Author: Lucas Musisi

LUCAS MUSISI Kampala: Uganda grapples with startling statistics regarding disability prevalence, particularly among children, where the rate stands at 16 percent. The educational landscape reflects stark challenges, as evidenced by the meager enrollment figures for children with disabilities. In 2023, only 1.97 percent of primary school enrollment comprised children with disabilities, according to the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) report. Moreover, the dearth of specialized educators exacerbates the situation. Dr. M. Munira Safieldin, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, highlights a significant scarcity: just two qualified braille mathematics lecturers, exclusively located at Kyambogo University. This scarcity underscores the profound educational gaps…

LUCAS MUSISI KAMPALA – The Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold the Anti-Homosexuality Act, with a focus on safeguarding children and vulnerable groups, bears significant implications for Uganda’s international relationships, particularly with its donors. The unanimous judgment, spanning over 200 pages, largely dismissed the petitioners’ arguments against the act, which included concerns about violating human dignity, freedoms of association and expression, and rights to engage in lawful professions. The court maintained its stance on cultural and societal norms, opting not to endorse practices seen as contrary to these values. The petitioners, comprising West Budama MP Fox Odoi, human rights advocate Nicholas…

LUCAS MUSISI The recent signing of the “Improvement of Medical Equipment at Regional Referral Hospitals Project” agreement between Honorable Kasaija, the Finance Minister of Uganda, and representatives from the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) marks a significant advancement in Uganda’s healthcare infrastructure. With a grant of JPY 941,000,000 (approximately USD 6.8 million or UGX 24,250,000,000), the project aims to enhance the facilities at Jinja and Soroti regional referral hospitals (RRHs). This funding, according to a statement from the ministry’s website, represents a substantial investment in bolstering the healthcare capabilities of these key medical centers. Kasaija, representing…

LUCAS MUSISI KAMPALA: KCB Bank customers now have access to loans up to Ushs.250 million without the need for collateral such as land titles or car logbooks, catering to both personal finance and business requirements. These loans boast a repayment period of up to 84 months and offer competitive interest rates starting as low as 17.5%. Upon fulfilling the requisite criteria, borrowers can obtain these loans within a swift 48-hour timeframe. Miranda Bageine Musoke, Head of Retail Banking at KCB Bank Uganda, unveiled this new loan offering as part of the bank’s unsecured personal loan campaign dubbed “Kigguse with KCB…

LUCAS MUSISI In a three-day validation workshop on policy and regulatory frameworks for Optic Fibre Infrastructure held in Kampala, Dr. Amina Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s strides in the telecommunication and ICT industry. Zawedde’s presentation commenced with a data-driven snapshot of Uganda’s internet landscape, revealing substantial growth in internet usage. With 13.30 million internet users recorded in January 2024 and an internet penetration rate of 27.0 percent, Uganda has experienced a notable increase of 1.2 million users, marking a growth rate of 10.3 percent between January…

LUCAS MUSISI KAMPALA – In a significant stride towards bolstering economic development and fostering regional cooperation, Uganda has embarked on plans to establish an Indigenous Patient Capital and Cross-border African Investment Bank. This initiative, discussed during a recent meeting at the State House Investors Protection Unit Offices in Kampala, signals a concerted effort by key stakeholders to address the pressing need for sustainable financial solutions in the region. The brainstorming session, chaired by the State House Investors Protection Unit and the National Planning Authority (NPA), underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. The directive, emanating…

LUCAS MUSISI Uganda’s Minister of Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi, made a landmark announcement in Kampala on March 21, introducing pivotal changes in the public procurement system. The focus of these changes, as outlined by Musasizi, is twofold: first, to significantly enhance the participation of local Ugandan, resident, and East African Community providers in public procurement, and second, to actively involve registered associations of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. These initiatives, formulated under the PPDA Act, of 2003, symbolize a strategic shift in Uganda’s approach to public procurement, aiming to empower local businesses and marginalized groups. The new guidelines…

C-News Bureau Chief The 2023–2024 Human Development Report, titled “Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarized World,” released on March 13, 2024, sheds light on the critical role of the tax system as a formal institution within the social contract between citizens and governments. This system serves as a fundamental revenue source for governments, enabling them to finance public services and programs that benefit society at large. Moreover, it offers an invaluable avenue to explore how individuals interact with institutions across diverse contexts, influenced by cultural norms, beliefs, and perceptions, which, in turn, impact compliance with policies. The report…

LUCAS MUSISI African CEO Magazine, a New York City-based pan-African media, and events production company, is collaborating with the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) to organize the Uganda International Business and Investment Summit scheduled for May 23–25 in Kampala. In recent years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ugandan businesses and the broader business finance environment have faced numerous emerging challenges. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for uncovering new opportunities that can strengthen and position Ugandan enterprises, impact investors, and policymakers for sustained growth and inclusivity. The primary objective of the summit is to facilitate Ugandan businesses and impact…

LUCAS MUSISI Striker Denis Omedi’s stellar season continues to dazzle the Uganda Premier League as he leads Kitara FC’s charge for their first-ever league title. With a remarkable tally of eleven goals so far, Omedi’s prowess was on full display when he opened the scoring in Kitara’s 3-0 thrashing of former champions URA FC at Masindi Stadium on March 14. Teammates Jude Ssemugabi and Livingstone Kabon contributed to the rout, solidifying Kitara’s position atop the league with 43 points. The very next day, Omedi’s sensational form was rewarded with the Pilsner League Player of the Month award, an impressive feat…