Digital Impact Awards Africa is fast streamlining production and consumption of Digital Financial Services across the continent.
Today, the DIAA advisory board announced that Mr. Kamal Budhabatti; a noble entrepreneur who Forbes refers to as Kenya’s Bill Gates will deliver the keynote address at the fifth Digital Impact Awards Africa #DIAA2018 that are slated for Friday 21, September 2018 at the Kampala Serena Hotel.
The keynote will focus on ‘Digital Currency and Blockchain technologies.
Kamal Budhabatti is an unassuming Indian-Kenyan entrepreneur working unremittingly towards putting African software on the global map. He is the founder and CEO of Craft Silicon, a Kenyan software company with a local base and global aspirations that is steadily making inroads in the world of financial technology.
“It is an extraordinary honor, and privilege to have Kamal Budhabatti as a keynote speaker. Kamal is one of the greatest digital and finance innovators of this generation. His work has transformed the lives of millions of Africans. His accomplishments in Africa’s financial space have supported so many businesses and individuals. Just like Kamal, Digital Impact Awards Africa (DIAA) is determined to further champion the Digital Agenda,” Innocent Kawooya, the DIAA Program director also CEO, HiPipo said.
He added; “I believe that Kamal Budhabatti’s address will inspire and motivate more innovations to deliver cost effective solutions to issues affecting our communities. We should never leave the digitalization of Africa’s financial ecosystem to only Kamal and a few others. This is a challenge that we must all take on.”
More about Kamal Budhabhatti.
Kamal Budhabhatti is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Craft Silicon Ltd., a Kenya based global software development and Services Company.
Today, under his leadership and vision, Craft Silicon has been recognized as one of the biggest software house across the emerging markets with its other development center and relationship office in India and USA respectively.
Craft Silicon provides bespoke, cutting-edge software in core banking, microfinance, mobile, switch solutions and electronic payments for customers on four continents. The company services over 200 clients in 40 countries spread across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Clientele includes some of Africa’s most successful financial institutions, and the company has offices in Kenya, India, Nigeria and the United States. Craft Silicon has an office in Silicon Valley — in Palo Alto, California – one of the very few East African companies to achieve such a feat.
The company has a market value of around $50 million and boasts annual revenues of $6 million.
About Digital Impact Awards Africa.
Under the theme ‘Include Everyone, DIAA is a platform that promotes Digital inclusion, Financial inclusion and Cybersecurity. The Awards seek to recognize, celebrate and appreciate different individuals and organizations that are spearheading the use of digital mediums to better serve their communities. Digital Impact Awards Africa is organized by HiPipo.
The Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) will hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Governing Council Elections this Saturday 01 September 2018 at the Fairway Hotel Kampala from 9am.
Key on the agenda for this years AGM is:
(a) Receive and consider the statement of accounts and the statement of the financial position of the association for the year ended 31 December 2017
(d) Elections of New Governing Council Members for the period 2018 – 2020.
Nominations ahead of the elections are currently going on. So far, David Birungi (Manager Stakeholder Relations UMEME) and Sarah Kagingo (SoftPower Communications LLC Director) have expressed their interest in becoming the next PRAU President. A full list of nominees will be unveiled at the AGM.
As part of the agenda, there will be a panel discussion on the topic “The Changing Dynamics in PR Practice: Are PR Professionals Prepared?”. Raymond Mujuni – Senior Investigations Reporter, NBS TV – will be the chief moderator.
The panellists will include: Apedel Samuel, Senior Manager Public Relations, NWSC; Barbara Teddy Arimi – Head of Marketing & Communications, NSSF; Cathy Adengo – Head of Corporate Communications, Stanbic Bank; Peter Kaujju – Head Public & Corporate Affairs, KCCA, Seruma Vincent CIPD – Assistant Commissioner Public & Corporate Affairs URA; SSP Emilian Kayima – Spokesperson, Uganda Police Uganda and Tina Wamala – PRO, DSTV.
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The East African Development Bank (EADB) has held a farewell event for the 8 successful teachers from the East African region who will make up the third cohort of the EADB-AAI Scholars program.
Recipients of the scholarship program will pursue Master’s Degree in Education, Mathematics and Industrial System and Engineering at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The Scholarships are competitively awarded to experienced Teachers and Lecturers of tertiary institutions, secondary schools, and polytechnics with at least 3 years full-time teaching experience. They must be university graduates with a Bachelor’s degree with First Class/Upper Second Honours in Mathematics, Sciences or Engineering.
Ms.Loise Mungai Head country office Kenya addressing the scholar benefiting from the math science technology and engineering university scholarship program at the Fairview hotel.
Under 40 years of age and a citizen of the EADB Member States: Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. They must be working full-time in public, government owned educational institutions. They must have interest in pursuing a graduate degree in those fields in the United States and are committed to returning to their home country to teach in a public government owned institution The scholars were selected from nearly 300 applicants from the East African countries of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who competed for a choice few slots.
The scholars include Five(5) Kenyans, One(1) Ugandan, One(1) Rwandan and One(1)Tanzanian.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Vivienne Yeda, Director General of the East African Development Bank said The EADB created the EADB Math, Science, Technology and Engineering University Scholarship Program, in partnership with The Africa-America Institute, for experienced teachers and lecturers to earn a post-graduate degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Rutgers University and New Jersey Institute of Technology in the United States.
“This scholarship program will go a long way in helping to increase the number of qualified academics in the STEM fields and strengthen the workforce in the science, engineering and technology in East Africa. “The EADB and AAI warmly congratulate the scholars as they have successfully navigated a long and challenging application process,” Ms. Yeda added.
East African Development Bank Board Member, Mr. Francis N. Karuiru who was the evening’s guest of honor commended EADB for their commitment to both infrastructural and personal development in the region.
“We are here today to celebrate these eight individuals who are starting an exciting journey. But we must realize that the benefits of this scholarship extend beyond their personal recipients. When these eight return to teaching back in East African universities and tertiary universities, countless students will in turn reap the fruits of their qualifications.That is why I want to commend and appreciate The EADB and AAI. This initiative ties in to our Government’s goal to increase access to education, with better learning and skills outcome,” Mr. Francis N. Karuiru concluded. ”
Mr. Francis N.Karuiru EADB board member addressing the scholars benefiting from the Math science technology and engineering university scholarship program at the Fairview hotel.
The recipients were Mathias Halinga from Tanzania who will be pursuing Industrial System and Engineering, Ruth Mathenge from Kenya who will do Physics Education, Nixon Odari from Kenya who will do Math Education, Fabien Habimana from Rwanda to pursue Industrial System and Engineering, Purity Kendi from Kenya who will do Math Education, Patrick Odhiambo also from Kenya and will take Physics Education, Usufu Nyakoojo from Uganda will do Math Education while Brian Odiwuor from Kenya will do Science Education.
The EADB scholarship aims to maximize the impact of EADB’s investment into the higher education sector by granting scholarships to accomplished lecturers who have agreed to return to their East African universities and continue teaching after they have received their graduate degree at Rutgers University.
The scheme was launched in August 2016 as a pilot programme. The first Cohort were 3 scholars (2 from Uganda and 1 from Kenya). Second Cohort were 5 Scholars – (4 from Kenya and 1 from Uganda).
The fully-funded EADB graduate level scholarships will provide full tuition, room and living expenses within a stipulated budget. The next call for application shall be in December 2018/January 2019.
It is November 2017; Charles Achieng and I are set to meet at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) for the very first time. We have been interacting online for some months.
While at the Busia OSBP ‘cargo verification compound’ waiting for Charles and another Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) customs officer assigned to take me around the facility, I see men unloading a truck. Curious, I get closer and ask them what they are doing.
“URA officers suspect this truck to contain some unauthorized commodities. We have been asked to unpack everything. After they have cleared their doubts, we shall re-pack it and drive to Kampala,” the truck’s turnboy tells me.
This, according to this fairly-young man, let’s call him Emma, would take between one and three days, something that results in more expenses incurred and time lost along the way.
While the turnboy leads the unpacking, the driver is not anywhere in the vicinity. Actually, I am told he is somewhere in a bar having fun with newfound female friends and will only pass by to check on the progress.
After a while, Charles finally joins me after attending to an urgent matter in his office (he is a Kenya Cross Border Traders’ leader) on the Kenyan side of the Busia OSBP.
He immediately joins the conversation as we talk about the merits and demerits of this manual cargo inspection and verification process. He tries to make me appreciate why a full truck has to be unloaded and re-loaded.
Charles is accustomed to this procedure and thus finds nothing bizarre about it even though I find everything about it out-dated and somewhat analogue, to say the least.
Fast forward to the end of February 2018 and we are back to Busia. This time, President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta are leading delegations from both countries to the official launch of the Busia OSBP.
Efficient border crossing to boost trade between Kenya and Uganda with launch of Busia one stop border post.
At the launch, which was coincidently hosted in the same cargo inspection grounds /parking yard Charles and I first met in November 2017, the two presidents note that for the security of their countries and the entire region and due to the need for faster cargo clearance, it is important that electronic scanners are installed at all border posts, beginning with Busia and Malaba.
President Museveni then notes that the first such scanners would be installed this year (2018), to the applause of the audience in attendance.
Because Charles is a Kenya Cross Border Traders’ leader, he is seated with Kenyan delegates while I am with the Ugandan media team.
I meet Charles after the commissioning, and he notes: “I hope you have heard from the two Presidents. Your cargo inspection issue is being worked on.”
“I understand that the procurement of the scanners has already been done and installation will start soon. These will greatly reduce time wastage and unnecessary expenses incurred by traders while waiting for cargo verification in Busia,” he states.
Cargo Scanners arrive!
Further-forward, it is August 2018 and Uganda launches the first inland non-intrusive cargo scanners at Busia OSBP, to the excitement of truck operators, traders and trade-facilitating agencies.
The Fast scan series (FS6000) automated scanners can detect what is hidden behind 300mm of steel and can automatically differentiate organic and inorganic materials using colour separation. It also has capacity to scan up to 200 trucks per hour.
The new cargo scanners are fully funded by the government of Uganda to the tune of Shs 15 billion while their linking/connection with the cargo scanners at the Mombasa port is being funded by Trademark East Africa and Department for International Development (DFID). It is expected that the completion of the Busia-Mombasa and Malaba-Mombasa scanners integration will lead to the creation of one digital trade corridor.
Charles Achieng , the co-writer of this article interacts with one of the drivers before his truck was scanned at the Busia OSBP.
The launch of these FS6000 Non-Intrusive electronic cargo inspection scanners in Busia marked the beginning of a new era in the East African Community OSBP framework with full inclusive and seamless integration with other trade enabling digital systems such as Asycuda World, Outward Processing Relief (OPR), Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Electronic Single Window and Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) guaranteed.
As such, the cross-border trading community is assured of increased accountability, efficiency and predictability in movements of cargo on top of elimination of numerous highway stops for verification.
It takes just seconds to have full scanning done, which ultimately translates into increased number of consignments receiving customs attention.
In an interview, Mr Ali Malio of Sibed Transporters Company is full of praise for the new system: “It takes less than two minutes for verification to be done through the scanner at Busia.”
“We used to spend hours here but with these scanners in place, our trucks are cleared and cargo verified within minutes. We thank both the Ugandan and Kenyan governments for making this happen,” he says.
Similarly, Mr Ayub Mburu, a driver with Bingos Best Mango Exporting Company notes that “we are seeing better days.”
“Time is of the essence to us and any effort put in place to reduce time wastage is always welcome,” he says.
A cargo truck driver shares his views with Charles Achieng on how the non-intrusive cargo scanners are improving business.
For Ben Mbazira, a truck turnboy, this development is a personal benefit as it saves him energy and time.
“As turnboys, we have always suffered at this place. The driver just moves out and you are left to pack and unpack the cargo. But with this new system, we just sit as the machine does its work. In a few minutes, we are back on the road.”
According to the Ugandan Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon Matia Kasaija, traders involved in cross border trade are the biggest benefactors of the initiative.
“Importers and exporters will enjoy reduced clearance time, avoid the inconvenience and risks linked to physical inspection. They will experience a better and faster export process with reduced possibilities of short landings,” Kasaija said.
Hon Matia Kasaija launching the Busia non-intrusive scanners.
Small scale traders and travellers await their turn.
However, while the new technology is doing wonders for the large scale traders, small scale cross-border traders, passengers, and tourists are still hoping for better times since they are still being subjected to physical inspection and verification of their travel bags, goods among others.
These complain of the manual systems that violate their privacy and dignity in addition to giving some fraudulent officials room for intimidating and soliciting bribes from travellers.
Godfrey Wanyama, a hand cart cross-border trader, is quite inconvenienced by physical inspections. He notes that moving a sack of maize requires that the standards bodies open and manually check in the event that they suspect the quality of the seeds has been compromised.
“In the process of inspecting the maize for example, they sometimes pour it down, making it dirty and also tear the bags/sacks. It would be nice if small scale traders have a scanner where such small goods are rolled through, and not intruded into,” Wanyama notes.
A wide view of the Busia Non-Intrusive Cargo scanners.
Sam Wafula, a fish transporter reveals that there are scenarios where a bicycle load of fish is spread on the packing slab for verification. Most of this, he says, is packed in Uganda for destinations as far as Eldoret or Nairobi but its quality is compromised from Busia, thanks to the manual inspections.
In the same spirit, Mercy Vereso, a traveller found at the Busia OSBP crossing from Kenya to Uganda notes that while she is amazed by the infrastructural development of the border and the effective operations, she is inconvenienced every time she is asked to open her bags and luggage for physical checks.
“The same way that they have installed automatic scanners for the trucks, they should also put conveyor scanners for travellers,” she says.
With the non-intrusive scanners sorting large scale traders, it is only in order that focus now shifts to small scale traders and travellers.
It remains to be seen whether the issues of small scale traders will be addressed immediately or in the words of Nelson Mandela, it will be another “long walk to freedom!”
About the Writers;
Charles Achieng is the chairman Busia Kenya Cross-Border Traders.
Nicholas Kalungi is a Digital Proficient Journalist.
Global music and video streaming platform, TIDAL in partnership with the leading communications operator in Uganda offering mobile & fixed telecommunications, MTN Uganda, have today announced an exciting, first-of-its kind collaboration.
The partnership provides MTN Uganda customers a variety of options for a data-inclusive TIDAL membership as part of their mobile plan to gain access to exclusive high-quality streaming music, videos, concerts and more.
“Africa is a continent that has long been an inspiration for music heard around the world and TIDAL is excited to highlight the vibrant musicians on our platform. TIDAL is also thrilled to bring a new wave of digital music to Uganda as part of this collaboration” said Lior Tibon, COO TIDAL.
The partnership, launched in Uganda but set to be rolled out in other MTN operations across Africa comes with an array of membership options where customers can tap into one, three, seven and 30-day memberships, all of which include data and a free 30-day trial for all first-time members.
On the importance of MTN’s partnership with TIDAL artist-owner Damian Marley noted:
“I remember hearing stories about my father‘s records being destroyed once they got to Africa. They didn’t want the people to hear the message in the music. What a beautiful day it is now when Africa will not only have access to my family’s music but to all music that exists”
Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Jason Kpana, SVP Artist & Label Relations, shared:
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with Uganda’s musicians and helping to bring the TIDAL music streaming experience to fans across the country. We know MTN customers will love the diverse playlists, livestreams, videos and original content available on TIDAL.”
The content on TIDAL offers a deeper look into not only the repertoire of artists, but the music that inspires the work they do. Editors across the globe showcase the hottest tracks across all genres and create soundtracks for key cultural moments – life, death, civil revolutions, works of literature, and movies that have caught the cultural zeitgeist.
In celebration of the Ugandan music industry and the start of a digital music revolution, TIDAL and MTN Uganda announced advanced plans in organizing an exclusive Collaboration Conference and ‘The MTN TIDAL Experience’ which will be held on 27 and 28 September respectively. MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, Olivier Prentout, gave more details about it:
“The Collaboration Conference will exclusively be attended by artists, music producers and promoters. The conference aims to bring artists together to learn about the evolution of the music industry across the globe and how to expand locally along with the help of TIDAL. Following the conference, “The MTN TIDAL Experience”, featuring dancehall artist Kranium, Nigeria’s DJ Spinall, our very own Beenie Gunter and local DJs are set to host the experience which will be held at the MTN Headquarters”.
“At MTN we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. This partnership with TIDAL further demonstrates our strategic vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to our customers by making music more available on their smartphones. One product innovation MTN will add to the TIDAL subscriptions is the inclusion of data. MTN subscribers will be given the choice between daily, weekly and monthly packages payable only via Mobile Money (MoMo).” added Olivier.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), commissioned the start of the implementation of the National Electronic Payment Gateway. With the increasing usage of technology to access services, the citizens are often inconvenienced when making payments for the services. This is manifested in the non-seamless mode of payment the citizens are subjected to.
It is against that background, that the Accountant General, in partnership with NITAUganda, is set to implement a Payment Gateway that will enable online payments for all Government services; and as well be utilized by interested private sector business enterprises to receive payments for their supplies, in a bid to promote e-Commerce and financial inclusion in Uganda.
Addressing the pilot entities that will enabled to provide services through the payment gateway, the acting Commissioner, Financial Management Systems, MoFPED, Aiden Rujumba called upon the entities to embrace this new platform. ‘As a Government, we are always looking for technologies that will allow for more transparency and efficiency so as to make the lives of citizens easier in their interaction with Government especially with access to Government services,’ he added.
Steven Kirenga, Marketing & Communications Manager, NITA–U, informed the meeting that the national payment gateway will ensure payment for Government services securely, fast and conveniently. ‘Citizens will soon be able to pay for various Government services online, easily on their phones either through the citizens portal, the mobile phone application or USSD,’ he said.
Some of the benefits expected once the service is available include:
Seamless payment for Government services. A citizen will no longer switch between websites of Ministries and URA when paying for Non-Tax Revenue e.g. Passport fees
Simplified process for making payments for Government services
Reduced transaction costs due to the ability of aggregating payments for different services offered by the same Ministry/entity. E.g. A person will be able to pay for Search fees and company registration fees in a consolidated payment thus saving on transaction fees.
Convenience. Owing to the challenges related to transacting with cash, the National Payment Gateway will ensure transaction in a secure environment.
The payment service will initially be available with the following entities:
Uganda Revenue Authority
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority – Electronic Government Procurement
Ministry of Agriculture – eVoucher service
Uganda Wildlife Authority
Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
Academic Information Management Systems (AIMS) – University & Tertiary Institutions
Dotsaidia Systems Ltd (Dotshule) – Primary and Secondary Schools
Uganda Heart Institute – Hospital Management Information System
Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Government of Uganda is confident that the use of ICT as an enabler of efficiency across the different ministries, agencies and departments will go a long way in making government services more accessible to the citizens of Uganda.
ACCA Uganda and Deloitte launch the second edition of the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Awards 2018, themed “Finance in a Digital World”.
This follows the huge success that the inaugural CFO Awards registered last year with six winners from a highly competitive process where Uganda Breweries Limited’s Alvin Mbugua walked away with the coveted CFO of the Year Award and NSSF’s Patrick Ayota was the 1st runners up for CFO of the Year Award. Both have moved on to bigger things inform of career growth with Mr. Mbugua now the Head of Sales, East African Breweries and Mr. Ayota as the Deputy Managing Director, NSSF.
The awards this year have been increased from five to eight to carter for the unique attributes of the different sectors. The eight awards are CFO of the year, Young CFO Award, Public Sector Award, Strategy Execution Award, Finance Transformation Award, SME Award, Not for Profit Award and Finance and Technology Award.
Anyone is encouraged to nominate a CFO/Finance Director/Head of Finance function that they feel meets the criteria and self-nomination is also allowed.
These quotients or skills are intelligence, creativity, digital knowledge, emotional intelligence, experience, vision, and technical and ethical skills.
Speaking at the Launch, Beatrice Isagayite, the Head of ACCA Uganda said the CFO Awards provide a recognition platform for leaders of the finance function and draw attention to the required professional skills that should be adopted and demonstrated by leaders that will meet the needs of a rapidly changing business and economic landscape.
“At Deloitte, we have seen firsthand how the pressure and burden of the CFO role can seem overwhelming for those aspiring to the role. The Deloitte CFO Programme has been designed to help new and aspiring CFOs navigate the next steps of their careers, prepare them for the diverse responsibilities they will face in the CFO role and help them transition successfully,” Norbert Kagoro, the Managing Partner, Deloitte said.
He said, the roles and responsibilities of today’s CFOs and senior finance leaders are more varied and challenging than ever.
The CFO Award 2018 Categories
The CFO awards were established in recognition of the fact that the finance function and the CFO’s role is pivotal in building sustainable business models which ultimately translate into value for the investors.
CFO of the Year
The CFO of the Year will have shown financial leadership, outstanding performance over a number of years and is the driving force behind the growth and profitability of their organization, striving for excellence in all aspects of the finance profession. The CFO/ Head of Finance should lead by example demonstrating leadership through their future-focus and proficiency in the seven vital qualities of professional accountants.
Public Sector Award
This should be a CFO or Head of Finance in a government ministry, agency or department demonstrating outstanding financial management and has demonstrated the vital qualities of professional accountants.
Not-for-Profit Award
This award will go to an outstanding CFO or Head of Finance, currently making a vital contribution to the financial leadership of a not-for-profit organisation and has demonstrated the 7 vital qualities of professional accountants.
SME Award
This award will recognize a CFO or Head of Finance in a small and medium enterprise, who has demonstrated outstanding financial management and has contributed to the growth of the enterprise. Small and medium enterprises include all types of formal enterprises irrespective of their legal form (such as family enterprises, sole proprietorships or cooperatives), employing between 5 – 100 employees and total assets not exceeding UGX 360 million.
This award recognises a CFO or Head of Finance who has championed transformative solutions in their finance function and has been successful in redefining the role of finance within the organisation.
Strategy Execution Award
This award recognises a CFO or Head of Finance who has shown agility and resilience in dealing with serious and intense changes in the business environment, enabling the business to successfully adapt to new demands and challenges. This CFO or Head of Finance will have shown great leadership in creating the right (financial) conditions to execute the organisation’s strategy.
Finance & Technology Award
The Award recognises a CFO or Head of Finance who has invested in and unlocked technologies that have the power to transform the business and create new value. The CFO or Head of Finance has played a crucial role in designing and executing a successful business-aligned IT strategy and is a steward for technology driven change and develops and shares his or her knowledge and know-how of technology across the business.
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.
ACCA supports its 200,000 members and 486,000 students in 180countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 101 offices and centres and more than 7,200 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.
ACCA is currently introducing major innovations to its flagship qualification to ensure its members and future members continue to be the most valued, up-to-date and sought-after accountancy professionals globally.
Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com
About Deloitte.
Deloitte legal entity description
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.
“Global Logistics Convention 2108 will convene business leaders from across the world who will include Logisticians, Finance Institutions, Insurance firms, Manufacturers and Traders, Truck and Equipment dealers, Government officials, Civil Society Organizations, Development Partners, Academicians, and other private sector stakeholders from all over the region” Hussein K KIDDEDDE – CMILT CHAIRMAN UFFA & CHAIRMAN ORGANISING COMMITTEE GLC 2018.
Uganda Freight Forwarders Association (UFFA) in partnership with the National Logistics Platform and the Ministry of Works and Transport will be hosting the 2nd edition of the Global Logistics Convention from 17th to 18th September, 2018 under the theme: “Freight Logistics: The Edge to Competitiveness”
“ Uganda is a land locked country, but transport and logistics offers a unique opportunity to become land-linked, and the convention presents an opportunity to share best practice in trade and policy, engage a wide range of stakeholders, and define roles and responsibilities in the development process to facilitate a competitive environment for the sector” Gideon Badagawa Executive Director PSFU.
The Convention will bring together over five hundred (500) participants from across the world who will include Logisticians, Finance Institutions, Insurance firms, Manufacturers and Traders, Truck and Equipment dealers, Government officials, Civil Society Organizations, Development Partners, Academicians, and other private sector stakeholders from all over the region.
The Convention will include a cocktail of tailor-made activities such as key note presentations, motivational talks, conferences, stimulating discussions, sharing sessions, exhibitions, media engagements and networking events which will be facilitated by experts in the sector, government officials and development partners from within and beyond the region.
“We are very excited about the level of enthusiasm we have received from speakers, sponsors and attendees for this unique conference,” said Hussein K, Kiddedde, Chairman Organising Committee GLC 2018 and Chairman UFFA. “We look forward to bringing together the many business leaders in Frieght and Logistics industry for a substantive discussion of real-world solutions to
key issues facing the Logistics industry today.”
The Head- DFID Uganda Office,
Representatives of the Development Partners,
The Chairpersons-NOC Uganda and NOC Kenya,
Permanent Secretaries present here,
Members of NOC – Uganda and Kenya in your respective capacities,
The Senior and Country Directors of TMEA and your Staff,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am delighted to be here today to participate in the joint meeting of the NOC for TMEA Uganda and TMEA Kenya country programmes.
I would like to start by thanking the Management of TMEA and its Financiers for supporting development and integration of the EAC.
As you are well aware, TradeMark East Africa was established recently in 2010 to support the integration process of the EAC and the growth of trade in the region.
However, we as a region have achieved a lot together in this relatively short period of its operation especially in the area of trade and transport facilitation, which is a cornerstone for regional growth and development. Under Strategy 1 which we have just completed, I am happy to note that:
i. We have developed good facilities at most of our Key border crossings and also upgraded our Mombasa port which is a gateway for East Africa especially the Northern Corridor Partners States. This has helped to reduce time taken to import and export our goods;
ii. ii. We have also improved our trade environment through upgrading our Customs Management Systems and supporting other ICT trade systems (like Electronic Cargo Tracking System and Electronic Single Window), as well as addressing the issue of Non-Tariff Barriers to trade.
iii. We have also made progress in improving our business competitiveness through supporting our small scale farmers to meet national and regional standards in order to improve their competitiveness and market access for their produce; and
iv. iv. Lastly, we have also registered some progress in supporting the development of the Logistics industry and implementation of EAC Regional integration.
On behalf of the Works and Transport Sector in Uganda, and on my own behalf, I would like to thank the financiers and management of TMEA, and the Chairpersons and Members of NOC for these achievements. This hard work should continue to ensure better performance for Strategy 2 (2017- 2024).
At the National Level and for Uganda in particular, My Ministry was honored to host the last NOC meeting in May 2018. At this meeting, the NOC approved our application to TMEA for funding of the access road at Malaba OSBP, and to which TMEA accepted, with conditions.
As already seen on ground during our inspection tour this morning, I am happy to report that GOU has fulfilled all the financing conditions and construction works for the access road have resumed and are on schedule for completion by December 2018. I would like to thank the NOC and TMEA for the tremendous support to my Sector and the GOU as a whole.
However, we still face a few infrastructure bottlenecks at both Malaba Uganda and Malaba Kenya as identified during our tour this morning, and which we need to address so as to improve the operational efficiency of the OSBP facilities at Malaba.
These include among others; expansion of the exit gates, enhancement of security lighting and fencing, modification works, staff accommodation block, repair of access road and bridge, and many others as will be presented to you later this afternoon.
I am glad that these infrastructure bottlenecks were discussed and prioritized by the two Governments of Kenya and Uganda and the EAC during their joint inspection exercise which was conducted in mid May 2018, and also attended by TMEA.
This joint NOC meeting is therefore timely and provides an opportunity for us to jointly discuss these issues and others which may be noninfrastructure in nature and are constraining trade facilitation in our region.
On this note, I would like to request the NOC and TMEA to support these infrastructure improvements at Malaba OSBP in order to improve its operational efficiency and facilitate trade in the EAC region and beyond.
Relatedly, the Governments of Uganda and Tanzania have committed to develop the Central Corridor through Lake Victoria to the sea to promote trade between the two countries. Work for port development and rehabilitation of the railway line is on-going. However, we still face a capacity challenge of the vessels and rolling stock on the Uganda side.
The MV Pamba which was supposed to be rehabilitated together with MV Kaawa under the same Project which funded Malaba OSBP was never done due to insufficient funds on the IDA Credit. The cost of its rehabilitation is estimated at US$ 5.0 Million. I would like to interest the NOC to also support the development of the Central Corridor under the auspices of promoting regional trade and integration.
Once again, I wish to thank TMEA and other Development Partners for the enduring support and cooperation to our Governments. I also want to thank the NOC for both Kenya and Uganda for doing a good job and for making this joint NOC meeting a reality.
This initiative should be replicated to other NOCs in the EAC in order to swiftly and jointly resolve any issues affecting trade facilitation and integration at our common borders. I thank you all and I wish you good deliberations.
