News Articles | MINISTRY OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

13 August 2024

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES UGANDANS TO UTILISE LOCAL COUNCIL SYSTEMS TO DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM LEADERS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has strongly reiterated his call to Ugandans to utilise Local Council (LC) systems for effective service delivery. According to the President, through proper usage of the systems, citizens are able to demand accountability from their leaders as far as government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga are concerned. “NRM has empowered Ugandans with the strength to catch thieves, but you are not utilising the system. We included LCI, LCII, LCIII and LC 5 to the administration to create a layer that would check on the misappropriation of funds and the stealing of drugs from hospitals. Use the LC system to demand accountability on government programs in your area,” he advised. President Museveni made the call yesterday during the thanksgiving ceremony of Hon. John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in-charge of Regional Cooperation. The well attended ceremony was held at Nakhoola Primary School in Busia district. The President also urged all leaders at all levels to support the NRM government in the implementation of the Universal Primary and Secondary Education programs. “NRM wants all children to go to school without any sabotage. Chairman LC 5, LC3 and LC1 must implement this program,” he stressed. President Museveni pointed out that UPE was introduced in 1997 and the government constructed classrooms, pays teachers, sends capitation grants but the school committees and Head teachers still charge fees and because of that children drop out of school. “This one I don't support. If the money sent is not enough we shall increase,” he said. He also encouraged the people of Busia district to deeply get involved in modern commercial agriculture for both food and financial security. He further called on leaders to advise citizens on wealth creation. “You must get involved in wealth creation. I see most of you here are adults, very few children. there's no miracle for wealth creation you must work,” he stressed. The President also advised the youth who don't have land to take advantage of other initiatives like Emyooga to support their enterprises. “I know the youth might say land belongs to our parents so my pressure is on the parents, use your land for the prosperity of your family and the youth can use other channels like that of Emyooga for enterprises that don't need much land,” he urged. “You, the leaders, help the youth to access Emyooga funds and also get spaces where they can work from. You should be serious not just talking. Those who have worked have succeeded.” The Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo acknowledged the importance of good neighbourliness as delegations from neighbouring countries also attended the function. She said this sends a strong message of Pan-Africanism and oneness of African people. The host, Hon. Mulimba thanked God for the blessings bestowed upon his life. “He has provided me with more than ever I could imagine. Lord, you have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends. God blesses me everyday with His kind words and actions. Thank you for keeping me safe,” Hon. Mulimba said. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to President Museveni for the trust bestowed upon him following his appointment as a minister in his government. “Mzee, I don't take my appointment as a Minister of State for Foreign Affairs for granted nor do I take your acceptance to grace this occasion of thanksgiving for granted. Out of a population of 45 million people in Uganda, only 81 people are appointed to cabinet. My sincere gratitude for the opportunity and confidence you bestowed to me to serve our motherland Uganda.” Hon. Mulimba also pledged to serve with dignity and the best of his ability. He used the same occasion to announce the crossover of 1,400 former supporters of opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) to NRM. The colourful ceremony was also attended by among others cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the diplomatic corps as well as religious and cultural leaders.

11 August 2024

“PROMOTION IS A STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AND HARD WORK,” SAYS BRIG. GEN. NYAKIKURU

The Deputy Commander of Special Force Command (SFC), Brig Gen. Asaph Nyakikuru has advised the newly promoted army officers to double their commitment and efforts towards service because the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) expects a lot from them. “Promotion is the advancement from the current rank to the next higher rank, it's a significant achievement in a service member's career. Promotion is a statement of commitment, hard work, mastery of duty and skills in leadership,” he said. Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru who is also the Commander of Special Force Group 2 (2SFG), made the remarks on 9th August 2024 at 10 Marine Battalion Headquarters in Entebbe while presiding over the pipping and decoration ceremony of the newly promoted army officers. He appealed to the officers who have not been promoted to wait upon the timing of God, for it is always the right time. He said in biblical terms, the bible portrays promotion as a divine favour and a reward from God. “God promotes when his timing is right, not our own (human) timing.” Furthermore, Brig. Gen. Nyakikuru informed the promoted officers that they have a huge responsibility ahead of them and they should ensure that they are up to the task as they fulfil their mandate. “Your subordinates will be looking at you as a fountain of wisdom, you'll be required to have solutions to their problems and always encourage them to take initiatives and act with responsibility,” he urged, before congratulating the promoted officers upon achieving the milestone. The Commander of Special Force Group 3 (3SFG), Col. Wilson Bagonza thanked the President and Commander-In-Chief of the UPDF for his visionary stewardship that has transformed the army from a ragtag to now a formidable force that is now exporting peace and is admired regionally. “It is the reason we are holding such functions today because it wouldn't have been possible if there was instability.” Col. Bagonza also extended his gratitude to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for revolutionising army training. “He energised it by adding special training to us that ushered in the commando unit to SFC.” He also thanked the Commander of SFC, Maj Gen. David Mugisha for his continuous support to training. The Director- Human Resource Management- SFC, Col. John Mango Baraza presented a total of 104 officers from the Special Force Command who were recently promoted by the President of the Republic of Uganda, and the Commander-In-Chief of the UPDF for pipping and decoration. Among the 104 SFC officers promoted, 01 Acting Colonel was confirmed to Colonel, 01 Lt Col was promoted to Colonel and 01 Lieutenant Colonel was confirmed, 02 Majors were elevated to Lieutenant Colonel, 09 Captains were promoted to Major, 07 Lieutenants were promoted to Captain and in addition, the probation period for 83 Second Lieutenants was terminated and were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Lt Col. Elisabeth Agaba thanked the Commander In Chief for giving them the opportunity to serve in the UPDF. She said they may not be the best from the communities but they have been given the platform to perform their duties. Lt Col. Agaba also extended her gratitude to both the CDF and the CSFC for their continued guidance. She appealed to the newly promoted officers to remain disciplined, loyal but above all be patriotic. The function was attended by Group Commanders, Brigade Commanders, Directors, Commanding Officers, Commandants, Members of Staff and Command of SFC, Senior and Junior officers including the spouses of the newly promoted officers.

28 July 2024

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS RT. HON. TAYEBWA’S FAMILY, LAUDS MZEE BANGIRANA FOR BEING HARDWORKING

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met the family of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa in Nyamiyaga, Bitereko, Ruhinda-Mitooma District. This was during a thanksgiving ceremony for Mzee Daudi Bangirana, the father of Rt. Hon. Tayebwa who was celebrating 80 years of life and 48 years in marriage. In a meeting with the family, President Museveni commended Mzee Bangirana for being hardworking and for educating his children who became responsible citizens in the country. The President further gifted Mzee Bangirana with 5 Friesian cows. After the meeting, President Museveni proceeded to a rally at Rwakitandara Playground where he addressed the residents of Mitooma. The President cautioned the residents against the politics of identity based on religion and tribe, saying it undermines prosperity of Ugandans. He revealed that when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government came into power in 1986, it advocated for politics of interest that focuses mainly on solving the problems of the citizens. “We started with immunisation for all, then we resorted to free education for all through Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE/USE). We also dealt with security,” he said. He however warned head teachers who charge fees in government owned schools, explaining that the charges make children of the poor drop out of school. President Museveni also noted that the government is also working towards ensuring that all Ugandans become prosperous by joining the money economy. He implored the people of Mitooma to embrace the four-acre model type of farming to improve their livelihoods. “On one acre, grow coffee, on the second grow fruits, then the third one do zero grazing, and on the fourth acre grow food crops. At the back, do poultry and piggery for those who are not Muslims. If you are near the swamps, do fish farming,” he said. He also urged them to adopt modern methods of farming like irrigation to increase productivity. The President also cautioned the people of Mitooma to avoid land fragmentation by allocating shares to family members in percentages such that they can later share profits to save the land holding that is averagely at one and a half acres per family. Furthermore, President Museveni reiterated his strong fight against corruption. “Accounting officers, you should be very strict, don't let anyone mislead you, if anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible.” Earlier, a new church- St. Karoli Lwanga in Kigarama Catholic Parish Bitereko, was commissioned. The church was constructed by Rt. Hon. Tayebwa, in a distinguished honour of his late grandmother Julita Kaijarubi Tiruhongyerwa. The Rt Hon. Deputy Speaker of Parliament praised his late grandmother, Julita Kaijarubi who took care of him from the age of six years, showering him with love and care. “It was so authentic, it's hard to put it in words,” he said. Rt. Hon. Tayebwa further narrated how his highly spiritual grandmother groomed him well to live for God from a young age. “The Holistic makeup of spirituality, hard-work and education are the life-important disciplines she instilled in me that have shaped me into the man that I am today.” The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Anita Among, Former Prime Ministers, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda and Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, business people, among others.

24 July 2024

COL. NAKALEMA MEETS YOUTH LEADERSHIP OVER CORRUPTION FIGHT

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU) Col. Edith Nakalema has today held a fruitful meeting with youth leaders. During the meeting that was held at the unit's offices in Kampala, Col. Nakalema and the youth leaders discussed how they can fight corruption in the country through the right procedures. The National Youth Council of Uganda Chairperson, Mr. Jacob Eyeru thanked Col. Nakalema for her strong fight against corruption. He also requested her to engage the President on the issue of the youths who were arrested on 23rd July, 2024 as they tried to march to Parliament in protest against corruption. “As the Chief fighter of corruption, we request you to talk to the President to pardon them. The President has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, even arresting some of his own,” Mr. Eyeru noted. He also pledged their willingness to work with President Yoweri Museveni and the government to deal with corruption in the right way. “We request for a platform where the President can engage the youths in the fight against corruption. We also agree with the narrative that yes to the fight against corruption and no to disruption of public peace.” On her part, Col. Nakalema informed the youth leaders that she appreciates the fact that everyone is disgusted by the rampant corruption in the country and it's a responsibility of every Ugandan to fight it but in a right way. “We should fight corruption but do it in a right way and don't disrupt other people who are going about their businesses,” she cautioned. “I want you, the young people, to lead the fight against corruption. You still have this country in your hands and we are here to ensure how you can organise our country better,” she urged. Col. Nakalema further assured the youth leaders that the arrested protesters will be set free. “They will definitely come out of prison, but they should know that they should follow the law. They should listen to the guidance of the leaders. We want you to follow the right procedures,” she asserted. “We are standing on our mandate of protecting the lives and property of Ugandans as well as preserving the peace we have in the country. That is why they were arrested but they will come out. We want them to express their views in a very organised manner,” she added. Col. Nakalema also rallied the youth to continue fighting corruption in the country but starting from where they are. “The fight against corruption is still on, it has not stopped. I request you to sit with your district youth leaders, agree on what you want the President to know. I will forward the concerns to him so that he can find ways of engaging you.” Col. Nakalema also requested the youth leaders to be Ambassadors in informing the public that the government is eliminating corruption by leveraging technology. She said the President has put up a number of measures to fight corruption such as the Electronic Investors Protection Portal that protects investors from falling into hands of wrong elements who ask for bribes and delay investments in the country. Mr. Gerald Baganzi, an official from Youth Advocacy Foundation-Uganda told Col. Nakalema that they advocate for good governance through the fight of corruption. “We are more of a watchdog agency that watches over institutions that deliver services to Ugandans.” Mr. Abbas Luyombo, a lawyer and Lecturer at Makerere University said the government should listen to the cries of the youths who are protesting against corruption and come up with end goals that have tangible results. “We should find a middle ground to allow the people to express their anger without hurting anyone. The government should engage the youth and take action so that they feel that their voices are being heard,” Mr. Luyombo said. Mr. Obbo Johnson Emmanuel also requested Col. Nakalema to help them meet the President to air out their views regarding the fight against corruption. “We are requesting that you schedule a day that we meet the President, and we dialogue on issues affecting the youths,” he said. On the other hand, Mr. Mike wadada, an official from the Youth challenge for Change informed Col. Nakalema that they are a policy advocacy firm that aims at helping the youth to get involved in the money economy and benefit from government poverty alleviation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM). “We ensure that there's proper allocation of PDM funds and that the youths benefit from the program. We work with focal people in the districts to create awareness among the youth regarding the PDM project,” he said. “We also sensitise the youths to get involved in lucrative enterprises like commercial agriculture.”

12 July 2024

“IRRESPONSIBLE MEDIA COVERAGE IS DANGEROUS TO THE COUNTRY,” SAYS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed concern over the impact of irresponsible media coverage on Uganda's development and reputation. The President made the remarks while meeting a group of government communicators at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi on July 11, 2024. The group was led by Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID). The President condemned some media houses for distorting facts and creating harmful narratives, highlighting an incident in 1989 to illustrate his point. At that time, he was working to commercialise milk production in the cattle corridor. He noted that the move aimed to integrate traditional pastoralists into the money economy by promoting milk production. “From 1989, we started acquiring Friesian cows and quickly produced a lot of milk. However, because the volumes were large, prices dropped. We needed to broaden milk products beyond liquid milk, so I sought investors to produce powdered milk, cheese, butter, and other products,” President Museveni said. He recalled leasing the government-owned Uganda Dairy Corporation factory to an investor from Thailand to boost milk processing. However, a journalist’s misleading headline—”Uganda Sells Uganda Dairy Corporation for $1”—caused public outcry and discouraged the investor from proceeding. “This man stopped investing after seeing the negative stories. It took me another four years to secure another investor from India,” he recounted. President Museveni also stressed that such irresponsible journalism can have long-term detrimental effects on the economy. “This irresponsibility is very dangerous. I fully support forming a committee to address this issue,” he stated. Mr. Rwabwogo, speaking about media-related challenges, said that over the past 18 months, efforts had been made to improve Uganda's international image through various media engagements. Despite these efforts, local media often undermine the positive image being built. “Only 12% of the citizens are positive about the government and 78% of online messages are negative perceptions about Uganda, this is bad. For example, there was a headline in the last few months saying, “Uganda Supplies Condoms Instead of Sanitary Pads”. This totally harms our image,” Mr. Rwabwogo explained. He called for the implementation of directives to centralise government communications, ensuring that actions in one sector do not negatively affect the overall market and reputation. He proposed robust daily research, immediate responses to negative news, and sensitising public sector officials on the damage caused by irresponsible reporting. “We need to coach cabinet members in international communication practices and extend this training to local governments. We are not against reporting issues, but it’s crucial how and where they are reported. Publishing everything inside our 'kitchen' can be dangerous,” Mr. Rwabwogo noted. The meeting concluded with an agreement to have monthly discussions in the cabinet about Uganda's global perception and strategies to improve it. “We are looking for a unified communication strategy to protect and promote our country. Investors get tired and move away if we don’t act quickly,” Mr. Rwabwogo added. President Museveni and the meeting participants emphasised the need for order and discipline in media reporting to safeguard Uganda’s economic progress and democratic values. The meeting was also attended by Col. Edith Nakalema, the head of the State House Investors Protection Unit; Ms. Marcella Karekye, the Special Presidential Assistant in charge of Communications and Director of the Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC); Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke, the Public Relations Officer of the Uganda Police Force; Mr. Ofwono Opondo, the Executive Director of Uganda Media Centre; Mr. Sandor Walusimbi, the Senior Press Secretary to H.E the President; Mr. Amos Wekesa, the proprietor of Great Lakes Safaris (Tourism); Mr. Emmanuel Ainebyoona, a senior Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health, among others.

20 June 2024

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI FULFILS PLEDGE OF 20 NEW MOTORCYCLES TO BODA BODA ASSOCIATIONS IN NKUMBA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today fulfilled his pledge of 20 new motorcycles to Boda-boda Associations in Nkumba Parish, Wakiso District. The motorcycles were delivered by the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye in a colourful ceremony held in Bendebere Village, Nkumba. The beneficiaries included Nkumba Bufulu NRM Mobilizers Boda-boda Association (10 motorcycles) and Quarter Guard NRM Mobilizers Boda-boda Association (10 motorcycles). In her remarks, Ms. Barekye advised beneficiaries to use the motorcycles for the intended purpose of improving their household incomes and developing their associations. She thanked the association members for loving their country, especially President Yoweri Museveni. The State House Comptroller further pledged that the President will support the women groups in the area that are engaged in productive enterprises like poultry farming, dairy farming, piggery and mushroom growing to boost their production that will in turn improve their household incomes. Maj. Emmanuel Kuteesa, the in-charge of Special Duties at State House, appreciated the gesture by President Museveni to support the youths in fighting poverty. The LC 1 Chairperson- Bendebere Village, Mr. John Muhire who is also the patron of the two associations commended President Museveni for empowering the youths. “These youths had nothing, but now with the empowerment by President Museveni they have been saved from loans, they will be able to save money and also help other members of the associations,” he said. Mrs. Jennifer Nakayondo who is also a patron of the two associations commended President Museveni for the support. She praised the cordial and friendly relations existing between civilians and soldiers of the Training School in Kasenyi. “President Museveni, thank you very much. For us here we are living in harmony with the soldiers. Nobody is being harassed. This is truly a well-disciplined and pro-people's army,” she noted. The Chairpersons of Nkumba Bufulu NRM Mobilizers Boda-boda Association and Quarter Guard NRM Mobilizers Boda-boda Association, Mr. Mwanika Fred and Mr. Gombe Kiyaga respectively, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to President Museveni for the gift of the new motorcycles and pledged to use them to transform their lives and that of their families as well as that of members of their associations. The ceremony was attended by the Commandant of the Training School- Sera Kasenyi, Lt. Col. Frank Murema.

07 June 2024

MINISTER MUTUUZO PRAISES PRESIDENT MUSEVENI’S PISGBC PROJECT

The Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Dr. Peace Mutuuzo has described the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) project as ‘a fabulous’ initiative by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that must be embraced by all Ugandans. Hon. Mutuuzo made the remarks yesterday as the Guest of Honour during the showcasing event of products made by students of Wandegeya Skilling Centre at Wandegeya market in Kawempe Division. Wandegeya Skilling Centre is one of the pioneer skilling centres that was established in 2017 and is now running its 10th intake offering free skilling courses in five departments of hairdressing, tailoring, shoe making, knitting, and embroidery. The Minister lauded President Museveni for his visionary leadership, emphasising its practicality through everlasting livelihood programs like the skilling of the youth. “We want to thank the President for this initiative because he has given his vision. His vision is not only talked about but is demonstrative,” she emphasised. While concretizing the noble saying of ‘living by example’, Hon. Mutuuzo disclosed that she has emulated the same project in her constituency of Bunyangabu and has enrolled 914 students who are being skilled in various fields. “I also emulated it and started skilling in my own district of Bunyangabu. Now I have 914 students in my skilling centre after learning it from Wabigaalo, Nakulabye, and Mutundwe. It is important to follow a person with a vision like President Museveni. He has demonstrated a vision so we are following it and we are leading by actions and example,” she pointed out. The Minister, therefore, urged the youth not to waste themselves by falling prey to vices like alcoholism and drug abuse but use their precious time being productive in activities such as skilling for lifetime knowledge. “There is no need why somebody should really blame anybody else if your parents were not able to take you to school. Here is the Presidential Initiative where you don't need any money, but you only need commitment and your time to show that you turn yourself productive,” she stressed. Hon. Mutuuzo also hinted at the prospects of externalising skilled labour for the protection of those seeking employment abroad. “Soon we shall be taking these skills elsewhere. I am happy to be here because as a Minister of Gender, we have also been doing externalisation of labour but we don't want to take out unskilled labour because unskilled labour is turned into maids and we do not have the laws to protect them under somebody’s roof. So the best way to protect yourself is to go with a skill where you go and work in a factory or an institution that has labour laws that can protect you and this is where we have started from. So, I really appreciate the work that is being done here,” she said. The Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Ms. Aminah Lukanga advised leaders to embrace the project and to recommend only vulnerable youth. The RCC noted that Uganda is on the path of producing a massive skilled workforce that will promote import substitution as industrialization is now gaining momentum in the country. Ms. Lukanga encouraged Ugandans to buy products made by the skilled youth. The Special Presidential Assistant on Skilling and Education and Head of the PISGBC project, Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana attributed the success of the skilling program to the honesty of her team that has zero tolerance to corruption. “What we are given we deliver. I am sure you have seen that we really deliver,” she said. Dr. Katana pointed out that diverting or misappropriating funds meant for skilling the vulnerable will not only be anti -Christ but will also attract a curse on one's family. Dr Katana reiterated her call to students to always maintain discipline and stop abusing the leadership. “If you abuse your parents then you have no blessings in this world,” she cautioned. Dr. Katana however encouraged students to put into use the skills they have acquired and to always be mindful of the quality and standards of materials, products and services that will provide a ready market. “Markets are available for every product, but quality and standards of the product and service is what will give us a market,” she emphasised. The Administrator of Wandegeya Skilling Centre, Ms. Kembabazi Constance revealed that 462 students are ready to sit for their exams. She thanked President Museveni, the Comptroller of State House, Ms. Jane Barekye, the Head of PISGBC project, Dr. Katana and all stakeholders for the opportunity given to the youths in changing their lives. One of the beneficiaries, Ms. Naziwa Grace from Kawempe narrated how her marriage was on the rocks, after her husband brought in another woman in the house and abandoned her and her two children. She decided to join the hair dressing course in Wandegeya and has no regrets. Another student Ms. Fatuma Kayongo from Nsambya- Kevina revealed how she underwent a lot of suffering until a friend tipped her off to the opportunities available at Wandegeya Skilling Centre where she finished her embroidery course. Ms. Aurelie Lurhakatwika from Mengo Kisenyi highly commended President Museveni for the project declaring that she is not the same person she was 6-months ago following her acquisition of skills in shoe making. Ms. Immaculate Kengozi of Wandegeya who also did a shoe making course gave a harrowing narrative of her past life but thanked President Museveni for giving them the opportunity to discover their potential.

06 June 2024

MINISTER KABANDA URGES PARENTS TO ENROL THEIR CHILDREN TO PRESIDENT MUSEVENI’S FREE SKILLING INITIATIVE

Mulago Skilling Centre located at UEB Village in Mulago Parish was yesterday a beehive of activity as a multitude of parents and well-wishers flocked the Community Hall to see for the first time the handwork of their children who have undergone a six-months skilling course in different disciplines. The centre which is under the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) offers 11 disciplines are offered which include carpentry, welding, construction, plumbing, electrical installation, electronics, tailoring, embroidery, knitting, hairdressing, shoe making and the recycling of used tyres. The Minister of Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs,Hajjat Minsa Kabanda who was the Chief Guest thanked the Special Presidential Assistant on Education and Skilling and Head of PISGBC program, Dr. Faith Katana and her team for Skilling the youths under the support of the State House. The Minister said she was extremely thrilled by products showcased, citing embroidery whose items are expensive in the open market as opposed to prices offered by the youths which are pocket friendly. “I wish to recommend that everyone, especially politicians, should come and witness what is taking place here and at all the Skilling centres,” she said. Hajjat Kabanda urged parents to send their children for skilling to benefit from the free knowledge offered and eventually obtain a recognized certificate from the Directorate of Industrial Training. The Minister also advised students to put into use the knowledge received and also to form SACCOs to enable them access startup capital. She encouraged all Ugandans to embrace Government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and others. The State Minister for Housing, Hon. Persis Namuganza expressed her gratitude to see young girls and boys make beautiful products after only six months of Skilling. She was particularly impressed by the quality of products from the construction department, welding and hairdressing. “I am highly impressed, especially by the housing and design section. This is the Ministry I am serving. In fact they design everything right from the washrooms, that is what I want, I feel that every Ugandan should have a home like that-very well organised,” she observed. The Minister thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the project, adding that it is the way to go if the country is to unlock the potential of the youths. Hon. Namuganza further commended students for being good learners and also pledged to lobby support for them. The Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Ms. Aminah Lukanga advised beneficiaries to maintain discipline, practise what they have learnt and never to slide back to evil ways. The Special Presidential Assistant on Education and Skilling and Head of the PISGBC program, Dr. Faith Katana described Mulago Skilling Centre as a special one as it has a large catchment area of Kalerwe, Katanga, Kamwokya, Bwaise, and Mulago that harboured the most notorious criminals in the city. “You even feared looking into their eyes when they first came here. After counselling, they discovered their potential and are now transformed and they have become the best,” she commented. Dr. Katana further praised the counsellors and Instructors for the job well done. She in a special way thanked God for being at the centre of the skilling project and also appreciated Fr. Angelo the Parish Priest of Mulago Catholic Church for the facility used for skilling the youth. The Administrator of Mulago Skilling Centre, Ms. Wanyama Juliet reported that out of the 790 children enrolled, 641 are to sit their final exams. Mr. Godfrey Kayizzi who has been an LC1 leader since 1987 of UEB Village in Mulago 2 Parish expressed his appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni for the project affirming that peace is now prevailing in his area as cases of criminality have drastically reduced. Another resident and a parent who was equally elated was Ms. Olivia Nantongo Nalongo. She was overjoyed to see the beautiful dresses and other items her daughter Nassanga Ida was making after only six months skilling in the tailoring clas

06 March 2024

STATE HOUSE INVESTORS PROTECTION UNIT, UNOC DISCUSS PROGRESS OF OIL AND GAS SECTOR

The State House Investors Protection Unit Head, Col. Edith Nakalema has assured Ugandans that the government is committed to ensuring that the target of producing the first oil in 2025 is achieved. “Government is not only committed to deliver the first oil but it is also looking forward to ensuring that the interests of Ugandans are projected so that they benefit from the oil,” she said. Col. Nakalema made the remarks today during a joint media briefing with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) held at the State House Investors Protection Unit Offices in Kampala. She explained that as the unit, they are mandated to project every investment in the country including those in the oil and gas sector. “Every investment should be protected to ensure steady progress of our motherland,” Col. Nakalema emphasised. On her part, the UNOC's Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Proscovia Nabbanja assured Ugandans that the country's oil and gas sector is progressing well. “A lot of work has been done and we should be able to meet the deadline of the first oil production come 2025,” Ms. Nabbanja said. Ms. Nabbanja also clarified that the overall function of UNOC is to handle the Government of Uganda’s commercial interests in the petroleum sector and to ensure that the resource is exploited in a sustainable manner. “Uganda’s confirmed petroleum resource base is currently estimated at 6.5 billion barrels of Stock Tank Oil-Initially-In-Place (STOIIP). Of this, between 1.4 to 1.7 billion barrels are estimated to be recoverable. Currently, only 40 percent of the Albertine Graben is licensed,” she said. The CEO further disclosed that the government has already set up a commercialization plan that will ensure sustainability of petroleum production in the country. The commercialisation plan involves the setup of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the Kabalega Industrial Park and the Uganda Oil Refinery at Kabaale, Hoima District. “The commercialisation plan for Uganda's oil and gas resources is two-fold; a 60,000 barrel per day refinery and the EACOP, which will deliver Crude oil to the international market,” she noted. “The Kabalega Industrial Park is among UNOC's key midstream projects. The project is a 25.97 square meter expansive land and UNOC through the Uganda Refinery Holding Company leads its development, operationalization and management with a 51 percent shareholding. Its economic benefits include adding up USD 4.9 bn per annum to national GDP, creating a fiscal impact of USD 1.2 bn per annum and creating 35,000 job opportunities.” On the other hand, Ms. Nabbanja asserted that UNOC solely operates the Jinja Storage Terminal, a 30-million-litre refined petroleum products storage facility in Jinja. “Jinja Storage Terminal is a bonded storage facility that stores fuel for oil marketing companies to clients and keeps government strategic stock to ensure security of petroleum supplies,” she disclosed. She also said that the government is developing another storage terminal in Namwabula, Mpigi and it will serve as a storage facility for both the government strategic reserves and provide fuel storage for oil marketing companies. Sole Importation of Petroleum products: Ms. Nabbanja informed the media that following the enactment of the Petroleum Supply (Amendment) Act, 2023, UNOC acquired the sole importation status in December 2023 and it will source petroleum products from the international Market and supply the oil marketing companies. “The move is meant to ensure security of supply, ultimately reversing the past trend of price hikes triggered by shortages. It also eliminates middlemen whose margins affect prices.” Ms. Nabbanja reassured Ugandans that the EACOP project as well as other oil and gas projects are being developed in accordance with the internationally accepted standards for managing environmental and social impacts. “There are many socio-economic benefits from the oil and gas sector such as infrastructure development, improved welfare, skills transfer and employment.”

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