African Development Bank achieves 100% investment in green energy Projects in 2017

BY SAMUELNABWIISO

The African Development Bank achieved a 100% investment in renewable energy in 2017, a major landmark in its commitment to clean energy and efficiency.

According to press statement  the Bank injected  money in Power generation projects with a cumulative 1,400 megawatts exclusively from renewables were approved during the year, with plans to increase support for renewable energy projects in 2018 under the New Deal on Energy for Africa.

According to Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina, ‘’We are clearly leading on renewable energy. We will help Africa unlock its full energy potential, while developing a balanced energy mix to support industrialization. Our commitment is to ensure 100% climate screening for all Bank financed projects.’’

The African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina

 The share of renewable energy projects as a portion of the Bank’s portfolio of power generation investments increased from 14% in 2007-2011, to 64% in 2012-2016.

The Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) whose goal is to deliver 300 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in 2030 and 10 GW by 2020, is now based within the Bank, as requested by African Heads of State and Government. The G7 has promised to commit US$10 billion to support the initiative, which came out of COP21 and subsequently approved by the African Union.

On November 8, 2017, the African Bank Group approved its Second Climate Change Action Plan, 2016-2020 (CCAP2) as a clear message of its commitment to helping African countries mobilize resources to support the implementation of the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions of Regional Member Countries, in ways that will not hinder development.

The approval of the action plan echoes discussions at COP23 in Bonn, Germany to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change and achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global temperature rises to 1.5C.

The CCAP2 is designed to incorporate the Bank’s High 5 priorities in the Paris Agreement, the 2030 development agenda, the Bank’s Green Growth Framework and the lessons learned in the implementation of the first climate change action plan (CCAP1), 2011-2015

As part of its wider mandate under the New Deal on Energy for Africa, the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank on December 15, 2017, approved an investment of US $20 million in the Evolution II Fund −a Pan-African clean and sustainable energy private equity fund.

The Bank’s investment in Evolution II Fund reflects the High 5 development priorities of the Bank, the agenda to light up and Power Africa, and the Bank’s commitment to promote renewable energy and efficiency in Africa.

 The Evolution II Fund is expected to contribute to green and sustainable growth by creating 2,750 jobs and building on the track record of the Evolution One Fund (which created 1,495 jobs, of which 20% were for women, and generated 838 MW of wind energy and 87MW Solar PV energy). It is estimated that the Evolution One Fund achieved 1,190,469 of Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission savings annually

In line with its commitment to renewable energy and ongoing institutional reforms, in the first quarter of 2017, the Bank appointed Ousseynou Nakoulima as the Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. He brings global experience in developing and managing programs and partnerships for driving renewable energy, from his work at the Green Climate Fund.

Harmonise Wildlife protection regulation EAC told

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO 

Advocators for protection of wildlife animals in East Africa have asked the six member states of East African Community to harmonise wildlife regulations to protect animals from spot hunters.

Raphael Omondi, the Education and Outreach liaison office at World Animal Protection (WAP) organization said many endangered animal species have been killed by tourists who enter the parks for spot hunting, especially in Tanzania.

Edith Kasiime the WAP Uganda country representative addressing tour operator at Hotel Africana 

“The world life protection laws in the region have loopholes which need to be harmonized in Kenya and Uganda. Spot hunting is criminalized especially on endangered species, but in Tanzania many tourists pay dollars and the Authorities allow the visitors to kill Animals in the name of spot hunting,” Omond said during an engagement meeting between WAP and tour operators in Uganda at Hotel Africana

Some of the endangered species that have been killed through spot hunting include Lions, elephants, among other endangered species.

Killing of such animals contradicts with international legal instruments such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention, which is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals.

Most United Nation members states are signatory to the treaty, however, some member states violate it by legalizing the killing of animals in protected areas as way of raising money to fund government programs.

For instance, to spot hunt a lion, according to Omondi, the hunter pays about US$500, 0000 per spot.

Executive Director Association of Uganda Tour Operators, Gloria Tumwesigye,ption(M)

At the same event, WAP Uganda country representative Edith Kasiime challenged Tour Operators to ensure that their clients respect the rights of wild animals.

She noted that on many occasions tourists are violating the rights of animals through taking selfies with the animals.

“Taking a selfie with an animal should follow the international regulations; some of the actions the tourist do towards the animals lead to animals becoming wild thus attacking tourists in the due course,” she told tour operators.

Responding to the WAP official, the Executive Director Association of Uganda Tour Operators, Gloria Tumwesigye, said they are going to carry out advocacy programs with in their members to ensure that tourists abide with international standards, especially when it comes to taking pictures with wild animals in National parks.

Uganda’s Power Generation Agency Asset Base Expands

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO 

Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) has released its audited financial report for the last 18 months ended June 2017.

According to the information unveiled, UEGCL registered big achievement in the Audited period.

The report which was released by the UEGCL Board of Directors chairperson   Eng Proscovia Margaret Njiki at the Ministry of Finance shows that the Company’s assets have improved as compared to the previous years.

“Let me inform the UEGCL stakeholder that the total assets as at 30th June 2017 had grown to UGX3.3 trillion from UGX1trillion in 2015 as result of ongoing projects. As the supervisors of the agency we shall continue ensuring that the agency is on good track as performance is about,” she promised.

UEGCL   Board of Directors chairperson   Eng Proscovia Margaret Njiki (R) and the state minister for fiance David Bahati at the release of the Audited report for UEGCL

On the Financial over view, the Njuki said the agency did not performed as it was expected due to economic challenges affecting the country’s economy.

The Company revenue dropped to Shs17.5 billion from Shs54 Billion in 2015.

This was due to the writing off of long outstanding debt of Shs30.9 billion from Uganda Electricity Transition Company Limited, and also the write back of Government liability of about Shs42 billion.

Commenting on the future outlook for the agency, Njuki said they are committed to support the growth of UEGCL despite the economic challenges which are stressing the performance of the agency.

“We are  very optimistic that  the company  will  continue  to grow  despite  the challenges  in the operating  environment, and economic conditions  which are  likely to persist,” she promised.

In the same Audited report, the office of the Auditor General raised issues which should be worked on if UEGCL is to perform better as it’s expected from the general public.

Some of the issues raised include the concession  management  for Nalubaale and Kiira Hydropower  stations  which the  Auditor General John  Muwanga , said it risks  the plants  being in worse shape  by the end of  the concession  due to a wanting operation and maintenance  regime by Eskom.

The Auditor general also  cast  doubt  on the competence of the supervising  engineer  for Karuma hydropower project, Energy  Infratech PYT Limited, due to several  quality  assurance  issues  identified  onsite during  the audit period .

UEGCL is the government implementing agency for the flagship hydropower projects of Karuma (600MW) and Isimba (183).

These two projects both now over 70 % complete are scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2018.

David Bahati, the Minister of state for Finance commended UEGCL for the good work the agency is doing to ensure that the country have enough energy to support the Country’s development plans.

However, the minister questioned the agency to strictly supervise all power projects that are ongoing in the country to ensure that there’s value for Money.

“We can some good work being done by the Agency, UEGCL is one of the best government parastatals  m but more effort is needed especially in the supervising of the contractor that were contracted to execute government power projects” The Minister Advised.

Dr.Eng Harrison Mutikanga, UEGCL chief executive officer told the stakeholders during the 7^thAnnual general Meeting for UEGCL that they are ready to deliver the 920MW in the next five years but challenged government to increase on the resources it allocates o the agency.

Belgian Business Delegation to Visit Uganda

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

A Belgian business delegation composed of 43 companies will visit Uganda from 26th – 29th November with an objective to tap into the Ugandan market and exploring potential business synergies.

According to the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the team also will be in the country with intention of promoting trade and investment for the mutual benefit of both Belgium and Uganda.

“The mission will comprise key players, mainly in the sectors of agriculture, construction and energy, but also in the sectors of logistics, transport and dredging, as well as ICT & consultancy. The event aims at attracting large and medium enterprises from Uganda to interact with high-ranking business persons from Belgium,” reads part of the statement.

The delegation will also meet the business community at an event to be held at Sheraton Hotel in Kampal.

Minister Kyambadde she is expected to open the Business meeting.

Uganda’s Minister of Trade Amelia Kyambadde will grace the function. Kyambadde will open the business to business networking session.

The goal of this session is to pave way for collaborations, exchanges and engagement on projects at a purely personal level.

The Business Working session will also give the Belgian delegation an opportunity to learn more about the business community of Uganda, gain insight into its business environment in the country

Apart from meeting the Business Community, the delegation will meet with the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Works and Transport among others to discuss business opportunities in those sectors.

Belgian Business delegation to Visit Uganda will comprises those from construction sector, Ago processing and Value addition fields, Health sector among others.

Government to Develop Law for Physical Planners.

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

The state Minister for Urban planning in the Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development Isaac Musumba has said  that Government is in a plan of coming up with a law to regulate physical planners in the Country 

Speaking during the World Town planning Day at Makerere University on Thursday, Musumba observed that currently there is no law which regulates the profession hence leading to the putting up of unplanned structures, which end up collapsing

.

The Minister noted that the absence of regulations has led to the creation of slums in most towns across the country.

 “The current Law does not recognise physical planners as professionals. As government we shall make sure that we have a Law which spells out who is physical planer. With the Law in place, Government will be in position to register physical planners as professionals and Monitor their conduct as it does to other professionals such as Law, Medicine and others,” the Minister said.

Minister Musumba he said the  Government will come up with new law for physical planners 

Each year planners around the world engage in activities on World Town Planning Day in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of planning in their communities.

Planning associations and academic institutions organize special educational sessions on topics relevant to planning in a local and global context.

He explained that his Ministry is committed to ensure that all buildings and other structures constructed in the towns and cities are in line with the master plan of those towns.

Failure to adhere with Government plan, he said, it will lead to the cancelation of the designed plan for the structure

.

The Minister explained that unplanned towns leads to the development of slums which on many occasions — shanty towns are known for being havens to wrongdoer’s — a situation which intensifies crimes in most towns.

A physical planner working in one of the local governments, who spoke to ChimpReports on condition of anonymity  said  the development of slum areas on many occasions has not been attributed to planners but the bad politics’  in the country.

“Some towns have masterplans, but when the planners try to enforce the law, politicians at high levels try to interfere by settling people in places that have been gazzeted for specific activities. Because of politics, almost all streets in most towns are market places. When the enforcers try to send off the vendors, politicians come in in very high gear,” the planner explained.

The Minister comments about well-planned towns and cities comes at a time when the World Bank reports reveal that in the near 2040s, 75% of the world’s population will be living in towns because of the existence  of social and economic amenities.

For such cities and towns to accommodate such populations, Governments should ensure that towns meet the World standard for the cities and Towns.

During the celebration to mark the World Standard day, the Executive Director Uganda National Bureau of standard Dr. Benon Manyindo called upon urban authorities to adopt international standards on smart cities such that they can provide quality life to their citizens.

“Without complying with the standards, cities will struggle to run safe and smooth services. Standards provide the foundation for electricity access and all the many devices and systems that use electricity and contain electronics,” Manyindo explained.

Experts Warn of Drastic Environmental Risks as Charcoal Production Hits 2.1M Tons

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BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

A new survey indicates that Uganda produces a total of 2.1 million tons of charcoal annually, implying that over 80,000 hectares of forests are lost.

Bags of charcoal ready for market such business is fueling global warming

According to the reports from the National Charcoal Survey carried out in 2016 and  released recently by  the  Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development under the Green charcoal project, it warns that if the rate at which the country’s natural resources is being harvested is not contained, this will expose  Uganda  more to  effects of global warming.

In the report, it was discovered that more Ugandans are depending on biomass as source of energy for cooking, with districts in cattle corridors such as Nakasongola, Kiboga, and Kiryandongo being the leading producers of charcoal among other districts in the cattle corridor.

The survey placed Kampala as the main source for charcoal market because of the increasing demand for charcoal due to the high population.

Green charcoal project Manager Simon Weledwongo said more action needs to be taken if the country is to be protected from global warming.

“The cattle corridor districts are where most charcoal burning business is thriving and you will realize in the report that most of the charcoal being burnt is bought in Kampala. That means that a lot needs to be done to ensure that while charcoal is being burnt, the process does not affects the country’s environment,” he said.

The report also faulted on charcoal burners who are accused of using traditional and backwards means of burning charcoal, despite the fact that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in partnership with United Nations Development program introduced new technology for charcoal burning through the Green charcoal project.

Under the green charcoal project, government introduced the new charcoal conversion kiln that is up to 40 percent more efficient in converting wood to charcoal.

The technology is being piloted in some charcoal burning districts but some burners have not embraced it, the report said.

The report, on its part calls for government to ensure that people have access to clean energy if the country’s natural resources are to be protected.

Currently the number of Uganda’s accessing clean energy is still lower due to factors rising from high connectivity fee.

Another issue is that some districts are not yet connected on the national grid; this leaves the locals with no option, especially those in urban centers to resort to charcoal as their main source of Energy for Cooking.

But, according to environmentalists, overdepending on biomass fuels has negative impacts on the environment because it affects the ozone layer which leads to global warming.

In its Sector performing reports, the Ministry of Water and Environment has been warning that the country’s forests cover both under central and private management have been highly depleted due to the high demand for wood products, in the country.

The role of banks and developers in creating affordable housing in Uganda

BY JACKSON EMANZI(OPINION)

Uganda’s population is projected to grow from 37 million today to 41.2 million by 2020 (UBOS) and yet the country currently has a housing deficit that stands at close to 1.2 million units, with Kampala at a staggering deficit of over 200,000 units writes Jackson Emanzi.

To compound this concern, the Uganda Vision 2040 report projects our population at 61.3 million by 2040 with almost 60% of the population living in urban areas. This rapid urbanization is bound to put pressure on housing delivery systems which are often informal or reliant on the state. The inability to keep up with the housing demand results in increased areas of informal housing, overcrowding and slums.

Emanzi said Uganda’s middle-class needs to be made aware of the advantages in mortgage financing.

Today, banks and housing developers are looking at ways to create affordable housing options to meet the high demand from this growing population.The goal of providing affordable housing can be achieved by bridging the gap that has existed between access to capital and execution capability. It’s on this premise that banks have started to reduce mortgage rates to boost the housing sector.

Some of the banks, including Stanbic Bank, are working to strengthen partnerships with the developers in a bid to reduce on the overall cost to borrow through subsidizing on other expenses such as valuation of properties. This will be a great benefit for the customer who is looking for value and a cost effective financing option for their housing needs.

 Adjusting to meet the demand

 As urbanization gains pace, the need for affordable housing has become acute. The kind of houses currently on the market cost way more than the average middle income level Ugandan can afford. To address this concern, several development partners have adjusted to meet this demand by putting up affordable housing units for the middle-income earners.

The new projects are now majorly town flats on condominium plans, semidetached bungalows in closed gate communities and standalone bungalows in the outskirts of Kampala. This new development now implies that one can get a town flat for as low as UGX 65,000,000 (nearly $18,000) and if they have stable monthly income they can as well qualify for a mortgage to enable them to purchase the house.

There is need for developers to liaise/partner with the local authorities and government to jointly provide social infrastructure such as roads, social amenities like piped water and electricity in areas further away from the city which will make these areas attractive and accessible to the target market.

Lower interest rates 

Banks have already embarked on the journey to make mortgage financing accessible and affordable to middle and lower income households by lowering our interest rates in line with the drop in prime lending rates.As an example, Stanbic Bank has changed lending parameters to also support customers with different income levels and the self-employed or business men.

Another big part of this is starting the journey to educate the public especially those in the middle-income brackets on the advantages of mortgage financing.

Most people are not aware of the different options available to facilitate ownership of property and that’s why banks like Stanbic have partnered with several developers and platforms such as Jumia House to provide free information on mortgage rates which goes a long way in changing the misconception on how mortgage loans work, who can qualify and how to acquire one. And due to market demand, the bank has also introduced land loans to cater for those intending to acquire land for new and additional developments.

Jackson Emanzi is Head of Home Loans, Stanbic Bank Uganda

Real Estate developers demand government support

by SAMUEL NABWIISO

Real estate Developers in Uganda have asked the Government to support them to access cheap financing from both local and international  financial Institutions if their sector is to develop.

They argue that they have many projects that have failed to kick off due to failure to access cheap loans.

 Speaking during the ground breaking for the construction of multibillion Arena shopping mall in Kampala, Charles Odere the Local sponsor of the mall said it has took them more than 4years to access cheap loans to finance the US$20 Million project.

“Some of the projects require a lot of resources and our local banks cannot afford to finance such mega projects.

“That is why most developers are applying for finance  from International Institution but to secure such funds it’s not easy that is why we need government support by guaranteeing us to access these funds in order to execute the Real estate’s projects,” Odere said.

Odere the Local Investors inthe project wants Government to support  real estates Investor 

 Odere noted that there’s high demand for conducive business spaces due to the increasing influx of Asian businessmen and women like Indians and Chinese’s but the available spaces are not enough which has led mall and arcade owners to hike rental charges.

Uganda’s Minister of Trade,  Industry and Cooperatives Amelia Kyambadde said  developers should embrace the spirit of joint ventures businesses.  She said it’s the way they will manage to solve some of the challenges  facing the sector.

“Yes there’s need for government to support real estate’s developer because they facilitate trade through offering rental space but Government is also facing the same problem of accessing finance to finance its programs.

“if you form joint  ventures businesses, you can access cheap loans from the financial Institutions without government hand” she said.

The Minister used the occasion to warn Landlords especially those in the Central Business District against over charging the business community which she said it has a negative impact on peoples’ businesses especially the small and Medium Enterprises .

 “At the Ministry we receive over 100 complaints monthly  from the business communities complaining about rental charges. Some developers are even charging in foreign currency which increases the cost of doing Business,”  she explained

Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Amelia Kyambadde with representatives from STANLIB, Knight Frank, Chestnut Uganda and project managers at the Sod Turning of Arena Mall, a 14,000 square meter shopping center development in Nsambya, Kampala

The Arena Mall is owned and developed by partnership between STANLIB Africa Direct property Development Fund and Local   Real Estate Developer Investor Charles Odere . The Nsambya based Arena is seated at 5 Acres of Land which the  Developer secured from Uganda Land commission on 99 years lease basis.

The Arena mall will be Kampala’s first   environmentally sustainable building and will have a4-star rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa.

STANLIB Senior Principal Nnema Byrd said investing in the project will not only provide space for rental but also create jobs to thousands of  Ugandans especially the Youth.

 The construction of the multibillion Arena Mall is expected to last for the period of 22 Months and it will be constructed by Seyan Brothers Uganda Limited and managed by  Knight Frank as the leading Property Managers. 

Fawe to offer 300 bursaries to disadvantaged Ugandan students

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

The Forum  for African Women  Educationalists  Uganda Chapter( FAWE Uganda) in partnership with MasterCard Foundation have launched the Higher Education Access  Program(HEAP) which aims at supporting disadvantaged  young  women and men to have  access to higher Education. 

The HEAP program is an Eight years program that seeks to enable 300 young women and men from disadvantaged regions of Uganda to have access to higher education and leadership development.

FAWE Uganda Executive Director Christine Semambo Sempebwa said the program will be offering bursaries to 300 academically gifted students.

“The Higher  Education  Access program is unique  Initiative aimed at  giving  a platform for  all academically  talented  yet  economically  disadvantaged  students  an opportunity  to study,  realize  their dreams  and exploit their  potential  through  increasing  access to  quality Education in higher  Institutions  of learning. The  HEAP program  offers 100% bursaries  to learners,” said Ssempebwa.

Minister Tumwesigye Launching the HEAP program on his far right is Master card foundation Director for Education Peter Materu.

Under the program MasterCard Foundation will be supporting FAWE Uganda chapter with financial muscles of about US$10 Million. The program intends to support students under taking science related courses  such as Medicine, Agriculture and Education.

 According to FAWE Uganda chapter the organization has signed partnership with Five training institutions of Higher Learning where the beneficiaries of the program will be studying.

They include Busitema University , Gulu University , Mbarara University of Science and Technology,  Jinja School of Nursing and Midwifery  and the Jinja school of Laboratory Technologist.

Sempebwa said 70% of the students will be women and 30% men of the age between 18-25 in period of eight years.

60% of the course will undertake degree courses while 40% Diploma courses. Up the completion of their training the beneficiaries will be required to go back and work in the local communities where they come from to ensure that they create change in their communities.

Minister Tumwesigye (3rd Right) with some of the FAWE Board Members this was after the Luansh of the program  

The Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Dr. Elioda  Tumwesigye  applauded MasterCard foundation for  supporting government towards  the popularization of science courses  in the country.

“As Government we are much appreciative for what MasterCard foundation is doing especially in supporting Ugandan disadvantaged but bright students to access higher Education especially in the fields of Sciences,” said Tumwesigye.

MasterCard foundation, Director for Education and Learning and Youth Livelihoods Peter Materu challenged the Government to ensure that the learning Environment  is improved to entice more students to study Science related courses.

The HEAP program will  support students from  Northern Uganda districts of  Adjuman  Amudat , Amuru  Kaabong and Pader.

In the Eastern,  the program will support disadvantaged students from  Buyende ,  Bukwo  Katakwi and Mayuge while in the Western region, Bulissa Bundibugyo Kanungu and Ntoroko will benefit.

Rotary partners with Centenary Bank to avail free medical care

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

Through one of its signature programmes, Rotary Family Health Days, the Rotary fraternity in Uganda has partnered with Ministry of Health, Centenary Bank and KCCA to avail free medical care to local communities.

The Tenth edition of the Rotary Family Health Days, organized by the Rotary Club of Kampala Central is scheduled to be launched on 21st October 2017 at the Old Kampala S.S Playground. A week later, the other Rotary clubs countrywide will set up similar medical camps to avail free health care at various health centers.

This year’s theme for the Rotary Family Health Days (RFHDs) is “Good Health, Happy Families”.

“I am grateful to all our partners for the support we have received over the years. The communities we serve turn up in large numbers at all medical camps. We are optimistic that more partners will join us to scale up the initiative,’’ says Past District Governor Stephen Mwanje

Mr. Byekwaso Godfrey, Centenary Bank's General Manager Finance hands over a cheque to Dr Edith Byanyima, a Board member of the Rotary Family Health Days & Rotarian Godfrey Jooga Ssebukulu at the launch of this year’s second Rotary Family Health Days.

.Communities are encouraged to visit any medical camp nearest to them on these days to get both specialised and general services in the areas of cancer screening (cervical, breast, and prostate); Child immunization and nutrition; Family planning and maternal health; HIV/AIDs counseling and testing; Dental services (mainly examination and extraction); Optical services; Malaria testing and treatment; Safe male circumcision; Health education and Blood donation.

Centenary Bank’s General Manager Finance, Byekwaso Godfrey said, “We chose to support activities related to cancer in the Rotary Family Health Days as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility dubbed ‘Bridging the Cancer gap’. We know that Cancer is a silent killer yet whose early detection can protect life. Through various activities, we have made millions of people aware of this scourge and knowledgeable on how to prevent it, and this has seen some women get the desired treatment early.”

Cervical cancer is one of the leading killer diseases in Uganda with about 3,915 new cases registered every year, according to the 2015 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Related Diseases Report.

“This year we have set aside over UGX 230 Million to ‘Bridging the Cancer gap’ activities of which UGX 40 Million will go towards the purchase of cancer screening kits to be used during Rotary Family Health Days,” added Byekwaso

The RFHD programme is implemented in six countries; Uganda, South Africa, India, Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania. Since inception in 2011, the programme has reached out to an approximated 2 million people worldwide and over 500,000 in Uganda.

To cater for the demand in health services, two RFHDs are held annually; one in April and the other in October. The most recent event of April 2017 RFHD was able to serve a combined population of more than 75,000 people in Uganda. This time, the initiative targets 100,000 beneficiaries.

Itel Mobile celebrates 10 years in Africa

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO 

Itel Mobile, a Chinese manufacturer of mobile phones, has assured its clients across the African continent, it will continue offering quality and affordable products for several years to come.

Glory Lu,  the Regional Sales  Manager for Itel, in-charge of East Africa, was in Kampala early this week and spoke at an event to mark their 10th anniversary.

Alex Liu (L) and Glory Lu on (R) posing in group photo with some of the Itel local distributors in Uganda this was when the Chinese firm was celebrating ten years in Africa   

“Africa as continent has potential customers for Itel, but the challenge is that in some countries their economies are not doing well thus the need for support. So we shall ensure that our products penetrate the markets at affordable prices to keep everyone connected. For the last past 10 years, the company has been taking the lead when it comes to producing affordable smart phones with good functionality and premium quality. Our customers can be assured of accessing the same in the next coming 10 years,” he said.

He said taking into account the current developments in ICT and mobile phones, manufacturers should ensure that their products are accessible to the final consumers in remote communities. This is how even people in the informal, sector will embrace ICT when carrying out their daily economic transactions such as e-financing and other e-related  services which require the internet.

Itel Mobile Uganda Country Manager Alex Liu said ever since the firm began trading, sales of their products on the African market have had a positive impact on the company’s performance and influenced changes in the communication sectors of the relevant markets the firm operates in.

“ Ten years ago, itel mobile launched in Africa inspired by emission to empower everyone with  seamless mobile  communication through  reliable and trendy mobile devices. In a time heightened by harsh political and economic conditions, itel has achieved one decade of change and steady growth in Africa” Liu said. he said the firm has managed to double its African sales.

Chinese firm licensed to develop free zone

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

The Uganda Free Zones Authority (UFZA) has issued a Developers’ Licence to China- Africa International Industrial Co-operation Company Limited within Sukulu Industrial Park, Tororo District

China- Africa International Industrial Co-operation Company Limited is a subsidiary of Guangzhou Dongsong Energy Group (U) Co. Limited and is a limited liability company.

  The Developer will establish three plants in the Free Zone, namely; a mine dressing plant, phosphate fertilizer plant and one steel plant. Additionally, the Free Zone will house Operators who plan to establish one glass plant, one brick plant and a cement superfine slag powder plant.

The various companies are indicated to increase the Country’s GDP which is currently at 21% by investing up to a tune of over one billion dollars (US$ 1.2b) by 2024.

The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaijja noted that the establishing of fertilizers plant in Tororo will support the development of Agriculture sector in the country

.  

“The Phosphate Fertilizer Plant products are vital in improving agricultural productivity for poor rural households and commercialized farms in Uganda to meet the food security needs and to promote sustained increases in income” he explained

Minister Matia Kassaija  (second Right)share light moment with Jane Guo, the CEO of China-Africa International Industrial Cooperation Co during the granting celemony.

He added that Uganda has one of the highest soil nutrient depletion rates in the world and it has one of the lowest rates of annual inorganic fertilizer application – only 1.8 kg per hectare.

The Minister said the project will support the Agriculture sector which is the major source of Income to the largest Ugandan population

The World Bank calculated that the value of replacing depleted soil nutrients could be 20 percent of average rural Ugandan household income. Promoting fertilizer use is therefore crucial to sustainable increase agricultural productivity in Uganda and beyond.

According to Jane Guo, the CEO of China-Africa International Industrial Cooperation Co. Ltd.The establishment of the various industries in the free zones will create over Seven thousand (7,000) direct and indirect jobs by the year 2024.

 “These will certainly spur economic development and improve the standards of living of the employees and their families. This is a welcome contribution towards addressing the unemployment gap in the Country.” She said.

Commenting on the production capacity of the plants to be established at the International free zone (sukuru in tororo) Gue said the plant has the capacity of producing enough for the Ugandan market.

 “We shall establish a dressing plant with annual processing capacity of 1million tons, a phosphate fertilizer plant with annual production of 100,000 tons, a steel mill with annual production of 300,000 tons, a glass factory with annual production of 55,000 tons, a brick factory producing 100 million brick per year” She explained

The Executive Director, UFZA, Mr. Richard Jabo the Tororo  Free zones  establishment is the nineth (9) Free Zone licenced in Uganda after Arua SEZ Ltd in Arua, Nilus Ltd in Jinja, Wood Impex Ltd in Kalungu and 5 Flower farms in Mpigi and Wakiso districts