! It decades of civil strife and has taken 39 years, a plethora economic breakdown, fought of coaches, hundreds of against the shackles of technically gifted players, darkness and then slipped up billions of dollars and a number only to rise up again. It is a just of heartbreaks from near- reward that this qualification has misses for us to re-ascend to come at a time when Uganda the pinnacle of African football. is enjoying its longest moment of both economic and political The feat itself is testament to our stability. enduring spirit as Ugandans By Benjamin Rukwengye because we never really I don’t remember the last time gave up. Over the years, we this country was united, in One more year and we would approached each qualification happiness, in the way we all have been immersed in a campaign with as much hope were, following the Cranes football wilderness akin to the and optimism as we had the victory. You might remember this Biblical proportions endured last, until hope quickly fizzled buoyant feeling from a few years by the children of Israel on their out and turned into despair the back, when Stephen Kiprotich march from bondage. campaign amounted to nothing. won our first Olympic gold in over 40 years, at the London But Coach Micho Sredojevich This optimism is very evident 2012 games. That is the power spared our blushes, when on in our national character as of sport. It galvanizes nations. It September 3rd, he delivered Ugandans, having experienced rallies us around the flag. These the Holy Grail. Qualification for

Farouk Miya, the scorer of the goal that saw Uganda Cranes through to AFCON 2017 tussles with a Comoros defender.

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argument but one feels that it will boys are now heroes. Miya. up sports grounds that served not be long, with this success Massa. Mawejje. Onyango et as nurturing spots for talent. that’s starting to be reaped from al. They will go down in folklore, As a result, government has the benefits of stability. joining legends like Omondi, perpetually come under fire by Ouma, Obua, Ssali, Lwanga, et critics who insist there is no will Perhaps, the appointment of al. to invest in sports. First Lady, Janet Museveni, to the Education and Sports ministry Had this feat not come at the Government insists that might be the blessing the sector time it did, it would have been because of the work it takes needs to kick it upwards. She a major bloat and indictment in securing the country and has more clout than any and on the record of the NRM creating a safe environment the will to get the job done. government. Over the years, for the economy to thrive, there She can bring in investors, up the sound business policies has not been much money to government allocations and and environment have eaten go into sports. That is a sound also call the players – so often

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 18 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT incompetent – to order. She It has taken 39 years to get fields and stadia, acquire top-of- also knows that wrangles and back to the big time but this the -range equipment, facilitate underachievement in the sector should not be a one-off. This our teams and sportsmen to will only taint her image so it is should be the start of more prepare and compete and view safe to assume that the glory sustained qualifications for both sports not as a recreational days are not in the past. The the African Cup and ultimately, industry but as an income- mantra is “Hakuna Mchezo”. the World Cup. There is more to generating sector. gain and nothing to lose. We haven’t seen nothing yet. All the foreign sports legends Here is what we know. That For the NRM government, that that have had the privilege of and Ethiopia are reaping means investing money long visiting Uganda over the years in excess of $2 billion per year, term, with assured benefits. and interacted with our young from tourism, mostly owed to the There is no country that’s people have had one thing to unpaid for advertising time from excelling in sports whose say, that we have the talent to their athletes winning major economy is not growing – from match any in the world. That prizes on the global stage. We the Americas to Europe and in talent must be backed by proper too can. We should. Africa. We cannot go wrong. funding and management if we 73% of Uganda is below 30 are going to reap the benefits in No amount of advertising got and sports is a let out with the future. Can we do that? us as much visibility over the potential to employ millions, last few years as the moment The rallying cry for this attract investors and grow our Stephen Kiprotich grabbed campaign was #MujjeTulumbe infrastructure. Most importantly, the Uganda, hoisted it over his loosely translated as ‘come, lets imagine the good will that would head and raced to the finishing attack’. But as most of us know, come from qualifying for the line to win gold. You can’t top there is no point in attacking if World Cup. that. you will not stick in and see the To get there we need to think victory through. You need to And that’s what this Cranes and act with the same mindset win, and stay at the top. This is victory offers us. A moment of and conviction as we have an opportunity for government glory on the global scene; our on security and now, in roads to ensure we secure this Cranes anthem played all over Africa; sector. Appoint the right people victory in the way that the the country profiled in the who can competently get revolution was secured to good world’s leading media and at the job done, make the best effect. individual level, exposure for policies, invest in training and our game and the boys who But for now, #Gabon2017, competition facilities like school play it, to richer leagues. here we come!

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weary Ugandans that How Best Can Brands would now say goodbye to radio crackle,” Moses Use tHe Media? Serugo a renowned social writer and critic narrates his liberalization experience. By David Muwonge but you wouldn’t usually know During this year, listeners ome brands have it. Over the years, the public flipped the switch from failed to understand relations industry and the Amplitude Modulation (AM) and utilize the media have had a curious to Frequency Modulation media liberalization relationship. The former will (FM) a stir that cleansed Sthat has been availed to tell you that the media can’t do and dusted the ears of them in this country. They its job without PR. But where colonial and monopoly insist on staying traditional does the balance lie? sounds. Eloquent unconsciously choosing not Where it started presenters and fresh and to be remembered years later funky music play lists is “It is Saturday December because if opportunities aren’t what characterized radio 18th 1993 and the weather utilized by them now, when stations like Sanyu which in Kampala is summer-like. A will this happen? I mean, one was the nation’s first private fiddling of the FM radio dial could still be asking, what all owned radio station. Just reveals CD quality music and the fuss about liberalization as the public was getting a a sweeper; you are listening to is? Lately, one would hang of it, Sanyu Television Radio Sanyu, the station that argue that more content in under the Kato family will bring you joy. And indeed the media is often a result of who doubled as stewards it was a joyous gift coming public relations (PR) people of Radio Sanyu made a week before Christmas to and journalists co-operating its visual inauguration. Short Wave and Medium Wave Though liberalization had

Most rolex stands and manned by men. In Uganda we eat rolex, we don’t wear it.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 20 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT taken effect in 1992 with the Onyango Obbo tweeted, “He build the stations branding launch of Cablesat Television was also the first in Africa and reputation, but get more in the month of December, the to free the airwaves.” In clients signing up based on inception of Sanyu FM was response Kabushenga said referrals. Hiring and training more monumental. A blend of “Actually.@KagutaMuseveni persons in a particular skill both foreign and local content led the liberalization process not only saves time, but hooked the viewers. on the continent & Uganda is inexpensive in terms of reaching out to a given No one knew that years led the reform program.” component of society. With later, many radio and As the adage goes,“the clientele solutions to problems television stations would stagnant pond breeds easily availed whilst internal join the media fray in large malaria, the flowing stream checks, effortless acquisition numbers. According to the is always fresh and cool.” of knowledge and external Uganda Communications The liberalization springs did funding on a specialized Commission 2014/15 report not only bring freshness and project, mastered at that. - Postal, Broadcasting and coolness, but market/ media Telecommunications Annual segmentation, branding and “They (niche media) cater Market & Industry – there public relations in line with the to unique audiences whose are 292 and 28, licensed key source audiences. needs wouldn’t be met radio and television stations otherwise,” Ben Mwine former Radio and Television respectively. Managing Director 104.1 proprietors have now resorted Power FM, now plying his The Liberalization policy to investing their monies trade at 93.3 Kfm as a morning did not only set media wisely, by taking on the breakfast talk show host. precedence in Uganda, but ‘niche’ marketing stride. With Africa, as the landlocked East customers having a wide array There are cross sections of African country was the first of viewing options to their Radio and Television stations on the continent to let loose its convenience and the world that have adapted the niche airwaves. wide web providing timely and model, Vision Group Chief Executive personalized products and Officer Robert Kabushenga in services. One is wise opting a tweet chat with his longtime for a more effective “a big comrade and former panelist fish in a small pond” of the age old ‘Capital Gang’ strategy rather than show, Charles Onyango Obbo the other way Editor Mail and Guardian round. This Africa gave credit to H.E. will not only Kaguta Museveni for being front runner on freeing the airwaves in Africa. Charles

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Journalists during the Presidential Swearing 2016, Kololo namely 104.1 Power Fm agencies. The wide array of found not up to scratch – with (Gospel music), 97.2 Bob Fm platforms provides ground for many aimlessly dispatching (Country music), Galaxy Fm PR agencies to neatly opt for information packaged in (the hip and young) Radio media outlets that speak and the form of minister’s mug West (Runyakitara speaking), make sense of their clients’ shot pictures, or indigestible Telefayina (Luganda speaking) products and services. Quest institution activity statistics and so much more. for brand ambassadors that and as a result space bought best appeal to the target Under the category of niche going to waste. With the target audience, thus building media falls the information audience left flipping news credibility. based community radio paper scripts or channels. stations, which have overtime Quality and creativity is what Reason at the inaugural gained the trust of the locals characterizes agencies to sow Kyankwanzi Leadership for their timeliness. These have content that is distributable retreat, a number of pertinent well packaged information and can amass numbers and issues were pinpointed suiting their audiences, the increase brand awareness to enhance government specialized media have come across the board. communication to the in handy in blood drives, Twenty three years on. Media citizenry – some best relating NAADS outreach schemes liberalization boasts of the with the topic at hand. and community oriented attributes of augmented MDAs were urged to; design health programs. The likes thought leadership, brand appropriate communication of 101.7 MAMA Fm, Radio 5 consciousness, customer strategies to reach out to based in Kiruhura to mention loyalty, knowledgeable the population; adapt and a few. audiences and superior extend e-governance in The niche media outlets in business placement on the order to ensure efficiency tandem have helped cut market for companies. and minimize delays and duplication in service delivery; company advertising budgets However Government and simplified work for both Labor Ministry to communicate Ministries, Departments and on quarterly basis, the jobs government and private Public Agencies (MDAs) have been Relations and marketing created by government to caught on the wrong side mention a few.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 22 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT The Impact of Uganda’s Independence on the Continent

By Justus Muhanguzi in the world’s youngest nation South Sudan, Uganda’s A few years ago when Ugandans celebrated the country’s post-independence era was Golden Jubilee (Uganda@50), I personally developed some politically unstable due to the nostalgic episodes. This was after it dawned on me that I too power struggle that ensued needed to celebrate my golden jubilee (belatedly though) between Mengo (Mutesa) and since it can to a certain extent be rightly argued that like many (Obote). Unlike these Ugandans I am a child of Uganda’s independence ‘revolution’. days when many Ugandans look forward and remain ust like many Ugandans, courtesy of the annual expectant in regard to what especially politicians independence celebrations the next Independence Day and historians who took that became a constant (October 9th)would bring J forth, I personally never time to review Uganda’s past, reminder and reference tools- present and future, I spent especially during the period participated, witnessed the several months, before, during stretching back to as far as the pomp and splendour or had and after the commemoration late 1980s. any special attachment to festivities reflecting on my own that day. And so did many Just like what is happening life. My reasoning was that Ugandans. since I associated my own life and looked at the Independent Uganda as my contemporary/ peer, I deemed it worthwhile to not only celebrate but also look into the past make a ‘peer review’ of sorts. When Uganda attained its independence on October 9th 1962, I was a mere toddler aged about three and half years. This means that I never participated in the struggle, let alone appreciating the fundamentals of what being independent was all about. Similarly, I did not know what it meant to be ruled by foreigners (bazungu) called colonialists. Simply put, I had no past and no future to look up to since I was then too young to comprehend whatever was happening around and about me. As I grew up, I gradually President Museveni and President Paul Kagame Shake Hands. appreciated Uganda’s Uganda Enjoys A Cordial Relatiosnhsip With Her Neighbors. chequered political history

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President Yoweri Museveni meets the Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki Moon Over insurgencies in South Sudan, July 2016. On October 9th 2012 when history, I would later spare time framed autographed (signed) Ugandans went into an to delve into not only Uganda’s photograph gracing the sitting ‘overdrive’ and reserved political history but also that of room of my elder brother’s their energies, precious time other African countries which village house was Patrice and scarce resources into had to struggle to attain rule. Lumumba, a pan Africanist from Congo who had been celebrating the long fifty It is worth noting that Uganda’s assassinated by imperialist. years after the memorable political history according to That was in the late 1960 while hoisting of the Uganda common knowledge started I was still in primary school. national flag to replace The being written in the 1950s by Union Jack(Britain’s flag that the likes of Ignatius Musazi’s It was much later in during my symbolised the master-servant and his contemporaries. On high school days while learning relations), it became a sweet the African continent, Musazi’s Uganda’s political history that I reminder and a big reason to peers according to my endeavoured to identify some celebrate. Mine was ‘double personal belief were the likes Ugandans who have played happiness’- for my country of Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) a role in shaping the country’s Uganda and my belated and Patrice Lumumba (Congo) destiny- from independence golden jubilee. among others. through the turbulent political and military turns to date. Like I mentioned earlier, I Interestingly, I learnt about was at the time of Uganda’s Patrice Lumumba long before While there could have been independence still too young my own Ignatius Musazi. As a many unsung heroes or villains to comprehend let alone follow child, I was one day told that in respect of Uganda’s post- up the struggle and the efforts the handsome bespectacled independence era, the now some patriotic Ugandans took guy dressing a patted hair- common names that grace to force the colonialists to let go style on a black and white the pages of our political their grip. Being a student of

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 24 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT history books include; The self-rule or being threatened Somalia which had become Musaazi/Kangave generation with neo-colonialism. a failed state. Uganda has (1950s), the Obote1, The list of African countries made contributions to peace BenedictoKiwanuka and where Uganda under Museveni processes in DRC, Burundi KabakaMutesa group(1960s), has been involved in their and . The Idi Amin era (1970s) , national liberation struggles to The world’s youngest nation, the Lule-Binaisa-Muwanga attain independence is long. South Sudan can to a certain group and Okellos of 1980s. The South African National extent be said to be another Interestingly, Yoweri Museveni’s Congress had a base at case study in regard to role and involvement in Kaweweta where its freedom president Museveni’s Pan Uganda’s political and military fighters trained to wrestle and Africanist mission. theatre seems to be the most gain their independence from As Uganda celebrates its 54th significant although it can the dreaded apartheid regime. be argued that he has been independence anniversary, it building on a foundation laid It can also be argued that is important to appreciate the by those that have since left the neighbouring ’s fact that Ugandans have to a the stage. Patriotic Front benefited from large extent enjoyed the fruits president Museveni’s Pan and some of the basic human The undisputed fact is that Africanist Vision. Uganda has rights associated with self- Museveni has apart from and continues demonstrating rule especially under the NRM being in charge of shaping and spearheaded the government. and directing Uganda’s African’s efforts to pacify political and military destiny We have a reason to celebrate. been the longest serving post-independence Ugandan leader.Unlike some of his predecessors who fought or participated in the struggle for independence, Museveni has undisputedly spent countless years promoting, preserving and protecting the hard-won independence not only in Uganda but on the African continent. The Front for National Salvation (Fronasa), a brainchild of Museveni can to a certain extent be associated with National Resistance Movement. It can rightly be argued that Fronasa was a precursor to NRM which has and continues providing building concrete bricks for Independent Uganda’s sovereignty. As a Pan Africanist, Museveni has and continues being a harbinger of peace and stability. He has become a leading ‘activist’ for those fellow Africans yearning for President Museveni and President Salva Kiir

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Evolution Of Uganda’s Economy And The Road To Middle Income Status

By Hannah Nyombi Agricultture is still Uganda’s leading economic activities in Uganda Middle Income Status by 2020”, is a phrase that has been stability and growth and even though we still have a long road reiterated since H.E. Yoweri ahead the middle income status level is finally obtainable. Kaguta Museveni was sworn “in earlier this year on 12th May Since pre-colonial times, Uganda has always been dependant after successfully winning the 2016 on agriculture production. Throughout the pre-colonial era, it was elections. It was stated during his predominantly peasant agricultural production for subsistence state of the nation address on 31st use and barter trade however, the Europeans came with many May, 2016 and further emphasized improvements that changed the face of Uganda’s economic during his National Budget speech. future and introduced commercial farming where farming was It is by far, his superlative objective practiced for sale in the market at a profit. They introduced crops for this new term. Contrary to public like , tea, coffee. By the 1950’s, coffee replaced cotton as perception this is a phenomenon the Uganda’s principle export and contributed to substantial that can be achieved if there is economic growth coupled with the growing industrial sector consistency, determination and which promoted the agricultural sector because these crops hard-work. To obtain the middle were sent to these factories to be further processed leading to income status, a country’s Gross the expansion of the . National Income per capita has to At the dawn of independence, Uganda was finding footing be $940 which means the average economically. In the years following independence, with a citizen would have to be earning population growth of 2.5% and a promising Gross Domestic about UGX3.1m per year. Uganda Product, Uganda’s economy was undergoing rapid economic has been on a long road to economic

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 26 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT and political growth. There civil war and political instability phobia that had were a number of international almost destroyed Uganda’s incepted. He spearheaded investors especially Indians once promising economy. The propaganda of “dukawallas” that had businesses, factories, GDP declined each year from slur. He encouraged tendencies plantations all over the country, 1972 to 1976 and registered to negative reactions towards they brought new machinery for only slight improvement in people of Indian descent along the factories in Uganda, parts 1977 when world coffee prices with their culture, and habits. On of the country like Jinja and increased. Negative growth 4th August, 1972, Amin gave Entebbe developed speedily resumed, largely because directives to all the Asians living with the construction of roads, the government continued to in Uganda, that they had 90 employment opportunities, expropriate business assets. days to evacuate the country. tourism attractions for example Foreign investments, too, “We are determined to make the Source of the River Nile. declined sharply, as President the ordinary Ugandan master But during Milton Obote’s Idi Amin’s erratic policies of his own destiny, and above presidency, between 1962 destroyed almost all but the all to see that he enjoys the -1971 there was wealth of his country. harassment of Out deliberate policy is Ugandans, shortage to transfer the economic of food due to control of Uganda into harassment of the the hands of Ugandans Indians who were for the first time in our the suppliers of country’s history,” said basic needs in the Idi Amin Dada. By economy; there was a this time, Asians were plunge in the power of involved in most of the Uganda’s investments and widespread mostly in banking and corruption. This vestrian businesses political instability and contributed 1% of contributed greatly Uganda’s population. to the depreciation of On the successful the economy. expulsion of the Indians, Idi Amin’s coup of their businesses were Obote’s government disseminated to under- was greatly skilled Ugandans that Uganda’s Economy is Shifting to Manufacturing. welcomed by most run the businesses The President has discouraged the export of of the Ugandans down in the long run. unprocessed goods. because he was To make matters worse, seen as a saviour the disbandment of subsistence sector of the who was going to bring change the in economy. Uganda’s foreign to of living of 1977 was a big step backwards policy under Amin’s leadership all Ugandans. There was for the economy because one greatly declined so this had a an inception of hope for the of the core reasons for its very negative effect on the progress economy with the coming of existence was for economic of the economy especially this coup. Unfortunately in the growth and harmony of Uganda, because sanctions were wake of the much publicized Kenya and Tanzania. By the imposed on Uganda, decay atrocities during Idi Amin’s time, end of Amin’s leadership, the in public service, declining the economy was doomed. economy had notably declined agricultural productivity. Although the government (1971 – 1979). envisioned annual economic In a bid to gain back his The economic and political growth rates of about 5.6 popularity, Idi Amin turned his destruction of the Amin years percent in the early 1970s, efforts on intensifying the Indo- contributed to a decline in

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 27 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT earnings by 14.8 percent improved, more factories have • Oil companies must between 1978 and 1980. By the been constructed with state urgently acquire production time Amin had fled from Uganda of the art machinery, roads licenses. in 1979, the nation’s GDP constructed, foreign investors • Modernise mineral testing measured only 80% of the 1970 attracted to the country, Asians and streamline and percentage. Industrial output came back to reclaim their regulate artisanal mining. sharply declined, equipment, businesses. spare parts, and raw materials • Stop damaging of Given these 15 directives became scarce. environment by dealing that the President presented with offenders. However between 1981 and his cabinet with are precisely 1983, the country experienced followed through with. These • Service delivery must a 17.3% growth rate, which include; improve in all sectors. was mostly contributed by • Reducing the price of • Deal with land ownership the agricultural sector. There electricity from 11 US Dollar problems so that bibanja was hardly any progress in cents to 6. holders can become title the manufacturing sector. The holders. renewed political crisis in the • Begin construction of the early 1980’s led to negative Standard Guage Railway. • Address problems of armed forces such as growth rates of 4.2 percent in • Build 22 industrial parks housing. 1984, 1.5 percent in 1985, and within the next 5 years. 2.3 percent in 1986. • Government to get a • Uganda Investment national airline within the The economic decline Authority must be able to next five years. stagnated when H.E. President license businesses within 2 Yoweri Kaguta Museveni came working days. • Pay the veterans their to power in 1986. By 1987, the gratuities. GDP had risen by 4.5% from • Zero tolerance to It has been a long road for 1986’s level. Due to political corruption. Uganda to get to this level, stability, agricultural and • Regulation must improve the first few years after factory production increased. for instance for licensing independence gave us a peek In 1988 the GDP was steadily sugar factories, selling into the future of the country. rising to a whopping 7.2% with unprocessed . Despite all its trials Uganda substantial improvements to • 11 interventions in has always managed to come the manufacturing sector and agriculture including: out of the rubble and emerge the coffee production. The commercial farming, linking victorious. It is important to economic growth in Uganda with research institutions, take advantage of the current was at a steady progress up- use of fertilizers, food political stability and take to-date. Due to the political processing, credit from measures that will enable us to stability, absence of civil wars, Uganda Development plunge into the middle income the tourism industry has greatly Bank, Mechanisation. status.

Kabale - Kisoro Road PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 28 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

In 1980s vans were Evolvement Of The introduced into taxi industry. Most of them were Transport Industry In Toyota caravans commonly Uganda referred to as Kigaati.

By Eddy Khan car is a wheeled, self- powered motor vehicle Aused for transportation and a product of the automotive industry. A car is one of the most wonderful inventions of man of all times. The first car came to Uganda in the early days of the 19th century. By the time Uganda got her independence in 1962, there were about ten thousand cars, most of them owned by either whites or government officials. This is much fewer than 20,000 Hammer, Range Rover Sport by intelligence forces and the vehicles that are now bought or Lexus are some of the rich because it was so fast every year. glamorous cars on Kampala in terms of speed. Ssalongo streets. Siraje Lumala who is one of the Between 1963 and 1965, at oldest mechanics in Ndeeba least 100 cars were imported Unlike today, most of the vehicles imported in the a Kampala suburb says today on average yearly for private you can only compare its use, and the government country were brand new. The 70s saw the introduction of popularity to that of a Corolla remained the highest importer AE 100. of cars with an annual average the famous Datsun120Y and of 400 cars. The types of cars Datsun 1600 SSS imported In 1975 the government bought that time were Land from Europe and some from imported over 20 Mercedes Rovers, Zephyr, Peugeot, Asia. Benzes which were used to transport delegates during Mini-Fiat, Ford, Cortina, FIRST UGANDANS TO OWN the Organization of African Vauxhall, Volkswagen and CARS Beetles. There were also Ford Union(OAU) Conference that His Majesty the Kabaka of Escorts, Citroens, Renaults was held in Kampala. This was Buganda who was also the and Volkswagen Combi and comparable to 2007 when the first President of the Republic those who were very rich government imported 60 VIP of Uganda had the only Rolls- drove the Mercedes Benz, BMWs to cater for transporting Royce in the country. Opel, Mitsubishi and Isuzu The Commonwealth Heads cars. The trucks included Fiat, Mzee Juma Kajubi recalls of Government Meeting Enno, Austin, and Bedford, that he ordered directly for his (CHOGM) guests. as compared to today’s Datsun 1600sss from Japan During the 70s a young Mercedes Benz, Scania and and it was the best car built business man Gordon Babala Fusos. Today the Mercedes by the Japanese in the 70s. Kasibante Wavamunno Benz C class or ML, Jaguar, Kajubi says that car was liked often referred to simply as

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Gordon Wavamunno who franchise deal after the agent (franchise holder) in was running car hire and tour departure of the Asians East Africa left. company Spear touring won following their expulsion By the time of Independence the Mercedes Benz franchise from the country in 1972 by public transport was in Uganda, through his President Idd Amin Dada. done by saloon cars company Spear Motors which When Amin expelled the mainly Volkswagen Beetle has remained one of the Asians he nationalized most of (commonly known as Kikere) country’s leading importers of the foreign owned companies and Volkswagen Combis. brand new cars. At that time, in the country and DT Dobie These were in addition to apart from Spear Motors, which was the buses that had the there were groups like Afro infamous Motors and Uganda Motors hunch importing cars. back Wavamunno says that he acquired the Mercedes Benz

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(Mugongo gwambwa) that touch his left ear with his the passengers who were plied different parts of the right hand over his head was benefiting low charges by country. Some of the buses deemed to be a child. UTC. were Double-decker bus, In 1980s vans were introduced At the moment there are over locally known as Kabondole. into taxi industry. Most of 15000 taxis and 300 buses In the 70s government set up them were Toyota caravans public transport for which transport company Uganda commonly referred to as explains the craziness of Transport Company(UTC) Kigaati. It was around this traffic jam lately. Until the late which started operating with time that the mass importation 1980s there was no serious Peugeot 204 pickup trucks of second hand cars started, traffic jam in the city because fitted with box bodies and Toyota Hiace (Kamunye) were there were very few cars in the they were commonly called introduced. country. Matatus. Hajji Musa Katumba who was According to the statistics Hadijah Mukasa a retired driving a very old Peugeot by the Uganda Revenue medical worker of Kangulumira says that when the caravan Authority, more than 5000 - Kayunga recalls that children was introduced the taxi vehicles enter the country were not supposed to pay in industry changed for better. every month, compared to these buses, anybody who Katumba who has been in the around 10 in 1962. couldn’t transport business since 1979 The observers from urban says in the 90s government planning Authority say that sold off UTC because it was city roads were not planned not making profit. This means for the number of vehicles that public transport was to be today but they believe the provided by the private sector. current initiatives aimed at He says the liberalization of easing traffic congestion like the transport sector was good the construction of automated for individuals who wanted junctions with traffic lights, to engage in passenger enlarging the Northern transportation, since they bypass and the construction were no longer facing of the Southern bypass will competition from government, decongest roads and reduce although it wasn’t good for traffic jam.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 31 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

MODERN ABATTOIR TO BOOST BEEF MARKETS IN UGANDA

modern abattoir in Bombo- are transported thousands of Nyimbwa, kilometers to the city center or along the Kampala- other towns for slaughter. The highway. The company’s new poor transportation, handling, abattoir is processing and storage and lack of proper clean packaging beef for both local standard slaughter facilities and export markets. It has the doesnot only affect the meat ability to slaughter 1,000 heads quality but causes a decline in of and can hold up to meat exports. City authorities 5,000 animals. The modern and town councils have local facility also has coolers, abattoirs as a measure to By John Kisekka skinning equipment and a meat improve on the quality but the processing plant. situation gets worse when after f you have travelled along slaughtering, meat is packed Most of us must have seen the Kampala-Gulu highway into sacks to be transported to how cattle are transported to lately, you must have seen markets. a difference around Bombo- slaughter houses in Uganda. The Uganda Bureau of INyimbwa. I am not talking about The herdsmen get ropes, tie Statistics 2015 report indicates the good highway but a modern these animals and force them a 3% increase in cattle abattoir by Egyptian investors onto the lorry trucks. On the production between 2013 worth $11M (11 million US truck their horns and tails are and 2015. The indigenous Dollars). tied to the truck rails and they are in standing position where (local) breed continues to Egypt-Uganda Food Security they are being taken. In this one be dominant over the exotic Company is constructing a uncomfortable position they breed. The reports indicate 12,709 million indigenous cattle

President Museveni at the Egypt-UGanda Food Security Abattoir

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(93.3%) compared to 914,000 exotic cattle representing (6.7%). The production of beef in 2014 was estimated at 202,929 metric tonnes which increased from 197,019 metric tonnes in 2013. At a local market, a kilogram of meat costs about 10,000/=, an indicator that the demand has been growing faster than supply, which is constrained by the current beef production system that is largely President Yoweri Museveni launching the Egypt-UGanda Food Security subsistence-based and Abattoir primarily uses slow- maturing indigenous breeds. is going to employ over 150 “President Yoweri Museveni slaughter houses are located people from Luweero District. has us to expand our business in 17 districts and they have The president asked farmers to to leather tanning to add value rudimentary slaughter facilities involve more in cattle farming to locally produced skins and and butchery establishments because they have ready hides. He has also offered us that supply meat to daily market for cattle and local 25 acres of land for the industry markets. Uganda has only leaders to support the company as well as processing meat two abattoirs which slaughter by providing more land for for export. There is an export and cut meat for local market expansion. potential to the East African and these are Uganda Meat Community. Uganda’s location “This is an effort that would link Industries Kampala and City will also make it easy to process, us with international market. We Abattoir Kampala. In Uganda package and distribute our have been keeping cattle here meat is mostly from local breed products in regional export for the last 7,000 years because cows, which also provide milk. markets. With the diversity of in the books, you will see long With current developments the products it is intended for horned cows. Therefore we like construction of modern and structured to produce, have been keeping cows for abattoirs, local leaders Egypt-Uganda Food Security all these years but we have not should encourage people in expects to contribute towards been linked with international these areas to take up cattle the bridging of the gap between market. So I want to salute the keeping for supplementary the supply and demand of beef investors for linking us with the income. Currently cattle are and its by-products in Uganda” market” said Museveni. concentrated in the areas of said Sherif Kalini, the managing Egypt-Uganda Food Security Karamoja, Teso, Mubende, director. Company is the first modern Masaka, Rakai and While commissioning the abattoir in Uganda. Otherwise and animals are driven from abattoir on August 11th, animals are slaughtered at these far places to the city for President Yoweri Museveni family level, at village markets slaughter. Since the market is expressed hope in the facility twice a week in most cases, still available and more modern regarding improving the in town slabs that serve as abattoirs are in plan, more country’s exports. The facility places of slaughter for meat Ugandans should be helped to needs 450 cattle daily and to be supplied in towns, urban rare cattle for income.

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The Restructured ICT Ministry Twitter account, ‘It has been minister Hon. Idah Nantaba, the privilege of a lifetime to who was formerly the State serve as a minister. There Minister for Lands. At the have been good & tough handover ceremony, which days; thanks to HE for the took place at the ICT Building, confidence in me.’ This tweet Nantaba openly admitted she had been retweeted 68 times was not “IT compliant” but and had 104 likes at the time expressed willingness to learn of writing this article. Later that about the sector. month, on June 27, 2016, Hon. At the June 27 event, in Eng John Nasasira and Hon. his speech, Tumwebaze Nyombi Thembo the outgoing reiterated President minister and state minister By Josepha Jabo Museveni’s directive that all respectively for Information government communicators and Communications including Cabinet ministers n June 8, 2016, the Technology (ICT) handed over should join social media. This outgoing minister office to, the former Minister for was to ease dissemination for Information and the Presidency and Kampala O of information such as Communications Technology Capital City Authority (KCCA) government’s achievements (ICT), Hon. Eng John M. KCCA, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze and programmes to the Nasasira, tweeted on his and the sector’s new state general public. Prior to this

Hon.Frank Tumwebaze Urged Ministers and PSs to make use of Social Media to Engage with the Public

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 34 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT directive, Tumwebaze, himself in a timely manner, and for Museveni merged these had an active Twitter account. better supervision under the ministries.” Tumwebaze also In response to this directive, @ stewardship of Minister of ICT urged reporters, journalists PhilemonMateke tweeted on and National Guidance, Hon. and editors to have a patriotic June 27, 2016, ‘Hello Twitter! Frank K. Tumwebaze, under culture, report responsibly As H.E directed through my one umbrella are: Uganda and to be “spin masters of our colleague @FrankTumwebazek Media Centre (UMC), a country.” I have duly obliged and I am government communications Since inheriting his new joining Twitter.’ department that was formerly docket, Tumwebaze has been under Office of the President; On July 1, 2016, outgoing actively reforming the sector. Uganda Communications Minister of Information and Hardworking Tumwebabze Commission (UCC),Uganda National Guidance Hon. Jim has appeared regularly on Broadcasting Corporation Muhwezi handed over his office NBS Television’s Morning (UBC), Vision Group, National to Hon. Frank Tumwebaze at Breeze programme and other Information Technology an event presided over by the programs to inform the public Uganda (NITA-U), Media Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana about the new developments Council and Broadcasting Rugunda, at Office of the Prime in his docket. Council. In addition, henceforth Minister (OPM). all government communication The Inaugural Stakeholders’ To prevent duplicity, officers will be under the Dialogue and Media Briefing Tumwebaze’s new ministry supervision of the Ministry of for the ICT and Government (a merger of Information and ICT and National Guidance. Communication Sector, Communications Technology organized by UCC, on July Explaining this merger, with Information and National 6, 2017, at Sheraton Hotel, at the 2016 East African Guidance) was later renamed Kampala, was well attended Communication Association Ministry of ICT and National by members of the press, (EACA) conference on Friday, Guidance. Seeing as we broadcasters, telecom August 26, 2016 at Grand are in an information age, companies, government Global Hotel, Tumwebaze who under the restructured communication officers, ICT was Chief Guest at the event ministry, to make government innovators, bloggers and the said, “Journalism without ICT communication more effective is hanging, so rightly President and for it to be disseminated

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 35 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT like. In his opening remarks I spoke to Michael Niyitegeka Tumwebaze said, “According to So what kind a former lecturer (he taught in United Nations e-Government of information the Faculty of ICT at Makerere Survey, our global rankings do government University for 12 years) who as a country in regard to the communicators tweet? is currently an Accreditation uptake of IT innovations and Press releases, upcoming Consultant with ICDL Africa. services is still not good. Our government programmes, On the sidelines of the IDLEL ranking globally has dropped achievements and Conference on Tuesday, August from the 143rd position out of whenever Uganda wins an 23, 2016, which Tumwebaze 190 countries ranked in 2012 international accolade. opened, I asked Niyitegeka to 156th out of 193 countries what he thought about the ranked in 2014. From a president’s directive that all continental angle, Uganda’s Tumwebaze says Government government communicators ranking dropped by six (6) of Uganda will allow ICT should be on social media. “It positions down from position 20 innovators to also benefit from is a great move. It should be in 2012 to position 26 in 2014. the Shs 500 billion Science a given. Being online is one This statistic calls for adoption Innovation Fund. Beginning thing, having the right content of rigorous sector innovations, October 1 free WiFi will be is another thing. Approval agile implementation of best available in Kampala through structures; what does it take IT practices and matching NITA-U from 5:00pm- following for government to approve a ICT enabling policies. We a deal signed between Uganda tweet? In some government must not only talk about Electricity Transmission institutions you can’t tweet e-government but we must be Company Limited (UETCL) on your own, you have to go an e-government. Government and ZTE; plus Tumwebaze through a process, if you are officials must take the lead and has promised to establish tweeting as an organisation. break walls of old technologies. innovation hubs in Kampala. I have seen scenarios where Our midterm strategic objective So what kind of information do (whether a corporate or is to join Africa’s top six ICT government communicators government) a tweet is taken leaders that is, Seychelles, tweet? Press releases, out of context; so one has to Mauritius, , Tunisia upcoming government be extremely conscious when and Egypt.” programmes, achievements tweeting for government or an institution. Building capacity for On Friday, August 26, 2016, and whenever Uganda wins government communicators Tumwebaze delivered a an international accolade. means helping them to keynote address at the 10th Currently, two of Ugandan’s understand that ‘Twitter’ is just Uganda Internet Governance biggest selling points, on a piece of the whole digital Forum (UIGF) held at Golf the international scene, are framework. Government Course Hotel. He also opened tourism and the Uganda should think more ‘digital’ the Global Surgery Hack-a- People’s Defence Force than just Twitter. For example, thon conference at Mbarara (UPDF). They also tweet government websites need University of Science and (report) in real time comments to be synchronized (up-to- Technology, 26-28 August made by government officials date) with their counterparts 2016 organized by Camtech at press conferences or events on Facebook, YouTube and Uganda and HackSurgery. verbatim what has been said, Twitter. The government Tumwebaze opened the ICT as much as the 140 character portal is a stand-alone. Yet, Innovators Forum on Tuesday word limit allows! Twitter is also ideally it should be harvesting August 30, 2016, to promote used to correct misinformation information from these other Uganda’s ICT innovation, it such as false reporting in the government websites.” The was organised by UCC. On print media where a comment Uganda National Web Portal is Thursday, September 1, 2016, is wrongly attributed to an www.gov.ug Tumwebaze met the Online individual. Media Association at the ICT The Writer works for Uganda Building. Media Centre.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 36 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT GOVERNMENT MAKES TREMENDOUS STRIDES IN HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY

New hospital complex for Entebbe General Hospital Yellow Fever was confirmed by UVRI on 3 samples from Masaka by serology in April 2016. This By Vivian Sserwanja the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). diagnosis was re-confirmed onstitutionally, the Three cases from a single by CDC Fort Collins (WHO Government of family had presented to Masaka Collaborative Centre for Yellow Uganda has an Regional Referral Hospital Fever). Intensification of Yellow obligation to provide with high-grade fever that was Fever Surveillance activities Chealth services to its people and non-responsive to anti-malarial also confirmed Yellow Fever to promote proper nutrition and treatment with convulsions and in Rukungiri and Kalangala healthy lifestyles. Over the past unconsciousness. districts in April and May 2016 years, the country has been respectively. struck with several outbreaks, A rapid response team (RRT) most outstanding of them being from the Ministry of Health A total of 65 suspected Yellow the Yellow Fever haemorrhagic Headquarters was immediately Fever cases were reported from fever in the districts of Masaka, sent out to investigate the districts in the greater Masaka Kalangala, and Rukungiri. matter. The RRT was deployed region. Out of the total 65 to work with Masaka district suspected Yellow Fever cases, The ministry with support from health office to further 7 cases were confirmed. These different partners managed the investigate and respond to the were from Masaka Rukungiri deadly fever through different suspected VHF outbreak. The and Kalangala. Three of interventions. Today the Masaka district task force was confirmed cases died. outbreak has been contained, activated, a treatment centre set and we can proudly say; With support from World Health up at Masaka Regional Referral Organization (WHO), the CDC, Uganda is free from Yellow Hospital, active community Fever. ICG, GAVI, UNICEF and other case finding conducted and partners, the Ministry of Health In March 2016, an alert of a more samples collected and conducted a reactive Yellow suspected Viral Haemorrhagic referred to the Uganda Virus Fever Vaccination in the three Fever (VHF) outbreak in Research Institute (UVRI) for districts that had confirmed Masaka district (Kaloddo laboratory testing. outbreaks of Yellow Fever. village) was received by the The vaccination campaign Ministry of Health through

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Side elevation of the T-block at Kiryandongo GH was implemented in Masaka surveillance efforts are still tremendouslyimproved and Rukungiri districts and ongoing to detect any other the delivery of the Uganda Kalangala district. A total of possible outbreak of Yellow National Minimum Health 627,706 individuals - aged Fever. Efforts are also still Care package (UNMHCP) six months and above- were ongoing to ensure that the risk through improvement of health vaccinated in the affected of importation of Yellow Fever infrastructure at government- districts. through international travel is owned general hospitals, minimized. Important to note regional referrals and Health Overall, vaccination coverage is the fact that it is mandatory Centre IVs. of 94% - which is above the that individuals travelling WHO recommended coverage Rehabilitation and Construction from Yellow Fever high risk of 90% was achieved in the 3 of health facilities’ project was countries into Uganda are affected districts. Following necessitated on account of the fully vaccinated against Yellow the successful Yellow Fever slow progress in achieving the Fever before entry into Uganda. vaccination campaign in NDP, HSSIP and MDG targets, Unvaccinated travellers from the affected districts, no non-functionality of existing Uganda are advised to access new cases of Yellow Fever health facilities, the public the Yellow Fever vaccine from have been confirmed. The outcry for delivery of quality and centres that are accredited PHEOC coordinated a one- universally acceptable health to provide Yellow Fever month enhanced Yellow Fever care and the need to implement vaccination. surveillance in 17 districts undertakings of the joint review (Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Besides success in mission and national health Lwengo, Rakai, Lyantonde, containing haemorrhagic assemblies. Sembabule; Kiruhura, Mbarara, outbreaks, the sector has Since the inception of health Mitooma, Sheema, Bushenyi, sector strategic plan I (HSSPI) in Rubirizi, Ntungamo, Buhweju, FY 2000, delivery of health care Isingiro; Kabale and Kanungu) Overall, vaccination services in the country had not surrounding the three districts coverage of 94% - improved significantly mainly with confirmed cases. There which is above the due to constraints in the health was no evidence of any active systems of human resources, Yellow Fever transmission WHO recommended medicines and health supplies, between the 1st to the 30th of coverage of 90% leadership and management, June 2016. was achieved and health infrastructure. In the interim, however, disease Health infrastructure in the

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 38 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT country has deteriorated due to Kibuku HCIV, Budaka HCIV, countrywide. The plan is inadequate budget allocations Nankoma HCIV, Bugono HCIV, supported with funds mobilized for maintenance activities. Kiyunga HCIV , Kiganda HCIV, from the national budget and Kasanda HCIV, Kyantungo HCIV, international agencies. The World Bank funded project Mwera HCIV, Kikamulo HCIV, – under the Uganda Health This plan is cognizant of the fact Ngoma HCIV, Rubare HCIV, Systems Strengthening Project that infrastructural development Kitwe HCIV, KabuyandaHCIV, (UHSSP) of the ministry of is a key performance indicator Mwizi HCIV, Ntenjeru-Kojja Health –was conceived on the in helping the country deliver the HCIV and Buvuma HCIV. background that Uganda’s Uganda Minimum Health Care health system strengthening had Under the same funding, the Package. Over the years, the over time received insufficient government successfully Government has undertaken a funding from development renovated nine general number of renovations of referral partners, especially in the areas hospitals of Mityana, Nakaseke, hospitals and a few lower health of improving existing health Kiryandongo, Nebbi, Anaka, facilities throughout the country. infrastructure, human resources Moyo, Entebbe, Iganga and As we celebrate Uganda’s 54 for health and management of Moroto Regional referral years of Independence, the the health sector. hospital. Government of Uganda remains Currently, the Government The constructions are part of the committed to taking health is finalizing the construction Government’s comprehensive service delivery throughout the of maternity wards and plan to renovate Hospitals country to greater heights and theatres in 26 Health Centre and Health Centers across the is dedicated like never before IVs across the country, in country. The plan is intended to to turn the sector around to the the Health Centre IVs of; improve health service delivery satisfaction of all Ugandans. Padibe, Atiak, Obongi, Agago, through construction and The writer is a PRO of Ministry Aboke, , Bwijanga, renovation of the dilapidated of Health. BudondoHCIV,Buyinja HCIV, hospitals and health facilities

Aerial view of Kiryandongo GH

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 39 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Energy Sector in the lead of turning Uganda into a Middle Income Nation.

potential of the country includes for hydroelectricity power in an estimated 2,000 MW of hydro Uganda is immense. The British power, 450 MW of geothermal, colonial authorities noted this 1,650 MW of biomass potential and commissioning cogeneration, 460 million tons of Owen Falls Dam later to be of biomass standing stock with renamed Nalubaale Power a sustainable annual yield of 50 Station in 1954. Since that time, million tons, an average of 5.1 the power sector has been slowly kWh/m2 of solar energy, and improving; the consumption about 250 Mtoe of peat (800 has increased from 11,432 MW). In addition, petroleum customers in 1954, to 95,773 in in an estimated amount of 6.5 1989, to nearly 300,000 in 2008. billion barrels, of which 1.4 Currently the number of power billion barrels are recoverable, consumers has almost tripled By David Serumaga has been discovered in the that of 2008 thus making the ganda is richly western part of the country. use of electricity in Uganda’s endowed with The overall renewable energy households increase from 7.8% abundant energy power generation potential is to 20.4%. resources, which are estimated to be 5,300 MW. Ufairly distributed throughout Uganda’s largest hydropower the country. These include Some may be surprised to project is the 250MW Bujagali hydropower, biomass, solar, know that Uganda has been hydropower project which geothermal, peat and fossil generating electricity over half was commissioned in 2012, fuels. The energy resource a century. Situated at the source almost doubling Uganda’s of the River Nile, the potential then installed capacity. This

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 40 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT is a public private partnership arrangements for supervision of Development and to provide between Government of these projects have also been incentives to encourage use of Uganda (GoU), Blackstone streamlined. renewable energy. Government is also committed to support Portfolio Company, Sithe Global In the transmission and upgrading of industrial Power and the Aga Khan Fund distribution segments, technologies to less energy for Economic Development. It is construction of about 1,900 consuming technologies. a Build Own Operate Transfer Km of Medium Voltage project under a 30 year PPA lines and 1,600 Km of Low To improve access and and the construction included Voltage distribution lines were availability of electricity to a 100km 220kV high voltage completed. A total of 108 of the the rural and urban areas, transmission line. 112 of district headquarters are especially to economic zones Aside from Bujagali, other now connected to the national and other productive areas, new substantial independent power grid. An additional 150 rural transmission lines to evacuate projects are the 18MW Mpanga electrification schemes are power will be built and rural run of the river hydropower almost complete in 50 districts electrification programmes project owned by SAEMS, and this will enable people in accelerated. Government and the 13MW Bugoye run of the villages and other remote further recognizes the need for the river hydropower project areas to access electricity for regional power trading. owned by TronderEnergi and domestic use and for their To further the increase in Norfund, 6MW Ishaha and 9MW milling businesses. power generation capacity, Buseruka. Further substantial Many other the government of Uganda is hydro projects are in the pipeline will continue to receive electricity promoting the development of with the 600MW Karuma and works will commence for the the following small hydropower and 183MW Isimba projects connection to the national grid projects – 16MW, expected to be commissioned of Nwoya, Kaboong and Kotido Mitano 2.9MW, Lubilia 4MW, in 2018. These are being districts. The feasibility study to Nyagak III 4.5MW, Siti 1 & 2 constructed by Sinohydro and connect Buvuma district to the 21.5MW, Waki 5.4MW, Rwimi China International Water and national grid is also underway, 10.4MW, Nyamwamba 9.2MW, Electric Corp respectively, with with support from the Islamic Nengo Bridge 6.5MW and 85 per cent of capital costs Development Bank (IDB) and Muzizi 46MW. Some of these being funded by a sovereign this will bring to 100% coverage projects are being developed loan provided by China Exim of district headquarters. under Uganda’s GET FiT regime Bank to the GoU. and indeed Uganda has been Works on 2,000 Km of ranked tenth out of 55 emerging Progress towards this goal transmission lines is also jurisdictions by Bloomberg in a includes the increase in hydro continuing as directed by the global survey on investment power generation capacity to head of state, 8,000 Km of climate and policies for clean 830 Mega Watts from 596 Mega Medium Voltage and 4,000 energy and investments. Watts in 2010. The number Km of Low Voltage networks of distribution connections located in over 98 districts. In In order to achieve the goal increased by 143,000 to addition, works at four (4) new of rural electrification, the 790,000, an annual increase of substations will also commence Government of the Republic 13%. at the South, , of Uganda introduced Solar- Energy losses have also been Mukono and Iganga Industrial based Rural Electrification for reduced from 21.3% to 19.5 per parks. Social Service. This was done to enable delivery of social cent. In addition, the Karuma Vision 2040 recognizes that due services especially where HEP is 27% complete with to climate change, in addition national grid had not reached. project completion scheduled to hydropower, emphasis will for 2019. Construction works be on other renewable forms Solar-based Rural Electrification at the Isimba hydro power of energy including wind, solar for Social Service has been vital project are 25% complete, and biomass. In this respect, in the Health sector development scheduled for commissioning Government has committed where the Solar-electricity is by August 2018. Institutional to invest in Research and used in lighting, microscopy

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 41 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT and other diagnostic services in some eight schools in Museveni is looking forward to and in the storage of vaccines. district; six schools in Bukwo explore and develop another Sola installation has been district; five schools each in 300MW of electricity from the experienced in more than 60 Kween, Kitgum and geo-thermal potential in the Health Centers from 2014-2015 district; four schools in Arua country. in districts like Masindi, Sironko, district; three schools each With the aim of increasing Mbale, Mayuge, Amulia, in Bulambuli, Sironko, Kole, electricity supply of 4,356MW, Bundibugyo and Bukwo. Amuria and Serere districts; two the Government is planning to schools each in Kapchorwa, With the effort of making complete the following flowing Katakwi, Maracha, Yumbe, Ugandans receive clean and power plants; Karuma, Isimba, Zombo, , Rukungiri and safe water, the NRM Government Aswa-Agago, Kabaka, Muziizi, Hoima districts; one school each commissioned 33 solar based Kikagati, Kinyara, Rwimi, in Pallisa, Kaabong, Alebtong, water-pumping schemes in 14 Lubilia, Nshungyezi, Mitaano, Lira, Moroto, Napak, Ntungamo trading centers. These includes; Muvumba and Muyembe. and Lyantonde districts. Anaka, Purongo and Alero in In this campaign of turning Nwoya; Itula, Obongi and Lefori The NRM Government Uganda a Middle Income in Moyo; Adwari, Okwang and is committed on cutting nation, districts like Buliisa, Orumo in Otuke; Kaabong and electricity costs to increase Adjumani, Moyo and Otuke will Karenga in Kaabong; Palenga its accessibility by domestic be connected to the national in Gulu; Erussi in Nebbi among users, expanding the electricity grid, as well as complete supply others in districts like Arua, transmission grid network to Nwoya, Kotido, Kaabong Midigo, Yumbe,Nebbi; Koboko, and to improving electricity and Buvuma as stated in the Katakwi, Kitgum Serere, Lamwo generation and supply to NRM roadmap on developing and Moroto. support industrialization as well the energy sector. If Uganda as ensuring universal access to During the past one year, is fully connected with energy affordable, reliable and modern Government completed the by 2020, every sector will be energy. This will give Uganda installation of solar energy active resulting to an increase a capacity of 4,356MW. packages in 74 post-primary of foreign and domestic earning The Government under schools in 28 districts. Also, hence making our country a the leadership of President solar packages were provided middle income nation.

Most towns in Uganda are connected to the National Grid

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 42 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Bee Farming Flourishing in Busoga

ee keeping in Bugiri, a district in Eastern Uganda has turned into a Bgold mine for the locals. Having been affected by poverty, famine and drought for quite a long time, a group of Busoga Bee Farmers Association came up with the idea of bee keeping to fight these By Muhamed Sefu vices. Several farmers in Bugiri district have embarked on bee keeping as an alternative enterprise from which they can derive their livelihood. This is to supplement crop farming since most of the region is semi-arid and the soil fertility has been diminishing due to over cultivation and over grazing. The bee keeping idea of Busoga Bee Farmers Association has therefore deal with the challenge of food insecurity and increased poverty in many households. The project chairman of the Busoga Bee Farmers’ Association, Mr. Ibin Senkumbi says that research showed that the area had high potential for production which had not yet been exploited. “One rainfall season a year makes it hard for farmers to grow enough food to eat and to sell so they need an activity that will diversify their sources of livelihoods,” he said. Bugiri district that has faced an environmental challenge of deforestation needs a solution to such a vice and therefore that is why Mr. Senkumbi believes bee keeping is a suitable scheme which is environmental friendly since it encourages growth and protection of trees thus afforestation. Early this year National Forest Authority supported the association by availing them with 25 acres of land to improve on the production of bee keeping. One of the bee experts from Bee House LTD Mr. George Mugula says bee keeping is easier as compared to crop growing because in bee keeping all farmers need

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is money to buy the bee- keeping and contribute to the General management like hives which are positioned international volume of honey controlling pests and predators in a suitable place and wait rather than folding their hands from encroaching on the hives upon the harvest of honey and asking the government and cleanliness will boost without incurring any other to help them- “government production. However for a costs. Harvesting of honey etuyambe”. Anyone can bee keeper to boost soaring can be done three times keep bees and reap big honey production, several a year depending on the because there are no serious things and several factors weather and during a good implications in the venture and have to be considered so as to season on average a farmer there is ready market locally enable successful results of the can extract 10 liters of honey and internationally. scheme and these include; from each bee-hive. Though bee keeping is a great For a suitable bee-hive, modern The project chairman Mr. scheme and does not require bee-hives like langstroth and Ibin Senkumbi says plans so much attention like other Kenya top bar (KTB) are to get an extract or plant by ventures, it has it’s challenges recommended because they the help of Operation Wealth for instance failure of some bee- have a standard capacity which Creation (OWC) anytime is hive to be colonized by bees can accommodate a particular underway and he anticipates and therefore lower production number of bees. These have honey production is likely to and returns than what was top bars and frames where rise in the area especially projected. The cost of honey bees can construct combs after getting the machine. He harvesting in a year is between easily so that the honey is says they will be able to sell shs100.000 and 200000. generated very fast. Mugula their honey with a clear price These challenges have forced further explains that by using working under their group. some bee farmers to employ modern methods of harvesting In other countries, bees are rudimentary methods like using the production process ensures hired to pollinate crops and fire to scare bees which is a stable existence of the bee trees very expensively and destructive to bees. colony hence steady harvesting that is why bee keeping is of honey every season. Also another challenge the bee being advocated for in Bugiri farmers face is the rampant Also the abundance of district with the hope that it long drought which is not vegetation in an area boosts will take off at a high stride favorable for bee keeping honey production because though a good number of since bees need a cool place. this means that there are many people have not taken up Mugula George, an expert in flowers from which bees can the venture with the fear that bee keeping and trainee of the collect nectar. A bee keeper bees are dangerous to the group of “Busoga Bee Farmers who locates bee-hives in an community. Association” states that bee area with many flowers is likely Bee keeping requires less keeping does well in areas that to have more honey boost land as compared to other receive average rainfall and production. farming activities given have a lot of vegetation. Bees are naturally aggressive that bee keeping can There is a high correlation and for that reason a bee keeper accommodate 200 hives in between the rainy or dry season must be thoroughly protected to one acre of land and also and honey production. During ensure safety from getting bee it’s a high value product with the rainy season, plants don’t stings which may cause injury. 5.10m a year an equivalent flower and bees are inactive A bee keeper should put on or more than a graduate due to the cold temperature, an over-all, a bee veil on the who earns a monthly salary and that is why bees don’t go head, leather gloves on hands from government or any out to collect nectar instead and wear gumboots and also other organization. With the they feed on the honey in the he or she should use a bee high rate of unemployment hive. Therefore less honey is smoker, which will make them and poverty in Busoga likely to be harvested during less aggressive. It’s advisable region I advise our people to this time and vice verse during to harvest honey during cool take up the initiative of bee dry periods. hours of the day when bees

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 44 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT are less active. A bee keeper According to Mr. Waswa Umaru globally. He says the concern should not inspect the hives a researcher at Namayingo of unemployment and poverty after consuming alcohol or has district and a member in Busoga in Busoga region cannot be smoked or has used strong Bee Farmers’ Association, solved by looking at the much perfumes as this will force bees Uganda’s honey exports have adored freebies. “We must to attack. remained low despite the rise wake up and take advantage in demand on the world market of the available opportunities Mr. Mugula advises that to and yet it’s of good quality. The within government and I believe ensure that the harvested paltry exports volumes are as that Busoga will become one honey is free from any smell a result of low production and of the leading areas in honey or odor, bee keepers should this has led to 25percent of the production in the country.” process their honey in an honey products to be imported environment free from smells Groups like Busoga Bee yet Uganda is one of the African and moisture because honey Farmers’ Association have countries accredited to export absorbs not only moisture from heeded to the president’s call honey to European market. the atmosphere but also scents. for regions to specialize in Also honey should not be put in The chairperson, Busoga economic activities that do well containers that have been used Bee Farmers Association in those particular places. Such to carry substance like paraffin contends that bee farming groups should be supported or oil, because however much perfectly fits the current puzzle financially and otherwise that container is cleaned before given the fact that market for to grow and be used as an honey is put in it, the honey honey is available and is on example to the rest. will still bear that smell hence the increase both locally and lowering its quality.

Honey combs inside a bee hive.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 45 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Time For Uganda To Begin Protecting Her Citizens Against Religious Criminality

stoned him to death what will conmen and women who have you do to him now that the world perfected the art of trickery to is full of nuclear weapons ?” he extort monies and other forms further amused. of wealth from their gullible followers. Having realized that These statements infuriated the a big portion of our people St Luke Ntinda parish priest have financial and health Rev. Canon Oboth Owino who challenges, they lure them into castigated Otafiire to leave parting with all their savings matters of God and church with ludicrous hope of getting to church leaders to explain. more after being prayed for by He told mourners that Otafiire By Obed K Katureebe these con stars disguised as needed God more than any anointed men of God. en. Kahinda Otafiire’s other person because of his eccentric statements eccentric feelings on God and Personally I have lost two dear have become Jesus Christ. relatives to these con stars synonimous with his disguised as pastors of God. But, if we can go very far in trying Gname to a point that it is no The lovely two relatives had to understand Rev Can Owino’s longer news if Otafiire made lived for ages with HIV/AIDS of infuriation we need to critically any outlandish on matters of course they were taking drugs decipher the gospel according religiosity. From being chased as prescribed by the medics. to “St Otafiire” especially about out of a seminary in his first Over 20 years these two lived how Jesus would be shocked year of attendance to dropping very productive lives. Behold if he landed in Uganda today. his Christian name Severino, the pastors emerged and told Indeed, we have adulterated Gen. Kahinda Otafiire has had them to throw away the drugs the Christian teachings and if eccentric ideas on all forms and that they were going to the son of God landed today he of religion and those who pray for them and be healed of would get a shock of his life. subscribe to the living God. AIDS. We the good Christians and However, the recent clip of What followed is that their Muslims are such selfish Otafiire’s unreligious statement immune system went down people and uncouth kind of during the requiem mass of Maj. and before anyone realized the people that if Jesus landed Gen. Levi Karuhanga seemed guys were on their death bed back abruptly he would get a to rattle men and women in and indeed they died. They shock of his life. Undeniably cassocks. In the clip that went died of a disease that they had and most embarrassing is that viral and was a news item on successfully managed for over we have taken our iniquitous most news channels, Otafiire two decades when they still behavior to the places of doubted the second coming of believed in doctors and not worship where indeed the most Jesus Christ. “Personally I am the quack pastors. It was that gullible are likely to be found not sure of the so called second sad. I am sorry to say these and we lure them into our selfish coming of Jesus Christ. But two people were killed by the mischievous plans. what I am sure of is that Jesus so called men and women of will not find me alive”, he said. Stories abound of how the “God”. “ But if I were Jesus I would not hundreds of pastors littering Some churches nowadays return because if you people this country are disguised seem to be formed as a

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President Museveni urged christians to protect the environment. He was at 80th Annivesary celebrations of Ankole Diocese, Mbarara source of livelihood. They are as written in both the bible and claim to do many wonders to headed by self-proclaimed the Koran is that it is supposed further mislead God’s people. pastors, bishops or prophets to promote reconciliations and And that we should keep on who claim to have established healing to those opposed to watch. Maybe Otafiire is right those places of worship owing each other. And what happened to advise that maybe our lord to a calling from God and yet to obeying authority as a biblical Jesus Christ had better keep they operate as sole trading principle? away from his people because companies owned singularly. we have become more sinners/ Could such people be the false criminals than ever before. To understand how much we prophets as we were forewarned have gone astray as men and in the book of Mathew chapter Finally, as a country we should women of God in Uganda, one 7 verses 15 to 16. “Watch out have deeper conversations and does not need to go very far for false prophets. They come maybe think of ways of having but check out men and women to you in ’s clothing, but a regulatory frame work for our of God who do not politically inwardly they are ferocious men and women of God. This of agree with president Museveni wolves. 16 By their you course might not be any easy gather in impassioned “prayers” will recognize them. Do people task but we can push it through appealing to the almighty to pick grapes from thorn bushes because some of the actions of occasion any form of curse or figs from thistles”. these “pastors” and “apostles” to president Museveni simply are sheer criminality. We could It goes on to say in Mathew because they do not agree with have in place a body mandated 24 verse 11 that: “Many false his style of leadership. by law to inspect and have prophets will arise and will regular countrywide inspections I thought real men and women mislead many.” The holy bible to ensure that the illicit activities of God are not supposed to continues to warn us that under the guise of spreading pray and fast for catastrophe to during such times, very many the word of God are exposed visit another human being. My false prophets will emerge and and dealt with accordingly. basic understanding of gospel will perform fake miracles and

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 47 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT TO END ROAD CARNAGE, LET US SUSTAIN oPeration FiKa saLaMa

year, this number is bigger poor road safety culture coupled than that of malaria, cancer with negligence in enforcing and HIV/AIDS combined but traffic rules are chiefly to blame it can easily reduce if we can for the high accident causality sustain operation Fika Salama. rate. Statistics indicate that Fika Salama are Kiswahili Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania words meaning arrive safely. have some of the highest road Operation Fika Salama by the accident fatality rates globally, Ministry of Works and Transport, take for instance the last three UNRA and Uganda Police was month carnage on our roads; By Stephen Asiimwe started to curb the growing Kampala-Jinja, Masaka-Luwero Operation Fika Salama number of accidents that were and Kabarole, all these are by the Ministry of Works claiming people’s lives of attributed to human error, and Transport, UNRA and Masaka highway. The operation reckless driving and failure to Uganda Police was started aims at arresting drivers without take precautionary measures. to curb the growing number valid driving permits, those Yes the roads are narrow but of accidents that were who drive recklessly and those no vehicle can refuse to break claiming people’s lives of driving vehicles in dangerous or stop because the road is Masaka highway. mechanical condition (DMCs). narrow. By the end of August, Felix Kaweesi the spokesperson of World Health Organization oss of lives to accidents Police reported that they had (WHO) figure reveals that 90% in Uganda roads is a so far arrested 825 people as of the road fatalities occur huge challenge, we reported in the press. in low and middle-income lose more than 20,000 countries, home to less than Lpeople and thousands of others The majority of road accidents half of the World’s registered injured on our roads every on our roads are preventable,

Police and UNRA Have Arrested Over 825 People in the Operation Fika Salama

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 48 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT vehicles, and we have relatively bodas.” safety management, safer low motorization rate of Until recently when police started roads and mobility safer road approximately 35 vehicles per the operation Fika Salama, there users and enhanced post crash 800 people. Research also was no connection between the response and sustain operation shows that road accidents kill possession of a driving license Fika Salama. more people than tuberculosis and actual driving competence. As we celebrate in developing nations. Motor Incidentally, many hospitals in 54th anniversary of our accidents are the leading East Africa have now reserved independence, we cannot cause of death among young special wards dedicated to afford to do business as people aged 18 – 32 years. patients nursing injuries from usual. Those individuals and/ There have been many adverts accidents involving boda or categories that cause more and drives against bad driving bodas. The fact is many East death and destruction should but some Ugandans have Africans rely on buses, matatu pay higher premiums, higher chosen to ignore them. They and boda bodas to commute fines and ultimately lose the continue to complain of drugs hence the need for more privilege of driving. Driving is and treatment but ignore so energy and resource to be not for posing, it is not like taking much their responsibility. focused on enhancing safety photographs on smart phone. WHO has singled out road in the public road transport By placing accident liability accidents as a major public system. We need concerted where it belongs – on individual health problem in developing effort from all stakeholders and human beings, drivers would nations, essentially this means most especially the passengers be obliged to behave better fatalities are no longer regarded to alert police or traffic officers because doing anything as mere Government statistics about errant drivers, those else would have personal but a serious public health who drive while sending consequences. This way we and development challenge messages on “whatsapp” and could reduce the carnage on requiring urgent concerted facebook, those overtaking in our roads. global action. In Uganda sharp corners. Imagine a boda The writer is a Pan majority of the accidents boda rider having a phone Africanist, Resident District involve buses, matatus and conversation while riding and Commissioner – Kabarole & now increasingly motorcycles the passenger doesn’t caution EALA Aspirant popularly known as “boda him? We can implement road

Speed Cameras along Kampala - Masaka Highway

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 49 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT CoCoa Can earn More For UGanda iF sUPPorted

apple (locally known from the flower were used to as bogoya), , and cure skin problems, burns and fish farming for export will stomach ailment. The leaves earn the country good foreign drop and form organic manure exchange, because most of that fertilizes the soil hence no these products take few months need for artificial fertilizers. The to mature. minimum period of harvest is period is twenty five years and The midterm measure as far as its pods have on average 30 to agriculture is concerned is, as 50 seeds, and about 800 seeds government is doing for cotton can make a kilogram. and tea sector, coffee industry, cocoa productions should be For a long time, as many as a scaled up for the country to hundred years, cocoa growing realize balance of trade or even in the country has been on By Nandala Mukoota a surplus with its exports. small scale with both colonial and post-independence s we celebrate the Cocoa (Theo brome cacao) governments giving emphasis 54th Independence also called cocoa tropical to coffee growing. Countries Anniversary, I have evergreen tree is grown for its like Cote d’ivoire, Ghana, no doubt that come edible seeds, whose scientific Nigeria and Cameroon were A2022, when Uganda will be name means food of the gods producing 68% of world cocoa celebrating her Diamond in Greek. It originates in the and the consumption demand Jubilee (60years) of self-rule, Amazon River basin. Its health was mainly in Western Europe the country will comfortably be benefits were documented and North America. But now in a middle income status if our as early as the 16th century. with economic advancement priorities are put right. Among It was used for treating fever of Asian countries, demand for its priorities, government and and dysentery, improving cocoa has gone up. its people must focus on power heart, kidney and the liver and generation, transmission and above all strengthening and Last year cocoa was ranked the distribution from the current improving longevity. The petals fourth in export revenue with towns down to Sub-County Headquarters, all Health center IIIs plus IIs, and ensuring that all government schools (UPE, USE and Vocational Institutes) are connected to either solar power or to the National Grid. Secondly the agriculture sector must be given appropriate attention like our neighbor Ethiopia did, by putting 17% of its budget into farming. For short term measures encouraging large scale cultivation of soy , sesame Cocoa Pods

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Cocoa Growing is majorly done in Bundibugyo District in South Western Uganda

Shs468 billion realized the bulk Bunyoro, Rwenzori, Buganda, 3.5million bags to 25million of which went to Bundibugyo Ankole and some parts of bags in the country will earn district and the remaining to northern Uganda and parts of $ 3.5billion and will provide Mukono and Buikwe Districts. Kigezi, are good for cocoa. constant business to the Efforts are underway to If the 220,000 acres are utilized transport sector for the popularize this cash crop in the at an average of 450 trees Standard Gauge Railway. entire country through radio talk per acre each tree giving SGR will provide affordable shows. Unlike other perennial an average of 7kgs, at the transport of bulky products to crops which have one or two current farm gate price of $ 2.3 sea ports, lowering the cost of harvest seasons annually, (8,000/=) the country can earn doing business. cocoa is harvested throughout $1.6billion from cocoa exports the year. With $1.6 billion from cocoa alone before value addition. and $ 3.5 billion from coffee, The total land area suitable for With the emerging markets of Ugandan entrepreneurs will cocoa growing in Uganda is Asia, more so China, market have to purchase necessary estimated to be 220,000 acres for cocoa is assured. And with machinery for agro- but only 50,056 acres is utilized. estimated 693,000 tonnes of processing which in the end The other 170,000 acres is left cocoa output in the country, will hopefully lead to full scale unused. In Uganda there are factories making chocolates, industrialization, so that we can 3800 registered small scale cocoa , confectioneries, comfortably undertake projects cocoa farmers. Cocoa being a cocoa powder will emerge of any magnitude using our perennial does well in the hot- hence creating employment locally mobilized resources. rainy tropical area of 30-32C, opportunities for Ugandans it thrives under shades and and adding value addition As we celebrate our in areas with rainfall between to cocoa export product and independence anniversary we 1,500 to 2000mm. Which means therefore fetching more money should ponder upon how best this crop can do well in most for the country. we can improve our agricultural areas of Uganda. Concerted industry since it’s our largest The cocoa production effort is needed to expand the employer. together with increased coffee acreage of this crop. Areas production projected from The writer is a Social and of Busoga, Bukedi, Bugisu Development Activist.

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networks like CNN, BBC, Dstv etc, and the Internet, the struggle Patriotism and the for the ideological liberation of the African has become even more Protection of Uganda’s urgent. The “re colonisation” of Africa is not being done through Independence physical conquest, but rather through the subtle ideological By Odauk Paul social infrastructure to make the capture and control of the hearts Ugandan citizen obedient and and minds of the population using rticle 8A (i) of the Constitution willing servants of the colonial global communication media of the Republic of Uganda establishment. platforms. The apparent absence states that...”Uganda A For example, it became a crime to of government involvement in shall be governed based on the these media operations gives a principles of national interest and speak local Ugandan languages; false sense of security, making the common good enshrined in the officialdom frowned upon the users feel that they are free from national objectives and directive wearing traditional African attire; manipulation by anyone. principles of state policy”. anything made in Uganda became of “poor quality” while “made Africa is the continent of the 21st Objective IV of the constitution in Britain” became the in-thing; century; it is the global frontier states; African cultural. music and dance of growth and development 1. The State and citizens of was dubbed “satanic and evil”; opportunities. With its vast oil and Uganda shall at all times sectarianism was entrenched in other mineral resources, its rapidly defend the independence, our politics through ensuring that growing middle-class population, sovereignty and territorial all Africans in any positions of Africa provides an irresistible integrity of Uganda. political authority had to belong to allure to global imperialism. Add the Anglican (English) faith; only 2. The State and citizens of the Asian tigers (especially China) Euro-centric history, Geography, Uganda shall endeavour and you have a potent mix of philosophy etc, were taught in to build national strength global power politics engulfing the schools. in political, economic and African continent social spheres to avoid undue The consequence of all the With the above scenario, African dependence on other countries above was that the colonial, and patriotism becomes an urgent and institutions. subsequently the neo-colonial imperative. Political, Technical and Africans, lost their identity and 3. The State shall endeavour military cadres must awaken to despised themselves; detesting to mobilise, organise and this looming reality. In the case of all that is African while admiring, empower the Ugandan people Uganda, the military cadre ship is embracing and even defending to build independent and fairly developed; but they too need everything foreign, particularly sustainable foundations for the to intensify ideological work in the European. development of Uganda. UPDF. However, there is a very big Despite this, there were patriots challenge in the area of political The above constitutional who never succumbed. They and technical cadre ship. There are provisions clearly indicate the resisted colonial domination right visible signs of deep penetration of appropriateness of the theme of the from the start. Many fell victim to our political and technical fabric. 2016 independence anniversary the repressive colonial state, but celebrations; “Protection of our The consequence of all the above persisted in their resistance . Independence through Promotion is that promotion of patriotism of Patriotism, Unity and Hard Work” This colonial mind-set persists becomes an imperative in order to to this day. It is worse in this guaranty our survival; a patriotic It is a well known fact that the information age because in order population will anchor African establishment of the Ugandan to exert influence and control, renaissance and ensure the colonial state practices and norms one doesn’t require have to be in success of Uganda’s quest for was for the purposes of servicing physical proximity of the subject middle income status by 2020. the British economy. The political of control. All it takes to control institutions; the colonial education; The writer is a Deputy Head- the minds of the global youth is social and cultural norms and National Secretariat for sufficient penetration of electronic value systems; were all designed Patriotism Clubs, Office of the media platforms. Today, with to create the physical and psycho- President. availability of global television

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CorrUPtion staLLs oUr JoUrneY to MiddLe inCoMe statUs

Corruption is classified as While at the Ministers petty, grand and political. and Permanent Petty corruption is abuse of entrusted power by low and Secretaries Retreat mid-level public officers in in Kyankwanzi the their interaction with citizens president directed ISO trying to access basic service to spear head the fight – like the police, hospitals against corruption and schools. Statistics show that in Uganda this kind by investigating and accounts for the loss of reporting corruption By Carolyne Muyama Shs166b annually. The traffic tendencies. officers who take bribes, the he Oxford English medical practitioners who sell Dictionary describes it involves distorting policies government drugs to patients or the central functioning of corruption as a or ask them for facilitation and dishonest or fraudulent the state, enabling leaders teachers who sell posts to to benefit at the expense of Tconduct by those in power, parents looking for places for typically involving bribery. the public. We have this with their children fall under this Members of Parliament who The Transparent International category. website explains corruption as manipulate policies for their the abuse of entrusted power Grand corruption takes place selfish benefits. for private gain. at high level of government and

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The IGG, Justice Irene Mulyagonja

Political corruption is the Pervasive corruption reduces won’t be finished on time or manipulation of policies, the efficiency of government the quality is compromised. institutions and rules of in general and in particular In August, the World Bank procedure in the allocation of reduces the effectiveness of froze loans to Uganda due resources and financing by the private investment and to poor performance of the the political decision makers foreign aid. The funds available already committed loans. who abuse their position to for work are meager as it is Meaning we pay interest on sustain their power status and and then they reduce further loans which aren’t even doing wealth. Many of us have heard through corruption tendencies what they were borrowed for of the statement ‘orders from which means certain work which definitely affects the above’.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 54 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT development of our economy. She also decried the misuse Those in charge of supervising of the role of internal auditors government projects should For this term, President Yoweri by government ministries, do their jobs well to avoid Museveni has vowed to fight departments and agencies. shoddy work and wastage corruption which has been “Internal auditors should be of tax payers’ money. The such a challenge for the NRM empowered to do their work Permanent Secretaries should government. In his directives without being victimized by be able to supervise officers to the ministers, the president accounting officers because and to ensure that they deliver mentioned the fight against MDAs have misused the quality work on their duties. corruption as one of this term’s role of internal orders,” said priorities. The NRM 2016- Government should prioritize Mulyagonja. 2021 Manifesto emphasizes the fight against corruption by the commitment to root out Granted, there is a level of financing programs that aim to corruption by pursuing the corruption that is sophisticated curb corruption. Money should policy of zero tolerance and would take a significant be availed for training in order to corruption through amount of funds to deal with to deal with sophisticated various legal frameworks but there are those glaring corruption. and institutions that are in cases we encounter every day The legislations that delay place. The Anti-Corruption and people are let off the hook. service delivery and aid Amendment Act 2013 These are the things that irk corruption should be revised provides for the confiscation Ugandans. Let the little that’s so that the public gets timely of the properties of those available reach the intended services that they expect from convicted of corruption. The users. their government. Officers Whistle Blowers Act 2010 Recently the President in his sabotaging service delivery allows people to report cases speech while addressing can be singled out and dealt of corruption and guarantee cabinet called on investors with. them protection. to report public officers who There is still tolerance of a While at the Ministers and ask them for bribes in order level of corruption by society. Permanent Secretaries Retreat for them to be approved. Of Petty corruption is tolerated in Kyankwanzi the president course it will take credible like bribery in recruiting, directed ISO to spear head investors; otherwise the ones nepotism, conflict of interest the fight against corruption looking for quick money here and influence peddling in by investigating and reporting and there will bribe their procurement. The public corruption tendencies. There way through. Contractors do should shun all forms of was also a proposal to make shoddy work because a big corruption and not tolerate changes in the procurement chunk of the money goes or participate in some and law, an area where a big back to public officials and make noise about the others. percentage of our money is yet such officers are let off the The giver of a bribe and the lost to corrupt officials. hook and the contractors are receiver are both corrupt also let go and worse still are At the same retreat Justice therefore we should all do our given more contracts. Such Irene Mulyagonja pointed part to fight corruption. glaring corruption cases can out that one of the biggest surely be dealt with. Otherwise we can’t dream of challenges she faces is lack becoming a middle income of political will from the top There are already necessary economy if the resources we leadership to fight corruption. laws in place to deal with have aren’t doing what they are This includes not allocating the issue of corruption if they supposed to do. We all have a sufficient resources to help were utilized. Those guilty of part to play and we should do in the process of combating corruption should not just be our part well because history corruption and protecting the shifted to other offices but will judge us. ‘big fish’ from the arm of the relieved of their duties and law. actually made to pay back what they took.

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THE REVIVAL OF THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR SINCE INDEPENDENCE

After showing initial promise in the immediate post-independence years, the Ugandan economy declined after 1971 due to mismanagement, political instability and civil war.

substantial. In 1967 Uganda the government is encouraging and the neighboring countries private sector players to of Kenya and Tanzania joined venture into medium scale together to form the East and commercial farming in African Community (EAC), order to transform agriculture hoping to create a common and add value to exports. By Micheal Woira market and share the cost The growth of the agriculture hen the National of transport and banking sector in Uganda has led to the Resistance facilities, and Uganda development of the economy, Movement, NRM, registered impressive growth improvement in food supply, took power in rates for the first eight years increased house hold income W1986, the economy had after independence. and above all improved the life of the majority of the people collapsed with GDP 20 The sharp fall of coffee including women and youth percent lower than its 1970 prices in 1992 prompted who depend on it for survival peak, high inflation rates, the NRM government to through subsistence farming chronic budget deficits, an deepen reforms, as seen in whereby they plant crops for overvalued exchange rate, the liberalization of coffee, home consumption and the significantly lower export tea and marketing, rest for sale thus economically earnings and deteriorated liberalization of the foreign strengthening homesteads. infrastructure. The new exchange rate, measures government launched an to improve on the market As of today Uganda’s Economic Recovery Program, of produces harvested by economy is predominantly ERP, in 1987 to correct farmers. The results have agrarian and 31% of export macroeconomic imbalances been impressive. earnings are derived from the and promote economic agricultural sector. Export crop Agriculture still remains the growth. production reached a peak in backbone of the economies 1969. Uganda mostly exports Uganda enjoyed a strong of most African countries. agricultural products (80% and stable economy in In Uganda at least 85% of of total exports). The most the years approaching Uganda’s strong workforce important exports are coffee independence. Agriculture relies on agriculture (22% of total exports) followed was the dominant activity, but production for their livelihood by tea, cotton, copper, oil and the expanding manufacturing which also contributes 42% of fish. Uganda’s main export sector appeared capable of the national gross domestic partners are Sudan (15%), increasing its contribution product and 80% of the export Kenya (10%), DR Congo, to GDP, especially through earnings. Ironically, this Netherlands, Germany, South the production of foodstuffs workforce comprises 90% of Africa and UAE. and textiles. Some valuable the rural poor, who are small minerals, notably copper, hold farmers contributing 70% President Yoweri Kaguta had been discovered, and of the countries marketed Museveni is passionate water power resources were produce. Due to this disparity, about the agriculture sector

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President Yoweri Museveni visits roadside stalls selling foodstuffs. He encourages Ugandans to produce both for food and commercial purposes. and he has advocated for The NRM Government has The government has embarked various ideas in a bid to boast also sought investment on a vigorous exercise of investment in the sector. partnerships for scientific protecting fishing areas from The Ugandan Government research, manufacture of catching immature fish which has put in place sound herbicides and pesticides as has caused serious shortage macroeconomic framework well as in the promotion of of fish, both for the domestic conducive for investment like value addition to Uganda’s and for the foreign market; yet liberalization, privatization, wide range of agricultural external demand for Uganda incentive regimes, abolition crops. Commercial farming fish is growing. Investing in of export taxes, investment and processing is therefore fish-farming in Uganda can guarantees, externalization open to many investors who are therefore yield good dividend of funds, and setting up welcome to set up commercial for investors. At the Investment farms as well as processing and Permanent Secretaries Authority as a one-stop- firms in collaboration with Retreat in Kyankwanzi (July), it centre for investor services. local partners. was resolved that the Ministry In agriculture, as in other of Agriculture Animal Industry sectors of Uganda’s economy, and Fisheries undertakes more investors are given special As of today efficient management of the incentives. These include Uganda’s economy lakes to get optimum returns among others: duty-free tax from the fisheries industry. import of plant and machinery, is predominantly One of the big challenges of training expenditure as well agrarian and 31% agricultural transformation in as scientific expenditure at of export earnings Sub-Saharan Africa has been 100%, capital allowance on lack of or limited value addition plant and machinery at 50 to are derived from the to make the products more 75%, etc. agricultural sector. competitive on both the local

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 57 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT and international market. Even allows the producer to focus president’s decision to start in Uganda most agricultural on the consumer while up an initiative Operation products are exported or producing.” Value addition Wealth Creation (OWEC) consumed raw, something also increases shelf life of has improved the income that has always undermined the product. For example of farmers. The farmers agriculture’s economic bananas that hardly last for are given heifers, chicken potential and foreign exchange some time while harvested can kroillers, sunflower, sorghum, earnings but the president last months when processed tea, coffee seedlings, maize, has now advocated for value into flour and products like , wheat seedlings are addition. Value addition is bread, cakes, biscuits and supplied to the farmers free of the process of changing or baby food. The Presidential charge to make sure make use transforming a product from Initiative on Industrial of their land and achieve from its original state to a more Development (PIBID) has agriculture. The President’s valuable state. If adopted, often dealt in value addition aim is for such farmers in rural value addition according to and its Toke brand has got a areas to earn at least shs 20m the president, “increases worldwide market. per year. revenue for a product and On the other hand, the

A lady drying sorghum in Teso PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 58 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Uganda has the Right Enablers to Achieve the MIDDLE INCOME STATUS government has gradually earning 3,500,000 an built over the last 30 years it equivalent of $ 1,046 annually has been in power. The NRM on the assumption that there party aims to take Uganda to is no significant increment middle income status by the in population. Basing on year 2021. the journey Uganda has The middle income level covered in the last 30 years status is a World Bank scale characterized by undisturbed of classification of countries peace and socio-economic economic levels based on the transformation there is By Moses Kitunzi gross national income (GNI) confidence that come 2021 he phrase ‘steady per capita in the range of $ the lower middle income progress’ is popular 1046 – 4125 for lower middle status will be achieved. with the NRM party income, and $ 4125- 12,735 According to the National and it was coined for upper middle income. Planning Authority (NPA) Tduring the 2016 national Uganda’s 30 years economic For Uganda to be classified elections. The implication as a middle income country, journey has been in 6 stages, of the term was premised its population should be these stages which are; the on the foundation the NRM pre-reform that started in 1986

President Museveni On a Tour of a Juice Factory in Luwero

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to 1990 is when Uganda was Five years that closed in 2002, included agriculture, tourism, recovering from the collapse. the government had begun to manufacturing, forestry, ICT, oil The GDP stood at 43 billion, consolidate its achievements, and gas exploration, forestry and the GDP per capita sector working groups were and mineral exploration. By stood at $ 258. The focus in introduced to synchronize 2012 the GDP had risen to 59 the period was realization of plan budget and execution trillion translating to par capita peace and security. and in 2007, a comprehensive income of $ 743. National planning and The period 1991-1996 The focus now is middle development framework was progress had been made income status, where the mooted. In 2010 Uganda and the focus ascended economic growth has gained embarked on the journey to to fundamental economic sustainable momentum. growth and transformation, the reforms, and this was focusing This focus will be to achieve emphasis shift to economic on liberalization of foreign $ 1,039 (3,500,000) per growth and transformation, exchange markets, commodity capita, reduce poverty the focus was the drivers of markets, privatization and levels by 14.2%, increase growth which among others reduction in government infrastructure of paved roads expenditure. The GDP rose to by 6,000 kilometres, increase 6.122 trillion. accessibility to electricity 30% For Uganda to be reduce population growth by From 1997 the Poverty classified as a middle 2.5% and increase the literacy Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) income country, its rate of Ugandans to 80%. was rolled out to build onto population should be the fundamental economic To further illustrate the steady earning 3,500,000 reforms. The objective of this progress to middle income phase was to expand public an equivalent of $ status is, within the 30 years service and eradicate poverty 1,046 annually on the since 1986, there has been an and during this period GDP assumption that there is economic program every 5- 10 peaked at 10.861 trillion and no significant increment in years with specific objectives par capita income stood at $ population. to achieve, and on average 238. the GDP has been growing at

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 60 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT a rate of 2.5 times. To shift to government projects and ensure macroeconomic the desired GDP of 103 trillion, policies’ executions. stability are a clear sign that a growth rate of 1.7 times is the environment is conducive Of all the mentioned required which is below the for transit to the middle income enablers government has put 2.5 average, meaning that the status. emphasis on infrastructural middle income status is within development, with roads and To ensure that Uganda Uganda’s ability to achieve. hydro power dams as some of transcends to the middle The environment required to the big areas of investments, income status, in a retreat achieve the middle income there is security after flashing of Ministers and Permanent status is very important, out the Kony Rebels, ADF, Secretaries and accounting because it provides the and other small rebel groups officers in Kyankwanzi, enablers. Uganda needs to like PRA, the Police and the , ensure that there is increase Army are doing a great job to emphasized the 23 priority in infrastructural investments, guarantee security, through areas of this term of office, human capital accumulation, regional integration of the promised to sternly deal increased export oriented East African Community, corruption and appealed to growth, stable macro promotion of trade pacts like those concerned to ensure economic environment, AGOA, strengthening the that investment isn’t delayed peace and security, and most Export promotion board. The through unnecessary importantly, strengthening the president’s message to the bureaucracies. Without a implementation framework population about growing doubt, with strong supervision which is a weakness that has high value crops with high and of government programmes setback most of the approved good international markets , service delivery, strict and value addition, the effort monitoring and evaluation, puts in to Uganda will exceed its targets set out for the next five years starting 2016.

Works are ongoing on the Jinja New Bridge. Infrastrutural Development Plays a Key Role in Taking Uganda to Middle Income Status PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 61 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

THE JOURNEY OF UGANDA‘S COOPERATIVES SINCE 1913

The co-operative movement in Uganda was born in 1913 to fight against the exploitation of the private European and Asian interests that sought to monopolize domestic and export marketing, especially of cotton and coffee. Being the two major income earners, coffee and cotton became the centre of co-operative activities in Uganda in which both the colonial and post-independence governments were keenly interested.

he colonial government For example, a bill introduced at the time considered in Parliament in 1935 – 1937 the emergence of met with strong opposition co-operatives as from the said powerful private Tpremature and subversive and interests and it was withdrawn. denied them legal backing Laws were enacted to that would have enabled them, make it an offense for any among other things, to access financial institution to lend credit from lending institutions. money to an African farmer. By Nanteza Sarah Kyobe

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Because of these restrictions insecurity all culminated into coffee and cotton. cooperatives opted to operate bad internal governance Between 1980 and 1985, underground until 1946 when to the detriment of not just cooperatives faced war when the cooperative ordinance cooperatives, but the economy the then President Late Milton was enacted to legalize their as a whole. Some of the Obote was in the process of operations. federations that had been reviving the cooperatives, formed in the 1960s and early By the time Amin came to the efforts at reviving and 1970s the likes of Uganda power in 1971, there were over using co-operatives as policy Cooperative Central Union, the 2,500 primary co-operative instruments were hampered Uganda Wholesale Consumer societies with over 750,000 by excessive government Cooperative Union, and the family members. There were involvement thus turning Cooperative Bank, were 36 unions including and 4 cooperatives into government affected and most of them national unions. Co-operatives parastatals, as the guerrilla simply collapsed. For example, owned 53 cotton ginneries war intensified. prices of controlled crops like with an average turnover of cotton and coffee where co- The war being fought in the over 440,000 bales worth operatives were dominant were cooperative strongholds like over Shs315 million. They also so low that farmers resorted to Luwero triangle with then three owned 31 coffee factories and growing other crops like maize, giant unions of West Mengo, 34 pulparies with an annual beans, groundnuts instead of Wamala and East Mengo and turnover of 147.000 metric Banyankole Kweterana and tons of clean coffee worth over Masaka Co-operative unions Shs455 million. Other crops By the time Amin came were similarly affected. Co- handled through cooperatives to power in 1971, there operatives incurred a lot of fetched over Shs33 million per were over 2,500 primary war losses. annum. co-operative societies When National Resistance with over 750,000 family However, the growth and Movement came into power, members. There were prosperity of the cooperative it was supportive of the movement was short-lived. 36 unions including and cooperatives by amending the Military governance under 4 national unions. Co- 1970 Co-operative Societies Idi Amin (1971 - 1978) was operatives owned 53 Act to restore autonomy to unfavorable for cooperative cotton ginneries with an the co-operative movement development. The absence average turnover of over through the 1991 Co-operative of the rule of law, uncertainty 440,000 bales worth over Societies Statute. This was of the future, the international Shs315 million. later transformed into an Act embargo on Uganda and Cap 112 in the laws of Uganda;

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 63 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT and it is still the legislation for Cooperatives, 46% of the cooperatives up to this day in The war being fought SACCOs are located in the Uganda. in the cooperative central region, followed by strongholds like Luwero western (24%), eastern (21%) The Government has triangle with then three and northern (9%). continued the role of registering giant unions of West cooperatives however, it has Western region dominates in delegated its supervisory, Mengo, Wamala and East area of diary and livestock monitoring and control Mengo and Banyankole (54%), while the eastern region roles to local governments Kweterana and Masaka dominates in the area of crop through the decentralization Co-operative unions were farming and marketing (47%). policy. Some of these roles similarly affected. With deliberate interventions have also been taken up by by Ministry of Trade, Industry other agencies such as the cooperatives, transport and Cooperatives a number Uganda Cooperative Alliance cooperatives, cooperatives of cooperatives have been (UCA), Uganda Cooperative in crafts services, housing successful. The successful Savings and Credit Union and building cooperatives, cooperatives include Limited (UCSCU) and Non poultry cooperatives, mining Lukyabwa Fishing Cooperative Government Organizations cooperatives, industrial societ and Lujaggwa (NGOs). cooperatives, health Multipurpose Cooperative cooperative, education Society in Kalangala district. Uganda has got various cooperatives, and rural Mukono-Kayunga Teachers’ types of cooperatives namely electrification cooperatives. SACCO, Masaka teachers’ agricultural marketing SACCO, Lwengo SACCO, cooperatives, fishing As of the present there Kyotera Tusimbudde, cooperatives, consumer are 13,179 registered Lukaya SACCO, Masaka cooperatives, savings and cooperatives both permanent Microfinance Cooperative credit cooperatives (SACCOs), and on probation and as per Development Trust, Masaka farm supply cooperatives, 2012 according to Ministry Elders’ SACCO, Lwabenge cooperatives, insurance of Trade, Industry and

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Women sorting coffee in Banyankole Kweterena Coffee Factory.

Amazima Bwebugagga, • Inadequate capitalization • Members don’t save but demand for loans Bagezza SACCO, • Insufficient economic Kyamuhunga peoples, OYO patronization by the • High delinquency levels in SACCO, Kangulumira ACE, members SACCOs Kayunga ACE and Bagezza ACE, Nyakatonzi Cooperative • Lack of access to • Lack of security support Union, Ntungamo Diary Union. reliable markets that pay in relation to guarding As a result of cooperatives, competitive prices SACCO premises. Ugandans have been offered • Inadequate storage, post Government through the employment opportunities harvest handling and agro Ministry of Trade, Industry and mostly women and the youth processing infrastructure cooperatives is committed mainly through SACCOS. Also to tackle the challenges • Massive frauds by poverty among Ugandans through reviewing the current management staff and taking part in cooperatives law to come up with effective committees has reduced through the regulation and supervision establishment of income • High level of dishonesty of SACCOs, up scaling generating activities likes and lack of transparency membership, education for farming and credit saving. on the part of committees members, skills development Cooperatives have the • Lack of cooperative training for committees and potential to transform the member education management staff, provision of startup kits and basic logistical country only if they are • Some level of political founded on a common bond support to SACCOs in need interference from the local and those which are starting led by visionary and honest politicians leadership and with continuous up and lastly provide support regular supervision. However, • Insufficient loanable funds towards security of SACCO this is it still impossible due to handle big demands, premises for the SACCOs that to the following challenges as membership grows have not yet attained a level of facing cooperatives; also the demand for big financial self sufficiency. money increases • Poor leadership and governance generally

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How The Tourism Industry Has Boosted Uganda’s Economic Muscle is focused on Uganda’s landscape and wildlife. It is a major driver By George Ssempa of employment, investment and foreign he growth is captured exchange. The tourism sector, on average, in the government tourism master plan contributes about Shs6.5b to Gross Domestic that seeks to at least Product up from Shs5.6b in 2013/2014. Tsee the same triple in the next five years thus which should Other destinations, including Such efforts, although long- go a long way in helping key wildlife migration corridors, term, could be key ingredients Uganda achieve her middle national parks, and gushing in the growth of the country’s income status. falls and the source of the development, not considering that Uganda has also been a The growth, according to River Nile in Jinja are inducing key destination for high profile Ministry of Tourism, has been features that shall be hard for visits, including the recently a result of an increased tourists to resist. There have concluded papal visit. visitor numbers, which in the been some visible marketing 2014/15 financial year, grew efforts, although they have The tourism sector, according from 1,206,334 to 1,266,046. largely remained sparse and to government, if well Government says the new inconsistent. harnessed, on average has achievements could also be a For instance, government the potential to create 600,000 result of increased expenditure recently published a jobs annually. on tourism marketing across, supplement in the New I also observe that Ngamba even as critics insist less has York Times highlighting the Island Chimp Sanctuary, been done to market Uganda’s country’s tourism and growth among the key destinations, tourism potential. potentials. which can be accessed

Tourists receiving a briefing before setting off to track gorrilas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

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Water Rafting at Bujagali, Jinja through a boat ride on Lake in Uganda include national in neighboring Kenya and Victor after crossing the game parks, game reserves, Tanzania. Uganda’s tourist Equator, is a pristine island traditional sites, natural industry instead promoted its paradise where you meet tropical forests. Traditional tropical forests. The keystone orphaned and rescued occasions like Imbalu in of the new industry became chimps. I am very cognizant eastern Uganda, boat riding, Bwindi Impenetrable National that there could be a new drive waterfalls etc Park. With more than 300 Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi as Uganda seeks to become In the late 1960s, Uganda Impenetrable National Park a middle-income country by was visited by 100,000 has approximately half of the 2040 “a plan incentivized international tourists each world’s population of Mountain further by the Pope’s recent year. Tourism was the country’s Gorillas. landmark visit” will and has fourth largest earner of foreign hiked the number of tourists exchange. The tourist industry In October 2014 the Ugandan coming in Uganda and the ended in the early 1970s government’s Ministry industry is progressing well because of political instability. of Tourism, Wildlife and generating enough revenue By the late 1980s, Uganda’s Antiquities released the 2014- for the country. political climate had stabilized 2024 Tourism Development Today Tourism can be used to and conditions were suitable Master Plan with support from fight . There for reinvestment in Uganda’s the United Nations World are the tourism companies tourist industry. Tourism Organisation and the United Nations Development which employ people However, the loss of charismatic Programme. Among other directly as drivers, guides, wildlife in previously strategies, the Plan divides secretaries, accountants popular parks such the country up into several etc. These companies sell as Murchison Falls National geographical “Tourism products to tourist for example Park and Queen Elizabeth Development Areas. art and crafts, traditional attire. National Park prevented Tourism can also be operated these parks from competing Presently, the Ministry of online by the online based with similar tourist attractions Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage companies. Tourist attractions

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 67 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT and the Uganda Tourism Board be channeled to the world. If Canada), the maintain information along with we sit back and relax, other (UK) and Ireland, and German statistics pertaining to tourism countries advertising will beat speaking areas in Europe, for the country. There has our sector’s revenue yet we namely the Federal Republic been increased investment in are so much gifted by nature. of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. tourism, particularly in travel Finally I would like to thank accommodation and related HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Therefore as Ugandans facilities; this has enhanced for endorsing and launching during this Independence tourists’ experience in the the three Public Relations (PR) celebration, we should all country. and Marketing Firms that are strive at ensuring that that Adventure tourism, set to represent, promote and the number of visitors at the and cultural tourism are seek tourism investment on airport goes up to make more being developed. About behalf of Uganda, particularly revenues. This can be made three-quarters of Uganda’s in North America, the United a reality through instituting a tourists are from other African Kingdom (UK), Ireland and good team to develop our local countries. Kenya, which German speaking markets. domestic tourist potentials borders Uganda, is the PHG Consulting, Kamageo and being hospitable to our biggest source of tourists to and KPRN through product foreign tourists who come in Uganda, making up almost planning, packaging and our various places because half of all arrivals into the promotion, among other Uganda as a country gets country. The number of visitors components. These firms will revenues and the local person from Tanzania, Rwanda, support the Government of through different business the Democratic Republic of Uganda in promoting tourism ventures benefits. the Congo, and Sudan is products and services to the increasing and this has risen country’s key source markets our hope of being Africa’s of North America (USA and number one spot for tourism. The other thing that will increase Uganda’s tourists is the president’s directive to the new Minister for Works and Transport to conclude discussions with investors to help Uganda start a national airline as a matter of urgency and when it all goes well tourist will enjoy the pearl of Africa using our own airlines whereby the country will get tax from the airlines and tax from the tourists. I have a lot of hope in my country and I welcome the various efforts that are currently showing Uganda’s tourism potential on Nat Geo World, one of DStv channels and as a country we need to know that this invisible business of tourism is built on awareness which must Bungee jumping at the Source of the Nile.

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Uganda takes on Planting of trees and Protection of Forests to reduce Green House Gases

By Margret Mwebesa would contribute to mitigation a socially and environmentally of climate change effects. viable national strategy on REDD+ is an acronym for Deforestation and forest reducing emissions from the “Reducing of Emissions degradation are the second deforestation and forest from Deforestation and Forest leading cause of global degradation. The REDD+ Degradation and the role of warming, responsible for programme therefore aims conservation of biodiversity, about 20% per year of global at en¬couraging developing sustainable management of greenhouse gas emissions, countries and their citizens forests and enhancement of which makes the loss and who largely depend on land carbon stocks” in developing depletion of forests a major for their livelihoods to invest countries. Parties to the issue for climate change. in reducing deforestation United Nations Framework and forest degradation as Convention on Climate Change The Goal for Global REDD+ well as low-carbon paths for (UNFCCC) recognized REDD+ Programme is to reduce sustainable development. The as one of the mechanisms that Green House Gases through

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 69 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT programme includes efforts people in 2015 (UBOS, 2014); information on carbon levels of industrialized countries to leading to increased demand in Uganda and measures for cut down industry emissions for agricultural land, fuel wood measuring, reporting and by offering incentives for and charcoal production, verifying carbon emissions de¬veloping countries to construction materials (timber from Uganda. maintain forests that would and poles), and livestock offset or absorb the Green grazing. The REDD+ Programme is implemented in 3 phases: House Gas emissions from Implementation of REDD+ deforestation that contribute Phase 1: Preparation Prepare Programme to climate change. National REDD+ strategy and In July 2008, Uganda capacity-building Uganda REDD+ process expressed interest in joining Phase 2: Implementation The REDD+ Programme is a the UNFCCC REDD+ global Demonstration activities and national undertaking intended agenda as one of the means piloting of REDD+ strategy & morecapacity building to address policy approaches to address deforestation and which promote sustainable forest degradation. The aim is Phase 3: Revenues forest management, to contribute to climate change Incentives for demonstrated emission reductions. These biodiversity conservation mitigation and improvement must be measured,reported and enhancement of carbon of livelihoods, particularly and verified stocks. The programme the indigenous groups that Development of the REDD+ aims at addressing issues ma¬jorly depend on forest Preparation Proposal was of deforestation and forest resources for their wellbeing. completed and approved degradation and eventually The Goal of the REDD+ in June 2012 with support contributes to the mitigation Readiness Preparation from the FCPF/WB and the of climate change impacts. phase (2013-2017) is to have Government of Norway; At district local government Uganda be ready for REDD+ as a roadmap for REDD+ and community levels, implementation by mid-2017 Readiness preparation in REDD+ will support pro- where Uganda will have Uganda. Uganda is currently poor programs and work with completed the design of an implementing the REDD+ local communities including approved REDD+ Strategy for Readiness phase (2013- marginalized groups to ensure the country. The Goal of the 2017) which aims to prepare equitable sharing of multiple REDD+ Readiness Preparation Uganda to be ready for carbon and non-carbon phase (2013-2017) is to entering the Carbon market benefits derived from REDD+ have Uganda be ready for phase. This latter phase program. REDD+ implementation by involves implementation According to the National mid-2017 where Uganda will of REDD+ strategies and Forest Plan (2011), Uganda’s have complet¬ed the design actions that reduce carbon forest estate is estimated at 3.6 of an approved REDD+ emissions from defor¬estation million hectares, equivalent Strategy for the country. The and forest degradation, to 18% of the total land area. REDD+ Strategy for Uganda increase national capacity to Between 1990 and 2010, will be a description of the store carbon in forests/trees, Uganda lost an av-erage of Strategies and options for enhance sustainable forest 88,150 ha or 1.86% per year. reducing carbon emissions management and deliver In total, between 1990 and as well as measures for benefits of forest conservation 2010, Uganda lost 37.1% implementation, ensuring and carbon funds. of its forest cover or around benefits and for avoiding Presently, the Uganda REDD+ 1,763,000 ha. The major driver or managing likely negative Readiness programme is for decline in forest cover is social and environ¬mental funded by the FCPF/World the ever increas¬ing human consequences of REDD+ Bank (US$3,634,000), the population estimated at 34.8 Strategy options. The REDD+ Austrian Development million people in 2014 with Strategy for Uganda will Cooperation (US$ 870,000), a projection of 35.8 million also describe the baseline

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 70 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT the UN-REDD Programme which will be a Roadmap of REDD+ process for (US$ 1,798,670) and the that will augment Uganda’s Uganda. Membership to Government of Uganda REDD+ efforts to address the Steering Committee is (US$ 472,000 (in kind)). This drivers of deforestation and comprised of representatives funding support is intended forest degradation. of key government and non- to have the following outputs REDD+ Programme government institutions with which are a demonstration Coordination Structure significant mandate over that Uganda will be ready for Climate Change issues implementation of REDD+ The Ministry of Water and or significant interest in strategies and actions by mid- and Environment (MWE) issues of Climate Change 2017. coordinates the REDD+ and REDD+. In addition, a Process for Uganda through National Technical Committee In May 2015, Uganda through its Forest Sector Support the Ministry of Water and (NTC) serves as a technical Department (FSSD). The MWE platform for stakeholders’ Environment, expressed is supported by a Steering interest to par¬ticipate in the engagement in the REDD+ Com-mittee (Climate Change process. The REDD+ process Climate Investment Funds Policy Committee (CCPC)) (CIF). Uganda’s application receives active participation which serves as an official from stake¬holders within and was approved with an platform for policy level allo¬cation of a budget of outside government (NGOs, stakeholder participation. Private Sector, Academia, US$ 250,000 to support the The Steering Committee preparation of a detailed Development Partners, and provides policy level community representatives). Forestry Investment Plan guidance and coor¬dination

Tree planting in Karamoja.

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By Angella Ailo Agriculture is the Evolution of backbone of Uganda’s economy and it will be Coffee Production for years to come. As we tend towards the in Uganda Since middle income status as is our goal, agriculture Independence will still place a key role. Even the industries when we move to the middle cash crops and food will be we are aiming for will income status. Middle income needed in bigger quantities depend on agriculture doesn’t mean money will find than now. Industries will need for raw materials. itself in the hands of even those constant reliable supply of raw who aren’t involving themselves materials and people working his is the reason in any activity. in these factories and industries we need to take the will need food. Uganda is endowed with good President’s call for value climate even with the changes For a long time Uganda had addition seriously and its still among the best, fertile depended on coffee as her Tfor us to embrace the model of soils so crops can be grown agricultural export earner 4 acres so that we have both throughout the year with the generating more than $422.4m enough food to eat and crops help of irrigation in dry spells. (Shs1.6trillion) every year now. for cash. Whoever doesn’t do Where we are going whatever This is because the coffee this may not gain much even we are producing in terms of industry is a major driver of

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employment, investment and an important source of income. In 1989 Uganda’s coffee foreign exchange. Coffee is For many of these households production capacity exceeded the main traditional cash crop coffee is the only source of cash its quota of 2.3 million bags, in Uganda and it is the major income. Historically, the sector but export volumes were source of export revenue in has been Uganda’s largest still diminished by economic terms of value. It has contributed generator of export revenues and security problems, and between 18-20 per cent of the whereby when world coffee large amounts of coffee were foreign exchange earnings of prices were high in 1994 and still being smuggled out of Uganda for the last ten years. 1997, the sector earned over Uganda for sale in neighboring Although, the volume of coffee 400 million USD annually. countries. produced in FY 2014/15, decreased from 3.7 million Robusta is the main type When the National Resistance 60kg bags worth 425,407,000 of coffee produced in Movement seized power in 1986, Museveni set high dollars in FY 2013/14 to 3.24 Uganda, which grows priorities on improving coffee million 60kg bags worth well at an altitude of 2,900 410,064,000 dollars, Uganda production, reducing the to 5,000 feet. It’s mainly amount of coffee smuggled upstaged Ethiopia and became found in a 190-mile radius the seventh largest producer of into neighboring countries, and around . coffee globally. diversifying export crops to Uganda’s Robusta reduce Uganda’s dependence Coffee is also Uganda’s core coffee is considered to on world coffee prices. To business and it is estimated be one of the best in the accomplish these goals, in that 500,000 households, world and commands a keeping with the second phase distributed over two-thirds of the considerable premium. of the coffee rehabilitation country depend on coffee as

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 73 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT program, the government raised It is also grown among cattle, poultry, piggery, fish coffee prices paid to producers shade trees that results into farming, growing and in May 1986 and February 1987, sustainable coffee production mushroom growing. However, claiming that the new prices while ensuring a suitable for purposes of focusing for more accurately reflected world environment that requires less the next two financial years, market prices and local factors, use of agro-chemicals. This concentrate on: coffee, fruits such as inflation. also provides an excellent and tea. Later, we can add opportunity for investment in the others. If we get additional The 1987 increase came after organic coffee. Organic coffee funding beyond the Uganda the Coffee Marketing Board is likely to increase Uganda’s shillings 361 billion for NAADS, launched an aggressive export earnings because it then we can look at including program to increase export fetches a premium price on the the other activities,” said the volumes. Parchment Robusta market. President. producer prices rose from USh24 to USh29 per kilogram. Government of Uganda (GOU), In support of the above goal, the Clean Robusta prices rose from through the guidance of His coffee Sub-sector is expected USh44.40 to USh53.70 per Excellency, The President, to plant 300 million coffee kilogram. Prices for parchment has prioritized coffee, tea and seedlings per year for the next Arabica, grown primarily in the citrus fruits as major strategic three years (FY 2016/17 to FY Bugisu district of south-eastern commodity enterprises for 2018/19). This drive is being Uganda, reached USh62.50 a emphasis in the drive to move spearheaded by Uganda kilogram, up from USh50. Then the country to middle income Coffee Development Authority in July 1988, the government status by the year 2020. In this (UCDA) in collaboration with again raised coffee prices from respect, Government desires Operation Wealth Creation USh50 per kilogram to USh111 to accelerate coffee production (OWC), Local Governments per kilogram for Robusta, and from the current 3.5 million 60- (LGs) and the Prime Minister’s from USh62 to USh125 per kg bags to 20 million 60-kg Delivery Unit. kilogram for Arabica. bags by 2020. Different products have been Robusta is the main type of President Museveni, in his made from coffee and some are coffee produced in Uganda, swearing ceremony made well packaged and exported which grows well at an altitude statements that in his fifth term to other countries. Some of of 2,900 to 5,000 feet. It’s mainly it’s “business unusual” and the products include branded found in a 190-mile radius that is why he went ahead to coffee flavors, and many other around Lake Victoria. Uganda’s outline strategic guidelines products that are manufactured Robusta coffee is considered to and directives for 2016-2021 from coffee husks. be one of the best in the world concerning different sectors. Overall, the aim of government and commands a considerable For agriculture he said is to have a sustainable coffee premium. The majority of homesteads should convert industry by increasing the Ugandan coffee is exported to from subsistence farming to annual coffee production from European Union countries. commercial farming and coffee 3.2 million to 10 million, 60 kg growing should be highly The production of Robusta bags by 2018 and 12 million considered. coffee is almost entirely 60Kg bags by 2020. This dependent on about 1.32 “Converting the 68% of the increase is possible because million smallholder farmers homesteads from subsistence Uganda is endowed with with an estimated average farming to commercial very fertile soils, particularly farm size holding of 0.33ha per agriculture- I have already around Lake Victoria and household. Coffee is mainly directed you to concentrate, the Government is ready to grown in mixed farms where for this purpose, on Clonal and provide its coffee farmers with it is intercropped with food Arabica coffee, fruits (oranges, good quality seeds, markets crops such as bananas and pineapples, mangoes, grapes and materials used in coffee beans ensuring household food and apples), zero grazing dairy production. security.

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natural habitats of Uganda in The Economic a manner that accommodates the development needs of the nation and the well being Contribution of of its people and the global community. Uganda’s Tourism Conservation areas play a critical role in Uganda’s Industry economy through provision of ecosystem services. Although the game department in 1996. this is an indirect contribution that is not yet quantified in The wildlife management in economic terms for the national Uganda has been streamlined parks and wildlife reserves, through creation of an effective many of the mountainous institutional framework, the ecosystems like Rwenzori, Mt. revision of the Wildlife Policy Elgon, Bwindi and Mgahinga (1999) to a new one of 2014 are water catchment areas and the Wildlife Act is currently providing water to human under review. populations downstream. Wildlife Management at UWA By Jossy Muhangi For the first time since the is being guided by a five year creation of national parks The NRM government has ably strategic plan (2013-2018) in 1952, policies and laws demonstrated commitment to and ten year’s Protected developed under the NRM nature conservation during the Areas General Management leadership recognise the need last three decades including plans. These frameworks for community involvement in 20 years of Uganda Wildlife emphasise the need to the management of protected Authority, following the merger conserve in perpetuity the areas. Benefit sharing was of Uganda national parks and rich biological diversity and introduced with 20% of the park

The camping site in Ishasha sector that is next to the huge school of Hippos in R. Ishasha.

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A picturesque waterfall in Bwindi Forest, Munyaga Three. entry fees going to communities sharing funds include provision of the best ways to involve neighbouring protected areas of to farmers as seed and spearhead community to finance community projects stock, problem animal control ownership as a means of co- including construction of health interventions, infrastructure management of the protected centres, schools and bore- projects such as construction areas. holes, and maintenance of of school class rooms, teacher’s The resource use policy cuts roads among others. houses, latrines, clinics among across the entire UWA protected others. For Bwindi - Mgahinga areas. Different resources are conservation area, in a bid In Kidepo National Park, collected in different protected to increase benefits to the revenue sharing has been areas depending on the needs communities surrounding the directed to livelihood projects and availability for example, in conservation area, the board like provision of goats, lighting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda Wildlife Authority system in the primary schools (MGNP) a resource access added a $ 5 from each permit of Nalakas and Kawalakol. For program of utilizing the dry to be added to the 20% entry the financial year ending June bamboo was initiated in 2011. fee and this figure has been 2014, Kidepo Valley National Other MoUs were signed increased to $10 effective July Park had accumulated UGX for medicinal plants, while 3 2015 and the communities 190,692,162= on the revenue others were signed for buffalo are appreciative. In Queen sharing account. wall construction in 2012 and Elizabeth National Park, over another for beekeeing in the UWA has instituted a UGX1.6 billion has been shared park in 2011. In Mt. Elgon collaboratiove Resource as revenue sharing funds with National Park, management Management program the neighbouring districts and has signed several MoUs with where communities can has financed interventions various communities allowing access demanded resources aimed at improving livelihoods. them to access bamboo shoots sustainably from the park. locally known as Malewa The community projects UWA considers Collaborative which is a delicacy among implemented with the revenue Resource Management as one the Bamasaba communities

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 76 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT surrounding the park. groups clearly stipulated in to address the challenge was the NRM manifesto. Innovative The Wildlife Act recognises to implement wildlife deterrent approaches to use the Batwa the important role communities measures to reduce this conflict culture as a tourism product and other stakeholders play and ensure food security. was first launched in MGNP in in the overall management of Several measures have been 2010 with a mock exercise. Uganda’s wildlife heritage. In undertaken in different parks to this regard the Act provides for Here the minority group the protect people and crops from six classes of wildlife use rights Batwa guide the tourists on being destroyed by animals to enable Ugandans engage a special trail where the park from the parks. In Mgahinga in wildlife related enterprises. staff only translates to the Gorilla National Park (MGNP), The classes are hunting, tourist. Here the guides and UWA has over the last five farming, ranching, trade, dancers earn a daily income of years completed a 16 km stone teneral extraction and scientific UGX10,000/- per activity that wall along the boundary of the research. UWA has licensed a lasts 2-3 hours and US$ 80 in park from Democratic Republic number of interested firms to all per tourist that goes on this of Congo (DRC) to Rwanda undertake various enterprises trail. Through this arrangement border, in Bwindi Impenetrable and to date the wildlife related with the park the Batwa have National Park (BINP), there enterprises have generated up so far raised UGX 64million is a campaingn encourage to UGX2 bilion and of which which will soon be used to the community to grow tea more than half has accrued purchase land around MGNP. because tea is non-palatable to communities adjacent This program has been rolled to the wildlife so far and that protected areas. out in BINP where the Batwa is the advantage we can take forest experience will soon Community tourism to control crop raiding around be launched and another one development has become BINP. On the other hand tea already has been opened by an area of interest. Currently is a cash crop from which the Batwa Development Program in around BINP, Buhoma local communities will improve Buhoma. community walk, Batwa cultural their livelihood as they earn trail, Nkuringo walking , Human – wildlife conflict is a income from the sale of the tea Batwa forest experience are all key area for UWA to address in the gardens efforts to increase a visitor stay as it contributes negatively Fortunately with the government in and around the protected to conservation of protected efforts to promote tea in the areas. Noteworthy is the focus areas. The manifesto of the south western region, this idea now on the disadvantaged NRM, as one of the activities seems to synchronize well with

The ever graceful Crested Crane. The National Symbol.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 77 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT the program. In connection who can now plant and harvest UWA employs about 2000 with this, Nkuringo buffer zone their crops without elephants Ugandans. National Parks and a strip of 12km by 150m has destroying them. The use of wildlife reserves continue to be been planted with tea from the red chilli and planting of the focal areas for employment of government program. With this thorny hedges have been local communities. In addition kind of belt around BINP, the implemented. the hotel facilities within and wildlife in the Park will not get around protected areas have In Murchison Falls National out to community crops to raid also provided employment. Park the excavation of a trench thus ensuring food security. Just as an illustration, 147 has been completed mainly in local communities who come As one of the intervention the areas of Koch Goma where from the frontline villages have measures, UWA and other elephant raids had become a been employed in the tourism partners have planted 86km serious problem. In addition to facilities around BINP, taking of the ceasalpinia decapitala the trenches, bee hives have home a total sum of at least (Mauritius thorn) along the and use of red chiili have been US$211,609.9 annually. park boundary as a barrier adopted and implemented in against crop raids. Other the areas around the national The tourism sector which was barriers include bee hives, park where crop raiding has prioritized as a primary growth and redpepper. All the above been a serious issue. sector in the 2010/11‐2014/15 methods are being used to National Development Plan In Kidepo National Park, red deter crop raiding and at the (NDP) continues to grow. This is pepper (Chilli) production for same time offer a livelihood reflected in the trends for visitor income generation and problem opportunity like honey arrivals, conference businesses animal control was piloted in production, tea for cash crop, and investments in the tourist Kaabong District in Karenga redpepper grown in large scale accommodation facilities. and Lobalangit sub-county. A is also a source of cash. total of 67 nursery beds were Uganda’s Tourism is nature- In , 57km established in Kakwanga, based with the majority of of a trench has been excavated Loyoro, Lokori and Opotpot. leisure tourists visiting the to deter mostly elephants and This was to plant at least 21 country to enjoy the exceptional bufallos from moving out of acres of chilli in this year 2015. wildlife diversity, a vast array the park to destroy peoples North Eastern Chilli Producers of landscapes of incredible crops. This intervention has Association is ready to provide aesthetic beauty and good benefited over 200,000 people the market for the product. climate.

Zebras and cows grazing alongside each other peacefully in L. Mburo National Park.

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Government encourages tree planting

PROTECTION inston Churchill greatly impacted on the named Uganda environment and the growing OF THE the Pearl of Africa population has also increased W pressure on the land hence because of impressive ENVIRONMENT environment he found in the encroaching on forests and country like the vegetation, water catchment areas for IS KEY TO the forests, the water body settlement. scenery and the weather. Many of Uganda’s natural In Uganda there is a ecosystems have been SUSTAINABLE special relationship undergoing conversion, between the environment degradation in a totally DEVELOPMENT and development have a unplanned and wild manner connection since the majority due to uncontrolled expansion of the population thrives of agricultural land; erosion of directly on agriculture and soils and a decline in soil fertility; other natural resources. Land unregulated encroachment supports agriculture, human and degradation of wetlands; settlements, industrialization encroachment on forest and infrastructure while from reserves; deforestation and forests; people are able to overgrazing on rangelands; get wood for construction, and invasion of weed species charcoal and fuel wood. Many and bush encroachment. communities in Uganda earn Whether meeting sustenance their livelihoods from fishing. needs means clearing Conversely these rainforests or drawing fish from By Hope Abonit development activities have Lake Victoria, the objective for

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 79 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT many Ugandans is the same: give way to agricultural land, have drained wetlands and survival. However if these the soil is exposed to erosion constructed buildings and practices are not curbed, and loses its fertility. industries so as to get more wealth for instance Mukwano Uganda will have very serious Also as one of the environment industries, Lugogo trade show environmental problems in the hazards, wetlands in grounds, Kitante golf club, very near future. Uganda have come under Nakawa industrial area, Owino Most Ugandans are completely considerable pressure and Market area, Luzira-Bugolobi reliant on natural resources to most of them are on the and until recently Munyonyo survive. According to NEMA brink of total degradation recreation grounds were all report (2009), Uganda lost due to the uneven nature wetlands. These wetlands about 6,000 hectares of of activities there. Political have been abused greatly forests every 30 days. The interference,(whereby political and turned into industrial, report indicated that already leaders have connived with recreation and trading areas. 28 districts had lost their private investors has made entire forest ecosystem while NEMA’s work ineffective), Air pollution has also another 19 districts have forest population pressures become one of the biggest cover lower than 1%. and increased economic environmental challenges developments are the driving faced in Uganda, especially According to NEMA statistics, factors for the degradation in urban centers. This is due Forests and woodlands of these wetlands, making a to urbanization that has led to were reduced by two-thirds mockery of the eminent value industrialization in areas like between 1962 and 1977. of wetlands. Nakawa, Namanve, Bugolobi By 1985, 193 square miles to mention but a few. Other of forests were eliminated. In Kampala city, we have causes of pollution in Uganda Between 1983 and 1993, an witnessed how so many are transport especially additional 7.7% of forest and wetlands have been vehicles in bad mechanical woodland were lost. As forests encroached on as the rich conditions, and open waste

Most Forests are destroyed to make charcoal for sale in urban areas.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 80 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT burning. Air pollution has also to protect the environment. This because people have Water bodies that are part of become one of the resorted to cutting down trees environment also have faced biggest environmental so as to get wood for fuel and a challenge of pollution. challenges faced in charcoal. With generation of Sewerage, industrial wastes, Uganda, especially hydro electricity and lowering and agricultural chemicals in urban centers. This the price of electricity, the such as fertilizers and masses will divert from cutting pesticides are the main causes is due to urbanization down trees. of water pollution. In Uganda that has led to the environmental water industrialization in areas The government, under the features which are gravely like Nakawa, Namanve, Farm Income Enhancement affected are the lakes for Bugolobi to mention but and Forestry Conservation example Lake Victoria where a few. Project undertook tree- various industries dispose off planting activities, among their wastes. other project activities, in taken action and formulated selected districts to enhance In 1996, water hyacinth policies and policy regimes a forestation and also boost growth created a serious to regulate land use and household incomes. It went environmental and economic impacts on the environment. ahead to Supply seed and problem on Lake Victoria. By For example, the Sector seedlings and total number some estimates, the hyacinths Wide Approach to Planning of 72,442,172 high quality covered 6,000 ha (14,820 for Water and Sanitation tree and fruit seedlings acres) of water, still less than Sector (2002), the National were planted. Out of these, 0.1% of the lake. When the Wetlands Policies (1995), 20,000,000 were distributed to masses of hyacinths drift into the Environmental Impact the community while the rest Uganda’s ports and coves, Assessment Resolutions planted by National Forest they impair the local fishing, (1998) and the National Authority (NFA). trap small boats in ports, and Environment Management keep fish under the plants. The Policy (MLWE 1994) among A total of 4,502.9 hectares of weed invasion has also been others. degraded wetland sections known to affect cargo boat have been restored in and ferry transportation by The National Environmental Kampala and other districts fouling engines and propellers Management Statute was for instance, Kasese, Sheema, and making docking difficult. also enacted, establishing Amuria, Mbarara, Mubende, the National Environmental Hoima, Bukedea, Isingiro, Environmental protection Management Authority Rakai Kaliro and Rukungiri. is a practice of protecting (NEMA) as well as providing The restoration is aimed at the natural environment on for a broad range of issues securing and maintaining individual, organizational pertaining to the functions their hydrological, ecological or governmental levels, of NEMA and measures for and biodiversity integrity. This for the benefit of both the environmental protection is contributing to increased environment and humans. including water resource catchment water discharge Due to the pressures of over management. volume and thus enhancing consumption, population and sustenance of hydroelectric technology, the environment is One of the measures carried power, water for production, being degraded, sometimes out was the demolition of agriculture production, tourism permanently. This has been structures in Nakivubo channel development and construction recognized, and government and in Bugolobi which drain potentials. begun placing restraints all the waste in Kampala city. on activities that cause The government is also Also local institutions and environmental degradation. ensuring to generate more communities within Lake Victoria and the Nile catchment The Ugandan government has hydro power hence electricity and making it cheap so as areas have been supported

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 81 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT to plant 882 acres of trees in Management Authority. These Planting Act (2003) with the Bugiri, Kamuli, Mayuge, Jinja, bodies have gone ahead to objective of strengthening Kayunga, Mukono, Wakiso, sensitize the public about forest conservation and tree- Mpigi, Masaka Rakai and conservation of both the flora planting initiatives. Isingiro districts and the fauna and encouraged Uganda’s 2040 vision is to The government has reforestation. transform the country into an increased the access to safe The government under the industrialized middle income water from crisis levels in most tourism body has beefed up nation and in order to achieve parts of the country to 65% in security in the national parks this target the government rural and 72% in urban areas. both for the tourists and wildlife is actively following a This has been achieved as a result of collaboration sustainable development through investment in various among the UPDF, a 1,500 pathway and conserving and technologies in rural areas strong ranger force and the protecting the environment and provision of piped water Tourism Police force of 152. is one of them. In essence systems in various urban Uganda Wildlife Authority has therefore though Uganda’s centers. Sanitation levels such also created an intelligence population which is one of the as pit latrine coverage have unit manned by 80 persons to factors affecting environment also improved to a national fight poaching. keeps increasing, the NRM average of 74%. The focus government is at the threshold The government recognizes on access to safe water and to sensitize and mobilize the the environment as a critical sanitation will continue with people to plant trees and component of development. the aim of increasing piped in addition, it will support Therefore, the government water coverage in both urban those who want to invest aims at increasing the and rural areas. in tree-planting on a large country’s forest cover from scale and also ensure that all Massive education and local 10% to 15% by 2021 and Ugandans have a high quality campaigning to the people among others, prioritize the life in a clean and healthy has been carried out by the review of the Forest and Tree National Forest Authority and environment. also National Environmental

President Museveni watering a tree in the Go-Green campaign.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 82 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Uganda’s Rich Cultural Tourism provide employment. of their rudimentary cultural Cultural heritage is an important practices of nomadism and aspect of our identity as it cattle rustling. Their way of represents our history, evolution dressing is strange to many and aspirations. In Uganda, even in Uganda, who think a beautiful collage of cultural that everyone should dress diversity can be found across like a ‘white man’ to be called the 65 ethnic groups that present decent or civilized. Because of unique cultures reflected in the weather most Karamajongs diverse traditional institutions, only threw a kanga over their languages, indigenous shoulders although these days knowledge and skills. The this can only be found in rural creative and performing arts, areas practiced by old men. They have embraced the By Mariam Namyalo crafts, dress and food, with the country’s natural, cultural, culture of wearing trousers and ourism is one Uganda’s historical landscapes and dresses. Old men used to move growing economic archaeological sites present with a walking stick and a small activities and it majorly yet another dimension to our traditional stool. focuses on landscape, cultural heritage. The different The women and girls wear very Twildlife and cultural heritage. ethnic groups include the short multicolored wrappers or Uganda is gifted with a rich Bantu, Nilotics, Nilo Hamites skirts made out of the traditional historical, natural and cultural and the Hamites. kangas and complete that with heritage which includes colored vests and adorn their the historical monuments One of the tribes with the long necks with heavy beads. and natural sites as well as richest cultures in Uganda They have white teeth and most knowledge, skills and values. is the Karimajongs. They are of them knockout the front teeth Some of these elements herdsmen from north eastern to create a beauty gap. They have gained international Uganda and belong to the wear sandals made our of car recognition and if properly Nilotics ethnic group. Karamoja tyres for shoes. They are the harnessed, can potentially is a region of cultural authenticity only tribe in Uganda that will improve the socio-economic and uncut adventure. wear their traditional regalia situation of Ugandans and Karamajongs have sometimes and go about their daily lives build national identity and been called backward because freely. Karimajongs are a true

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 83 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

The Bakisimba Cultural Dance from Buganda definition of black beauty. The official opening of the held into a tourism center hence The other tribe with a unique circumcision season takes promoting and protecting practice is the Bamasaaba or place at Mutoto Cultural the nation’s cultural heritage. Bagisu people from the ethnic ground believed to be the Recently, the Uganda Tourism group inhabiting Eastern place where circumcision was Board (UTB) disclosed that Uganda. They are closely first conducted. This ritual has circumcision has been elevated related to the Bukusu and been cherished for over 200 into carnival land through Rich Luhya of Western Kenya. They years for its unique, marketable Cultural Heritage because of are mainly agricultural people and developmental to this the sudden swell of both local known for growing , site. Through a partnership and foreign tourists. bananas and sorghum on with Uganda Tourism Board, In Buganda the main tourism small-held plots. Bamasaba Cultural Institution features are the tombs where have a plan to upgrading The Bamasaaba are famous their traditional leaders were Mutoto Cultural site where buried and the coronation for their traditional male biennial circumcision rituals are circumcision ceremonies, held grounds. The tombs of the every even year. This three- day ceremony of dancing and feasting takes months of preparations and consultations. The cultural circumcision candidates are admitted into adulthood and expected to begin their formal contribution to the growth of their respective communities. Traditionally, after boys have been circumcised they are regarded as men and are expected to marry and leave their parents homes. However this is different now since boys spend more time in school. Luwombo: The traditional dish from Buganda.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 84 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT deceased Buganda kings culture. Not forgetting the increased its budget from include the , traditional dishes, luwombo and sh1.4bn in 2011 to sh11.6bn Namasole Tombs, Wamala the elegant busuti known as in 2015 so that it can promote king’s tombs and the Famous for the ladies and white and market the tourism sector Naggalabi Coronation Site tunic or for men. in foreign countries like USA, where the Kings of Buganda Germany, and many Every tribe in Uganda has have been crowned for the last other countries, the government unique practices and one 700 years. has continuously supported cannot run short of what to see cultural heritage initiatives like Although a fire touched Kasubi or learn if they visited. It is this the Buganda Tourism Expo and Tombs, the government of diversity in culture that makes other initiatives from different Uganda in partnership with the Uganda a unique destination. tribes like Toro, Ankole, Busoga United Nations Educational, What cuts across tribes is and Kigezi clusters. We can’t Scientific and Cultural the hospitality. Ugandans down play the peace we enjoy Organization (UNESCO) and are warm people and will be in this country, continuous the Buganda Tourism Board willing to help whoever needs improvement of the road (BTB) have worked hand in help without asking a lot of network and particularly hand to rebuild the destroyed questions. As Ugandans we roads leading to tourism sites, structure. Kasubi Tombs in ought to document our culture promoting hotel business and one of the tourism sites to visit and history for the generations several partnerships with the around Kampala. to come. We ought to preserve private sector to improve the our cultural sites and improve The love for their Kabaka tourism sector. It also a role of them for tourism purposes. makes Buganda unique in every Ugandan to tell promote terms of culture. It’s the biggest In order to enhance tourism their country, tell the true story kingdom in Uganda. The the government of Uganda of Uganda, protect progressive interesting traditional dances has restructured the Uganda cultural practices and be like bakisimba, mawogola and Tourism Board through patriotic in whatever we do. magunju enrich Buganda’s

Imbalu: A Traditional Rite of Passage among the Bagisu in Eastern Uganda.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 85 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT The Role of ICT in Service Delivery and Job Creation

in Government, or political possibility to make a profile, forums and chat rooms filled link to the profile of others with strangers and anonymous and easily share messages, individuals. photos and videos. +, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube Social media on the other and LinkedIn are well known hand, as ICT surrounds the platforms to do this. Social user with a network of friends media brings together a that are, more often than not, diversity network of people known to the user in a real By Arthur Musinguzi who can be easily reached world context. This creates an with one message on top entirely different online social of providing immediate nformation and dynamic. The rapid changes feedback. Communication Technology in the cyber world information (ICT) provides a more resources available through Traditionally, Government has intimate network from which computer networks and been focusing on only press Ito participate politically than the internet is causing conferences consisting mainly primitive internet attempts changes in traditional ways reporters from newspapers, could offer, take a look at social of communicating. Today, radio and television which media for instance. Social government uses social media is traditional media to media includes Facebook, to enhance service delivery. communicate government programs. Advertising, direct Twitter, and Whatsapp among Ugandan citizens have it that, marketing, personal selling, others. The traditional internet social media offer a number of sales promotion and Public forms of political participation new functionalities in addition Relations were also used. were primarily one-way to existing communication communications, such as channels. Examples of Today, Internet Live statistics an email to an individual these functionalities are the show that in 2016, Internet

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 86 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT users have grown to 7,645,197 greater account of initiatives in making process. Public shares of Uganda Population the community. It means local involvement done through 19% (penetration) and the authorities playing a more ICT’s social media ensures total Population 40,322,768. supportive role, for instance by that citizens have a direct The share of world internet providing facilities or making voice in public decisions. users 0.2% with internet users them available. Citizens are free to interact in the world being 3, 440, 549, Active citizens don’t want with Government agencies or 953 and over. the Government to provide their representative around ICT, specifically social standard solutions for the world to enhance service media allows politicians to everything; they prefer a delivery as they engage on communicate faster and reach tailor-made approach and social media. For instance, citizens in a more targeted authorities that think along the town government in Jun, manner and vice versa, with them. So citizens and Spain has famously ditched without the intermediate role Government devise new ways its traditional approach to of mass media. Reactions, of relating with each other and municipal customer service feedback, conversations working together, voluntarily and replaced it with Twitter and debates are generated in what is often called a interactions. online as well as support and ‘do-curacy’. This facilitates ICT’s aim was to change participation for offline service Government in being keen to the procedure in Uganda of delivery events. promote and support this form handling service delivery. We The relationship between of democratic collaboration have already seen Government government and citizens thus removing complex officials like the Prime Minister is changing, with citizens procedures sometimes Rt.Hon Ruhakana Rugunda participating more in decision contending with obtaining and Hon Frank Tumweze making by giving feedback funding for service delivery and many others answering on specific programs which activities. questions from the public on is good for any Government. Service delivery is a process social media especially twitter. Social media and other which provides private Social media is a strategy ICTs describe Government individuals an opportunity to that has been adopted participation as situation influence public decisions and by Government agencies where local residents become has long been a component to communicate with the more involved in public life, the of the democratic decision- citizens. For instance the role it needs to adapt and take Social media on the other hand, as ICT surrounds the user with a network of friends that are, more often than not, known to the user in a real world context.

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 87 UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE | OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT Mobile Money Service ongoing insecurity has created jobs for many in South Sudan Ugandans. was addressed by between government and the Minister of citizens to enhance service delivery. Responses to citizen’s complaints while live-tweeting can influence government- constituent interactions. I have enthusiasm for the potential of ICT to positively Government transform service can be posted, delivery in turn tweeted and this leads to Trade, Industry and published there. management Cooperatives, Amelia of reputation Kyambadde saying that In addition to that social of Uganda Ugandan citizens in South media interactions have internationally. Sudan can call for assistance been organized by Uganda National Roads Authority; This ICT facility helps or evacuation. This was to keep the local community save the lives of Ugandans Executive Director with citizens so that they forward updated on happenings, and as part of government emergencies and events social media put out this their complaints through these channels and to ensure that in regard to services and information and citizens programs of the Government replied, commented, the best is delivered to them. The hashtag #AskUNRA, for thus increasing service retweeted, shared on our delivery transparency and social media platforms like instance was used and people participated actively making it accountability to the public Twitter, Facebook, Google+ through regular reports on our and the blogs. the top trend on Twitter that very day, with over 1.2 million social media sites forwarded There was also recently a call impressions. These included by the Government. by the Minister of Defense likes, retweets, replies, It also helps in understanding to all citizens with fire arms quoting the tweets, citizens of how citizens use social media to register them, this was to Ugandans asking questions and monitor what citizens they reduce the increasing killings that were replied to by the are saying about the services and robbery with guns. All UNRA ED, Allen Kagina. provided by Government this was posted, tweeted on Two important conferences for instance in hospitals and Government social media others. platforms as a result of this took place on the same day social media strategy. In earlier in June on the subject In sum, these activities efforts to bring services closer of social media in government are done through people to the people the inclusion one led by leading especially the citizens of the of social media platforms practitioners, the other by Republic of Uganda thus like Facebook, Twitter and academicians. Observers of automatically creating jobs. the blog has been put into each would have come away This will help this nation so consideration say press with drastically different ideas much in achieving a middle statement from Ministers, about social media’s potential income status and vision 2040. Speaker of Parliament or to improve the relationship

PROTECTION OF OUR INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PROMOTION OF PATRIOTISM, UNITY, AND HARD WORK. 88 EAC ANTHEM CONTENTS Verse 1 Ee Mungu twaomba ulinde Foreward 1 Jumuiya Afrika Mashariki Tuwezeshe kuishi kwa amani Editors Note 3 Tutimize na malengo yetu IGAD Summit in Somalia 4 Promoting Patriotism, National Unity and Hard Work 9 Chorus Jumiya Yetu sote tuilende The 23 Directives 13 Tuwajibike tuimarike Kisanja Hakuna Mchezo 14 Umoja wetu ni nguzo yetu Idumu Jumuiya yetu. Uganda Cranes Oyee 17 Branding 20 Verse 2 Uganda’s Contribution in Africa 23 Uzalendo pia mshikamano Viwe msingi wa Umoja wetu Evolution of Uganda’s Economy 26 Natulinde Uhuru na Amani Evolvement of Transport in Uganda 29 Mila zetu Na desturi zetu. Modern Abattoir 32 Verse 3 Ministry of ICT and National Guidance 34 Viwandani na hata mashambani Strides in Health Sector 37 Tufanye kazi sote kwa makini Energy Sector 40 Tujitoe kwa hali na mali Tuijenge Jumuiya bora Bee Farming in Busoga 43 Religious Criminality 46 Operation Fika Salama 48 UGANDA NATIONAL ANTHEM Cocoa Farming in Uganda 50 1. Oh Uganda! May God uphold thee, Patriotism and Uganda’s Independence 52 We lay our future in thy hand. Corruption Delays Development 53 United, free, The Revival of the Agriculture Sector 56 For liberty Middle Income Status Achievable 59 Together we’ll always stand.

The Journey of Cooperatives 62 2. Oh Uganda! The land of freedom. Tourism Contribution to the Economy 66 Our love and labour we give, REDD+ 69 And with neighbours all At our country’s call Evolution of Coffee Production in Uganda 72 In peace and friendship we’ll live. Uganda Wildlife Authority 75 Protection of Environment and Development 79 3. Oh Uganda! The land that feeds us By sun and fertile soil grown. Uganda’s Rich Cultural Tourism 83 For our own dear land, ICT and Service Delivery 86 We’ll always stand: The Pearl of Africa’s Crown. UGANDA MEDIA CENTRE Ministry of ICT and National Guidance

Thank You Uganda Cranes You unified the Nation!

INDEPENDENCE DAY 9TH OCTOBER 2016