If you are a Makerere Alumni, buy some of the Alumni Memorabilia

Contact person is Sylvia on No. 256784467388

Who are the investors that should be encouraged in rural areas?

To the right is Dr. Maggie Kigozi Executive Director; Uganda Investment Authority

We have investors coming to Uganda and the 1st thing they think of is to get land for estates name it. I think the better way id for investors to come encourage our people to grow whatever they would like on big scale and instead buy this produce from them. It is a win win situation where the investor makes his money and the people retain the land while they produce according to the standards as required by the investor.

Analysis of relative profitability of key Ugandan agricultural enterprises by agricultural production zone - Source: http://www.ifpri.org/publication/analysis-relative-profitability-key-ugandan-agricultural-enterprises-agricultural-produ-0

Uganda’s economy remains heavily dependent on the agricultural sector. In 2008/09, the agricultural sector contributed 90 percent of total export earnings, generated 23.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and directly or indirectly provided livelihoods for about 90 percent of the population (MFPED, 2009). However, most of the agricultural production is by small-scale subsistence farmers who use rudimentary technology and are largely engaged in non-market production. The Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA) was, therefore, designed by the government of Uganda as a strategic framework for eradicating poverty through the implementation of multi-sectoral interventions aimed at easing the multifaceted constraints faced by farmers. Specifically, PMA is aimed at increasing income and quality of life, improving household food security, providing gainful employment, and providing sustainable use and management of resources.

In support of PMA priority interventions, the Government of Uganda is implementing the Prosperity for All development framework that embraces rural enterprise and promotes industry by building on the Plan for Zonal Agricultural Production, Agro-processing and Marketing. Through zoning and enterprise selection criteria, PMA intends to provide information and guidance for agricultural investment to local governments and individual farmers at the agricultural production zone level (Figure 1). The International Food Policy Research Institute is assisting PMA in building capacity to target profitable types of enterprises. This study is aimed at providing information about the profitability of PMA priority enterprises in the 10 established agricultural zones of Uganda. The findings and recommendations provided here were obtained through analysis of the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS), the most frequently updated database on household economic activities in the country. This policy brief concludes with suggestions on how the UNHS could be improved to provide more accurate information on relative enterprise profitability in the future.
Author:
Kraybill, David
Kidoido, Michael
Published date:
2009
Publisher:
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Why Invest in Uganda? - Source: http://www.myuganda.co.ug/economy/investment.php
Since 1991, over 2000 enterprises of various sizes have committed in excess of US$2.5 billion in actual investment into the country for projects that range from agriculture, manufacturing to transportation. For many investors, Uganda is an attractive investment location in Africa for the following reasons: -
* Strategic location at the heart of Africa that guarantees ready access to regional markets
* A predictable and stable economic environment
* A fully liberalized economy
* An abundant natural resource base
* Demonstrated Government commitment to the private sector
* Existence of a well-trained, English speaking workforce
* Well-developed basic infrastructure, compared to other countries in the region
Investment Climate
Uganda is strategically positioned within East and Central Africa - a region that includes some of Africa's most economically important countries. This location at the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa, gives Uganda commanding importance as a base for regional trade and investment.
Since 1986, Uganda has implemented a radical economic program aimed at reversing the past economic stagnation in the country. As a result, the country has achieved macroeconomic stability characterized by over twenty years of low inflation, stable exchange rates and consistently high economic growth. Uganda currently ranks as the fastest growing economy in Sub-Saharan Africa and in many ways, has come to reflect the new face of emerging Africa.
The Uganda Government's strategy is to modernize the economy through relying on the markets and the efforts of private investors as the basis for efficient and productive economic activity, while the government itself provides the necessary legal and policy framework and physical infrastructure for private investment to flourish. The strategy which ahs been in place since 1987, is endorsed by the World Bank, donor community and the private sector. In line with the above strategy, Uganda boasts of a liberalized economic environment where the market forces determine prices and where almost all economic activity is unrestricted.
Commercial Agriculture
Large-scale commercial agriculture is encouraged because Uganda is largely a fertile country with plenty of arable land that is currently unutilized. Uganda enjoys comparative advantage in agriculture because of the lesser requirement for inputs i.e. water (irrigation) and fertilizer. Foreign investors, however, require special cabinet approval to engage in commercial agriculture. UIA, however, can facilitate the process of securing this approval.
Agro-Processing
Agro-processing is a major opportunity in so far as it exploits local products by adding value through canning or manufacture of value added products. There is significant scope for export both to the regional and the international market.
More details on investment opportunities are available in the Sector Profiles and copies are available with the Uganda Investment Authority.
Financial Support/Assistance
Foreign investors can apply for loans from the local banking sector. Investors can also list their projects on the local stock exchange. A number of projects exist to support investors in given sectors. UIA can advise potential investors on the how and where to access existing financing options for their planned investors.
Getting Started - A Brief Guide
Foreign investors require a minimum investment of US$100,000 in order to secure an investment license from the Uganda Investment Authority. For local investors, the minimum investment requirement is US$50,000. Local investors, however, may proceed with their investors without licensing with the Uganda Investment Authority.
As a new investor, you will need to go through the following steps to start up your investment in Uganda: -
Step 1 - Register your company in Uganda
Register your company in Uganda at the Registrar General's office and obtain the following documents: -
* Memorandum and Articles of Association
* Certificate of Incorporation
Step 2 - Get your Investment License
Apply for an investment license using UIA Form 1 and attach the following:-
* Memorandum and Articles of Association
* Certificate of Incorporation for (limited liability companies)
* Business Plan
Normal processing time for an investment license is 2 - 5 days.
Step 3 - Secure necessary secondary clearances
As you proceed to implement your project, you may require certain secondary permits or clearances depending on the nature of your investment e.g. for mining activity, air transport, banking, forestry. UIA can assist you to obtain such secondary licenses as well as get access to other services. UIA can also assist you in obtaining suitable industrial land, work permits for your expatriate staff, and utilities like telephone, electricity and water.

The way President Museveni plays football is the way he should play politics

Opinion when MTN launched Uganda mobile-banking services

An Executive of Zain (a competitor in money transfer) explaining ZAP school fees

Innovations are welcome, however, it is not clear how this service was sanctioned. It is public knowledge that for quite some years; the Government of Uganda gave MTN and some other two Communication companies monopoly to operate in Uganda. It is not clear how MTN gets involved in banking business when there are already a number of operators. it is equally true that MTN has a number of operators on their network and many times their basic responsibility should be to focus on efficiency in the telecommunications service they offer. And, with the new service, it is likely to attract yet another big numbers to their network and it is not clear how they are to handle this as the other Communication companies may not operate a similar service. It is tricky. It should have been an innovation by those in the banking industry to call for a service that uses the MTN Network, but for MTN to be behind the innovation... I think it is a bit unusual.
William Kituuka


MTN launches Uganda mobile-banking services - Source: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/mtn-launches-uganda-mobile-banking-services-2009-03-10
By: Christy van der Merwe
10th March 2009
Making progress in ‘banking the unbanked’ in Africa, telecoms operator MTN on Tuesday announced that the launch of Mobile Money Transfer (MMT) in Uganda would mark the start of planned launches of the banking function across its operations in Africa and Middle East.
MTN has been piloting MMT services through MTN Uganda and at the group’s West and Central Africa region operations (Cameroon, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria) since October 2008.
Five additional pilots were recently launched in Benin, Congo Brazzaville, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry and Liberia. The pilots were aimed at waterproofing the systems and operational processes in preparation for the commercial launch.
MTN stated that in each market, it had partnered with local banks to ensure that its MMT services were fully compliant with financial services regulations. Discussions were currently on-going with relevant authorities in various countries to ensure that all regulatory requirements were met, the telecoms giant added.
In South Africa, the product is known as MTN Banking, and is a joint venture between Standard Bank and MTN.
The challenge for the banks has been in their ability to extend their distribution networks to include previously unexplored rural areas where the majority of previously-unbanked-mass-market individuals live.
The use of cellular telephony has been regarded as an innovative way to assist in “banking the unbanked”, particularly in Africa, where banking infrastructure could not reach far-flung rural areas, but cellular phone technology was fairly pervasive.
The product from MTN, called MTN MobileMoney, was punted as a convenient, secure and affordable way for MTN subscribers to send money, buy airtime and pay bills by using their cellphone - whether users have an existing bank account or not.
A person could register for MTN MobileMoney as long as they were an MTN subscriber. Those who did not have MTN Sim cards or a phone could still receive money from MTN MobileMoney users, and send money through a network of agents in their country.
“We believe our MMT offering will make money transfer and basic payments more convenient and more affordable to our subscribers. We acknowledge our partner banks and the banking regulators in our different markets for the enthusiasm and support they are giving us," said MTN corporate affairs executive Nozipho January-Bardil.

Time to show accountability for: "Uganda's capital gets a US$33.6 million boost."

Poor roads in city centre? Where was World bank money put? The trailer fell as the driver tried to dodge a pot hole.

Subject: Uganda's capital gets a US$33.6 million boost
Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2007 17:22:03 -0500
News Release No. 2008/113/AFR
Contacts : In Washington: Solomon Alemu +1 (202) 473-4075
In Uganda: Steven Shalita +256 (414)302-206
Uganda's capital gets a US$33.6 million boost
Bank reiterates support for urbanization, good governance and improved service
delivery
WASHINGTON, November 6, 2007 "The World Bank Board of Executive Directors
today approved a US$33.6 million International Development Association (IDA)
credit to support the Kampala Institutional Infrastructure Development Project
(KIIDP). Kampala - Uganda's capital city. is the hub of Uganda's economic,
political, and administrative activities.
The Kampala Institutional Infrastructure Development Project aims at improving
the institutional efficiency of Kampala City Council (KCC) through the
implementing of the second Strategic Framework for Reform (SFR II) an
in-house strategy developed by KCC to: restructure its administration and
management, liberalize service delivery, institute financial and fiscal
reforms, and improve the organization's image and public relations.
"The economic future of Uganda is intrinsically related to the performance of
Kampala as a locus of productive activity and investment. The city must provide
reliable services and infrastructure for all its residents. Strengthening KCC
is, therefore, critical to the success of Uganda's economy," said Solomon
Alemu, Task Team Leader for the project.
It is estimated that about 80 percent of the country's industrial and services
sectors are located in Kampala and the city now generates over 50 percent of
Uganda's Gross Domestic Product.
The 10-year project will run in three phases from 2008 - 2017. The first phase
of the project, which will run from 2008 - 2010, has three components that are
aligned to support the implementation of the second Strategic Framework for
Reform.
The first component, worth US$5.8 million, will be utilized for institutional
development and will include: supporting organizational development and
governance; implementing a financial recovery plan; and strengthening service
delivery.
The second component, worth US$28.5 million, will finance city-wide
infrastructure and services improvements. This will include: drainage system
improvement, traffic management, road maintenance and up-grading, solid waste
management, and urban markets infrastructure.
The third component, worth US$2.8 million, will encompass project management
activities and establishment and implementation of a comprehensive monitoring
and evaluation system.
Kampala is currently the largest urban center in Uganda with a population of
about 1.8 million, and an annual demographic growth rate of about 3.9 per cent
compared to the national average of 3.3 per cent. At this rate, the city's
population will reach 2.4 million by 2012, which will require proper planning
and management.
"Though Kampala is the country's largest urban centre, it has not kept pace
with its economic and demographic growth. We hope this project will facilitate
the necessary reforms to improve the city's infrastructure and service
delivery. The Bank is, therefore, committed to supporting KCC and government in
its drive for urbanization, good governance and improved service delivery,"
said Grace M. Yabrudy, Country Manager for Uganda.
For more information on the World Bank's work in sub-Saharan Africa visit:
http://www.worldbank.org/afr
For more information on the World Bank's work in Uganda visit:
www.worldbank.org/uganda

For more information about this project visit:
http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSi
tePK=374864&menuPK=374971&Projectid=P078382

Ronnie Mayanja talks about Uganda Martyrs Day in Boston

Dear readers, It's June and this time around I wanted to start off by congratulating some of our community members who under went intellectual liberation [graduated] at the various institutions of higher learning here in the US. In Boston, our community was not left behind as shown by the various parties that made rounds in the bay state. Our congratulations go out to all those Ugandans that graduated this past May. As we start a new month be prepared an array of activities from commemoration of the Uganda Martyrs Day to the summer boat cruises, picnics and weddings parties. Of course if you have never been to Boston, June 20th might be an ideal time to visit simply because the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations will be taking place in Waltham, Uganda's biggest suburb in Massachusetts. This gathering by far draws the largest crowd of Ugandans in the US outside of the annual UNAA convention. For all sports lovers out there the world's biggest sporting event that comes around every for years will be coming to the African continent for the first time. The 2010 FIFA World Cup is definitely something to look forward to by the many soccer [football] fans worldwide. This event is sure to paralyze productive work in many parts of the world were the sport enjoys cult status!! Germany has already suffered major defeat after the injury of their captain Michael Ballack. Ghana Africa's new comers will also be without star player Michael Essien and this too could jeopardize their chances not to mention the group in which the team has been drawn to play. http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/ Politically alot is happening back home. For instance, it was mind boggling to see an MP slap a beggar in full view of a custodians of the law, [ the police] an action for which she has since denied even though it was caught on camera. This experience left me thinking about Lord Acton's remarks about "Absolute power corrupting absolutely". This episode has since generated intense debate on our diaspora discussion forums and has some subscribed to the view that perhaps this is an indication of what permeates all of our leadership strata back home. http://www.newvision.co.ug/detail.php?newsCategoryId=12&newsId=720638As I conclude it was a great pleasure witnessing first hand the Buganda day celebrations in Maryland,DC over this past Memorial day weekend. The function was another demostration of a determined people in which Baganda celebrated their cultural heritage, fundraised for the Kasubi royal tombs and showcased their Kiganda regalia. The highlight for me came when Bazukulu ba Buganda [The next generation baganda kids] born here in the USA, made attempts to practice their Luganda. In an attempt to reiterate their true Buganda spirit some described themselves as 'I am Muganda Wow' as opposed to 'Ndi Maganda wawu'. But how could you even judge these innocent lads when they also wore Kiganda traditional wear. What they lacked in speech they made up with the garments they adorned. Enjoy the World Cup!!

It is great that efforts to see the students' loan scheme may soon materialise

Parents To Lobby For Private Students Loan - Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/200105210348.html
Okoth Leah
21 May 2001
Kampala — Makerere Private Parents Students Association (MUPPA) shall lobby government to establish a students loan scheme.
This will help finance the students who may have fees constraints or deficits, interim coordinator MUPPA Willy Kituuka told The Monitor yesterday at St Augustine in Makerere. We will negotiate with Makerere University administration so that the welfare of the private students is improved, Kituuka said, adding that private students study under unfavourable conditions and yet pay so much.