Tuesday 18 October 2016

Ugandans, Investors urged to unlock the Potential of Country at the 5th Ugandan Convention in UK

By Robert Ndawula 

Her Royal Highness Queen Sylvia Nagginda
The convention was attended by VIP dignitaries including: Her Royal Highness Queen Sylvia Nagginda, The Nnabagereka of the Kingdom of Buganda, H.E. Prof. Joyce Kikafunda (Uganda’s High Commissioner to the U.K.) Lord Sheikh (Baron Sheikh of Cornhill in the City of London), Dr. Josephine Ojiambo (The Deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat (Political)), Rt. Honourable Members of Parliament, Dr. Louis Kasekende (Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Uganda) and other distinguished guests.

The 5th annual Uganda-UK Convention (2015), was a truly remarkable successful event. The quality of presentations was outstanding and trying to make a resume of each paper will not do them all the justice deserved. Both Lord Sheikh and Dr. Kasekende provided delegates with some important views and figures in the financing and trade sectors as well as the potential that Uganda offers in these areas which are still to be embarked on for investment. “Trade instead of Aid” is something that we have long aspired to achieve for Uganda although, it is clear that the two are closely connected and ought to go hand ­in-hand.

Her Royal Highness, The Nnabagereka of Buganda, in her ground-breaking address stated. “If growth is to be meaningful and sustainable, then all the people should buy into it.”
She went on say; without providing specific roles for women in this important process (inclusion and acceptance), it will not be successful nor sustainable. It was befitting for the Nnabagereka to recognize the powerful role of women as the engines of our society.

The warm enthusiastic delegates were welcomed and received at the Convention–to put into perspective; some of the unrivaled attributes of warmth, openness and all-embracing culture that make Uganda a favourite destination for doing business, investment and tourism, was present. The Government of Uganda celebrates occasions such as this when we can all come together to work for the good of our country, solely on the basis of our being Ugandan, irrespective of our religious convictions, our tribal origins, our political affiliations, and anything else that superficially unduly sometimes divides us. The Conventions deserves commendation for putting Uganda before anything else. This is the formula for success.
Business and development do not happen in a vacuum or where conflict and instability are prevalent. It would appear that we could coin a catch phrase; “No Development and Business without Peace.” For the last 30 years, the NRM Government has worked hard to create a peaceful environment with functional structures, rule of law and stability. We should use the peace and stability we enjoy now to develop new ideas and foster development.
Delegates were enlightened on how they ought to gain greater access to the UK and the EU markets for Uganda exports. In case you did not know, Uganda happens to be the largest exporter of Organic produce from the African continent.

If we can partner with others and get them to invest in Uganda, not only will this lead to improvement in the quality of our Ugandan products (a fact which has in the past hampered trade), but our incomes will tremendously change. This is especially true for the EU market, where we are facing a threat of an embargo for our horti and flori-cultural produce with the EU citing phyto-sanitary conditions as a barrier.

Paying Taxes usually constitutes strong resistance from the masses, but it has been edifying to learn that we only need to embrace the system, understand it and explore the opportunities it offers including attractive exemptions. The richest people in the world are those who work with the system and pay their taxes. Therefore delegates were advised to take advantage of the exemptions offered by Doris Akol, the Commissioner General who stated: “Taxes are an abler for Business.”

Some of the dignitaries who attended
If we had any doubts; we must set them aside, as it is now clear that trade and investment in Uganda is favourably considered as reported by Lord Sheikh. Exploring the current timing should not be left to chance and participants were encouraged to dream about their next move. This was indicated by His Excellency, Chris Baywood Ibe, President/CEO of Baywood Continental Limited, who will soon be visiting Uganda and hopefully expand his business ventures within his empire by investing in Uganda.
Agri-business and food security would be a valuable addition to secure Uganda’s GDP. The sky is the limit in Uganda as it is blessed with such abundance of fertile soil and rich natural resources, which is unrivaled in the rest of Africa. The climate and fertility of this beautiful land given by God, needs to be used for the benefit of all Ugandans. We have not maximized this potential and have only began to explore the possibilities, with a few already on the ground setting good foundations in sectors such as: tourism, construction and small scale manufacturing. Prosperity is what we strive for and we cannot achieve a better life for all Ugandans unless we join hands. Indeed as was stated by Hon. Wafula Oguttu, the re-emergence of the cooperative movement is vital to maximize our potential in agriculture (for example).

Ugandans in the Diaspora have been formally recognized by the Government as a formidable force in the country’s development. What needs to be done is to ensure that the remittances and transfers that they regularly make to their families and loved ones are to be transformed into small investments, which will make their families become independent. This will transform their lives so that they will not have to rely on the handouts permanently but develop small cottage industries which will become strong, growing feasible business enterprises. These types of small cottage industries have eventually brought the Asian tiger into a reality. Start small and grow bigger. As Dennis Aguma stated, Uganda is the “most entrepreneurial country in the world!”

Regional integration is the other matter to which Uganda is seriously committed to. Let us focus on distribution and sale of our products in the neighbouring countries as we now have the EAC and the Customs Union and also in the wider region COMESA where our products are very much needed and can be sold. ‘Think Africa’ (as the buyer of the end product not the EU for example) and then make it happen. This should be a realistic course of action. Embrace an industrial revolution that will enable all industries to thrive and open trade and export within the continent.  In the end the UK, the EU and other blocks in developed countries are making it more and more difficult for us Africans to export out our goods due to non-tariff barriers as well as taxes. Let us therefore focus on ourselves, our Uganda, then the EAC, the wider region as there is so much that can be done.

The Chairman of this Uganda Convention, Mr. Willy Mutenza was commended as a remarkable person who has a vision which works and is an example to us all as he is the brain behind gathering the forces and getting Ugandans in the UK to unite from different backgrounds to actively participate in the firm development of Uganda.
Looking forward to seeing you again next year at the Uganda Convention in UK on the 10th Sept 2016 at Troxy.

For God and my country!

Ambassador Mirjam Blaak Sow
Head of Mission
Uganda Embassy Brussels
317 Avenue Tervuren
1150-Brussels, Belgium

Saturday 1 October 2016

NORAH KABARWANI ATENYI WEERABA

It is sad the death of Norah Kabarwani Atenyi who passed on very early today morning at Mulago Referral Hospital after Surgery.
I came to know Norah in 1981 when I was in my vacation at Makerere University. I met Eric Sabiiti and we taught at the Late Katabaro's primary school.
Norah has been like my mother. I would call on her and she would always be welcoming. She has been sympathetic to me through hard times. She would never want me to leave without eating something. I have lost relatives and she could make an effort to attend.
Norah worked at Kajjansi dispensary for a number of years and also at Mpumudde in Nakawuka before retiring.
There was a Funeral Service, Thursday, 22nd September at St. Barnabas Church Lweza at 11.00am and thereafter burial at 4.00pm at Nakigalala.
Norah at Mulago Hospital Cancer Ward where see was treated given the renovations at Mulago. 
In the photo is Susan Bagaya who together with Rachael (not in picture) were so useful in playing the nursing role, and on the fateful night were together when Norah breathed her last at Mulago.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

A FUNERAL SERVICE BOOKLET FOR THE LATE NORAH KABARWANI ATENYI

WHEN I LEARNT THAT NORAH KABARWANI HAD DIED, I WONDERED WHAT I COULD DO GIVEN THAT SHE HAD BEEN A FRIEND ALMOST A MOTHER.
I decided to make a Funeral Service booklet as seen below.
Norah Kabarwani Atenyi died on September 21, 2016 at Mulago Hospital and was buried on 22nd September at Nakigalala in Kajjansi Town Council.
MAY HER SOUL REST IN ETERNITY.
AMEN.















Tuesday 21 June 2016

THERE IS NEED TO GET THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY ANTHEM INTO ENGLISH AS WELL AS LOCAL LANGUAGES.

IF A PERSON APPROACHES YOU FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE NEVER HIDE YOUR IDENTITY IF YOU DECIDE TO HELP HIM/HER.

Many times when someone is in a fix to the extent of calling on you for financial assistance he/she May not be sure that you will bail him/her in which case he/she May approach many more people to increase the chances of getting assisted.

If you decide to assist this person using mobile money, it is important that your identity is clear. If the person you assisted does not say thank you, the reason is that he/she tried a number of options and is now not sure who bailed him, and it becomes difficult for him/her to start ringing all those he had expected assistance from to find out who sent the money. So, if you send money to a person and he does not say thank you, what should get to your mind is that he/she is not sure who sent the money, so what you have to do is get open tell him/her that you sent the money and you will definitely get a thank you.

Looks simple but it is an experience in life.

Wednesday 15 June 2016

FARE THEE WELL DR. JOSEPH GALIWANGO




WHAT CLASSMATE DR. GEORGE KKOLOKOLO SAID ABOUT DR. JOSEPH GALIWANGO
Brothers, gentlemen and fellow OBs! I think most of you have read in the press the very highly shocking news : the death of our fellow OB, the famous Dr Joseph Galiwango who was found dead in his country home house in Wakiso. Dr Galiwango has for most of the time lived in Ontario Canada where he practiced as a leading paediatrician appreciated by all.Dr Galiwango was an eminent member of Mugwanya House and was an academic giant! He belonged to that very prestigious academic year which in 1964 did marvels in the Cambridge O-Level exams, and this was the fateful road accident year which cost us the 12 great students. In the exams Dr Galiwango got 11 points and was one of the three students who came second to scientsist John Nazareth (Canada) who scored aggregate 9. That same year had, among the very many others, Katikkiro Hon J.B.Walusimbi, Hon J.B. Kawanga of Masaka, Hon Leonard Lubowa ( ex-Mayor of Kla), Prof E. K. Mbidde, Dr G.H. Kkolokolo etc..( as I'm expected to give more detail on them later). In the A-Levels Dr Galiwango was tops in his PCB combination in Uganda, garnering a solid 1BAA3 and Cambridge awarded him with a scholarship to study Medicine in UK. He won good degrees there and became Member of the Royal College of Physicians. He was recruited there and eventually in Canada where he stayed for many years before retiring to Uganda. Dr Galiwango was a very friendly person and had a very high opinion of the Brothers and fellow OBs. Sincere condolences to the family, his wife and their four sons, and all relatives. Condolences as well to the Brothers who knew him so much and to all OBs who now lose a real pillar of their community. May the Good Lord bless his humble soul in His heavenly glory.
Dr G.H. Kkolokolo ( Paris / France )


DR. LAWRENCE KAGGWA SAYS ...

 It is quite sad the loss of one of the most brilliant students St Mary's has

ever groomed. The little I know about him was that he was the best at

his HSC in the mid 60's( PC😎😎He did so well he earned himself a scholarship to study
Medicine in Glasgow from where he trans located to Canada. I am told, but I
have never seen him, that he was soft spoken and reserved. Also that he had

come back to follow up  on his developments in Kampala.
May his soul rest in eternal peace!

Dr. Lawrence Kaggwa
DR. JOE GALIWANGO , WINDSOR PEDIATRICIAN, FOUND DEAD IN UGANDAN HOME.

'His contribution to medicine is beyond just the practice of pediatrics'
CBC News Posted: Jun 12, 2016 5:12 PM ET Last Updated: Jun 13, 2016 10:35 AM ET
A former Windsor, Ont., doctor, Joe Galiwango, was found dead in his home in Uganda on June 9. The Uganda Police Force confirmed to CBC News late Sunday that it's investigating how Galiwango died.
Dr. Galiwango was a well-respected pediatrician who practiced for more than 30 years in Windsor before retiring in Uganda.
He co-founded the former neonatal intensive care unit at Grace Hospital in Windsor, and he was also instrumental in helping with the W.E. Care for Kids campaign fundraising, which supports local pediatric health care.
"His contribution to medicine is beyond just the practice of pediatrics," said Dr. Gary Ing, who first met Galiwango as a medical student. "He certainly added to the overall being of the children in our community."
His death came as a surprise to many who knew him well, including Frank Kigozi who was a long-time friend of Galiwango.
"I was very heartbroken," said Kigozi, "He was really a good good man."
Kigozi met Galiwango in 1993 when he moved to Windsor from Uganda. He credits Galiwango for helping him to become more familiar with Canada.
"He encouraged us to take up English because that's the only way we could survive here," said Kigozi. "I am still shocked about his passing. He was a nice guy and a role model to me."
Dr. Ing also says the medical field and those who knew Galiwango are grieving. "He's well-liked by both his colleagues and the patients and their families," said Ing.

Former Windsor pediatrician reported dead in Ugandan home


http://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/former-windsor-pediatrician-reported-dead-in-ugandan-home

Tuesday 7 June 2016

DIFFERENT IMAGES OF ADVOCATE WILLIAM BYARUHANGA NOW APPOINTED ATTORNEY GENERAL OF UGANDA

 

IS IT RIGHT FOR A LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL IN UGANDA TO USE ANOTHER LANGUAGE IN ITS DELIBERATIONS A PART FROM ENGLISH?



I think it is unlawful for any local government in Uganda to deliberate in a local language. This is against the background that minutes of such deliberation MUST be in the official language which is understood by Government Public Servants who come in to audit whatever council decided or even the management of financial resources.

HIS MAJESTY KABAKA MUTEBI WEDDING AND OTHER ISSUES



 Wedding day
It was the wedding of His Majesty the King of Buganda Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II which took place at St. Paul Cathedral, Namirembe on August 27, 1999.
This was billed Uganda's wedding of the millennium and by then the King was 45 years old.
Unlike political leaders in Uganda, the King commands respect from his subjects in a traditional cultural setting and he is so much loved by the people to the extent that normally a month to his visit of any place within his Buganda kingdom, preparations are started. And the people are always very jolly to see him in public.
On the occasion of the wedding, Maj. Richard Carr Gomm, king Mutebi's childhood guardian brought best wishes from Queen Elizabeth and also from Mutebi's godparents Capt. Ronnie and Mrs Owen.
News that the King was to marry became public knowledge on February 18 when the Buganda Katikiiro (Prime minister) made the announcement.
KABAKA MUTEBI GOT SHS 1 BN IN WEDDING DONATIONS
 

By David Kibirige & Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda - The Monitor News Paper - Source: http://www.uganda.co.ug/buganda/wed_gown.htm
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, got donations worth more than Shs 1 billion for the August 27 royal wedding.
Mutebi exchanged matrimonial vows with Sylvia Nagginda Luswata at St. Paul's Cathedral, Namirembe before hosting thousands to a grand reception in Lubiri.
The chairman of the wedding finance sub-committee, James Mulwana, yesterday briefed journalists about the donations and how the money was spent.
Mulwana who was flanked by Prince Kassim Nakibinge and Mengo minister of Finance, J. B. Walusimbi plus several wedding sub-committee heads, told a news conference at Lugogo Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) boardroom, that on top of cash, other items were also received.
"In terms of cash contributions, we received a total of Shs 736 million and US $86,000 (Shs 126,420,000)," Mulwana said in a news write-up which was read to journalists by Mengo's minister of Information and Public Relations.
Mulwana said on top of cash donations, the mayor, John Ssebaana Kizito and Kampala City Council (KCC) contributed US $75,000 (Shs 110,250,000) for the repair of Kabakanjagala Drive and Lubiri Ring Road, ministry of Works also provided Shs 60m for roads around the Bulange.
Ministry of Finance contributed Shs 64m to pay the taxes on the Kabaka's vehicle, a Toyota Lexus which was imported from Japan.
Mulwana said that the vehicle cost US $65,000 (Shs 95,550,000) but denied it was imported to drive the royal couple. The cash contributions plus services valued in kind totaled Shs 1,106,844,750.
Mulwana also cited some of the various organizations that provided services; Uganda Electricity Board who provided a generator, electrical power connection to the Twekobe and street lights on Kabakanjagala Drive, National Water and Sewerage Corporation provided the water to the Lubiri, while Uganda Telcom Limited provided the telephone exchange for Kireka Palace.
Century Bottling Company donated 2,000 crates of soda, Nile Breweries 400 crates of beer, Uganda Breweries 100 crates of beer, Crown Beverages 500 crates of soda, Caltex 2,000 litres of fuel and the US Embassy, USAID plus BAT who provided tents for the reception.
Mulwana also gave a list of 427 major contributors who included President Yoweri Museveni and his family who donated Shs 10m and 10 heifers, Nile Breweries Shs 62.5m, Uganda Breweries Shs 60m and CelTel who gave Shs 40m.
Isabirye J. of Kenya-based Mugoya Construction and Mobile Telephone Network donated Shs 20m, parliamentarians gave Shs 19.5m, Bank of Uganda Shs 15m while Karmali Amirali (Mukwano), Madhvani Group, Mbire Charles, Sudhir Ruparelia, Sharma Mehta Group and Grand Imperial Hotel/Karim Hirji donated Shs 10m each.
Mulwana said out of the money contributed Shs 200m went to ROKO Construction as part payment towards the renovation of Twekobe.
"The estimated cost so far is Shs 500m of which we have paid Shs 200m. ROKO will be able to give us the final cost of the work when it is completed in about a month's time," he said; adding that 60% of the job is complete.
He said another Shs 230m was used to upgrade the Kireka Palace, the wedding reception cost Shs 160m, invitations, decorations and church cost Shs 20m while security and first aid cost Shs 16m.
He further said that video, photography, TV transmissions plus entertainment cost Shs 20m. Other items cost Shs 90m and US $21,000 (Shs 30,870,000).
Mulwana thanked all those who contributed, and asked Baganda and Mengo friends to continue contributing to allow Mengo complete the Twekobe.
He said more works like landscaping and fencing around the main building and constructing of other buildings, required to make the Lubiri a functional residence for the Kabaka and his family, call for more donations.
"We have discharged our responsibility well and as transparently as we could. We ask Ssabasajja Kabaka and all the people of Uganda to forgive us for those things which have not gone perfectly well. We apologise to those who have been inconvenienced in any way. We thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this process," Mulwana added.


All the people of Buganda were invited to the reception which was at the Kings palace.
King Mutebi was born on 13th April 1955 at Mulago Hospital.
 
Mutesa body brought back to Uganda.
 Amin (RIP) meets Mutebi prior to burial of his father.
On April 4, 1971 when the body of his late father Sir Edward Mutesa II was brought back for burial is when he became head of the 52 clans which make Buganda.
 
 
Images of the coronation
 
 His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi on his throne.
The coronation as the 36th King of Buganda was on July 31st 1993 and this is celebrated yearly.
 
The map shows the boundary of his kingdom Buganda. 
That is the smart King of Buganda
 
 
 The Queen Lady Sylvia Naginda has a number of Projects under Nabagereka Foundation for betterment of the girl child and the women in particular.

The king is behind so many innovations which include:
1. Sporting activities in the kingdom,
2. Poverty alleviation programs,
3. Communication to his subjects and news media through a radio and television,
4. Programs to boost better health of the people,
5. Bursary to needy children from within Uganda to mention some