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The Budget and Finance Committees of Parliament have intensified scrutiny of the National Development Plan Four (NDP4), a five-year plan aimed at transforming Uganda’s economy. However, MPs contend that the plan’s priorities are misplaced, emphasizing the need for improved Human Capital Development and road infrastructure to drive economic growth and development Led by Dr. Samuel Opio, Kole North MP, legislators highlighted concerns about the plan’s omission of critical interventions in education. Opio pointed out the low primary school completion rate of 40% and the secondary education enrollment rate of 27.3%, stressing the need for targeted programs to improve these statistics.…
By Fred Kajjubi The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has announced that it has surpassed its revenue collection target for the first half of the 2024/2025 fiscal year with a surplus of Shs.322bn. URA says the success has not come from harassing people’s businesses. Still, the tax administration has introduced new strategies to make it easier for people to pay taxes. For the 2024/2025 fiscal year, URA was given a tax collection target of 31.369tn and planned to collect 14.926tn in the first and 16.444tn in the second half. However, the first tranche which started in July and ended in December…
The vice chairperson of the Health Committee of Parliament and Kole North MP, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, has praised the recent acquisition of a new heart machine by the Uganda Heart Institute, saying it will greatly promote medical tourism in Uganda. The institute acquired a new Cath Lab Theater equipment two weeks ago, featuring advanced bi-plane X-ray cameras, which is expected to reduce referrals abroad. Dr. Acut expressed support for the government’s move, stating that many Ugandans travel abroad for heart operations due to lack of equipment, not personnel. “I’m glad that now we have the equipment, which will reduce…
The Uganda Nurses and Midwives Union (UNMU) has urged the government to increase the representation of nurses and midwives at the ministry level, emphasizing that despite contributing 75% to the medical workforce, their voices are underrepresented. During an end-of-year press conference in Mulago, union president Justus Cherope also called for parliamentary representation to ensure their issues receive the attention they deserve. The profession faces challenges, especially due to the ban on labor exportation while the government absorbs less than half of the 500 to 600 new nurses and midwives entering the workforce annually. Cherope highlighted the surplus of nurses and…
Ugandan Legislators Support Proposal to Downsize Parliament for Better Efficiency and Cost Savings A section of Ugandan legislators has expressed support for a proposal to reduce the number of members of parliament, arguing that it will lead to better debates, reduce congestion, and lower public expenditure. The proposal was discussed during a debate on the National Development Plan (NDP) IV with the National Planning Authority (NPA). Several MPs have endorsed the idea, citing the significant amount of public money spent on maintaining a large number of parliamentarians. Isamat Abraham, the Member of Parliament for Kapir County, welcomed the proposal, suggesting…
EOC Calls for Affirmative Action for Poverty-Stricken Regions By Bbale Nickson The Chairperson of the Equal Opportunities Commission, Safia Nalule Juuko this morning, presented to Parliament the 10th and 11th Annual reports on the state of Equal Opportunities in Uganda. The two reports were received by the Deputy Clerk, Corporate Affairs, Henry Waiswa, on behalf of the Speaker, Anita Among. Presenting highlights of the reports, Nalule said that the 2024 report noted considerable elimination of structural and systemic discrimination and inequality in Uganda in the areas of gender, age, religion, history, race and geographical locations. However, poverty rates remain prevalent…
Minister Evelyn Anite Defends Termination of Tibet-Hima Mining Concession By Adiga Julius Uganda’s Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Evelyn Anite, has defended the government’s decision to terminate the concession agreement with Tibet-Hima Mining Company Limited. The termination came after Tibet-Hima failed to meet its obligations under the concession agreement, despite several notices of default. Specifically, the company failed to provide a written undertaking ensuring all consortium members would participate in the project, pay annual concession fees, and provide an exploration guarantee. Minister Anite emphasized that her decision protected Uganda’s interests and prevented exploitation by an…
By Chipo Brenda Cybercrimes are a growing concern in Uganda, particularly targeting women. A recent report by the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA) reveals that women are three times more likely to experience online misogyny, a form of cyber violence, than men. The report highlights the alarming rise of digital violence directed at women on social media platforms like Twitter. This includes harassment, threats, and other forms of abuse. Call for Action Sylvia Biraahwa, Commissioner from the Ministry of Information Communication, Technology and National Guidance, called for increased vigilance and technological literacy to combat cybercrimes. She emphasized the need for…
Members of Parliament’s on Foreign Affairs Committee have urged their counterparts in DR. Congo to address the plight of Ugandan nationals detained in Congolese prisons. During their interface with a delegation of legislators from DR. Congo that took place at parliament of Uganda today, MPs on the Foreign Affairs Committee expressed concern over the arrest of Ugandan fishermen on Lake Albert and their subsequent detention without access to legal assistance. The Ugandan MPs highlighted the poor living conditions in Congolese prisons, which they said violate human rights. They also questioned why Ugandans are still required to pay visa fees to…
Sarah Opendi, the Woman MP representing Tororo District, has presented the Contentious Marriage Bill 2024 to Parliament’s joint committee Legal Affairs and Gender . The bill aims to provide a comprehensive legislation on matters relating to marriage, repealing some provisions of the current Marriage Act Opendi urged MPs on the Legal Affairs Committee and the Gender Committee to pay close attention to the bill, especially the clause that makes it compulsory for couples to obtain parental consent. However, NGOs strongly opposed this section, arguing that individuals who enter marriage are of a certain age and do not deserve parental permission.…
Arua MP Seeks EALA’s Intervention in Cross-Border Tariffs and Security Arua Central Division City Member of Parliament, Jackson Atima Buti Lee, has submitted a petition to the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Joseph Ntakirutimana, urging the East African Community (EAC) to address obstacles impacting cross-border trade among Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Sudan. The petition highlights critical issues hindering trade, such as the need for improved infrastructure in high-traffic border areas, particularly roads linking Uganda with the DRC and South Sudan. Lee also called for harmonized telecommunication networks to reduce the high cost…
The shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Muwada Nkunyingi, has expressed concerns over Uganda’s diplomatic challenges and the plight of Ugandans in the diaspora. Addressing the press at parliament on Monday, he congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on his re-election, emphasizing the importance of continued partnership between Uganda and the United States in advancing the rule of law, human rights, and democratic values. “President Trump returned to office at a time when Ugandans are demanding fair treatment within their own country. We trust that the U.S. will stand with us in our pursuit of democracy, the rule of law, and respect…
By Kajjubi Fred In an interview at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Kilak North MP Anthony Akol finally addressed the physical altercation that took place in Parliament with Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake. Akol expressed regret over the incident but placed the blame squarely on Zaake, claiming that he was attacked while attempting to reclaim his seat. Akol denied any responsibility for Zaake’s hospitalization, suggesting that others took advantage of the ensuing chaos to inflict harm on the Mityana MP. He also revealed that he had received threatening messages in the aftermath of the brawl and lamented the racial undertones that…
In a bid to strengthen community ties and promote transparency, the Area Member of Parliament for Obongi Constituency, Hon. Dr. George Didi Bhoka, today continued his village mobilization efforts with a Baraza meeting in Foligo Parish, Ewafa Sub-County. The gathering aimed to update residents on the progress of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto implementation and key government programs, including Emyoga, the PDM (Parish Development Model), and Youth Livelihood initiatives. During the meeting, the MP stressed the importance of community participation in shaping local development projects. He highlighted the achievements made so far under these initiatives and outlined future plans…
Chipo Brenda Stakeholders focused on protecting media rights in Uganda have expressed growing concern over the rising impunity against journalists in the country. According to recent statistics, 15% of journalists in Uganda have not received justice when faced with challenges from authorities. This issue is not unique to Uganda but is a recurring problem across many East African countries, as highlighted by Misako Ito, the Regional Advisor for African Communication and Information at UNESCO. In a multi-stakeholder dialogue on ending impunity against journalists in Uganda, Misako Ito attributed the continuing impunity to lawmakers who fail to take the issue seriously.…