“WE ARE DELIBERATE AT EMPOWERING WOMEN,” PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES UGANDANS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated that empowering women has been a deliberate focus of his administration since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came into power. “I want to thank the Ambassador of Sweden for admitting that Uganda is more democratic than many of the European countries, and this is what we have been telling them because for us, it was an ideology from the beginning. When we were empowering women, it was deliberate. When we defeated Idi Amin in 1979, I recruited women for our FRONASA. But when it came to the integration, our other partners in the system refused to absorb our women, and they had to be dismissed and go home. We brought them back when we were in charge now in 1986, when we were able to admit them in the army,” H.E. Museveni said. The President, who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the remarks on Saturday, March 8, 2025, while officiating at the International Women’s Day celebrations held at Bukwiri village in Kyankwanzi district. The day was held under the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” which calls for bold and strategic interventions towards a gender-equal future. President Museveni’s comments were triggered by a speech delivered by the Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Her Excellency Maria Håkansson, who recognized Uganda’s significant progress in achieving the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and recognized that women's rights are human rights. “In Uganda, women's leadership and economic empowerment have expanded, and legal frameworks have been strengthened to protect women and girls, and Uganda is one of the countries in the subregion that other nations are learning from. We commend the government of Uganda for its commitment to advancing gender equality, and we see the progress in increasing women's representation in leadership, Ambassador Håkansson said, adding that Sweden is still way behind Uganda when it comes to women representatives in political positions. “So, I’m glad the Ambassador of Sweden set the record straight by saying that Uganda has made more progress in some areas than many of the European countries,” H.E. Museveni said, while referring to Ambassador Håkansson as one of the few truthful individuals. The President, however, advocated for the emancipation of the whole society through free education, which was introduced in Uganda in 1997. “We have moved very well, but we could have moved even more if we had implemented initiatives including free government education. We brought free education to government schools through USE and UPE, but some local people ask learners for money at those schools. If that one had worked, many girls would have gone through education without being interrupted,” he said, while emphasizing empowerment roots such as wealth creation through various government programs and the technical skills offered in the presidential skilling centers across the country. The President encouraged the gathering to make good use of the Parish Development Model (PDM) to get out of poverty and the Four-Acre Model as strategies to transition their households from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. About the environment, President Museveni blamed the long dry spell on mistakes by some individuals who encroach on the natural resources. He discouraged activities such as deforestation and wetland encroachment, which contribute to environmental degradation. “Damaging the environment will cause us a massive catastrophe. And you can see how harsh this dry season is. It is not only here; it is in other parts of Africa, but I think it is accentuated by the damaged environment here because, normally, although there is bad weather, normally, here we get our local relief because of the local water bodies,” H.E. Museveni stated. In her remarks, the Vice President of Uganda, Her Excellency Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Alupo Rose Epel, hailed President Museveni as a champion of women's emancipation. “Through your strategic and visionary leadership, the women of Uganda are the biggest beneficiaries of the prevailing conducive environment for growth, including peace and security, infrastructure development, energy development, and others. You’re the first president in the whole of Africa to name a woman as a vice president,” H.E Alupo said, adding that right from the villages up to the national level, women have been given a voice, which has enabled them to be heard and participate in strategic decision-making processes. “Your Excellency. All the girl children in Uganda are now enrolling in schools under the universal primary education and universal secondary education, etc. This has enabled women to pursue programs that were hitherto considered to be a preserve for the boy children, such as pilots; we now have women who are pilots, even in the Air Force, engineers, chemists, and, generally speaking, in the armed forces,” she added. The Vice President further committed, on behalf of all the people of Uganda, to continue standing firm under President Museveni’s visionary leadership and listening to his strategic guidance enshrined in the vision and the mission of NRM. The Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, thanked President Museveni for consistently gracing International Women's Day and recognizing the contribution of women to national development. She said this year’s event marks 30 years; the whole world is now reviewing the steps taken to achieve the Beijing Platform for Action. “But we are pleased that, Your Excellency, it was easier for Uganda because you do not only ratify, but you domesticate. Even before we went to Beijing, Uganda had already recognized women because of the NRM revolutionary ideology, where you indicated that every woman should be allowed the freedom to participate in every sector of social, economic, and political development,” Minister Mutuuzo said. She expressed gratitude to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, for achieving equality in her sector. “It is the first sector that has achieved both equality and parity. Enrollment in primary schools: we already have 5050, which is equality; high institutions of learning, 56, 46%, which is parity. We want to thank you and celebrate you, Mama, on the 30th occasion of International Women's Day. At least we have something to talk about, even in Beijing and New York; we shall indicate that in some sectors, including education, we have already achieved equality,” she added. On the other hand, the minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Betty Amongi, underscored the importance of affirmative action as crucial in motivating young girls to pursue their education. The Chairperson of the National Women Council Hajjat Faridah Kibowa expressed gratitude for the many government programs in place, such as the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program, the parish development model that has supported income-generating activities at the household level, and the presidential skilling hubs. They are already producing skilled young women and men who are already competitive in the labor market. “I have witnessed the ability of these young people to participate in the production value chain competitively. We thank you for instilling hope in the young people, especially the girls, most of whom are school dropouts and single mothers. These single mothers are imprisoned by men, who later abandon them because they don't want to be responsible,” Hajjat Kibowa noted, adding that during their tenure of office as the National Women's Council, they have registered a significant increase in the budget for the Women's Council that has facilitated the popularization of the roles of women leaders and grassroots women, mobilizing them to participate in government programs and equipping them with life skills. Hajjat Kibowa, however, reported the persisting challenges, such as gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, female genital mutilation, and child marriages, which undermine the gains made in terms of women's empowerment. “It is important that these issues are addressed to further advance gender equality in Uganda,” she said. United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Leonard Zulu called for collectively redoubling efforts in advancing sustainable development goal five on gender equality with just five and a half years remaining to achieve the sustainable development goals by 2030. “Let us commit to working together to accelerate old actions to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in Uganda,” Mr. Zulu said, while highlighting how the UN efforts have made a difference in ensuring food security and resilience in areas such as Kaabong in Karamoja, where the Women's Farmers Association improved agronomic practices and marketing. At the same occasion, President Museveni issued dummy checks to several beneficiary groups, the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP), a government initiative aimed at enhancing women's access to financial services and equipping them with skills for enterprise growth, value addition, and marketing of their products and services. The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, was among the notable Ugandans who were awarded medals for exceptional service. Rebecca Kadaga has had a distinguished political career, serving as Uganda's first female Speaker of Parliament from 2011 to 2021. She has been an advocate for women's rights and has held various ministerial positions. Earlier, the gathering witnessed an 8-guard all-women parade whose structure was commanded by Col. Suzan Mwanga, assisted by 2i/C Maj. Miriam Apio and parade Adjutant Capt. Marion Alum, while the color party was under the command of Capt. Jackline Namasaba. International Women’s Day has its origins in the struggle by women for social change and to be able to participate on equal terms with men in social, political, and economic processes. In 1975, the United Nations (UN) declared an International Women’s Year and recognized March 8th as a day upon which all member states should recognize and honor women. International Women’s Day was first celebrated in Uganda on 8th March, 1984, at State House Entebbe, and since then this remarkable day has been commemorated and celebrated every year.

2025-03-08

PISGBC BENEFICIARIES URGED TO UTILISE DIGITAL PLATFORMS TO BOOST THEIR KNOWLEDGE

Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana, the Special Presidential Assistant on Skilling and Education and Head of Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC) project has advised the youth to utilise online platforms such as YouTube to boost their knowledge by learning from constructive content. “You are very wealthy, your skills are valuable,” she reminded the soon-to-graduate cohort of 542 students. She, however, cautioned them to desist from idle online platforms such as TikTok, where they tend to waste a lot of time and data. Dr. Katana made the remarks yesterday at the Wabigalo Skilling Centre in Namuwongo during a showcasing ceremony of the students’ products after six months of vocational training. She also revealed that a total of Shs990m was spent by the State House on instructional materials within a period of two months for all the nine Presidential Skilling centres within Kampala. Dr. Katana also disclosed that at least shs200m has been spent on food (lunch) on a monthly basis for all the centres, while monthly salaries for instructors and support staff under the initiative amount to shs30m. “All that comes from the State House budget; we also have another 19 centres spread outside Kampala,” Dr. Katana clarified. Dr. Katana was responding to naysayers from opposition political parties who claim that the State House budget is bloated. She dismissed their claims as baseless and believes they are fueled by ignorance. To deter cancer-causing utensils, Dr. Katana revealed that pottery is being introduced in the next intake to enable skilling beneficiaries to tap into that market for ceramics and pottery products which she said are much healthier-friendly compared to their plastic counterparts. Ms. Amina Lukanga, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Mbarara, was lauded for propelling the Wabigalo Skilling Centre during her time in charge. The centre’s current administrator, Mr. David Nkwanga said the centre registered 667 students in August last year (2024), but six months later, 125 candidates dropped out before they could register for the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT) assessment. The Centre, which offers a variety of practical courses such as construction, welding, plumbing and leather design, has managed to retain 542 students who are set to do their DIT exams next week, as a prerequisite for their graduation and certification. Of these, 49 students are female. Other courses offered at the centre include mechanics, electronics repair, carpentry and electrical installation. The event was attended by parents and other government officials such as Dr. Hillary Musoke, a Presidential advisor on agribusiness. It was also graced by Pastor Wilson Bugembe, a renowned gospel musician and televangelist who was a former street child. Pr. Bugembe ministered to the students, who were inspired by his life story of transformation from rags to riches. Students speak out on their skilling experiences: Shivan Namara, an 18-year-old plumbing student, is the minister in charge of women’s affairs. She completed primary seven (P7) at Buganda Academy Primary School in 2023 in Entebbe but now resides with her aunt in Kansanga. “Since I started the course, I have so far earned sh50,000 which I got after repairing a tap for a client,” Namara stated. She said that before joining the skilling course, she was dealing with serious anger management issues, and at the climax of her rage, she boiled water and poured it on her teacher while she was still in P6. “But I have changed; this is because of the good work our counsellor Robecca has done to reform us from unruly students to responsible people,” she said. Her ambition is to start her own business and grow into a very prominent plumber. Other students who expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Dr. Katana for equipping them with valuable skills include 29-year-old Albert Ahimbisibwe, a construction student as well as 33-year-old Salim Mbulako, a carpentry student who resides in Mbuya Kinawataka. Nakibinge believes that: “The skills being DIT certified keep the students focussed and motivated. It is also good because their talents are promoted.”

2025-03-07

MINISTER KABANDA LAUDS PRESIDENTIAL SKILLING PROJECT FOR REDUCING CRIME

The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda has said the level of crime has drastically reduced within the city and its suburbs because of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child (PISGBC). “I reside in Kisenyi, but many of the ghetto youth have reformed and even transitioned away from criminal behaviour,” Hajjat Kabanda said. She noted that due to the positive impact the six-month program has had on Kampala youth, she was compelled to enrol her granddaughter in the Mutundwe Skilling Centre. “I can testify because before I brought my granddaughter to join the bakery class, I used to buy baked products from Dr. Katana but now Jazira can bake all these products for me,” Hajjat Kabanda revealed. The minister made the remarks on Wednesday 5th March 2025 at the Mutundwe Skilling Centre, which shares premises with All Saints Church in Mutundwe, during a showcasing ceremony for students. “When I brought Jazira here last year, Dr. Katana told me to get her an LC letter. I did not pay any fees, and there is no favouritism here,” Hajjat Kabanda added. She advised Ugandans to ensure they have their family members and children skilled in various disciplines, arguing that this reduces the amount of money a household can spend on items sold in shops. According to Hajjat Kabanda, there are fewer thieves and fewer prostitutes on the streets compared to the number before skilling centres were set up by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2017. She expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the initiative and commended Dr Faith Katana and her team for being strict. Hajjat Kabanda believes that this verification strategy ensures all bonafide youths who want to enrol for this skilling program are properly vetted and verified by the Local Council (LCs) in their respective villages of residence. This helps to eliminate the deliberate migration of beneficiaries who are allegedly transported by certain self-seeking politicians from out of Kampala. The Special Presidential Assistant on Skilling and Education and Head of PISGBC project, Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana showcased a variety of pottery items and said this newly introduced skill will be taught with effect from the next intake scheduled for late March this year. During the same event, the centre officially launched a magazine. According to Stuart Musinguzi, the centre’s Guild Speaker who is the brain behind the magazine dubbed Mutundwe Herald, they managed to fundraise sh700,000 on the first day of the magazine’s launch, with each copy of the full-colour magazine priced at sh50,000. The bi-annual magazine highlights activities at the centre such as the scripture union, religions including Islam and Christianity, as well as dedicated pages towards health and discipline. A captivating testimony of transformation was shared by Mutundwe’s student leader, Samuel Katana (the centre’s health minister), who confessed that he had spent an entire decade in various rehabilitation centres trying to fight drug and alcohol addiction, among other bad habits that he is not proud of. “While at UCU, during my university days between 2009/10, I was caught up in peer pressure and became addicted to Cocaine, heroin, alcohol and weed,” a youthful Katana narrated his past life. Despite his very affluent family connections, he was unable to break the shackles of bondage as this negative behaviour spiralled out of control. “I have been to four rehabilitation centres since 2016 until last year. I even had to attend my father’s funeral last year while I was enrolled in rehab,” he revealed. His mother had earlier testified how this addiction does not spare the wealthy from ruining their lives; this is what inspired her to be very passionate about rehabilitating others. The 34-year-old Katana also advised his fellow youths to endeavour to engage in productive activities as a coping mechanism. He also cautioned them against bad influences and peer pressure, which he said led him down the dark path that cost him ten years of his young adulthood. “But I am glad I joined here and acquired tailoring skills. I can easily earn sh15,000 a day from this skill. I have lived a very reckless lifestyle, but I did not get anything from it,” Katana said with a trace of regret in his voice. Another testimony came from a 31-year-old Nelson Mugabo, who is a shoe-making student and disciplinary minister at the Mutundwe-based centre. He has so far sold three pairs of shoes that he made himself; this earned him sh120,000 in less than four months, while he was studying. “I thank Instructor Doreen Mbabazi because she encourages us and keeps us focused,” Mugabo said with gratitude.

2025-03-06

ERIYA KATEGAYA: A PIONEER OF PATRIOTIC POLITICS- PRESIDENT MUSEVENI

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni highlighted today that the late Rt. Hon. Eriya Kategaya was a trailblazer in the realm of patriotic politics in Uganda. Kategaya, who served as Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, passed away on 2nd March 2013. “Kategaya was the pioneer of the politics of patriotism. The politics of loving Uganda,” President Museveni stated during the memorial service held at Kololo, where he was joined by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni. The President paid tribute to the late Kategaya as a steadfast advocate of nationalism and principled politics. He cautioned attendees against identity-based politics, which he described as detrimental to national progress. “In the 1960s, it was due to Kategaya that we started seeing the mistakes of UPC, DP and Kabaka Yekka, of the politics of identity. We tried to influence the situation but people were not listening and it led to the collapse of 1971 when Amin came in,” he remarked. He also encouraged event organisers to appreciate the unique qualities of individuals. “Kategaya had a different approach but he brought in a lot of contacts which we didn't know or have,” the President added. Moreover, President Museveni urged leaders to maintain clear objectives and employ effective methods in their governance efforts. “When you are working for aims things are easier. With Kategaya and we who know what we are doing, it is politics of aims/mission not politics of myself or what, no!” he said. At the memorial, two books were launched: one honouring Eriya Kategaya, featuring tributes from 20 distinguished individuals across various themes, and the memoir "Reflections of Resilience" by Joan Kategaya. Albert Gomes Mugumya, the Consultant Editor of the volumes, encouraged attendees to document their stories for future generations and introduced a group of children of former Uganda People's Movement (UPM) members. Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo praised the late Kategaya as a dedicated nationalist and Pan-Africanist who served his country with integrity. “We have converged here today to celebrate the life of Rt. Hon. Eriya Kategaya and his numerous achievements,” she said. Reflecting on his legacy, H.E. Alupo recounted moments when the late Kategaya guided the cabinet on strategic discourse which resulted in the formulation of excellent policies. The widow of the late Kategaya, Mrs. Joan Kategaya said her family is being sustained by the grace of God amid sorrows and struggles following the death of Rt. Hon. Kategaya. “Indeed, God's protection has surrounded us, He has shielded and guided us through every season,” said Mrs. Kategaya who serves as a Senior Presidential Advisor on Veteran Affairs. “My message today is that of gratitude to God for his steadfast love, to friends and family for their unwavering support and all those who have moved this journey with us. Thank you.” Dr. Juliet Kategaya, a daughter to the late Kategaya thanked President Museveni and the government for the support towards the family of the late Kategaya. “My father was a passionate and strategic community leader, he showed us the benefit of planning ahead of time,” she said. She also thanked President Museveni and the First Lady Maama Janet for their unwavering support over the years.

2025-03-06

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS NEW KAMPALA FLYOVER, CALLS FOR DISCIPLINE AND CLEANLINESS IN THE CITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned the Kampala Flyover Project, a landmark infrastructure development aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving road networks in the city. The project, located in the heart of Kampala’s Central Business District (CBD) is part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize urban transport and boost economic growth. It was implemented in two phases, with the recently completed Lot 1 focusing on key infrastructure upgrades. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President said: “Ugandans must observe discipline. Stop littering because it is very bad, it blocks drainage channels and causes flooding. Now that we have cameras, KCCA should work with the police to use these cameras to catch those throwing polythene bags and rubbish on the roadsides.” He reminded citizens of a past tragedy linked to poor waste management, urging them to take responsibility. “Repent, because this rubbish has killed people before. Littering starts in homes, you get polythene bags, dump used plastic bottles and all that brings problems. You should separate waste at home and ensure plastics are recycled.” The President stressed that environmental discipline begins at the household level, calling on every citizen to play their part in keeping their surroundings clean. Meanwhile, the project, which has now been completed at a cost of $81 million is composed of the Clock Tower Flyover, a 584-meter structure with a 366-meter bridge. This flyover is expected to significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks at the Clock Tower intersection, one of the most congested areas in Kampala. To enhance pedestrian safety in the busy City, the project also includes two major pedestrian bridges, the Shoprite Pedestrian Bridge, a 92-meter three-pointed star-shaped structure, and the Clock Tower Pedestrian Bridge, which spans 238.7 meters in a circular design. These pedestrian bridges provide safe crossing points at key intersections, ensuring that foot traffic flows smoothly without interrupting the flow of vehicles. For the residents along the Kibuli route, the completion of the Kibuli Pedestrian Bridge will provide a 40-meter safe crossing, helping to protect pedestrians in this densely populated area. In addition to these bridges, the project includes the Nsambya Underpass, a 375.8-meter tunnel that includes a 130-meter open-cut box culvert. The underpass, which expands into a four-lane road, is designed to alleviate congestion at one of Kampala’s major traffic chokepoints, ensuring smoother passage for commuters. The road network around the city center has also been improved, with 3,190 meters of roads widened and upgraded. This road widening is essential to accommodate the growing number of vehicles and improve overall traffic management across the area. Shifting focus to Uganda’s long-standing relationship with Japan, President Museveni praised the partnership between Uganda and Japan, acknowledging the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding the project. He further highlighted the historical ties dating back to the 1940s. He recalled how East African soldiers first encountered the Japanese during the war and how trade relations gradually expanded over the decades. “We started connecting with Japan in the 1940s when East African soldiers went to Burma. By the 1950s, we were buying textiles from Japan. Before independence, we mainly used British vehicles like Fords and Land Rovers, but after independence, we saw the arrival of Japanese cars like Toyotas, which were more affordable at the time,” he said. The President also noted that by the time Uganda ousted Idi Amin in 1979, Japanese vehicles had largely replaced British, German, and French cars, making Africa a significant market for Japan. President Museveni expressed satisfaction with Japan’s continued support through infrastructure projects, citing the construction of the Source of the Nile Bridge and plans to build the Karuma Bridge. “I am happy to see that the Japanese are reciprocating through infrastructure development. They have built the Nile Bridge and are now planning the Karuma Bridge. I thank them for not being selfish,” he said. The President urged Japan to move beyond aid and invest in Africa’s manufacturing sector, particularly in value addition. “I always tell our Japanese friends in addition to aid, come and manufacture in Uganda and Africa. The African market is growing. Our population is now 1.5 billion, surpassing India and China, and in the next 30 years, it will be 2.5 billion. Being in Africa is the way of the future,” he emphasized. President Museveni also acknowledged Japan’s role in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), describing it as a valuable platform for fostering economic partnerships. He concluded by encouraging deeper collaboration between Japan and Africa, particularly in industrialization and value addition, to create jobs and boost trade. On her part, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja hailed the completion of the Kampala Flyover, describing it as the beginning of a solution to the persistent traffic congestion in Kampala. She emphasized that the flyover would not only improve road safety but also boost business in the capital. “This flyover marks a turning point. It will help end the traffic jams that have long been a hindrance to productivity. People will no longer waste valuable time stuck in traffic; they will be able to focus on their businesses and make money. Congratulations to the people of Kampala for this remarkable achievement,” she said. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to commend President Museveni for his visionary leadership. Reflecting on a discussion in 2021, she recalled how the President had suggested that a flyover be constructed at the Clock Tower junction, emphasizing its importance as the center of Kampala’s Road network. “I remember in 2021, in cabinet, His Excellency the President said, ‘Let’s have a flyover at Clock Tower; it must be the center of roads that must be worked on,” she noted. With the successful completion of this project, Rt. Hon. Nabbanja expressed optimism about the future of the capital, saying, “Under your wise leadership, I have hope that Kampala will become one of the best cities in the world.” On his part, Hon. Musa Ecweru, the State Minister for Works expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his leadership in commissioning the Kampala Flyover Project, describing it as a significant milestone for the city’s infrastructure development. “We thank Your Excellency for sparing time to officiate the commissioning of this very important facility,” Hon. Ecweru said. He also urged all motorists to adhere to standard operation procedures to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. Looking ahead, the Minister shared optimism about future developments, including ongoing discussions for the Kampala-Jinja Expressway, with support from Japan. “Your Excellency, in your polite request to our friends from Japan, you encouraged them to proceed with the next phase, and I am happy to report that discussions are underway,” he said. The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, H.E Takuya Sasayama highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Japan and Uganda, emphasizing infrastructure, vocational training, and agricultural projects that have strengthened bilateral ties. “We have been in collaboration with Uganda for many years, focusing on various sectors such as infrastructure, roads, water, vocational training, agriculture, and many others,” said Ambassador Sasayama. This year, he highlighted, marks an important milestone in the relationship as the two nations prepare to sign agreements and begin work on the Karuma Bridge project. “This year is significant for us as we will sign papers and start working on the Karuma Bridge,” H.E Sasayama confirmed. The Ambassador also discussed the upcoming developments in Kampala and across Uganda, stressing that major infrastructure projects are set to expand. “Kampala will not only see the completion of this flyover, but we will also open the control center in August. Additionally, road construction will be underway in other regions of Uganda,” he added. H.E Sasayama noted the continuation of the flyover project with Lot 2, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital. “We are organizing a conference on African development in Tokyo, and we expect His Excellency, the President, to join us in leading these discussions,” he said. “The President has been deeply involved in urban development and has played a key role as one of the founding fathers of IGAD meetings. We would like him to lead the conversation again in Tokyo this August,” he said. The Ambassador also highlighted the significant impact of the current flyover project, noting its contribution to employment and skills development. “This flyover project has created over 700,000 jobs over the past six years. We have also trained nearly 110 engineers, and we aim to help them continue gaining experience, not just on this flyover, but across Africa,” he said. “As the road conditions improve, we must be mindful of our speed and safety while using the flyover. Congratulations on the completion of this project, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration.” The Minister for Minister and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda lauded the completion of the city's first flyover as a historic milestone in Uganda's transportation development. “This momentous occasion marks a significant step forward in our efforts to modernize Kampala and improve the lives of Ugandans,” Hon. Kabanda stated. The Minister also expressed gratitude to President Museveni's leadership in driving urban planning and economic growth, highlighting the city's progress towards becoming a world-class urban center. “Thank you for your wise leadership in shaping a better future for our capital,” she added. Hon. Kabanda extended special thanks to the government of Japan for their generous financial and technical support, underscoring the strong collaboration between Uganda and Japan in bringing the flyover project to fruition. “This is just the beginning,” she noted, emphasizing the government's commitment to improving infrastructure through the Ministry of Kampala. The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Inspector General of Government, Ms. Beti Kamya, the KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, among others.

2025-03-05

NRM’S SENINDE COMMENDS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI FOR SKILLING KAMPALA YOUTH

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Director for Mobilisation, Cadre Identification, Recruitment and Placement, Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde has urged parents and youth in Kampala to express gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his initiative aimed at equipping ghetto youth with practical skills. “Kampala residents should be wise and vote for NRM and President Museveni in 2026. As a mobiliser of NRM, I am here to remind you all that we should be grateful to President Museveni for skilling the youth of this nation,” Hon. Seninde said. Hon. Seninde also lauded President Museveni for restoring peace in the country, which she believes is a vital ingredient in building a great economy. She made these remarks on Monday 3rd March, 2025 at Mulago Skilling Centre during the showcasing of students’ work achieved during the last six months of vocational training. The Mulago Skilling Centre is one of the centres spread in the five divisions of Kampala under the State House-sponsored project of the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl / Boy Child (PISGBC). “I thank President Museveni; he has been a gift to us. He gave us peace and freedom of choice, for which we should be very grateful. He has also provided a solution to unemployment through skilling the youth.” Hon. Seninde, used the opportunity to campaign for her fellow party members, such as Faridah Nambi, NRM’s flag bearer, who is vying for the Kawempe North Parliamentary seat. “I expect each of you to bring at least 20 others to vote. This is a mock election for President Museveni in the Buganda region and will prove your loyalty towards him and the NRM party ahead of the 2026 elections,” she emphasized. The Special Presidential Assistant on Skilling and Education and Head of PISGBC project, Dr. Faith Mirembe Katana said Ugandans should take advantage of the huge population to tap into it as a vast market for their products. She said they should also create world-class products that can compete on the global market and export them to as far as China instead of just importing Chinese products. Dr. Katana, like many other speakers on this occasion, commended President Museveni and Ms. Jane Barekye, the State House Comptroller for their great support in ensuring the skilling project is given adequate materials and financing to keep it afloat since its inception. “However, we have a challenge of LCs who endorse non-residents at the expense of genuine residents who live in those areas; this is not proper,” Dr. Katana cautioned. Dr Katana revealed that Mulago Skilling Centre is the most populated of all the nine centres. It has 783 students who have registered for exams due in March but initially enrolled 890 students at the start of the six-month semester that commenced in August last year. The event was also attended by other leaders, such as Amina Lukanga, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Mbarara District. The event’s music playlist also featured lots of inspirational and gospel songs that portrayed the spiritual growth of the transformed youth who have had a bitter start in life; from being criminals such as thieves, prostitutes as well as drug addicts who have in less than a year, reformed into God-fearing and skilled craftsmen and women. Some of these include 32-year-old Dan Muhire, a Mulago resident who is studying electronic and phone repair, with a speciality in satellite dish installation. “Before I joined skilling, I had completed Senior four but was idle and with no hope at all, but ever since I joined here I can repair a phone and ably install a dish, I can easily earn about sh30,000 from phone repairs,” he said with a glimmer of hope in his baritone voice. Two of his youthful course mates, namely 19-year-old Patricia Sylvia, who had dropped out of senior three in 2023 due to financial challenges at home, alongside 20-year-old Prossy Nakuti, are both transformed young women. The duo is part of a team that made a fridge from plywood, which even has a deep freezer section. Patricia says the fridge was made as a prototype and was completed within a fortnight (two weeks). “We use unwanted materials; it has cooling tubes made from copper and a compressor that heats the gas and sends it to the dryer filter,” Nakuti explained the refrigeration process. The duo of budding electronics engineers said such a product can cost sh200,000 and can be painted any colour that suits the clients’ preferences. Martha Atuhaire, a 24-year-old embroidery student, said, “I chose to join the skilling centre after completing my university degree in Industrial Fine Art at Makerere University.” Despite the long distance she has to endure on a daily basis from Gayaza Nakwero to the Mulago-based Skilling Centre, Atuhaire believes this is a step in the right direction for her career. “We work with embroidery machines to make African shirts, bridal wear and gowns that cost sh1m, changing dresses that cost sh500,000 and duvets that range between sh100,000 to sh500,000,” she explained. She said among the challenges she faces is the daily traffic jam, which delays her by 30 minutes. Despite her waking up at 6:00 am daily, she always arrives at the centre by 7:30 am, yet classes commence at 7:00 am sharp. The Mulago centre guild president, Michael Bamwine, exhibited a smart electric switch which can be activated using the mere touch of a finger or activated by phone using an app. The trainer of Recycling and Value Addition, Ms. Norah Namanya, nicknamed “Queen of Tyres”, said this skill comprises turning old tyres into usable items such as wall clocks, interior decorations, tyre sofa sets, and children’s seats, among other items. According to Ms. Namanya, the 2024/25 intake in recycling skills enrolled 148 students from three centres: Mulago, Kikoni and Wabigalo. “The main purpose of this skill is to manage inorganic waste, create jobs for ghetto youth by utilising limited resources and transforming their mindset by solving the problem of destroying expensive roads when these tyres are burnt,” she said. She believes that recycling tyres as a new skill has changed the community’s perception of waste / old tyres, which are now viewed as “gold”.

2025-03-04