News Articles | MINISTRY OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

18 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HOSTS POPE THEODORE II , DISCUSS RELIGIOUS HARMONY AND UNITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today hosted His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, Theodore II at State House, Entebbe. Pope Theodore II is the leader of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, one of the oldest Christian patriarchates. He is the spiritual head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Africa and is based in Alexandria, Egypt. President Museveni and the Pope's discussions centered on fostering religious harmony, unity, and the role of faith in promoting peace and development across the African continent. Pope Theodore II praised the President for his commitment to upholding freedom of worship in Uganda. He also expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to the Orthodox Church and commended President Museveni’s role in supporting religious freedom. “Your Excellency, we bring you the gratitude of the Orthodox Church for the warm reception we have received. We feel great joy that you are a father to His Eminence Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in Uganda,” the Pope said. He further highlighted the strong ties between Uganda and the Orthodox Church, noting that Metropolitan Muzeeyi enjoys a peaceful relationship with the leadership in Uganda. “Whenever he is in Egypt, we are always happy to receive him, and I know that his heart is at peace because of you. May the Lord bless you,” Pope Theodore II added. Pope Theodore II also acknowledged Uganda’s efforts in fostering peace and unity in the region, particularly regarding conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He highlighted the Orthodox Church's presence in this country, providing support to children and orphanages. “We respect both Muslims and Christians alike. We also recognize that fundamentalism exists in various forms, and we pray that the Lord grants you Your Excellency and Maama good health and strength to continue leading with wisdom,” the Pope added. Meanwhile, the delegation is set to visit Lwemiyaga before proceeding to Gulu as part of their engagements in Uganda. On his part, President Museveni emphasized the need for mutual respect among different religious and cultural groups, referencing the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan. “Jesus was clear, judge what you do, not what you say or claim to be. Those who disturb others in the name of religion are misguided,” he said as he criticized religious extremism. “Even in African culture, we do not impose our personal beliefs on others. I told former Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir that my list of haram is much longer than his. I don’t eat fish; I call it a snake. I don’t eat chicken or many other things because of our ridges. But the difference with African tribes is that even when my neighbours eat these things, we respect one another and live together in peace,” President Museveni remarked. Addressing the dangers of identity politics, the President warned against sectarianism, stating, “If I don’t respect someone because he is not from my tribe, then I am an enemy of myself first and foremost. We have little regard for sectarianism because even Jesus did not preach division.” The meeting was also attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo and Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, among other dignitaries.

18 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WELCOMES NEW AMBASSADORS, CALLS FOR REGIONAL STABILITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today received credentials from two newly appointed Ambassadors at State House, Entebbe. The envoys included Her Excellency Fardowsa Mohamed Qanyare, Somalia’s new Ambassador to Uganda and His Excellency Paul Malong Akaro, the new Ambassador of South Sudan to Uganda. During the meeting, President Museveni emphasized the importance of ideological clarity in addressing conflicts. “Fighting is about ideology. You should be able to see what is in your interest. Back in 1971, Somalia was a very strong nation, and it supported us when we were fighting Amin. It is really unfortunate to see continued fighting there.” He further reiterated Uganda’s welcoming stance towards African refugees, saying,” Uganda is your home”. “We have many Somalis here in Kansanga as well as South Sudanese. Any African facing difficulties can come and settle here until they find stability,” he said. Ambassador Fardowsa assured President Museveni that stability in Somalia is improving. She expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and Somalia. Ambassador Akaro also provided an update on South Sudan’s progress, stating that the country is experiencing a period of stability and working towards long-term peace He confirmed that national elections, initially scheduled for December 2026, have been rescheduled to 2027 to allow for better preparations. “South Sudan is moving forward and while challenges remain, we are committed to ensuring a peaceful electoral process in 2027,” he said. President Museveni concluded the meeting by reaffirming Uganda’s support for peace and cooperation in the region, encouraging both Ambassadors to work towards strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between their respective countries and Uganda.

18 February 2025

GEN. MUHOOZI COMMENDS TAREHE SITA, LIBERATION DAY PARADE PARTICIPANTS

The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has commended the commanders and participants who took part in the parades during the Liberation Day commemoration in Mubende and the Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kyotera. The same group which executed both parades, received praise for their exceptional performance, which has drawn widespread admiration from Ugandans on social media. Gen. Kainerugaba lauded their discipline, precision, and professionalism, describing the parades as a testament to the high standards of the UPDF. Speaking at a luncheon held to honor the participants, the CDF emphasized the significance of military parades, noting that they are not merely ceremonial events but “a reflection of military readiness, discipline, and unity as a force.” He reiterated that such displays are crucial in demonstrating the UPDF’s capability and commitment to safeguarding the nation. Gen. Kainerugaba also highlighted the importance of continuous improvement, announcing that the recently launched CDF Inter-Forces Drill Competitions will be held annually to further enhance military drills and parade manoeuvres. He urged all participants to embrace the initiative as an opportunity to refine their skills and strengthen teamwork. The luncheon was attended by senior military officials, including Maj. Gen. BD Mugisha, who thanked the CDF for introducing transformative changes that have revolutionized military parades, making them neater and more organized. Col. Justus Nsereko, the parade commander from the Air Force, also expressed gratitude to the CDF for providing all branches of the UPDF with the opportunity to participate in the parades. “Before you took over as CDF, we were often told that our role was limited to air matters,” Col. Nsereko remarked, appreciating the inclusive approach and the luncheon gesture. This marks the second time Gen. Kainerugaba has hosted parade participants, having previously honored those who took part in the Independence Day celebrations last year.

15 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WARNS AGAINST SECTARIANISM, PLEDGES TO INCREASE PDM FUNDING

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned against sectarianism, emphasizing that any leader or individual engaging in divisive practices should be arrested. He made the remarks today while addressing the media in the Kigezi sub-region about the performance of the Parish Development Model (PDM). Citing his personal experiences from his school days, President Museveni shared how his education was supported by a Muganda man who bought cattle from his family, highlighting the interdependence between communities. “Politics is about helping people, not sectarianism. What matters is the market for each other’s businesses, not tribes,” he said, stressing that no tribe in Uganda makes up 20% of the population, thus making unity crucial for progress. The President announced that the government would also increase PDM funding from UGX 100 million to UGX 200 million, if the UGX 100 million is utilised well and it is a success, explaining that the initial allocation was aimed to support coffee plantations but could also be used for other income-generating activities, such as pig farming and poultry. He emphasized the government’s flexibility in monitoring the success of the current funding before making further adjustments. President Museveni also clarified that PDM money is not only for landowners but also for those without land. He noted that in some regions, beneficiaries have hired land using PDM money and they are progressing.

14 February 2025

“LISTEN TO NRM MESSAGE OF WEALTH CREATION”- PRESIDENT MUSEVENI REITERATES CALL TO KIGEZI PEOPLE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated his call to the people of Kigezi sub region to listen to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) message of wealth creation if they are to fight poverty and improve their livelihoods. “I request you to listen to the NRM message of wealth creation. When we came from the bush, we found most people poor. We said we don't want poverty in Uganda. I couldn't allow my people to be poor when I'm prosperous. I want all people to be prosperous,” he said. The President made the remarks today while addressing a public rally in Rukiga district. The rally was part of President Museveni’s performance assessment zonal tour on wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) in Kigezi sub-region. According to President Museveni, since coming to power, the NRM government has been coming up with several interventions, aimed at improving the lives of Ugandans socially and economically. “We started with immunisation for all and we successfully managed to achieve it. From there, we introduced free education (Bonna Basome) in the form of UPE and USE. Then we introduced bonna bagagawale (Prosperity for all),” he said. He however noted that the free education for all program in government schools is being frustrated by those who ask for fees, but he assured the people of Kigezi that the government is going to work on the issue. He also implored the residents to embrace the four-acre model farming to improve their household income. “In the 1996 NRM Manifesto, we identified seven activities. One acre put coffee, the second acre put fruits, third acre put pasture for dairy cows. In the fourth acre grow food crops. In the backyard, do poultry for eggs, piggery and fish farming for those near the swamps,” he said. He advised them to use the PDM funds to invest in one or more of seven activities, before assuring them that those officials stealing the funds, will be arrested. On the other hand, President Museveni tasked the people of Rukiga to utilise wetlands well by carrying out fish farming and irrigation to increase agricultural productivity. “You underutilize the dry land and misuse the wetlands. You can make good money in fish farming,” he stated. The President also rallied the residents to create wealth and jobs by taking part in the four sectors of the economy which include commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. President Museveni further cautioned the people of Rukiga against land fragmentation, saying that they shouldn't divide land when the head of the family dies but they should set up lucrative enterprises on the property and benefit from shares. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa urged the people of Kigezi to work towards improving their livelihoods by embracing government programs aimed at helping them fight poverty. “As a man you shouldn't waste your money on drinking beer/waragi, use it to develop yourselves,” he said. The Minister of ICT and National Guidance also the Vice Chairperson of NRM-Western Uganda, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi thanked President Museveni for the infrastructural development in Kigezi, saying that the people in the subregion are really grateful to the NRM government. He also reported to the President that some selfish people are promoting sectarianism in the subregion by trying to divide the people in the area along religious lines. “The NRM preaches unity and emphasises development for all. I call upon the people of Kigezi and Uganda at large to desist from politics of identity based on tribe and religion. We should vote for leaders who focus on development for all,” the Minister urged. As political leaders in this region, we squarely condemn the act and people should isolate whoever tries to raise issues of sectarianism in Kigezi.” Rukiga County Member of Parliament, Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi thanked President Museveni for initiating numerous poverty alleviation programs like the PDM and Emyooga that have elevated the livelihoods of Ugandans. “Your Excellency, we thank you for the wealth creation programs. The people of Rukiga are really grateful and they have benefited a lot from the PDM. They have utilized it very well,” he said. The rally was also attended by the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, Ministers, Members of Parliament, among other leaders.

14 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CONDEMNS CATTLE REARING IN WETLANDS, LAUNCHES KIGEZI ZONAL INDUSTRIAL HUB

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has condemned the practice of rearing cattle in wetlands, emphasizing that wetlands should be preserved for sustainable activities such as fish farming. The President made the remarks today during his performance assessment tour on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation in Kigezi sub-region. As part of the tour, President Museveni officially launched the Kigezi Zonal Industrial Hub in Mulambo Village, Bulanga Parish, Kamuganguzi Sub- County, Kabale District, Addressing the residents, the President acknowledged their initiative of setting up a fishpond in the wetland but cautioned them against keeping cattle in the natural resource. “I appreciate the fishpond you have set up, but I advise you to move your cattle out of the wetland because it is not a suitable environment for livestock. Wetlands are meant for fish farming, not cattle,” the President said. He explained that fish farming can be a lucrative venture, offering substantial returns. “With fish farming, you can earn 700,000 shillings from half an acre after deducting feed costs, and up to 1.4 million shillings from a full acre. Additionally, the water from fishponds can be used for irrigation, which improves crop yields,” he stated. The Kigezi Zonal Industrial Hub is focused on equipping youth with practical skills such as carpentry, bakery, tailoring, hairdressing, shoe-making, and welding. The aim is to train 12,000 youth annually, providing them with the skills needed to create wealth and contribute to economic development. The President expressed satisfaction with the way parents have embraced the initiative of providing free skills training to their children. He also announced the expansion of the program to include three additional courses: plumbing, motor mechanics, and electrical installation. “We will continue to expand the skills training here, ensuring that our children are fully equipped for the job market,” the President said. At the same event, President Museveni contributed 40 million shillings to the four most skilled finalists and 20 million shillings to the Youth SACCO, to enable them to access capital for wealth creation. However, President Museveni raised concerns about the increasing number of school dropouts, especially when such valuable programs are available free of charge. He reiterated the government’s plan to establish a primary school in every parish and a secondary school in each sub-county, where students can commute from home to save on accommodation and feeding costs. “This approach would allow the government to focus its resources on paying teachers and covering other school expenses,” he explained. The President also emphasized that regional industrial hubs would help children from remote areas by providing them with opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment. Hon. Catherine Ndamira, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kabale District, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his continued support to practical skills training for the youth; ensuring they are better equipped for the workforce. Mr. Pascal Tibaijuka, the instructor of the Industrial Hub, praised the President for his role in launching the project in 2023, which has already benefited 247 students. “This project has transformed our community. Many students who faced challenges due to lack of school resources can now acquire skills and participate in the money economy,” Mr. Tibaijuka said. The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Members of Parliament, among other leaders.

14 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMENDS KABALE DIOCESE FOR SUPPORTING GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Kabale Diocese for its role in supporting government programs aimed at transforming rural communities and boosting household incomes. He made the remarks today while commissioning the Rushoroza- Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Road at Kabale Diocese in Kabale Municipality. President Museveni assured the people of Kabale that the government is committed to strategic planning and effective prioritization of national resources. He emphasized that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government prioritizes security to stabilize the country, enabling citizens to conduct their businesses peacefully. The President added that this foundation allows for investments in health, education, and poverty alleviation programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga. He stressed that while infrastructure development, such as roads, is essential, it must be complemented by initiatives that boost household income. “Good roads and infrastructure are beneficial, but they do not make sense when people are poor. That’s why the NRM government prioritizes household income,” President Museveni remarked. He also expressed gratitude to Bishop Callist Rubaramira of Kabale Diocese for leading efforts to transform Kabale into a money economy by supporting initiatives that empower local communities. Additionally, President Museveni reiterated his commitment to supporting community empowerment through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and financial literacy, ensuring sustainable economic growth and development for all Ugandans. The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Judith Nabakooba noted that the developments include stormwater drainage at Mwanjari Business Centre, Mukombe Road, and along Katuna Highway, as well as street lighting along Trail of Road. These improvements have boosted property values, extended business working hours, and enhanced safety and access to social amenities such as schools and hospitals. She further noted that the enhanced infrastructure has significantly increased Kabale Municipality’s revenue collection from UGX 900 million in 2019 to UGX 1.9 billion last year. Bishop Rubaramira highlighted the positive impact of the USMID Program, which has enhanced local infrastructure and improved livelihoods in Kabale Municipality. He noted that the program has empowered communities through education, financial literacy, and hands-on training. Bishop Rubaramira requested President Museveni’s continued support to expand the USMID program to other municipalities, consolidating the gains achieved so far. He also appreciated the opportunity given to local contractors which has boosted local capacity and economic growth. He further explained that St. Ignatius University, in collaboration with Kabale Diocese, has dedicated 10 hectares of land for research to maximize productivity and address land fragmentation challenges. The university is also promoting financial literacy and microfinance programs, equipping rural families with financial management skills and providing affordable loans to enhance household incomes. The university’s charitable department is driving community development by launching projects that support food security and value addition. Local farmers are benefiting from machinery that processes fruits such as passion fruit and pineapple, thus increasing their earnings. The university representatives expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting socio-economic transformation programs, which have significantly contributed to poverty reduction. Under the USMID Program, Kabale Municipality has witnessed substantial infrastructure improvements, including the rehabilitation of municipal roads, street lighting installation, and upgrading of water drainage systems. Executed between 2019 and 2024, these projects have enhanced mobility, security, and employment within the Municipality.

13 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CALLS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EGG PROCESSING FACTORY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has said that the government will establish a processing factory to add value to eggs in order to strengthen the economy, improve nutrition and food security. According to the President, the volume of eggs is increasing yet the market is not enough, and instead of selling them raw, which are often consumed locally, processing them in the form of powder and liquid will fetch higher prices locally and internationally. “We need to establish factories to process these eggs into products such as baby foods and nutritional foods to feed the elderly and the sick for the whole country and also for export,” he said. The President made the remarks on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, while visiting Ms. Akampurira Evas, a poultry farmer and beneficiary of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Bubare trading center, Bubare sub county in Rubanda county east, Rubanda district. President Museveni, who is in the Kigezi sub region on the assessment tour of the PDM and wealth creation programs, said whether boiled, scrambled, or mixed with chapati, commonly known as Rolex, cannot be exported, but once properly processed and packed, it can even attract international markets, like is the case with the dairy industry. “My people in Nyabushozi started milking a lot of milk—5.3 billion liters per year, yet Ugandans can only consume 800 million liters. What we did was process the milk into different forms and pack it, and now we are exporting to countries like Nigeria, Algeria, and the rest. This is what we want to do with the eggs and the pigs,” he explained. Speaking to the residents, the President reminded the Kigezi people that the only medicine to poverty is intensive agriculture by using their small portions of land but going for products with high returns under the 4 acre model and the recommended seven activities, which include one acre for coffee, another acre for fruits (mangoes, oranges, and pineapples), another one for food crops for the family (cassava, bananas, Irish potatoes, or millet), and the last one for pasture for dairy cattle (about 8 of them). On top of this, one can add on poultry for eggs in the backyard, piggery and fish farming. “This is what we have been preaching since 1996, but the people don’t care,” the President noted, adding that the government has been introducing support programs starting with Entandikwa, the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA), the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), but people did not pay attention, thus failing to get out poverty. “We started hearing complaints that our soldiers under OWC are mismanaging the OWC program by extending support to their relatives. We now introduced the PDM and said, Let’s send you the money directly through your parish saccos by giving you shs. 100 million each year. I want to thank you for using this money very well to get out of poverty. Please continue,” President Museveni stated. He also urged that demanding roads, electricity, and hospitals may not necessarily solve their household income problems, saying that the government can provide tarmac roads, extend electricity, schools, and hospitals, among other infrastructure, but it cannot create wealth for every household. “Whenever you return home, you will find poverty waiting and warmly welcome you back. So, please, seek first household incomes, and the rest will be added unto you,” the President said. On her part, Ms. Akampurira welcomed President Museveni to her home and expressed gratitude for the PDM program, which she said has changed her life. “I heard the president in 2022 when he was launching the PDM to get Ugandans out of poverty. I also said I want to benefit from this money. I started preparing myself by constructing a poultry house,” she narrated. In September 2023, Ms. Akampurira received shs. 1 million, which later became shs. 990,000 after deduction of bank charge of shs. 10,000. She later spent shs. 375,000 and bought 50 young birds of chicken each at shs. 7500. She used the balance to buy chicken feed and drinking materials. “After 3 months, I sold each at shs.35,000 and got shs. 750,000 as profits. I later bought 100 layer chicks at shs.3500 each, and in 5 months I started collecting eggs,” Akampulira said, adding that after selling off the grown-up layers, she counted shs. 7,950,000 million as profits. She later added on piggery and sells each pig at shs. 800,000. “This PDM has really worked for me because I’m selling chicken, eggs, and chicken manure, and I’m now able to pay school fees for my children, some of whom had sat home. Those who got money for the PDM and know what to do must now be rich,” she informed the President. The Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, informed President Museveni that over shs. 14 billion has been distributed to the SACCOs in 70 parishes of Rubanda. Hon. Musasizi, who is also a Member of Parliament for Rubanda East constituency, said the commissioned Mirama-Kabale high-voltage power line will facilitate industrialization in the region. He also engaged President Museveni on the identification of potential investors who can establish an iron ore factory in the region. The ceremony was also attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, Ministers, Members of Parliament, officials from the PDM Secretariat, and district leaders. While in Kigezi, the President will visit several PDM beneficiaries, hold a live media interaction, and address public rallies in the sub-region.

12 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS MIRAMA-KABALE POWER-LINE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasised the importance of conserving wetlands, saying they act as reservoirs for water that is always used in generating hydropower electricity. President Museveni made the remarks today while commissioning the Mirama-Kabale high voltage power-line and its substation at Hamuko village in Rubanda district. The commissioning is part of the Presidential performance assessment tour on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation in Kigezi Sub-region which commenced today. “The commissioned high voltage power substation is aimed at boosting industrialization and job creation in this area. People must be reminded that while they celebrate the commissioning of this electricity, they have a role to play in conserving the wetlands because the water used in generating this electricity at Jinja originates from the wetlands where small rivers get the water they pour to River Nile through other rivers like Kagera,” President Museveni said. The Hamuko, Kabale Substation, Rubanda District electricity project, which traverses through Ntungamo, Rukiga, Kabale and Rubanda districts, was financed by the Islamic Development Bank with a loan of USD 83.75 million, under the oversight of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The Ministry was also pleased to highlight that most project-affected persons (PAPs) had been compensated, with 2,467 paid out of the 2,529 individuals. In her speech, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support from the local leadership and communities of the Kigezi region. She highlighted the project's significance in enhancing power stability, supporting rural electrification, and driving socio-economic development. “Today, we are witnessing the commissioning of a transformative project that will significantly enhance power stability in Southwestern Uganda, particularly in the Kigezi sub-region. This project will in addition to delivering electricity; create opportunities for industrial growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s overall economic development,” said Hon. Nankabirwa. According to the CEO of Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) Mr. Joshua Karamagi, the successful completion of the project to ensure energy security for the Kigezi region has been made possible as a result of a collaboration with various stakeholders including; the Government of Uganda, the Islamic Development Bank, the local community and leadership and Colenco Consulting Ltd. (Nigeria), CCC-GTSCC Consortium (Nigeria), and Ceylex Engineering PVT Ltd. (Sri Lanka). The Rubanda district LCV chairman Mr Stephen Kasyaba thanked the government for establishing the electricity substation in his area and urged the community members to use it for the establishment of small and big industries to spur development in the region.

10 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS GLOBAL CARBON ASSET MANAGER ECONETIX TO DISCUSS PARTNERSHIP ON UGANDAN CARBON MARKET

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni received an Austrian-based delegation this afternoon who called on him at State House Entebbe to discuss, among other issues, Uganda’s carbon removal potential. The delegation was led by Mrs. Olivia Mugabe Mitterer, a Ugandan investment advisor; former consul general Mr. Karl Wipfler; H.E. Elisabeth Koestinger, the former Minister of Environment and Agriculture of Austria; Jakob Zenz and Paul Nimmerfall, the founders of EcoNetix. President Museveni welcomed the Austrian entrepreneurs and urged them to exploit the opportunities available in the country. “The Chinese have capital and entrepreneurship, and we have labor and land. So, I am very happy to see some European entrepreneurs,” he said. The delegation presented a groundbreaking partnership aimed at positioning Uganda as a leader in the carbon markets. With over 3 million hectares of forest and 14 million hectares of agricultural land, Uganda has enormous carbon removal potential. As part of this collaboration, EcoNetix is set to become one of Uganda’s implementation partners, helping to elevate the country’s farmers and forestry projects to new levels of sustainability and economic potential. “EcoNetix is delighted to work with the government of Uganda to unlock its full carbon removal potential,” said Mr. Jakob. The initiative is expected to generate up to $500 million in investments, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to climate resilience while driving significant financial benefits for local communities. The collaboration will focus on scaling up high-integrity carbon credit projects that align with Uganda’s sustainable development objectives.

08 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ATTENDS EAC AND SADC SUMMIT TO TACKLE DRC CONFLICT

The President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni left Uganda this morning to attend the joint summit of Heads of State and Government from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The purpose of the joint meeting was to find possible solutions for the peace and stability of the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is currently engaged in armed conflict. The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman of the EAC and President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Samoei Ruto, the Chairman of SADC and President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, and their host, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. Also in attendance were His Excellency, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo; His Excellency, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa; His Excellency, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia; His Excellency, Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; His Excellency, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia. His Excellency, Lieutenant General Gervais Ndirakobuca, the Prime Minister, representing His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi; His Excellency, Ambassador Téte António, Minister of External Relations, Republic of Angola representing H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço President of the Republic of Angola; Honourable Nancy Gladys Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing H.E. Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi. Honourable Deng Alor Kuol, Minister of East African Community Affairs, representing His Excellency, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan; Honorable Lieutenant General Lala Monja Delphin Sahivelo, Minister of the Armed Forces, representing H.E. Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar. The opening session of the Joint Summit was also attended by H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Giving the welcoming remarks, President Samia emphasised that dialogue is the best way to achieve lasting peace and security in the DRC. She stated that all parties should be engaged in peace dialogue and mediation to find possible solutions to the situation in the DRC. “This meeting provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate our readiness and commitment to seeking peace and security for our brothers and neighbours in the DRC. It is my hope that, through our unity, we will carry out this duty with the highest level of integrity,” said President Samia. Speaking at the meeting, the EAC Chairman and President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. William Ruto, reiterated calls to the parties in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and take positive actions to allow meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring stability. “We stand together to call on all parties to actualise the ceasefire; and specifically, on the M23 to halt further advancements, and the armed forces of the DRC, to cease all retaliatory measures. An immediate ceasefire is the only way by which we can create the necessary conditions for constructive dialogue and the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement,” he said. For his part, the SADC Chairperson and the President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, urged the meeting to develop a comprehensive strategy to resolve the long-standing conflict in the DRC, noting that its impact has not only affected the well-being of the DRC but also the entire EAC and SADC. The Heads of State then held a closed-door session and later issued a joint communique which among other resolutions mandated the Chiefs of Defence Forces from EAC and SADC to convene within five days. Their focus will be to establish an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian assistance, and devise a securitization plan for Goma and surrounding areas. Additionally, they will address the reopening of key supply routes, Goma Airport, and recommend further necessary interventions to stabilize the region.

07 February 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS SOMALI PRESIDENT H.E HASSAN SHEIKH MOHAMUD

At the invitation of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a one-day official visit to Uganda on Friday, February 7th, 2025. He was accompanied by Somalia’s Minister of Defence and other government officials. At State House Entebbe, President Museveni welcomed H.E Mohamud and commended the strong bilateral relations as well as the enhanced cooperation between the two countries. Recalling the discussion held at State Lodge, Nakasero during H.E Mohamud’s last official visit to Uganda on October 19th 2024, the two heads of State reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They further exchanged views on the security situation in Somalia and the region; underscoring the need to maintain peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the entire continent. The leaders also paid tribute to the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali Security Forces for the sacrifices made since 2007 in fighting against Al-Shabaab. President Museveni commended H.E Mohamud, his government and the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia for the commitment, resilience and efforts made in stabilizing Somalia. On his part, H.E Mohamud commended President Museveni, his government and the people of Uganda for the sacrifice and commitment to peace and security in Somalia since 2007. He further appreciated the symbolic gesture of goodwill and warm hospitality accorded to him during the visit. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo, the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru, Amb. Nathan Mugisha, Deputy Head of Uganda Mission in Somalia, Mr. Robert Mugimba, Uganda Embassy’s Counselor in Mogadishu, Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF), among others.

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