The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the writer nor Reed Business Information but different individuals in Kampala (names withheld) who either benefited or gained nothing from the Commonwealth Meetings hosted from Friday 23 November to Sunday 25th November 2007 at Serena Conference Centre.
Those who thought nothing was achieved from CHOGM reasoned that corruption increased after the meeting. Police officers and people in government pointed out in the recent IGG Reports show the decline in financial morality and so does the NSSF Temangalo saga. Individuals circumvent the law to achieve their interests. Secondly, rehabilitated roads are now potholed and many accidents are occurring. In the third place, there are many state dinners that are unclassified yet this is wastage of tax payers’ money. The City Council practices trash instead of following policies formulated. No wonder government once wanted to take over the affairs of ‘Seya’. CHOGM was not for the common man; government used propaganda to excite people including tomato sellers raising hopes which were misdirected and never satisfied. Things backfired on people who invested because they thought they would reap big from Chogm. In addition, the Queen’s agenda was to increase her neo-colonial glory. She saw how much Uganda was in need and allowed the 4 year interval meeting to be held there. It was overhyped but it mainly boosted M7’s self esteem. A patronage system was extended; about 10 Billion UgX was stolen from the road sector alone by unnamed individuals. The event was an avenue for primitive accumulation of wealth; someone called it the Common (poverty) Heads of Gangsters Meeting. People are poorer than they were before CHOGM. It was an ironical blessing, i.e. in a negative sense. It was easy to host but benefiting from it was a problem. Only UBC was allowed to broadcast the event but it was poorly handled yet this was the best opportunity to showcase the nation. The hotels built are kind of a monopoly for the ruling class. There is lack of prioritization because billions of state funds are spent on conferences like the recent tripartite COMESA-EAC-SADC meeting yet the countryside is poor. Instead of reaping from CHOGM, it ripped from Uganda. There was disunity in the higher echelons of society; the Vice President His Excellency Gilbert Bukenya was going for EuroCar while Wavah routed for his Mercedes franchise. One person who was on a CHOGM Publicity committee confessed that “300 Million was eaten by a certain source.” Their team did not gain a single cent so they packed their bags and returned home. These points clearly showed that the higher we climb, the more we expose our bottom for criticism. We are marketing ourselves but forgetting things like absolute democracy and equal distribution of national funds.
Nevertheless, others argue that those who criticize CHOGM only look but DO NOT see. GHOGM was very good because it was not very bad (Hope you get the humorous drift). Visibly and seriously though, Uganda is shining internationally. The Brand Uganda advertisement messages on CNN before CHOGM were geared towards marketing the Tourism potential of the Pearl of Africa and when the delegates arrived, they felt for themselves what had been hyped. Their impressions were positive and very encouraging indeed. CHOGM Money was given to ensure security in the country during the important week and after. Some people reasoned that there were long term, short term and intermediate benefits for example M7 was invited for the Commonwealth Day gathering where the talk was about how to develop Uganda. Credit should be given to those who struggled to ensure that Uganda was awarded venue status. Another individual commented that through institutions, the Multiplier Effect benefits the local man. Uganda is now a leisure centre for other countries. CHOGM shaded light on Uganda’s good governance and democracy. The state captain is garnering support from foreign lands. Hotels built remained in Uganda, for instance OIC (Organisation of the Islamic Conference) had their meeting in the new Imperial Royale Hotel. As a positive consequence, employment was created. I do not think you can find the sophisticated machines people were jabbering about to be the servants during the Queen’s presence in Uganda. The tarnished image of Uganda’s security ability was re-polished to look really trustworthy. Roads were beautified and infrastructure renovated for example the Telecommunication Building that used to look very miserable near Kitante Golf Course was wonderfully re-painted. CHOGM created good connections that can help to mine the oil in northwestern Uganda. The only problem will be whether this money can reach the peasants. During that time last November, Parliamentarians dressed smartly and filled up the house to overflowing. You can only wish on a star for that to happen because it rarely happens in this Parliament of ours. CHOGM also provided a platform for Ugandans to drive forward their ideas and probably get marriage partners. Different institutions played their roles day and night. Lighting systems were superb and security was alert. Uganda became a massive Tourism hotspot. You can now gauge for yourself whether the Commonwealth Meeting was more beneficial or destructive…
25 November 2008
20 November 2008
An Inspiration to Many…
Sometimes, sharing your failures and victories with the world is not vanity, but bravery… Fagil Mandy launched his autobiography entitled “Self Engineering: My Success Story” at the Uganda National Cultural Centre (Commonly referred to as National Theatre) on the second Super Tuesday of November. As the new Commissioner of the Inspectorate [according to October 2008 News] he said, “It’s not easy to blow your own trumpet but I know how I made it.” This launch was honouring a Ugandan who has been aggressive in the affairs of his country. Mr. Sempeke Jr, son of Mandy’s old friend also called Sempeke played a stringed instrument to accompany a greeting song. The Emcee added, “There is no past without tradition…” After that, video evidence (probably courtesy of NTV Profiles) of why Fagil is a man worth being with was shown. In it, he revealed that they were seven siblings and grew up in Kyebando Central near Mulago. He is now married to Florence Nyakana, his second wife. His youngest kid among six was born in 1973. His first wife died but Mandy is wishing for more grandchildren. He started his school career at Kyebando Primary School and attended Kalinabiri Secondary in Junior 1 plus 2.
“I have never felt that a teacher is under paid. I don’t like negative feelings in me. Yes the salary is low but I never crave for more money than I need. I know my style. Work against what everybody believes, that is the mainstream thinking… Education is not an office business; it’s out there with the teachers, parents and other people.” Mandy once told a politician that he spends less time in office because he follows the policies they wrote as government. The audience clapped after watching this part. He was an honest man who did not think (bribery) money could buy his integrity. He uses his office teams to originate or initiate ideas rather than waiting for donors. He is an Education consultant. Personally, he grabbed my attention around 1996 when he briefed us at Kalinabiri Primary School during P.7 just before we did P.L.E.
Fagil was once a headmaster at Kitante Primary School in the 1960s and 70s. “My mother taught me that since I had no brothers and sisters, my books should become my brother and sister.” He set the candle burning in education. “After accumulating knowledge from books, evaluate your positive attitudes plus strengths and build on these. The world will not teach you.” Mama Edisa features greatly in his book and she is the one who taught him in P.1 and 2. He has a whole chapter on education. While in P.2, Mama Edisa would shift him to P.4 to learn more since he was bright in English. Meanwhile, Mr. Mabirizi influenced him in Kyebando to love sports.
“The essence of parenthood is to produce generations that are better than you.” He allowed people including his friends and grandchildren to write what they thought about him and what they learnt from him. These were published in their own handwriting. Mandy knows that he succeeded at work, as a parent, growing up, making impact and as a political mobiliser. “I prefer to think of my book as a handbook for the growing population I have dealt with, parents I’m addressing workers, politicians (Management of Society), teachers and my fraternities (Groups of teachers and performing artistes I’ve worked with, Technocrats, Mass Media, Politicians)… I have jumped the level of simply talking. I’ve reached the level of producing ideas for the world…I know this book will become very influential.”
The book will be on sale at Aristoc, Uganda Bookshop and Mukono Bookshop…2000 copies were printed and will cost 25,000 UgX each. The bigger launch where the Media and many other groups of people would be invited to attend would be held on a later date at Grand Imperial Hotel. “We should blow this up, this is a war of ideas guiding and directing a country. Next year, I plan to produce two books, one on management of schools, second will be the challenges of parenting in the world today (A chapter in his first book). I don’t think there is a civil servant who dealt with the mass media more than me. Together we can change the world…For the first time, let African children have a black idol (in for eample Barack Obama). One of Fagil’s grandsons also called Mandy performed a soulful track accompanied with a guitar singing, “So Close I believe, you’re holding me now in your hands I belong. You’ll never let me down.” Fagil Mandy and the daughter Mirembe who works as a health practitioner in Entebbe had a moment of entertaining the audience (in honour of his mother and the august house by performing a ball dance).
Professor Mugerwa, the Guest of Honour who was also the Chairman of the National Planning Authority launched and auctioned the book. It was a real collaboration of Ugandans. He was asked to streamline culture in the national planning policy. Artistes struggle hard to emphasize that. It should be cross-cutting. Environmentalist Ken Lukyamuzi among other honourables was also present. Fagil’s birthday was actually on the same day 11th November 2008 when he launched his book and his programme organisers served each one of his guests with sodas, cakes, biscuits and cookies…Happy Birthday!
“Success is never an accident; it’s deliberate…” Fagil only knew his father from a single photograph but it inspired him…Since his father looked strong, he tried to be like him. His core values include: integrity, discipline and fortitude. Corruption is like fetching water in a basket…Our country may be relegated to poverty. We can only fight it (corruption) with our conscience (or inner voice).” Profesor Mazrui once said that ‘A country incapable of feeling ashamed is finished.’ Fagil has been in the media, security agencies, plus writing and all these were achieved through time…
Fagil didn’t study to get education but to achieve a goal or purpose…His work ethic is: Ask yourself what you have done and what you will do tomorrow…Education which is becoming a business leaves some faculties of the brain undeveloped. Mandy retired 7 years before retirement age. Fagil Mandy wrote in his book that he resisted the temptation to compete for a Parliamentary position in 2006 because the electorate when caught up in poverty could hardly vote an honest person. The Mayor of Mukono bidded 100,000 after two bids: 10,000 and 30,000. The other bids were 150,000; 152,000; 160,000; 200,000 all who got their books.
“I have never felt that a teacher is under paid. I don’t like negative feelings in me. Yes the salary is low but I never crave for more money than I need. I know my style. Work against what everybody believes, that is the mainstream thinking… Education is not an office business; it’s out there with the teachers, parents and other people.” Mandy once told a politician that he spends less time in office because he follows the policies they wrote as government. The audience clapped after watching this part. He was an honest man who did not think (bribery) money could buy his integrity. He uses his office teams to originate or initiate ideas rather than waiting for donors. He is an Education consultant. Personally, he grabbed my attention around 1996 when he briefed us at Kalinabiri Primary School during P.7 just before we did P.L.E.
Fagil was once a headmaster at Kitante Primary School in the 1960s and 70s. “My mother taught me that since I had no brothers and sisters, my books should become my brother and sister.” He set the candle burning in education. “After accumulating knowledge from books, evaluate your positive attitudes plus strengths and build on these. The world will not teach you.” Mama Edisa features greatly in his book and she is the one who taught him in P.1 and 2. He has a whole chapter on education. While in P.2, Mama Edisa would shift him to P.4 to learn more since he was bright in English. Meanwhile, Mr. Mabirizi influenced him in Kyebando to love sports.
“The essence of parenthood is to produce generations that are better than you.” He allowed people including his friends and grandchildren to write what they thought about him and what they learnt from him. These were published in their own handwriting. Mandy knows that he succeeded at work, as a parent, growing up, making impact and as a political mobiliser. “I prefer to think of my book as a handbook for the growing population I have dealt with, parents I’m addressing workers, politicians (Management of Society), teachers and my fraternities (Groups of teachers and performing artistes I’ve worked with, Technocrats, Mass Media, Politicians)… I have jumped the level of simply talking. I’ve reached the level of producing ideas for the world…I know this book will become very influential.”
The book will be on sale at Aristoc, Uganda Bookshop and Mukono Bookshop…2000 copies were printed and will cost 25,000 UgX each. The bigger launch where the Media and many other groups of people would be invited to attend would be held on a later date at Grand Imperial Hotel. “We should blow this up, this is a war of ideas guiding and directing a country. Next year, I plan to produce two books, one on management of schools, second will be the challenges of parenting in the world today (A chapter in his first book). I don’t think there is a civil servant who dealt with the mass media more than me. Together we can change the world…For the first time, let African children have a black idol (in for eample Barack Obama). One of Fagil’s grandsons also called Mandy performed a soulful track accompanied with a guitar singing, “So Close I believe, you’re holding me now in your hands I belong. You’ll never let me down.” Fagil Mandy and the daughter Mirembe who works as a health practitioner in Entebbe had a moment of entertaining the audience (in honour of his mother and the august house by performing a ball dance).
Professor Mugerwa, the Guest of Honour who was also the Chairman of the National Planning Authority launched and auctioned the book. It was a real collaboration of Ugandans. He was asked to streamline culture in the national planning policy. Artistes struggle hard to emphasize that. It should be cross-cutting. Environmentalist Ken Lukyamuzi among other honourables was also present. Fagil’s birthday was actually on the same day 11th November 2008 when he launched his book and his programme organisers served each one of his guests with sodas, cakes, biscuits and cookies…Happy Birthday!
“Success is never an accident; it’s deliberate…” Fagil only knew his father from a single photograph but it inspired him…Since his father looked strong, he tried to be like him. His core values include: integrity, discipline and fortitude. Corruption is like fetching water in a basket…Our country may be relegated to poverty. We can only fight it (corruption) with our conscience (or inner voice).” Profesor Mazrui once said that ‘A country incapable of feeling ashamed is finished.’ Fagil has been in the media, security agencies, plus writing and all these were achieved through time…
Fagil didn’t study to get education but to achieve a goal or purpose…His work ethic is: Ask yourself what you have done and what you will do tomorrow…Education which is becoming a business leaves some faculties of the brain undeveloped. Mandy retired 7 years before retirement age. Fagil Mandy wrote in his book that he resisted the temptation to compete for a Parliamentary position in 2006 because the electorate when caught up in poverty could hardly vote an honest person. The Mayor of Mukono bidded 100,000 after two bids: 10,000 and 30,000. The other bids were 150,000; 152,000; 160,000; 200,000 all who got their books.
27 October 2008
The 'Trading for Peace' Forum in Kasese and COMESA Simplified Trade Regime (STR)
.jpg)
(Participants on the last day of the COMESA USAID DFID and GOU "Trading for Peace" Forum)
While the First COMESA – EAC – SADC Tripartite Summit (with the theme: ‘Deepening Integration’) was going on at the Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo (Kampala), another kind of forum was taking place in Kasese, Western Uganda. Organised by COMESA, DFID (UK Department for International Development) and USAID (United States Agency for International Development) in partnership with the Government of Uganda, the ‘Trading for Peace’ Meetings at Hotel Margherita between Monday 20th to Thursday 23rd October 2008 provided insights about the future of trade between Uganda and DRC plus how trade reform can help stabilize the region. On Friday 24th October 2008, a trade fair was held at Bwera Primary Teachers’ College and brought together traders, officials and experts from different countries including Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, DR Congo, USA, UK and Uganda. The forum on the first two days focused on the specific theme of “Timber Trade and Livelihoods”. It examined the mechanisms of forestry exports from DRC to Uganda; the way traders and officials bypass the law; the way local communities in the DRC make a living from this trade and possibilities for reforming the timber trade in a sustainable way which does not destroy livelihoods. A specific focus was to examine alternative ways of access to finance amongst populations dependent on the timber trade in order to reduce their dependence on powerful traders’ vested interests. The keynote presentations on Day One was made by Stuart Wilson, Forest Monitor UK; Victor Kasereka Siviri, ex head FEC Butembo; Hilary Sunman of DFID – UK and Ir. Gustave Chishweka Lubala, Great Lakes Human Rights Program. Day Two started with the presentation of results from the written exercise of Day One before Group Discussions were reconvened (Dominic Johnson [Researcher Pole Institute Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo] chaired the theme for Security, Sophie Monnet [COMESA ‘Trading for Peace’ Project Coordinator] led the talk about Information while Stuart’s group talked about Environmental Protection).
Winnie Kizza MP Kasese commented, “Information should be discussed in detail…You must know what taxes you have to pay…Middlemen will try to get something out of you; taxes and people handling them should be clearly identified…”. When called upon to give concluding remarks she said, “I’m happy to be with you in Kasese…Yesterday, I told you that your security was guaranteed and I’m proud that I can see everybody happy. I don’t forget to thank the delegates…for the contributions…to make trade a better thing. Ministers are meeting in Munyonyo and tomorrow the Heads of State will concretize what the ministers have discussed…It’s by coming together that we will understand each other. If trade is to be profitable there must be…trust, peace and security. This Trade for Peace Forum is timely…Give this forum maximum support when you go back to your country. Kasese will always be open…”
In an interview with International Alert (Understanding Conflict, Building Peace) Nick Bates, a Political Analyst at DFID – UK, revealed that the next theme for probably January 2009 will be the needs for energy and where it can come from. There is a global imperative to manage forests. Congo Forest is the second largest in the world. These meetings should “empower societies in challenging government”. Nick’s conclusions on the discussions included the following points of action: Mutual mistrust – People being unaware of what’s happening on both sides, there is need to talk at several levels…Need for better information and its dissemination (Two key things that have come out of discussions); Consultation framework needed; Discussion framework for issues; Talk across borders…
“We need to collectively as stakeholders work out mechanisms for meeting. There is a strong case for meeting at localized levels e.g. in Kasese meeting with brothers in North Kivu, Arua and across the border. These need to continue.”
Day 3 witnessed the official opening of the COMESA Simplified Trade Regime (STR) Workshop. Helen Kenani [COMESA Senior Trade Expert] represented the Secretary General by chairing the deliberations alongside Davies Bamuleseyo [Principal Commercial Officer Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry (Uganda)]. The following day, the STR was reviewed with the well illustrated handbook “Making Cross Border Trade Simplified” and a way forward was discussed with the aim of making the STR operational at the Mpondwe/ Kasindi Border Post. Objectives of the forum included creating an open space for dialogue between officials related with trade and cross border traders; to disseminate the COMESA STR; to build networks for trade facilitation and information sharing eg people at Bwera go regularly to Mpondwe; to offer traders (35 each from Congo and Uganda) an occasion to promote their business whether traded commodities or services through a trade fair. Some participants wanted immigration officials and key stakeholders like URA officers to attend their forum so that their achievements are not derailed by their absence. So on the final day, Kisitu Asadu Kigozi (Customs Officer Mpondwe) showed up for a heated interchange. Traders most especially women complained that several payments are made; Ugandan traders are not allowed to trade freely in Congo, can’t be allowed beyond Kasindi; their personal effects are even taken when they are arrested after checks; sometimes COMESA Certificates of Origin are not even recognized. For the last grievance, Kisitu replied, “Customs has signatories from all COMESA countries…” Drafts to end the issue of common lists and bring integration to life were exchanged between the Congo and Ugandan contingents. National working groups would finalise work on these documents. The chairperson advised that customs officials shouldn’t be looked at as askaris and neither should traders be looked at as culprits. Each should view the other as a partner in trade. The entire programme was aimed at understanding the role of trade in peace-building and poverty reduction in the Great Lakes Region.
26 September 2008
Can the Financial Services Industry Eradicate Poverty?
Robert Kiyosaki, the author of best selling wealth creation book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” once advised that “If you want to be rich, listen to a rich person. “Cash Flow Quadrant”, “The Millionaire Mind” plus “Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing” are also valuable books that can help you get more from this life. But you might say that you have read all of them yet you are still unhappy. Don’t you think the financial services industry is the answer? Can’t they really eradicate poverty since they have finances? Well, if you give a man a fish, he will eat to his fill in one day but if you teach him how to fish, he will enjoy for the rest of his life span. It is better to teach the public how to raise fish (or capital or any other critically key resource for that matter). Today, Financial Service Providers will not only give you loans but also teach you how to eradicate poverty.
Dubbed “the Largest Financial Exhibition of the Year”, the three-day 9AM to 1 PM Standard Chartered Financial Literacy Week (Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 September 2008) at Imperiale Royale Hotel was a well attended Workshop. I’m still wondering why about three fellows were bounced on the first day simply because they were considered non members yet the workshop was open to the public. Early on Thursday – Day 2, I went to Level 4 of Karim’s new hotel while Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda’s Richest was getting ready to open KISU, his grand Kabira International School Uganda somewhere in Bukoto (I wish I was there to listen to him) and only enjoyed the grandeur of the Royale interior decos plus refreshing lights. The receptionists are great but the room keepers need to be a little less uptight. Participating Corporates included - in no particular order - Standard Chartered Bank (of course), Diamond Trust Bank, Business Week Newspaper, Capital Markets Authority, Housing Finance, NSSF (They weren’t selling the Temangalo Land by the way), Tirupati Development (U) Ltd, Mama Tendo Foundation (Making early years count), Enterprise Uganda, Mortgage Association of Uganda, African Alliance (for Advisory Services, Asset Management, Corporate Finance, Private Equity, Securities Trading, Structured Finance, Unit Trusts, NTV and New Vision)
Scheduled talks on Wednesday were by Mr. Japheth Katto, CMA on “How the Capital Markets can Eradicate Poverty and increase Domestic Savings”. Mr Lawrence Mukiibi of St. Lawrence talked about the topic “Education: A Tool for Financial Empowerment”. His students are truly empowered.
Thursday had Mr. Gary A. Fitchett CA, Financial Specialist talking about where you go when the bank says “NO” while Mr. Charles Ocici, Enterprise Uganda put “How to Craft Lasting Business Partnerships” on the table and Mr. James Semakade, an Entrepreneur finished with how to “Transform your Business ideas into Market Realisation.
Friday, the third and last day had Pr. Michael Kyazze, Omega Healing Center preaching about “Business Principles to Prosperity; Prof. Peter Kasenene, a Leadership guru talking about the topic “If you can define it, you can have it” and the Presentation Guru, that is if you ask me, Mr. Peter Kimbowa (PK), IFE Consult talking about “Financial Reliance: Discover newer heights” Other renown local speakers included Mr. Patrick Bitature, Simba Telecom (Business: A Life Skill for financial freedom); Mr. Jaamwa Chandi, NSSF (Savings: A Must for all to achieve Financial Independence) and Mr. Harshad Barot, Tirupati Group (Doing Business in Uganda with Indian Business Principles). You need to attend such financial workshops with a clear vision of what you want to gain from them. Otherwise you may come out as illiterate as you walked in. Besides, you could in addition ask Sudhir how to get money for a Range Rover like his sleek grey one.
DVDs of all the three sessions are available on sale (Probably at only 60,000 UgX). For more information, please call (256)312-277888, (256)772-212384 or (256)772-625757…
Dubbed “the Largest Financial Exhibition of the Year”, the three-day 9AM to 1 PM Standard Chartered Financial Literacy Week (Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 September 2008) at Imperiale Royale Hotel was a well attended Workshop. I’m still wondering why about three fellows were bounced on the first day simply because they were considered non members yet the workshop was open to the public. Early on Thursday – Day 2, I went to Level 4 of Karim’s new hotel while Sudhir Ruparelia, one of Uganda’s Richest was getting ready to open KISU, his grand Kabira International School Uganda somewhere in Bukoto (I wish I was there to listen to him) and only enjoyed the grandeur of the Royale interior decos plus refreshing lights. The receptionists are great but the room keepers need to be a little less uptight. Participating Corporates included - in no particular order - Standard Chartered Bank (of course), Diamond Trust Bank, Business Week Newspaper, Capital Markets Authority, Housing Finance, NSSF (They weren’t selling the Temangalo Land by the way), Tirupati Development (U) Ltd, Mama Tendo Foundation (Making early years count), Enterprise Uganda, Mortgage Association of Uganda, African Alliance (for Advisory Services, Asset Management, Corporate Finance, Private Equity, Securities Trading, Structured Finance, Unit Trusts, NTV and New Vision)
Scheduled talks on Wednesday were by Mr. Japheth Katto, CMA on “How the Capital Markets can Eradicate Poverty and increase Domestic Savings”. Mr Lawrence Mukiibi of St. Lawrence talked about the topic “Education: A Tool for Financial Empowerment”. His students are truly empowered.
Thursday had Mr. Gary A. Fitchett CA, Financial Specialist talking about where you go when the bank says “NO” while Mr. Charles Ocici, Enterprise Uganda put “How to Craft Lasting Business Partnerships” on the table and Mr. James Semakade, an Entrepreneur finished with how to “Transform your Business ideas into Market Realisation.
Friday, the third and last day had Pr. Michael Kyazze, Omega Healing Center preaching about “Business Principles to Prosperity; Prof. Peter Kasenene, a Leadership guru talking about the topic “If you can define it, you can have it” and the Presentation Guru, that is if you ask me, Mr. Peter Kimbowa (PK), IFE Consult talking about “Financial Reliance: Discover newer heights” Other renown local speakers included Mr. Patrick Bitature, Simba Telecom (Business: A Life Skill for financial freedom); Mr. Jaamwa Chandi, NSSF (Savings: A Must for all to achieve Financial Independence) and Mr. Harshad Barot, Tirupati Group (Doing Business in Uganda with Indian Business Principles). You need to attend such financial workshops with a clear vision of what you want to gain from them. Otherwise you may come out as illiterate as you walked in. Besides, you could in addition ask Sudhir how to get money for a Range Rover like his sleek grey one.
DVDs of all the three sessions are available on sale (Probably at only 60,000 UgX). For more information, please call (256)312-277888, (256)772-212384 or (256)772-625757…
22 August 2008
Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping
(A representative from the Kenya Shippers Council [extreme left], Omar Kassim, Second Left [Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry], Jad Johnsons Tabule [UCIFA Secretary General] and Lino Criel Icila [UCIFA Member] listen attentively to John O. the Commercial Shipping Manager of KMA)
On Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd August 2008, ISCOS, Kenya Maritime Authority (For Safety and Reliability), and Kenya Shippers Council facilitated an Incoterms 2000 Awareness Workshop at the Ministry of Transport and Works Training School, Kyambogo. Distinguished institutions and companies represented were Uganda Clearing and Forwarding Association (UCIFA), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Mukwano Industries, Ministry of Works and Transport (MWT), Ministry of Tourism Trade and Industry (MTTI), Export Promotions Board (EPB), Uganda National Chamber of Commerce (UNCCI), Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) and the ISCOS Secretariat.
The ‘Introduction of Incoterms’ presentation was done by ISCOS while a representative from KMA presented the Benefits and Use of appropriate Incoterms 2000. The vision of Kenya Maritime Authority is “to have in place a dedicated and specialized regional organization to cater for an internationally competitive, safe, secure, economical and environmentally sound regional maritime transport practices”. Its Mission is to Facilitate and Complement efforts of the Member States to: Achieve competitive maritime freight rates; Safe and secure shipping services; Create a conducive environment for Private Sector investment in shipping; Endeavour to implement harmonized shipping policies; Coordinate maritime pollution issues; Encourage the Development of indigenous MTOs; Promote Gender Equality and Coordinate efforts to fight HIV – AIDS and other pandemics. “Incoterms” stands for “International Commercial Terms” devised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). ICC was formed in 1919 to serve world business by promoting trade and investment, open markets for goods and services and the free flow of capital. Organisation has its headquarters in Paris, France. Initially, ICC represented private sector in Belgium, Britain, France, Italy and the United States. The membership has expanded over the years to represent worldwide business organizations in around 130 countries. There are 13 commonly used incoterms – rules of trade logistics that describe the responsibility of the buyers and sellers in delivery of physical goods. In essence, they are definitions and guidelines for sales contracts. They essentially address fundamental issues of cost and risk allocation in total logistics.
For more on the ‘Importance of Incoterms 2000’, contact John Mwanza, ISCOS Secretariat Director of Shipping and Liaison, Telephone: +254 41 470644, +254 722 207940, +254 20 2352936; Fax: +254 41 470643, or Email: iscos@ikenya.com. His personal contacts are Telephone: +254 722 502718, +254 736 758893 or Email: johnmwanza2008@yahoo.com. The ISCOS Secretariat Mail Box is 89112 (80100) Mombasa, Kenya.
“You will have a lead time if you take charge of the logistics …” –Mr. John O., Commercial Shipping Manager KMA gave the presentation.
Incoterms erase misunderstandings between the buyers and sellers. Incoterms focus on responsibilities. They deal with insurance of risks between buyers and sellers.
After KMA’s presentation, Omar Kassim – UNCCI - filled the gaps by remarking, “… Yesterday, I was having an argument and need to concur that ICD means Inland Cargo Depot and not only a container depot because we find trucks and cargo in there … We need to know more about the Marine Clauses to help traders. They are very protective of the cargo carrier but not the buyer. Insurance should apply its role (in tackling the small risks on the high seas not only on land) … Terminologies such as ‘Inland Haulage’ and ‘On Carriage’ should be featured out.”
The Commercial Shipping Manager KMA responded to Omar’s inquiry by narrating how rules came about, “The Hague Vispy was spearheaded by ship owners. They always look for ways to protect themselves. They picked on terms where cargo owners could not be helped … Then came a different board. The cargo owners sat in Hamburg to discuss rules countries could adopt. They felt they did not need to sit down and pray in situations of natural disasters at sea hence the Hamburg Rules (favourable to cargo owners)
After lunch, comments were made by the Kenya Shippers Council before plenary discussions and a look at the way forward for shipping.
21 August 2008
UCIFA Day 2008
Kargo PICTORIAL
(The March through Entebbe Town)
(UCIFA Employees shine in their corporate attire beautified by the new colour logo)
(The KACITA Spokesperson gives his speech)
Due to personal hesitation, I dearly missed the 2008 UCIFA Day at Entebbe's Libyan Hotel near Lake Victoria on 27th July but the Secretary General of the Kampala Branch got a number of good photos of what took place. [Above are a few of them]
The theme was "A Professional Link of Traders to Collectors". The Guest Speaker was Mr. Ocici of Enterprise Uganda. P.K.(the famous Peter Kimbowa) was there again to give an educative and inspiring presentation; he is like UCIFA's second nature now. KACITA Spokesman Issa Ssekito also said a word as he always does wherever he goes.
After the workshop, there was a march through Entebbe Town and then games and entertainment; the men played soccer while ladies tussled it out in netball...
(The March through Entebbe Town)
(UCIFA Employees shine in their corporate attire beautified by the new colour logo)
(The KACITA Spokesperson gives his speech)
Due to personal hesitation, I dearly missed the 2008 UCIFA Day at Entebbe's Libyan Hotel near Lake Victoria on 27th July but the Secretary General of the Kampala Branch got a number of good photos of what took place. [Above are a few of them]
The theme was "A Professional Link of Traders to Collectors". The Guest Speaker was Mr. Ocici of Enterprise Uganda. P.K.(the famous Peter Kimbowa) was there again to give an educative and inspiring presentation; he is like UCIFA's second nature now. KACITA Spokesman Issa Ssekito also said a word as he always does wherever he goes.
After the workshop, there was a march through Entebbe Town and then games and entertainment; the men played soccer while ladies tussled it out in netball...
17 July 2008
Uganda’s Number One Software for Micro-Finance
Loan Performer (LPF) is a first-class management information system for Microfinance businesses. It is user friendly, affordable, efficient, cost effective, full of features and its support is excellent. Crystal Clear Software, a company on the 3rd Floor of King Fahd Plaza, Kampala Road intends to make LPF the standard for microfinance. LPF has been on the market for 10 years. Over 200 micro-finance organisations have obtained this software. Loan Performer has established itself as a secure, trustworthy and reliable micro-finance software. In 2003, it was rated “Best Value for money” by the Consultative Group to assist the poor (CGAP – World Bank); 2004 it won the prize for “Best Software Development” from Uganda Investment Authority (UIA); 2005 it was recognized as the “Number One Exporter of ICT exports” by Uganda Export Promotion board (UEPB) and also received the African SMME Award [for Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises] in the Information, Communication and Technology sector from the African Centre for Investment Analysis of the University of Stellenbosch, Capetown, South Africa. (Below are 21 benefits (@www.loanperformer.com):
It supports different micro-finance methodologies: Individual Lending, Village Banking as well as Solidarity Group Lending.
You can track shares, deposits and loans and it is integrated with a general ledger accounting module. LPF also has an assets module and a debtors/creditors module.
You can define up to 100 different Savings and 100 different loan Products
Group loans can be tracked at group level as well as member level.
You can use it in a centralized environment or on the counter in your branches.
The multi-language facility makes it possible for one user to work with an English interface while another has a French, Spanish or Russian interface, both working with the same database.
Loan Performer has user definable fields for clients and loans so that you can filter reports according to your own criteria.
You can analyse loans according to business sector, client type, loan fund, branch, location, business sector, geographical area (4 levels), credit officer, loan product, loan size, gender classes, loan cycle or your own user-definable categories.
LPF comes with more than 150 first class reports that can be exported to DBF, Excel and PDF format. It is complaint with CGAP’s reporting requirements.
The PMT tool (used in Uganda) is integrated in LPF
Interest on loans can be calculated either as flat rate or on declining balance, amortised or discounted, either all up-front or in equal installments.
Loans can be repaid in cash, by check, from the clients’ savings account or by bank transfer.
Loan Performer can import client data, savings transactions and financial transactions from file (TXT, XLS or DBF) making database conversion a lot easier
Loan Performer can produce loan contracts by linking it to MS Word.
Loan Performer can print notification letters for arrears and add penalties for defaulters automatically
Loan Performer’s General Ledger can produce Balance Sheets and Income and Expense Statements.
Loan Performer can be linked to an external accounting package and export financial transactions.
You can analyse your profitability/ costs by period, branch, savings or loan product or donor.
Loan Performer is password protected. It has 10 user-levels and each menu item can be disabled for each level. Each menu item can be re-labeled.
Loan Performer also comes with a cash module, making cash reconciliation a whole lot easier.
Loan Performer comes with an excellent windows help file
It supports different micro-finance methodologies: Individual Lending, Village Banking as well as Solidarity Group Lending.
You can track shares, deposits and loans and it is integrated with a general ledger accounting module. LPF also has an assets module and a debtors/creditors module.
You can define up to 100 different Savings and 100 different loan Products
Group loans can be tracked at group level as well as member level.
You can use it in a centralized environment or on the counter in your branches.
The multi-language facility makes it possible for one user to work with an English interface while another has a French, Spanish or Russian interface, both working with the same database.
Loan Performer has user definable fields for clients and loans so that you can filter reports according to your own criteria.
You can analyse loans according to business sector, client type, loan fund, branch, location, business sector, geographical area (4 levels), credit officer, loan product, loan size, gender classes, loan cycle or your own user-definable categories.
LPF comes with more than 150 first class reports that can be exported to DBF, Excel and PDF format. It is complaint with CGAP’s reporting requirements.
The PMT tool (used in Uganda) is integrated in LPF
Interest on loans can be calculated either as flat rate or on declining balance, amortised or discounted, either all up-front or in equal installments.
Loans can be repaid in cash, by check, from the clients’ savings account or by bank transfer.
Loan Performer can import client data, savings transactions and financial transactions from file (TXT, XLS or DBF) making database conversion a lot easier
Loan Performer can produce loan contracts by linking it to MS Word.
Loan Performer can print notification letters for arrears and add penalties for defaulters automatically
Loan Performer’s General Ledger can produce Balance Sheets and Income and Expense Statements.
Loan Performer can be linked to an external accounting package and export financial transactions.
You can analyse your profitability/ costs by period, branch, savings or loan product or donor.
Loan Performer is password protected. It has 10 user-levels and each menu item can be disabled for each level. Each menu item can be re-labeled.
Loan Performer also comes with a cash module, making cash reconciliation a whole lot easier.
Loan Performer comes with an excellent windows help file
07 July 2008
You are a (URA)… Developer of Uganda!
As you diligently pay your taxes (both local and customs), you are a developer of this country together with URA. Set up on 5 September 1991 under the Uganda Revenue Authority Statute (now Act) No. 6 of 1991, URA not only operates as the central body to assess, collect and account for Government Tax Revenue but also enforces related laws.
Its vision is to collect revenue that will fully finance the Ugandan Government’s recurrent and development expenditure by attaining a tax to GDP ratio of at least 24%.
Uganda Revenue Authority’s mission is to maximize central government tax revenue while optimizing resource utilization by ensuring a fair and equitable tax administration with a highly motivated and professional staff. Core values include excellence in service, superior customer care and respect for the individual.
The broad objective of URA is that they are charged with the responsibility of providing the foundation for development through revenue mobilization to: finance current and capital development activities; Increase the standard of living of all Ugandans and reduce poverty in addition to Increasing the ratio of revenue to GDP to a level at which Government can fund its own essential expenditure. During the 2008 PSFU (Private Sector Foundation Uganda) & MTN Trade Facilitation Exhibition at Lugogo on Friday 27 June, URA Commissioner Richard Kamajugo (AC-Trade) conveyed absent Commissioner General (CG) Allen Kagina’s remarks saying that today, URA contributes a very large percentage (above two thirds) of government’s expenditure.
Service delivery has been harmonized and organized into regions [central, eastern, northern & south western] each headed by a manager, one for customs and one for domestic taxes.
For further information about their services, please contact Public and Corporate Affairs Division on Telephone No. 0414 334416/7 or 0414 317012/5 (Toll Free 0800117000)
Its vision is to collect revenue that will fully finance the Ugandan Government’s recurrent and development expenditure by attaining a tax to GDP ratio of at least 24%.
Uganda Revenue Authority’s mission is to maximize central government tax revenue while optimizing resource utilization by ensuring a fair and equitable tax administration with a highly motivated and professional staff. Core values include excellence in service, superior customer care and respect for the individual.
The broad objective of URA is that they are charged with the responsibility of providing the foundation for development through revenue mobilization to: finance current and capital development activities; Increase the standard of living of all Ugandans and reduce poverty in addition to Increasing the ratio of revenue to GDP to a level at which Government can fund its own essential expenditure. During the 2008 PSFU (Private Sector Foundation Uganda) & MTN Trade Facilitation Exhibition at Lugogo on Friday 27 June, URA Commissioner Richard Kamajugo (AC-Trade) conveyed absent Commissioner General (CG) Allen Kagina’s remarks saying that today, URA contributes a very large percentage (above two thirds) of government’s expenditure.
Service delivery has been harmonized and organized into regions [central, eastern, northern & south western] each headed by a manager, one for customs and one for domestic taxes.
For further information about their services, please contact Public and Corporate Affairs Division on Telephone No. 0414 334416/7 or 0414 317012/5 (Toll Free 0800117000)
Government’s Gift to Exporters
Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) has since June 2005 been implementing the Second Private Sector Competitiveness Project (PSCP II). This is a 5 year World Bank – Government of Uganda project aimed at creating sustainable conditions for enterprise creation and growth. Under its three components – Developing infrastructure and financial services; Enhancing enterprise competitiveness; and Improving the business environment – the project’s various innovative activities are intended to increase value addition, support linkages between enterprises and improve skills for MSMEs. To make this happen, PSFU is working together with Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Law Reform, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and Ministry of Lands and Urban Development.
“A powerful, distinctive, and appealing national brand in case of the country or company brand, is one of the most valuable gift a government can give to its exporters. Today, branded exports are one of the most potent ways of building and sustaining company and subsequently national image.” The Business Branding Linkages (BBL) Programme is aimed at capturing more value from profit margins associated with branding and marketing.
The expected outcome is that our products will be differentiated from those of our competitors thus making it more difficult for them to compete for our customers. We expect to attract a higher price for our products. This will enable us to communicate with our products using consistent messages and build a positive image for our businesses and our nation.
How is the PSFU going to support this initiative? The program will identify sectors/ firms in the country suitable for branding or with potential to attract incremental benefits as a result of branding and assist them on a cost share basis by: (i) Hiring branding consultants to assist the firm/ sector undertake market analysis in international and regional markets and identify products, market segments where Ugandan producers could successfully penetrate. (ii) Developing branding strategies or campaign. (iii) Working with identified firms/ sectors to the creation of new brands/ sub brands and improve the quality and efficiency along the value chain in order for them to meet the required quality and quantity requirements. (iv) Providing support in respect of the brand related costs arising out of the recommended branding strategy i.e. advertising, marketing campaigns, design of materials/ packaging and creation of branding stories.
Eligibility is based on whether the applicant is privately-owned and is not fully or partially owned by Government; The applicant is carrying out business in the MSME sector with a potential for export to regional or international markets in any category apart from production of weapons, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and gambling; Companies are in compliance with tax and requirements; Cost share basis grants are up to a maximum of USD 100,000
© PSFU Exporters & Importers Directory 2008
“A powerful, distinctive, and appealing national brand in case of the country or company brand, is one of the most valuable gift a government can give to its exporters. Today, branded exports are one of the most potent ways of building and sustaining company and subsequently national image.” The Business Branding Linkages (BBL) Programme is aimed at capturing more value from profit margins associated with branding and marketing.
The expected outcome is that our products will be differentiated from those of our competitors thus making it more difficult for them to compete for our customers. We expect to attract a higher price for our products. This will enable us to communicate with our products using consistent messages and build a positive image for our businesses and our nation.
How is the PSFU going to support this initiative? The program will identify sectors/ firms in the country suitable for branding or with potential to attract incremental benefits as a result of branding and assist them on a cost share basis by: (i) Hiring branding consultants to assist the firm/ sector undertake market analysis in international and regional markets and identify products, market segments where Ugandan producers could successfully penetrate. (ii) Developing branding strategies or campaign. (iii) Working with identified firms/ sectors to the creation of new brands/ sub brands and improve the quality and efficiency along the value chain in order for them to meet the required quality and quantity requirements. (iv) Providing support in respect of the brand related costs arising out of the recommended branding strategy i.e. advertising, marketing campaigns, design of materials/ packaging and creation of branding stories.
Eligibility is based on whether the applicant is privately-owned and is not fully or partially owned by Government; The applicant is carrying out business in the MSME sector with a potential for export to regional or international markets in any category apart from production of weapons, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and gambling; Companies are in compliance with tax and requirements; Cost share basis grants are up to a maximum of USD 100,000
© PSFU Exporters & Importers Directory 2008
Making Money by Giving it out…
You have to be a very crazy guy to think that lending people money will earn you more. Okay, there is a spiritual principle pastors always preach that “givers get more…” but honestly [I’m not saying Don’t Give!], that is a foolish risk unless you are guaranteed interest in the payback, however un-Islamic that is. However, there are people who make money-lending their career. These are professional loan sharks, sharp and loaded to the teeth. Bayport Financial Services is registered in Mauritius but has roots in South Africa which also has the largest operation followed by Ghana [Coincidentally, its Ugandan branch is near the South African High Commission]. Other countries where Bayport’s financial consultants can be found include Tanzania and Zambia.
Moody Johnson (Country Operations Executive – COE Uganda) while speaking at Grand Imperial Hotel Kampala said, “Bayport’s 2010 vision is to operate in all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa…” Bayport is a credit finance (cash) and loans provider (Biggest clients are Government and Government employees). You need to have a steady monthly income to get a loan which is not collateral based. “Bayport is not a charity but a capitalist profit-oriented company.” I guess now you can see how some folks give to get much more. Charles Mbire of MTN is the Board Chairman and all the other directors are whites (Boers).
A Bayport agent’s “vision should be how to make money”. The only way you can do it is to become an investor; deliver a certain amount of output before you are paid. The minimum requirement, ie the least to achieve in delivering is 12 Million from which you get a commission of only 2 % which is 240,000 UgX. Loans are usually 500,000 UgX, so you are required to write one deal per day and write out loans. The Minimum Revenue of service is 600,000 UgX (30 % average tax, NSSF 10 %). Agents pay withholding tax to government (Used to be 4 %, then 6 % but is now 10 %. You don’t have to pay NSSF). Unfortunately, agents are not employees. “You give 100 % and your employer doesn’t pay you above 5 % in the capitalist world.” To strike a balance, they say that there is “no exploitation”, I hear. As a Bayport agent, you pay your employer to give you a life, afterall he is “giving an opportunity to make money from which you can be paid. Knowing people is a liability on you. You have to be an intelligent thief! If you don’t give out money, it doesn’t come back to you.”
There are three important things to consider in this business: First, a client who needs money; Secondly, Affordability Calculations: The client must be employed; and finally the Transactor. Minimum requirements for a transactor include a month’s training by the COE or any other official twice a week for 4 weeks. On-job training takes place 3 days a week. You get tools and skills to make money. Skills impartation is mandatory training unlike field training where you can do your own things. There are five deals for disbursed money and you can do one deal per week, for instance a teacher can take a loan of 900,000 UgX. You become an agent in the second month with an advance of 60,000. You can write eight deals worth 400,000 UgX for a month (Two deals per week) with a 60,000 advance and 5 % of 4 Million. You put in four hours per week and earn 460,000 UgX net. In the third month, the requirement goes up to 8 Million with a 100,000 investment, Can you meet the challenge?
Moody Johnson (Country Operations Executive – COE Uganda) while speaking at Grand Imperial Hotel Kampala said, “Bayport’s 2010 vision is to operate in all countries in Sub-Saharan Africa…” Bayport is a credit finance (cash) and loans provider (Biggest clients are Government and Government employees). You need to have a steady monthly income to get a loan which is not collateral based. “Bayport is not a charity but a capitalist profit-oriented company.” I guess now you can see how some folks give to get much more. Charles Mbire of MTN is the Board Chairman and all the other directors are whites (Boers).
A Bayport agent’s “vision should be how to make money”. The only way you can do it is to become an investor; deliver a certain amount of output before you are paid. The minimum requirement, ie the least to achieve in delivering is 12 Million from which you get a commission of only 2 % which is 240,000 UgX. Loans are usually 500,000 UgX, so you are required to write one deal per day and write out loans. The Minimum Revenue of service is 600,000 UgX (30 % average tax, NSSF 10 %). Agents pay withholding tax to government (Used to be 4 %, then 6 % but is now 10 %. You don’t have to pay NSSF). Unfortunately, agents are not employees. “You give 100 % and your employer doesn’t pay you above 5 % in the capitalist world.” To strike a balance, they say that there is “no exploitation”, I hear. As a Bayport agent, you pay your employer to give you a life, afterall he is “giving an opportunity to make money from which you can be paid. Knowing people is a liability on you. You have to be an intelligent thief! If you don’t give out money, it doesn’t come back to you.”
There are three important things to consider in this business: First, a client who needs money; Secondly, Affordability Calculations: The client must be employed; and finally the Transactor. Minimum requirements for a transactor include a month’s training by the COE or any other official twice a week for 4 weeks. On-job training takes place 3 days a week. You get tools and skills to make money. Skills impartation is mandatory training unlike field training where you can do your own things. There are five deals for disbursed money and you can do one deal per week, for instance a teacher can take a loan of 900,000 UgX. You become an agent in the second month with an advance of 60,000. You can write eight deals worth 400,000 UgX for a month (Two deals per week) with a 60,000 advance and 5 % of 4 Million. You put in four hours per week and earn 460,000 UgX net. In the third month, the requirement goes up to 8 Million with a 100,000 investment, Can you meet the challenge?
30 June 2008
Trade Facilitation through Export Promotion
The PSFU (Private Sector Foundation Uganda) & MTN Trade Facilitation Exhibition on Friday 27 June 2008 was, I must confess, an illustrious success though I came in late from Kampala Town around noon. With stalls on almost one half plus on the long ends of the North Western Exhibition Hall at Lugogo Show Grounds, a large area was set aside for listeners to sit and you could see that the exhibition was well attended. A minister from Rwanda was speaking when I made my entrance. An apology was made by the MC about the absence of one of the panelists who had to go to the airport earlier than scheduled for checking before a voyage out of the country that evening. I expected PSFU chairman James Mulwana to be there, but didn’t see him. Could he have been the one mentioned? Executive Director Gabriel Hatega was there.
Anyway, after the minister, Richard Kamajugo a URA Commissioner [AC – Trade] on behalf of Allen Kagina started by conveying the Commissioner General’s remarks; personally I think she’s always brilliant and considerate to tax payers, you know, the aura of motherly love makes her great. I do not know much about her white predecessor but call Kagina the “Customs Mama”. Please don’t tell her daughter Mitchel that Aiko said so…Her words conveyed by Commissioner Kamajugo were worth writing home about, “Today, because of the technology, reengineering and a common East African customs understanding, consignments can be cleared within 24 hours unlike in the past which took many days... Customs is the branch of URA that handles exports and imports.”
Lunch (a package of chicken, salt, sausage, sumbi, tomato sauce, and irish) plus a drink were served to the tired listeners to woo them back from the stalls to hear more because the commissioner was not done yet. What else would you expect other than feeding all those present when these guys had made a lot of money from the sponsors and exhibitors? Richard’s subsequent presentation was about URA’s role in the export business. (For more details about his presentation, I would suggest that you check out URA’s website @ www.ugrevenue.com) All I could gather because of food in my mouth (I wasn’t prepared to write) was that some taxes had been waivered. The Most Interesting was the waiver of income tax on new agro-processing businesses 30 Kilometres outside Kampala in the new financial year which was just four days away on Tuesday. There was also a waiver on trucks that carry loads above 3.5 MT (Metric Tonnes) so buying such a truck in the new FY would be cheaper. The commissioner Richard Kamajugo even advised businessmen to replace their family saloon cars with an export truck if they so wished… Richard also mentioned the usual waivers of tax on exports such as hides and skins [yet in the past, no body was allowed to export them]. “Uganda gets her foreign exchange from exports. So without large amounts of foreign exchange, we cannot trade for imports with the foreigners. URA has come in to facilitate and promote exports…”
This was more of an export promotion exhibition. UCIFA Chairman Omar Kassim was also one of the speakers and said “UCIFA is always open (for exporters and importers)”. Sponsors (who were honored after the Rwandese minister’s speech) plus Advertisers included (in no distinguished order) PSFU, Barclays, SkyNet, uganda telecom; MTN, UIA (Uganda Investment Authority) alongside UEPB (Uganda Export Promotion Board); Stanbic Bank; Nine international embassies like Holland, UK, et cetera; South African Airways, UCIFA (Sitting at the stall was board member Lino Criel Icila and the Secretary to UCIFA’s Chairman)…Secretary General Jad Johnsons Tabule who is also the director of Freight Kargo Masters was in the crowd and so was Assistant Chairman Lawrence Ayebare who listened to the presenters; CMA (Capital Markets Authority); dfcu Bank (offering Land Loans between 5 and 75 Million UgX and other services); UPS & Daks Couriers; UFFA (Uganda Freight Forwarders Association) the second Clearing and Forwarding Association in Uganda; Tourism Uganda, UAP Insurance Company and other exhibitors not mentioned; Citi Bank Group put up their banner but were not present…
Below is the spirit of UCIFA’s role in the import and export business. As the foremost umbrella body of clearing and forwarding firms in Uganda, UCIFA is an intermediary between customs and importers or exporters. They carry out the necessary customs documentation and lodgments of entries. The body advises clients on customs requirements, laws, regulations and procedures. UCIFA updates clients on changes that occur from time to time. It facilitates import and export operations in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Also, it advises on the mode of transport & the facilities in transportation; liaises with Uganda Revenue Authority and other stakeholders in the facilitation of import and export business thus facilitating trade and tax collection.
Anyway, after the minister, Richard Kamajugo a URA Commissioner [AC – Trade] on behalf of Allen Kagina started by conveying the Commissioner General’s remarks; personally I think she’s always brilliant and considerate to tax payers, you know, the aura of motherly love makes her great. I do not know much about her white predecessor but call Kagina the “Customs Mama”. Please don’t tell her daughter Mitchel that Aiko said so…Her words conveyed by Commissioner Kamajugo were worth writing home about, “Today, because of the technology, reengineering and a common East African customs understanding, consignments can be cleared within 24 hours unlike in the past which took many days... Customs is the branch of URA that handles exports and imports.”
Lunch (a package of chicken, salt, sausage, sumbi, tomato sauce, and irish) plus a drink were served to the tired listeners to woo them back from the stalls to hear more because the commissioner was not done yet. What else would you expect other than feeding all those present when these guys had made a lot of money from the sponsors and exhibitors? Richard’s subsequent presentation was about URA’s role in the export business. (For more details about his presentation, I would suggest that you check out URA’s website @ www.ugrevenue.com) All I could gather because of food in my mouth (I wasn’t prepared to write) was that some taxes had been waivered. The Most Interesting was the waiver of income tax on new agro-processing businesses 30 Kilometres outside Kampala in the new financial year which was just four days away on Tuesday. There was also a waiver on trucks that carry loads above 3.5 MT (Metric Tonnes) so buying such a truck in the new FY would be cheaper. The commissioner Richard Kamajugo even advised businessmen to replace their family saloon cars with an export truck if they so wished… Richard also mentioned the usual waivers of tax on exports such as hides and skins [yet in the past, no body was allowed to export them]. “Uganda gets her foreign exchange from exports. So without large amounts of foreign exchange, we cannot trade for imports with the foreigners. URA has come in to facilitate and promote exports…”
This was more of an export promotion exhibition. UCIFA Chairman Omar Kassim was also one of the speakers and said “UCIFA is always open (for exporters and importers)”. Sponsors (who were honored after the Rwandese minister’s speech) plus Advertisers included (in no distinguished order) PSFU, Barclays, SkyNet, uganda telecom; MTN, UIA (Uganda Investment Authority) alongside UEPB (Uganda Export Promotion Board); Stanbic Bank; Nine international embassies like Holland, UK, et cetera; South African Airways, UCIFA (Sitting at the stall was board member Lino Criel Icila and the Secretary to UCIFA’s Chairman)…Secretary General Jad Johnsons Tabule who is also the director of Freight Kargo Masters was in the crowd and so was Assistant Chairman Lawrence Ayebare who listened to the presenters; CMA (Capital Markets Authority); dfcu Bank (offering Land Loans between 5 and 75 Million UgX and other services); UPS & Daks Couriers; UFFA (Uganda Freight Forwarders Association) the second Clearing and Forwarding Association in Uganda; Tourism Uganda, UAP Insurance Company and other exhibitors not mentioned; Citi Bank Group put up their banner but were not present…
Below is the spirit of UCIFA’s role in the import and export business. As the foremost umbrella body of clearing and forwarding firms in Uganda, UCIFA is an intermediary between customs and importers or exporters. They carry out the necessary customs documentation and lodgments of entries. The body advises clients on customs requirements, laws, regulations and procedures. UCIFA updates clients on changes that occur from time to time. It facilitates import and export operations in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Also, it advises on the mode of transport & the facilities in transportation; liaises with Uganda Revenue Authority and other stakeholders in the facilitation of import and export business thus facilitating trade and tax collection.
Seeing far with UCIFA
UCIFA is the acronym for Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Agents (Association). UCIFA’s vision and mission is to be established as a leading member-owned institution involved in the clearing and forwarding industry, based on the foundations of professionalism and well established working synergies with stakeholders at both national and international levels.
Goals and Objectives:
i) To guide the institution in the right direction, help it to improve its
financial status, prepare for the future and measure its progress
ii) To prompt the institution to think about where it has been, where it wants
to go, and how it will go there
iii) To strengthen the institution operations through the assessment of its
current situation, determine its base potential for development and
development of its strategies for progress
iv) To assist the board and management develop the institution on the broad
foundations of professionalism including extensive outreach and mobilization
of members and achievement of financial self sufficiency
v) As a measure to implement portfolio projections through the projected and
the analyzed financial plan in the last part of this particular strategic
plan.
vi) To be applied as a management tool through out the 5 years period
Types of Services offered by UCIFA to its members and stakeholders include:
i) Capacity building in clearing and forwarding management which involves
periodical training programmes, workshops, seminars for board members,
committee leaders and staff
ii) Membership mobilization and UCIFA recommends its members for acquiring
agents licenses from customs
iii) Acts as an organ of communication between its members and Customs
Authorities and other stakeholders
iv) Provision of Technical know how on logistics Management in the industry
v) Advocates for the costs reduction in terms of THC, demurrages customs duties
etc.
vi) Joint Design/ Re-Designing procedures with key Stakeholders
vii) Spearheading socio-economic programmes amongst members
viii) Mouthpiece/ advocates for the Members
P. O. Box 2858 Kampala, Uganda (East Africa)
Tel: +256 414 437533
Email: ug_cifa@yahoo.co.uk
MTAC Building Top Floor
Suite B1, Nakawa Industrial Area
Near Customs Business Centre
Goals and Objectives:
i) To guide the institution in the right direction, help it to improve its
financial status, prepare for the future and measure its progress
ii) To prompt the institution to think about where it has been, where it wants
to go, and how it will go there
iii) To strengthen the institution operations through the assessment of its
current situation, determine its base potential for development and
development of its strategies for progress
iv) To assist the board and management develop the institution on the broad
foundations of professionalism including extensive outreach and mobilization
of members and achievement of financial self sufficiency
v) As a measure to implement portfolio projections through the projected and
the analyzed financial plan in the last part of this particular strategic
plan.
vi) To be applied as a management tool through out the 5 years period
Types of Services offered by UCIFA to its members and stakeholders include:
i) Capacity building in clearing and forwarding management which involves
periodical training programmes, workshops, seminars for board members,
committee leaders and staff
ii) Membership mobilization and UCIFA recommends its members for acquiring
agents licenses from customs
iii) Acts as an organ of communication between its members and Customs
Authorities and other stakeholders
iv) Provision of Technical know how on logistics Management in the industry
v) Advocates for the costs reduction in terms of THC, demurrages customs duties
etc.
vi) Joint Design/ Re-Designing procedures with key Stakeholders
vii) Spearheading socio-economic programmes amongst members
viii) Mouthpiece/ advocates for the Members
P. O. Box 2858 Kampala, Uganda (East Africa)
Tel: +256 414 437533
Email: ug_cifa@yahoo.co.uk
MTAC Building Top Floor
Suite B1, Nakawa Industrial Area
Near Customs Business Centre
23 June 2008
Promoting Evidence-based Leadership
On Friday 30th March 2007, the Makerere University Institute of Public Health and Leadership Initiative for Public Health in East Africa organized a public lecture by an eminent scholar, Professor Eamon Kelly, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel’s Rwenzori Ballroom. It was a 2 hour programme about ‘Leadership and Implementation Science’ and started at 2.30 pm. Also present was Professor Livingstone Luboobi, Vice Chancellor Makerere University Kampala [the Guest Speaker]; Professor David Serwadda, Director Makerere University Institute of Public Health [Chairperson], Dr. Sam Okuonzi, Director Regional Center of Quality for Health Care [Discussant]; and Dr. William Bazeyo, Principal Investigator Leadership initiative for Public Health in East Africa (LIPHEA) who was the Master of Ceremony.
“Yesterday, I was talking to the Ugandan Parliament…With so much money going into projects, why are we seeing so little in results? What makes policy formation difficult and policy implementation even more difficult? I do not believe charismatic leadership is good leadership because it is arrogance based. Evidence based leadership is more effective...” Prof. Kelly said. Currently the 13th President of Tulane University (Chosen in 1981), he was born in New York City and has a Masters plus PhD in Economics. During his regime, faculties reached new heights and many new structures were constructed. As far back as 1960, Dr. Kelly was appointed Director of Policy Formation by the United States President. He developed the first domestic satellite system in the United States. Kelly was also a Special Consultant to the US House of Representatives, Special Assistant to the Secretary in the U.S. House of Labour, just to mention a few positions. In 1995, United States President Bill Clinton appointed him to the National Science Foundation (Board) and three years later he was elected as Chairman until May 2002. He sits on the boards of many civic organisations and is a professor in Economics, Latin American Studies plus Theology.
“What leaders really do is manage change. Institutions are habits of thought; psychological ways of doing things. Leaders have to be able to look around the corner, discover which changes are likely to occur and find solutions. Why are we less successful? It’s because we lack capacity in implementation. If leaders do not do a good job, it impacts those in the poorest section of society.” Dr Kelly lectured the full house.
“In strategic planning, the four most common errors are misjudged missions, too many goals, misunderstood constraints and ignorance in implementation. To determine a mission, you need to know your comparative advantage, financial feasibility, opportunities cost, and also evaluate your rivals plus environment Goals require programmatic, financial and performance measures besides feedback mechanisms. Unfortunately, no one wants to be evaluated.” He added that we should specify goals with the largest problem first, then limit the number of goals, stay with original goals, know the goals of different power groups and measure the goals. “The more goals you have, the more difficult it is to achieve those goals…Increasing revenue is the answer critical for social goals.” Non traditional sources of revenue include Specialised Consulting; Recreation Center; Cybercafés; Managing hospitals; Changing financial arrangements like banks and insurance companies, Privatization and Public fundraising from Government or international financial organisations.
Constraints should be targeted with so many things in mind: their Importance; Examples; Policy space: Personal/policy elite; Social pressures and interests; Historical conditions; Cultural factors and Economic conditions. “The role of leadership is to expand the policy space to deal with constraints. What is the most efficient combination? Leadership responds through Education (Marketing).” A Marketing Plan involves research, cultivation, soliciting (asking), proposals (before, during and after) and follow ups. “Sometimes you have to explode the constraint block…Every country that has access to I.T. will access information like the others and reduce the digital divide. A leader who understands that institutions are habits of thought has to change people’s attitudes…”
The main discussant Dr. Sam Okuonzi, Director of the Regional Center of Quality for Health Care had this to say, “In Uganda, we seem to have too many goals which are inconsistent…We are experiencing leaders who appear to be following directives …and do not appear to exhibit the kind of leadership required. The determinants of health are outside the health sector and it is leaders who can improve the general welfare of the people. According to some literature I read, ‘leaders should focus on desired results’. In health, it is improvement of the health status in the country. Leadership based on evidence is something that can be learnt, it takes time. You pass through certain processes. We are getting a rich experience from our colleagues (in the States). MUK and the Ministry are designing leadership courses. Secondly, the country should develop guidelines for leadership principles, for example through interviews, and we need to get our health goal and overall national goals clear. There seems to be a conflict. We need to harmonise these goals for a strategic way forward for this country.”
After the first question and answer session, the discussant added the following in response to two questions directed at him, “There are at least eight determinants of health according to research statistics: Peace; Proper Nutrition; Food; Adequate clean water; Level of education; Gender parity (driven by social groups); Economic growth; and Distribution of income…The only thing the ministry can do is to improve health services… There is a lot of hope to resume (Global Fund) funding for Uganda if management is sorted out.”
“Yesterday, I was talking to the Ugandan Parliament…With so much money going into projects, why are we seeing so little in results? What makes policy formation difficult and policy implementation even more difficult? I do not believe charismatic leadership is good leadership because it is arrogance based. Evidence based leadership is more effective...” Prof. Kelly said. Currently the 13th President of Tulane University (Chosen in 1981), he was born in New York City and has a Masters plus PhD in Economics. During his regime, faculties reached new heights and many new structures were constructed. As far back as 1960, Dr. Kelly was appointed Director of Policy Formation by the United States President. He developed the first domestic satellite system in the United States. Kelly was also a Special Consultant to the US House of Representatives, Special Assistant to the Secretary in the U.S. House of Labour, just to mention a few positions. In 1995, United States President Bill Clinton appointed him to the National Science Foundation (Board) and three years later he was elected as Chairman until May 2002. He sits on the boards of many civic organisations and is a professor in Economics, Latin American Studies plus Theology.
“What leaders really do is manage change. Institutions are habits of thought; psychological ways of doing things. Leaders have to be able to look around the corner, discover which changes are likely to occur and find solutions. Why are we less successful? It’s because we lack capacity in implementation. If leaders do not do a good job, it impacts those in the poorest section of society.” Dr Kelly lectured the full house.
“In strategic planning, the four most common errors are misjudged missions, too many goals, misunderstood constraints and ignorance in implementation. To determine a mission, you need to know your comparative advantage, financial feasibility, opportunities cost, and also evaluate your rivals plus environment Goals require programmatic, financial and performance measures besides feedback mechanisms. Unfortunately, no one wants to be evaluated.” He added that we should specify goals with the largest problem first, then limit the number of goals, stay with original goals, know the goals of different power groups and measure the goals. “The more goals you have, the more difficult it is to achieve those goals…Increasing revenue is the answer critical for social goals.” Non traditional sources of revenue include Specialised Consulting; Recreation Center; Cybercafés; Managing hospitals; Changing financial arrangements like banks and insurance companies, Privatization and Public fundraising from Government or international financial organisations.
Constraints should be targeted with so many things in mind: their Importance; Examples; Policy space: Personal/policy elite; Social pressures and interests; Historical conditions; Cultural factors and Economic conditions. “The role of leadership is to expand the policy space to deal with constraints. What is the most efficient combination? Leadership responds through Education (Marketing).” A Marketing Plan involves research, cultivation, soliciting (asking), proposals (before, during and after) and follow ups. “Sometimes you have to explode the constraint block…Every country that has access to I.T. will access information like the others and reduce the digital divide. A leader who understands that institutions are habits of thought has to change people’s attitudes…”
The main discussant Dr. Sam Okuonzi, Director of the Regional Center of Quality for Health Care had this to say, “In Uganda, we seem to have too many goals which are inconsistent…We are experiencing leaders who appear to be following directives …and do not appear to exhibit the kind of leadership required. The determinants of health are outside the health sector and it is leaders who can improve the general welfare of the people. According to some literature I read, ‘leaders should focus on desired results’. In health, it is improvement of the health status in the country. Leadership based on evidence is something that can be learnt, it takes time. You pass through certain processes. We are getting a rich experience from our colleagues (in the States). MUK and the Ministry are designing leadership courses. Secondly, the country should develop guidelines for leadership principles, for example through interviews, and we need to get our health goal and overall national goals clear. There seems to be a conflict. We need to harmonise these goals for a strategic way forward for this country.”
After the first question and answer session, the discussant added the following in response to two questions directed at him, “There are at least eight determinants of health according to research statistics: Peace; Proper Nutrition; Food; Adequate clean water; Level of education; Gender parity (driven by social groups); Economic growth; and Distribution of income…The only thing the ministry can do is to improve health services… There is a lot of hope to resume (Global Fund) funding for Uganda if management is sorted out.”
Can't Do without Buveera
They have been demonized for causing drainage plus sewerage blockages; cancers in addition to other diseases in the digestive system and for failing to decompose quickly. However, even when the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning banned the use of ‘Buveera’ in Uganda while reading the budget for the new financial year 2007/8 on 1st July, few people followed the ruling. The problem was that ‘wanainchi’ were given only one month to stop the use and manufacture of these unwanted products. Instead, the importance of these bags was laid bare for all to see and no one dared to implement the ministry’s direction.
On Wednesday 30 April 2008 while returning to Nakawa from town around 9 AM, someone in the Ntinda bound taxi I was in suddenly mentioned something interesting, “There is tight security here.” I wondered where yet I had been in that area around 7 AM with my manager and saw nothing. It really takes a short time for things to happen. When I looked that way, I say a banner with Uganda Revenue Authority written on it campaigning against Buvera, “Keep the Pearl pure”. They were probably launching aggressive action against Buveera. Later on in the day while watching News on TV, I learnt that it was a joint initiative alongside other local organizations against polythene above 30 microns.
“I think they are going to pull this off,” one lady commented as I got ready to disembark. Come to think of it, they have enough resources to support a ‘kaveera-free environment’ but people somehow cannot do without these bags; the only other option could be to produce quicker decomposing (bio-degradable) polythene bags. Otherwise, we may just have to find the better solution as we eliminate Buveera
On Wednesday 30 April 2008 while returning to Nakawa from town around 9 AM, someone in the Ntinda bound taxi I was in suddenly mentioned something interesting, “There is tight security here.” I wondered where yet I had been in that area around 7 AM with my manager and saw nothing. It really takes a short time for things to happen. When I looked that way, I say a banner with Uganda Revenue Authority written on it campaigning against Buvera, “Keep the Pearl pure”. They were probably launching aggressive action against Buveera. Later on in the day while watching News on TV, I learnt that it was a joint initiative alongside other local organizations against polythene above 30 microns.
“I think they are going to pull this off,” one lady commented as I got ready to disembark. Come to think of it, they have enough resources to support a ‘kaveera-free environment’ but people somehow cannot do without these bags; the only other option could be to produce quicker decomposing (bio-degradable) polythene bags. Otherwise, we may just have to find the better solution as we eliminate Buveera
True Happiness in the midst of hardship
Even in the midst of all our problems like potholes; high cost of living; suburb based crimes; unemployment; debts; rising food prices; bankruptcy; and so much more, you can still find a balance. Happiness is relative; sometimes you have to feel contented with whatever GOD gives you however little, or else you will never be satisfied. Personally, I am learning how to regulate my desires ... Afterall, my country Uganda is the Pearl of Africa. What more should I ask for?
During the 5th annual Amakula Kampala Film Festival in May 2008, Black South African Vincent Moloi made a film about Leonard Johnson, a white homeless drug addict begging on the street in post-Apartheid Johannesburg. Leonard (not real name as Moloi later found out) had an ancestry of famous high class relatives from Europe. However, after ‘uneducated Blacks’ took over in 1994 as he complained, everything went down hill for him. The laid back white said his begging is not while sitted but logistical just above the pavement while standing, so he was not doing badly. Sometimes Leonard and his homeless friend would try to sell jewelry. Actually, he had a bed to sleep on and some of the gifts from generous passers-by he would use to pay rent. One day, a young woman who worked in a bank ran up to him and gave him some money because she had just been paid. How uplifting is that? His wise words are, “A man may have everything and still commit suicide ... Why? It is because of his way of thinking.” Everybody came into this world to endure pain. If you want to live in it, you have to smile no matter your status. True joy or happiness can only be found in heaven ... Here it is just “kiwani” (unreal or fake), but it has to be there for us to survive for a moment ... That is why some people create their own dreamlands and others enjoy them as paintings or movies which unconsciously relieve them from depression.
During the 5th annual Amakula Kampala Film Festival in May 2008, Black South African Vincent Moloi made a film about Leonard Johnson, a white homeless drug addict begging on the street in post-Apartheid Johannesburg. Leonard (not real name as Moloi later found out) had an ancestry of famous high class relatives from Europe. However, after ‘uneducated Blacks’ took over in 1994 as he complained, everything went down hill for him. The laid back white said his begging is not while sitted but logistical just above the pavement while standing, so he was not doing badly. Sometimes Leonard and his homeless friend would try to sell jewelry. Actually, he had a bed to sleep on and some of the gifts from generous passers-by he would use to pay rent. One day, a young woman who worked in a bank ran up to him and gave him some money because she had just been paid. How uplifting is that? His wise words are, “A man may have everything and still commit suicide ... Why? It is because of his way of thinking.” Everybody came into this world to endure pain. If you want to live in it, you have to smile no matter your status. True joy or happiness can only be found in heaven ... Here it is just “kiwani” (unreal or fake), but it has to be there for us to survive for a moment ... That is why some people create their own dreamlands and others enjoy them as paintings or movies which unconsciously relieve them from depression.
04 June 2008
URA’s inaugural Open Minds’ Forum
The Motion for URA’s inaugural Open Minds’ Forum at Hotel Africana’s Nile Conference Hall in January 2008 was: “It is the Sole Responsibility of Government to provide an enabling Business Environment”. The Chairman was New Vision Chief Robert Kabushenga (who went to China for studies on 1 June 2008)
1. Elly Karuhanga defended the motion of the debate: “A poor man cannot sleep. Neither can the rich man because the poor man is awake. At the age of five years, every Japanese child is told (by the government) that if you do not work hard, the world will consume you and you disappear on this island.”
2. George Egadu, had a contrary view, “Does government know the challenges of discharging this responsibility and does it have the money, time, expertise and commitment to deliver? Does government realize that it needs help? [‘Sole’ means one and only, single, not shared] Conditions and facilities in a changing world: “Umeme is the Most Irritating Factor (in our economy) .Government has no vested interest to continuously build quality infrastructure. During Chogm, the government needed to involve the private sector mutually. Business friendly laws…Government can only facilitate. I submit that there are other relevant players…URA has only managed to collect 15 % of the GDP; Uganda Police helped by armed security guards; Banks and micro-finance institutions help government policies concerning ‘Bonna Bagaggawale’ schemes. Perception of corruption reduces government’s capacity to facilitate an enabling environment.
[The guests or August House was asked to join the debate for 20 minutes if adequately provoked: Someone remarked, “The government is like a stomach (A combining factor). Legs move to look for food and the hands put the food in the mouth…”
Another asked, “Can the private sector really be successful without government facilitation?”
Norah, an old girl to the Debate Chairman (Kabushenga confessed that she was academically bright at school) educated the audience, “There are three major players; the President mentioned four days ago in this auditorium that the two most important are the consumer and investor. I would like to add a third: the taxpayer. We need to have accountability for how government uses the taxpayers’ money…”
A different guest complained, “Government supports scientists more than businessmen in the university. (Ineffective government distribution of resources)”
Omar Kassim, National Chairman of UCIFA (Uganda Clearing Industry & Forwarders Association) said,“The government can be equated to a tree top. Charity begins at home. Government comes from within ourselves. So where are the roots? Within ourselves, and the taxpayers make up the roots.”
Eric Ouma said, “The government provides the lead and the private sector provides the backbone. The percentage of taxes collected is not optimum and government cannot provide facilities entirely. We are in the same boat and need to hold the oars to row the boat.
There was time for a powerful note of wisdom from a senior citizen. He commented, “Many good ideas off topic; Government needs partners but it is their sole responsibility: provide donors, makes sure investors come, roads are present…How the responsibility comes out is another matter.”
3. Hon. Nandala Mafabi proposed, “When they tell you that you should lead, then it’s a responsibility. Government must create policies to facilitate the private sector…Government can borrow from the public through treasury bills and bonds…In Uganda, the biggest problem we have is corruption. URA is collecting but wastage is high. Government has the role to ensure that the environment is enterprise-friendly…Research and Development, Policy implementation, Democracy is important, Insecurity must be dealt with…”
4. Patrick Bitature, owner of businesses in Nigeria and Uganda including the Protea Hotel and famous for bringing the MTN franchise to the Pearl of Africa is the son of the late Paul Bitature enjoying government solidarity. However, he opposed the motion basing his articulate opinions on truism. It’s a simple fact (that government has a responsibility) but “let off the hook by the word ‘sole’, an ugly word. It’s very obvious that government does not do business. It is the private sector that is good at business. It is not their main responsibility.” He elaborated on PPP (Private Public Partnership): “Top – Down Thinking is rubbish (A Successful private sector brings lasting peace and productivity). This is private sector led growth. Where has government fallen short of our expectations? As our country matures, that can be done by our private sector. There were days when garbage collection was the role of government…Snail paced education system… pyramidal structure where few are adequately trained for the business environment. We are not aggressive and competitive, Poor work ethic…We have to nurture this private sector and build PPPs. SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) do not last 5 years, do not document their mistakes and accounts. People are relocating to Dubai and Canada, why? Failure means loss of jobs. How many jobs does government provide compared to the private sector. Jobs allow people to feel useful and makes a country an important player in the market…Mindest change…Need for creativity and innovation to survive in the modern world but without productivity, we are at a great loss…First, opportunity is the proliferation of ICT, Energy and Electricity (Makes failure become success), Harness Oil industry, Tourism and Conference hub, Food basket, High Value exports e.g. flowers…Awaken from your slumber. Aren’t you tired of hearing the word potential, potentially Uganda?”
Hon. Baguma Isoke, the first speaker in the Second Part of Responses from Guests said, “To the list of makers and breakers of the economy, I add the Press. Traditional cultural leaders can attract or scare away investors (Making land available); Religious leaders (Ugandans are backward and superstitious); Professionals (Academia, thinkers, philosophers, economists). What holds the economy stagnant? Propose a way forward. We need new thinkers. This is not the responsibility of government alone. Political parties have a role to play, think out Plan B instead of only A.
Flavia who spent over 20 years living and working in the UK advised Government to create policies that entice the Diaspora, “Diaspora should be the first to be considered as investors. China has turned its economy around by involving their Diaspora…”
Mr. Kamjira, Chairman LC V Mbarara said, “I need to emphasize that it is not the responsibility of government alone. The government is not going to do the thinking for us, it can only facilitate.”
Patrick, who described himself as a growing mind commented, “This is what we have always lacked as Ugandans. I would like to liken Uganda to a father with a big family and a teacher. You might do everything you can but not as much as required. Ask not what Uganda has done for you, but ask what you have done for your country!”
A Macos old student said that Ugandan youth with creative minds need the help of a parent and teacher.
Harriet Wandira, SDV Logistics in Nakawa added, “The motion would be practical in developed countries. We lack faith, trust and commitment. To trust the government, we cannot do that now; we have to work in partnership.”
Evon Corretta said, “I would like to be told, how do I break into the business? I do not fancy 9 to 5 desk jobs. We need to take advantage of the youths in as far as the economic battleground (is concerned).” The Forum’s Chairman Robert Kabushenga chipped in and joked that ball possession was now 73 % but he was not going to mention which side had it. I bet it was the Opposers, though it might have fallen to 56 % later. “Prior to 1986, there was no business environment. Being found with foreign currency was an offense. It is the sole responsibility of the mother to bring you into the world and everybody else takes over. If you are 40 and an MD of something but haven’t done anything for yourself, you need to leave the job for the young…Two way…”
KACITA spokesperson Issa Sekitto remarked, “…Very sensitive subject. Some stakeholders may have a role to play but the capacities of companies are limited. You create opportunities, government destroys. You create opportunities, government unfairly distributes them…”
Final remarks from the four panelists beginning with the last presenter:
Patrick Bitature concluded, “If you abdicate your responsibility, you will have failed us. The youth should rise up and be counted…”
The politician Nandala ended, “Rules to be applied should be put up by government. Government provides a level playing ground. Like in a football game, there has to be a referee…”
Mr. Egadu finished with these words of power, “The word ‘sole’ makes the motion impractical.” He went ahead to give an anecdote about a young boy who failed to pronounce a certain word at school and the mother punished him by not giving him food until he learnt how to say it correctly. When he finally got it right that same night, the boy went to the master bedroom to prove his linguistic improvement and found his parents consummating their marriage. He said to himself, ‘The father screws the mother and the children go hungry.’ Mr. Egadu boldly related this to Uganda, “The government screws the country and the people go hungry. The motto of URA says ‘Developing Uganda Together’ and together, we shall do it…”
Hon. Karuhanga concluded from where he started: talking about being blunt like a Mukiga, “George Egadu is more blunt than I am … Government brought back kingdoms. Shops were returned to Asians, Government provides environment for free trade, Military respects the gun…Mr. Bitature would have no money if government had not liberalized the telecommunications industry…”
URA boss Allen Kagina was also at the high table and gave her speech before Mr. Kabushenga dismissed the gathering. Basing on the show of hands, the Opposers won the (debate) ‘Cup’, “the Private Sector also has a responsibility in supporting government…”
1. Elly Karuhanga defended the motion of the debate: “A poor man cannot sleep. Neither can the rich man because the poor man is awake. At the age of five years, every Japanese child is told (by the government) that if you do not work hard, the world will consume you and you disappear on this island.”
2. George Egadu, had a contrary view, “Does government know the challenges of discharging this responsibility and does it have the money, time, expertise and commitment to deliver? Does government realize that it needs help? [‘Sole’ means one and only, single, not shared] Conditions and facilities in a changing world: “Umeme is the Most Irritating Factor (in our economy) .Government has no vested interest to continuously build quality infrastructure. During Chogm, the government needed to involve the private sector mutually. Business friendly laws…Government can only facilitate. I submit that there are other relevant players…URA has only managed to collect 15 % of the GDP; Uganda Police helped by armed security guards; Banks and micro-finance institutions help government policies concerning ‘Bonna Bagaggawale’ schemes. Perception of corruption reduces government’s capacity to facilitate an enabling environment.
[The guests or August House was asked to join the debate for 20 minutes if adequately provoked: Someone remarked, “The government is like a stomach (A combining factor). Legs move to look for food and the hands put the food in the mouth…”
Another asked, “Can the private sector really be successful without government facilitation?”
Norah, an old girl to the Debate Chairman (Kabushenga confessed that she was academically bright at school) educated the audience, “There are three major players; the President mentioned four days ago in this auditorium that the two most important are the consumer and investor. I would like to add a third: the taxpayer. We need to have accountability for how government uses the taxpayers’ money…”
A different guest complained, “Government supports scientists more than businessmen in the university. (Ineffective government distribution of resources)”
Omar Kassim, National Chairman of UCIFA (Uganda Clearing Industry & Forwarders Association) said,“The government can be equated to a tree top. Charity begins at home. Government comes from within ourselves. So where are the roots? Within ourselves, and the taxpayers make up the roots.”
Eric Ouma said, “The government provides the lead and the private sector provides the backbone. The percentage of taxes collected is not optimum and government cannot provide facilities entirely. We are in the same boat and need to hold the oars to row the boat.
There was time for a powerful note of wisdom from a senior citizen. He commented, “Many good ideas off topic; Government needs partners but it is their sole responsibility: provide donors, makes sure investors come, roads are present…How the responsibility comes out is another matter.”
3. Hon. Nandala Mafabi proposed, “When they tell you that you should lead, then it’s a responsibility. Government must create policies to facilitate the private sector…Government can borrow from the public through treasury bills and bonds…In Uganda, the biggest problem we have is corruption. URA is collecting but wastage is high. Government has the role to ensure that the environment is enterprise-friendly…Research and Development, Policy implementation, Democracy is important, Insecurity must be dealt with…”
4. Patrick Bitature, owner of businesses in Nigeria and Uganda including the Protea Hotel and famous for bringing the MTN franchise to the Pearl of Africa is the son of the late Paul Bitature enjoying government solidarity. However, he opposed the motion basing his articulate opinions on truism. It’s a simple fact (that government has a responsibility) but “let off the hook by the word ‘sole’, an ugly word. It’s very obvious that government does not do business. It is the private sector that is good at business. It is not their main responsibility.” He elaborated on PPP (Private Public Partnership): “Top – Down Thinking is rubbish (A Successful private sector brings lasting peace and productivity). This is private sector led growth. Where has government fallen short of our expectations? As our country matures, that can be done by our private sector. There were days when garbage collection was the role of government…Snail paced education system… pyramidal structure where few are adequately trained for the business environment. We are not aggressive and competitive, Poor work ethic…We have to nurture this private sector and build PPPs. SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) do not last 5 years, do not document their mistakes and accounts. People are relocating to Dubai and Canada, why? Failure means loss of jobs. How many jobs does government provide compared to the private sector. Jobs allow people to feel useful and makes a country an important player in the market…Mindest change…Need for creativity and innovation to survive in the modern world but without productivity, we are at a great loss…First, opportunity is the proliferation of ICT, Energy and Electricity (Makes failure become success), Harness Oil industry, Tourism and Conference hub, Food basket, High Value exports e.g. flowers…Awaken from your slumber. Aren’t you tired of hearing the word potential, potentially Uganda?”
Hon. Baguma Isoke, the first speaker in the Second Part of Responses from Guests said, “To the list of makers and breakers of the economy, I add the Press. Traditional cultural leaders can attract or scare away investors (Making land available); Religious leaders (Ugandans are backward and superstitious); Professionals (Academia, thinkers, philosophers, economists). What holds the economy stagnant? Propose a way forward. We need new thinkers. This is not the responsibility of government alone. Political parties have a role to play, think out Plan B instead of only A.
Flavia who spent over 20 years living and working in the UK advised Government to create policies that entice the Diaspora, “Diaspora should be the first to be considered as investors. China has turned its economy around by involving their Diaspora…”
Mr. Kamjira, Chairman LC V Mbarara said, “I need to emphasize that it is not the responsibility of government alone. The government is not going to do the thinking for us, it can only facilitate.”
Patrick, who described himself as a growing mind commented, “This is what we have always lacked as Ugandans. I would like to liken Uganda to a father with a big family and a teacher. You might do everything you can but not as much as required. Ask not what Uganda has done for you, but ask what you have done for your country!”
A Macos old student said that Ugandan youth with creative minds need the help of a parent and teacher.
Harriet Wandira, SDV Logistics in Nakawa added, “The motion would be practical in developed countries. We lack faith, trust and commitment. To trust the government, we cannot do that now; we have to work in partnership.”
Evon Corretta said, “I would like to be told, how do I break into the business? I do not fancy 9 to 5 desk jobs. We need to take advantage of the youths in as far as the economic battleground (is concerned).” The Forum’s Chairman Robert Kabushenga chipped in and joked that ball possession was now 73 % but he was not going to mention which side had it. I bet it was the Opposers, though it might have fallen to 56 % later. “Prior to 1986, there was no business environment. Being found with foreign currency was an offense. It is the sole responsibility of the mother to bring you into the world and everybody else takes over. If you are 40 and an MD of something but haven’t done anything for yourself, you need to leave the job for the young…Two way…”
KACITA spokesperson Issa Sekitto remarked, “…Very sensitive subject. Some stakeholders may have a role to play but the capacities of companies are limited. You create opportunities, government destroys. You create opportunities, government unfairly distributes them…”
Final remarks from the four panelists beginning with the last presenter:
Patrick Bitature concluded, “If you abdicate your responsibility, you will have failed us. The youth should rise up and be counted…”
The politician Nandala ended, “Rules to be applied should be put up by government. Government provides a level playing ground. Like in a football game, there has to be a referee…”
Mr. Egadu finished with these words of power, “The word ‘sole’ makes the motion impractical.” He went ahead to give an anecdote about a young boy who failed to pronounce a certain word at school and the mother punished him by not giving him food until he learnt how to say it correctly. When he finally got it right that same night, the boy went to the master bedroom to prove his linguistic improvement and found his parents consummating their marriage. He said to himself, ‘The father screws the mother and the children go hungry.’ Mr. Egadu boldly related this to Uganda, “The government screws the country and the people go hungry. The motto of URA says ‘Developing Uganda Together’ and together, we shall do it…”
Hon. Karuhanga concluded from where he started: talking about being blunt like a Mukiga, “George Egadu is more blunt than I am … Government brought back kingdoms. Shops were returned to Asians, Government provides environment for free trade, Military respects the gun…Mr. Bitature would have no money if government had not liberalized the telecommunications industry…”
URA boss Allen Kagina was also at the high table and gave her speech before Mr. Kabushenga dismissed the gathering. Basing on the show of hands, the Opposers won the (debate) ‘Cup’, “the Private Sector also has a responsibility in supporting government…”
26 May 2008
Lino's Report
COMESA REGIONAL CUSTOMS TRANSIT GUARANTEE SCHEME WORKSHOP HELD AT HOTEL EQUATORIAL ON 23RD AUGUST 2007
1. THE COMESA RCTG SCHEME
The Regional Customs Transit Guarantee(RCTG) Scheme is a system designed to facilitate efficient movement of goods in transit in the COMESA region under a system of secure seals and motor vehicles accompanied by standardized declaration documents (COMESA Customs Declaration and COMESA Carnet) and reliable regional guarantee mechanism that will protect the interests of all stake holders. The RCTG provides a uniform basis for transit movement through the region where only one guarantee is used for transit of goods through all transiting member states.
2. ORGANISATION:
The workshop was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism Trade and Industry, coordinated by Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Agents Association and sponsored by UPTOP.
Mr. Icila Lino Criel and Mr. Tabule Jad Johnsons who are members of the national RCTG Management Committee together with Mr. Omar Kassim, the National Chairman UCIFA, coordinated the organisation of the workshop.
3. ATTENDANCE:
The workshop was attended by both members of Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Agents Association (UCIFA) and Uganda Freight Forwarders Association. (UFFA).
UCIFA was represented by thirty nine companies
UFFA was represented by six companies.
4. AIM:
• To sensitize the clearing and forwarding fraternity about the basic requirements for the operation of the scheme.
• To obtain reactions to and appreciation of the operation of the scheme
• To draw up recommendations to the operation of the scheme.
5. OUTCOME:
The clearing and forwarding agents were identified as major key players in the operations of the RCTG Scheme.
The agents after presentations from the various resource persons internalized, discussed and raised particular issue relevant to the operation of the scheme to be forwarded to the National RCTG Management Committee for due consideration.
The secretariat of UPTOP to compile these issues and recommendations and forward the report to the management committee that would look into it prior to forwarding it to the COMESA RCTG scheme National Management Committee for the necessary action.
UCIFA will coordinate other workshops under the sponsor ship of UPTOP to be held at Malaba, Busia, Entebbe and Katuma.
ICILA LINO CRIEL
CO-ORDINATOR COMESA RCTG SCHEME (UCIFA)
1. THE COMESA RCTG SCHEME
The Regional Customs Transit Guarantee(RCTG) Scheme is a system designed to facilitate efficient movement of goods in transit in the COMESA region under a system of secure seals and motor vehicles accompanied by standardized declaration documents (COMESA Customs Declaration and COMESA Carnet) and reliable regional guarantee mechanism that will protect the interests of all stake holders. The RCTG provides a uniform basis for transit movement through the region where only one guarantee is used for transit of goods through all transiting member states.
2. ORGANISATION:
The workshop was organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism Trade and Industry, coordinated by Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Agents Association and sponsored by UPTOP.
Mr. Icila Lino Criel and Mr. Tabule Jad Johnsons who are members of the national RCTG Management Committee together with Mr. Omar Kassim, the National Chairman UCIFA, coordinated the organisation of the workshop.
3. ATTENDANCE:
The workshop was attended by both members of Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Agents Association (UCIFA) and Uganda Freight Forwarders Association. (UFFA).
UCIFA was represented by thirty nine companies
UFFA was represented by six companies.
4. AIM:
• To sensitize the clearing and forwarding fraternity about the basic requirements for the operation of the scheme.
• To obtain reactions to and appreciation of the operation of the scheme
• To draw up recommendations to the operation of the scheme.
5. OUTCOME:
The clearing and forwarding agents were identified as major key players in the operations of the RCTG Scheme.
The agents after presentations from the various resource persons internalized, discussed and raised particular issue relevant to the operation of the scheme to be forwarded to the National RCTG Management Committee for due consideration.
The secretariat of UPTOP to compile these issues and recommendations and forward the report to the management committee that would look into it prior to forwarding it to the COMESA RCTG scheme National Management Committee for the necessary action.
UCIFA will coordinate other workshops under the sponsor ship of UPTOP to be held at Malaba, Busia, Entebbe and Katuma.
ICILA LINO CRIEL
CO-ORDINATOR COMESA RCTG SCHEME (UCIFA)
Minutes of UCIFA Board Meeting With KACITA on the 23rd July 2007
.jpg)
(UCIFA MEMBERS PRESENT)
Kassim Omar Chairman -UCIFA
Ayebare Lawrence Vice chairman
Jad Tabule Johnsons General Secretary
Jaffer Fajallah Treasure
Nabitalo Zam Deputy General Secretary
Kisumbi Madinah Deputy Treasure
Sekito Isa Chairman- KACITA
Ahmed Ismail Sebbi Selusa KACITA
Shadadi Kintu Member
Lino Icila Criel Member
AGENDA
1. Prayer
2. communication from the chairman- UCIFA
3. Communication from Chairman of KACITA
4. Harmonised Tariffs.(Agency fee)
5. Reactions
6. A.O.B
MIN 01/07/07
The prayer was led by Shadadi Kintu.
MIN 02/07/07 COMMUNICATION FROM UCIFA CHAIRMAN
The chair welcomed the chairman of KACITA. He said that important developments have transpired over the last two years regarding welfare of the clearing industry which is in line with Customs modernization.
There has been a perception that the clearing Agents i.e. dump goods, misappropriate funds and tender in false invoices and customs divorces itself from such actions or that responsibility. This is due to the existence of ‘‘brief case’’clearing agents who try to lobby for business from fellow Clearing Agents.
These are middle men who operate without clearing companies or addresses, want to earn quick money and cannot be traced hence a need to eliminate them.
There are no standard rates for clearing which reflect double standards unfortunately Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi have standard rates. Most clearing agents can not sustain modern services in the clearing industry because their earnings are below the benchmarks.
Furthermore Customs will audit a company depending on the number of branches a clearing firm has because they want to use them to generate income. That’s why UCIFA presented to them nominal values or figures to use for taxation because they are user friendly not only to clearing agents but also to the importer.
The reasons the chairman of KACITA had been presented with the values is that they want their opinion and look for a way forward.
KICITA and UCIFA should strengthen their co-operation such that when there are problems to be solved, can be solved and can have a better say because the interests of their clients are being affected.
UCIFA and KACITA should sign a memorandum of understanding in order to address some issues jointly which have been exclusively handled. The board which was elected on the 16th of December 2007 is willing to foster and enhance common interests to polish the industry and opinions form KACITA because it takes two to tangle.
MIN 03/07/07 Communication from KACITA chairman
He apologized for being unable to attend meetings between UCIFA and KACITA.
He said that he has compensated millions of money due to unscrupulous clearing Agents, i.e. Alaska Entity which defrauded one of the importers. He further said that he has a company for consultants which assists the importers to locate credible clearing agents. He recommends people for clearing but on several occasions he has been disappointed by those clearing agents. KACITA therefore has a negative feeling towards clearing agents. They are “fishermen’’. The Association was almost putting an article in the newspapers discrediting clearing agents. Clearing agents are professionals and not traders who charge any amount because their business is not based on mutual understanding.
KACITA needs to be convinced that there are good clearing agents because it’s the importers who suffer at the end of the day. They tamper with papers without consulting the importers. Most of them have identity cards and pick papers from the importers through false pretence. The clearing agents charge less than the minimum tariffs but at the end of the day, the importers pay more when everything is messed up.
MIN 04/07/07 REACTIONS
In reply the chair said that it is during such meetings that such views are communicated. He further said that a MOU will be an expression of our own issues as Board because it is time to fight evil.
On the issue of Alaska, there is a need for cooperation to penalize the culprits. The Association has a constitution, code of conduct, strategic plan and different committees that address different issues or areas that affect the welfare of the industry.
The director of Alaska died and there was a battle between the family and the directors. They paid their annual subscription for one year and later on stopped paying. In order for KACITA to recommend any clearing agent it should consult associations to which the clearing agents subscribe.
The Customs department has people who share patronage with the brief case clearing Agents. There should be a common understanding between Associations and URA to eliminate all unscrupulous actors/players in the system since URA also seeks for assistance from UCIFA for example if URA had accepted the idea of centralized identity cards the issue of brief case agents would be history.
In response the chairman of KACITA wanted to know how UCIFA had arrived at the minimum tariffs and whether they had received any response from URA.
In reply the chair said that URA had responded but in a tricky way because they wanted a list of all those companies which had approved the said tariffs.
This implied that those which are not subscribing to the tariffs and are not members of UCIFA would not be taxed according to this.
However the rates are close to what has always been charged except for motor vehicles. There are people charging less than 100,000/= however there are other costs involved which include preparing an entry at not less than 50,000/=, cost of running up and down i.e. 450,000/= which will have been paid before
The KACITA chairman asked how the minimum tariffs would be permanently enforced because traders feel actions and not rates.
UCIFA has the mandate to call UFFA and harmonize the rates. UFFA has high profiles because they gain from shippers. They are not accountable for risks of clearing agents. When you want to gain more, you take risks.
General Secretary said that UFFA members are mainly ICDS and Shipping lines. They charge invisible costs
KACITA chairman said UCIFA should look forward to closer cooperation with KACITA including drafting a Memorandum of understanding and should also have a collective meeting with KACITA members to remove the any worries and suspicion.
The Vice chairman UCIFA asked how the imposters would be wiped out.
In reply the chair responded that association has to continue disciplining members, consolidate the relationship between UCIFA and KACITA, Know who is who, open up offices to our members, allow Individual membership and allow members to attend meetings.
Shadadi said that the problem is with the importers who prefer using “brief case clearing agents.” He went ahead to inquire whether the employee of Alaska should be taken to court.
In response, the chair said that taking a person to court is standard.
Meeting adjourned…
Urgent Meeting Held on 20th September 2007
(MEMBERS PRESENT)
KASSIM OMAR CHAIRMAN
AYEBARE LAWRENCE VICE CHAIRMAN
NABITALO ZAM DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
TABULE JAD JOHNSONS GENERAL SECRETARY
FESTO OKECHA MENBER
ICILA LINO CRIEL MEMBER
HANNINGTON KATARIKAWE MEMBER
AGENDA
1. SUSPENSION
2. CORRECTIONS OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD BETWEEN
COMMISSIONER, UFFA & UCIFA.
MIN OI/ 09/07 SUSPENSION OF COMPANIES BECAUSE OF OUTSTANDINGS
Causes
Customs always over looks clearing firms.
Solution
1. Use of courts of law to justify / solve such problems.
2. Be strict about monitoring the movement of goods on our bonds right from Malaba.
3. There is need to call all companies with this problem of outstanding and scrutinize the causes of the problems after which we get a solution and advice our members.
Things noted
a) Suspensions without warning.
b) There has been negligence with both customs and clearing agents.
MIN 02/09/07 CORRECTIONS
According to the minutes submitted to our head office, there were some discrepancies that we would like to correct.
I. The name of one of our members is not Icula Lino Criel but Icila Lino Criel.
II. Mr. Charles Kareba is not a member of UCIFA but UFFA.
III. There was no concurrence by the Associations on the ban of licensing new companies however it was agreed that the matter be left to the commissioner to handle case by case as applications come in.
IV. It was also agreed that a follow up be made to this affect and an appropriate response be communicated.
V. It was also agreed that the issue of outstanding should not be condition for licensing.
VI. It was agreed further that there was no need to submit Audited financial statements since the licensing committee can always liaise internally with the Domestic tax department.
VII. Finally it was agreed that a tenancy agreement or evidence of ownership for office accommodation is not necessary as long as the company did not change location.
KASSIM OMAR CHAIRMAN
AYEBARE LAWRENCE VICE CHAIRMAN
NABITALO ZAM DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY
TABULE JAD JOHNSONS GENERAL SECRETARY
FESTO OKECHA MENBER
ICILA LINO CRIEL MEMBER
HANNINGTON KATARIKAWE MEMBER
AGENDA
1. SUSPENSION
2. CORRECTIONS OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD BETWEEN
COMMISSIONER, UFFA & UCIFA.
MIN OI/ 09/07 SUSPENSION OF COMPANIES BECAUSE OF OUTSTANDINGS
Causes
Customs always over looks clearing firms.
Solution
1. Use of courts of law to justify / solve such problems.
2. Be strict about monitoring the movement of goods on our bonds right from Malaba.
3. There is need to call all companies with this problem of outstanding and scrutinize the causes of the problems after which we get a solution and advice our members.
Things noted
a) Suspensions without warning.
b) There has been negligence with both customs and clearing agents.
MIN 02/09/07 CORRECTIONS
According to the minutes submitted to our head office, there were some discrepancies that we would like to correct.
I. The name of one of our members is not Icula Lino Criel but Icila Lino Criel.
II. Mr. Charles Kareba is not a member of UCIFA but UFFA.
III. There was no concurrence by the Associations on the ban of licensing new companies however it was agreed that the matter be left to the commissioner to handle case by case as applications come in.
IV. It was also agreed that a follow up be made to this affect and an appropriate response be communicated.
V. It was also agreed that the issue of outstanding should not be condition for licensing.
VI. It was agreed further that there was no need to submit Audited financial statements since the licensing committee can always liaise internally with the Domestic tax department.
VII. Finally it was agreed that a tenancy agreement or evidence of ownership for office accommodation is not necessary as long as the company did not change location.
Minimum Tariff Charges (AMENDED) + VAT (Compiled by Dorcas)
1. BORDER INTERVENTION FEES
a) Containerized Cargo 93,000 Ush
b) Motor Vehicles (units) 50,000Ush
2. IMPORTS:
a) Motor Vehicles (units)
i. Used motor vehicle 150,000 Ush
ii. New Motor Vehicle 350,000Ush or 1.5% CIF
NB. Entries with continuations exceeding 3pages 5000 Ush per additional
Continuation.
b) Containerized/ Open Trucks/ Tankers
1× 20 300,000Ush or 1.5% CIF
1× 40 400,000Ush or 1.5% CIF
c) Loose Cargo at entry points like Entebbe 100,000Ush or 1.5% CIF
d) Motorcycles
i. Imported singularly 100,000Ush
ii. Registration per unit 25,000Ush
3. EXPORT:
a) Nil entries 200,000Ush or 1.8% BIF
b) Guaranteed (Bonded) 300,000Ush or 1.8% BIF
c) Re-exports both units and other car 200,000Ush or 1.8 %BIF
(Whichever is higher)
4. TRANSIT:
a) High Risk cargo like cigarettes, fuel,
sugar and others 500,000Ush or1.8% of BIF
(Whichever is higher)
b) Ordinary Risk Cargo 300,000Ush or 1.8% of BIF
(Whichever is higher)
5. WARE HOUSING
Bonded warehousing (IM7) 200,000Ush or 1.8 % of BIF
(Whichever is higher)
Warehousing (normal IM4) 200,000Ush
Supplementary entries for Ex-warehousin 50,000Ush per entry
NOTE: ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM TO THE HARMONISED AGENTS TARRIFF.
All member companies shall adhere to the code of conduct of the Association and the set tariffs.
1. A company shall not charge below the set tariffs.
2. A company believed or reasonably suspected of undercharging shall be referred to the disciplinary committee of the Association for investigations.
3. The Association shall suspend membership of the company found charging below the set tariffs.
4. The Association shall make recommendations for:
(a) a special audit by Customs of a company reasonably suspected of charging contrary to the set tariffs.
(b) suspension of its license by URA
(c) total expulsion from the industry through commissioner customs any company which fails to conform to the prescribed tariffs.
5. The cooperate tax and VAT shall be collected in accordance to the minimum tariffs agreed upon by the General Assembly.
6. The company shall be expected to ensure that these tariffs are applied at all their operation stations.
a) Containerized Cargo 93,000 Ush
b) Motor Vehicles (units) 50,000Ush
2. IMPORTS:
a) Motor Vehicles (units)
i. Used motor vehicle 150,000 Ush
ii. New Motor Vehicle 350,000Ush or 1.5% CIF
NB. Entries with continuations exceeding 3pages 5000 Ush per additional
Continuation.
b) Containerized/ Open Trucks/ Tankers
1× 20 300,000Ush or 1.5% CIF
1× 40 400,000Ush or 1.5% CIF
c) Loose Cargo at entry points like Entebbe 100,000Ush or 1.5% CIF
d) Motorcycles
i. Imported singularly 100,000Ush
ii. Registration per unit 25,000Ush
3. EXPORT:
a) Nil entries 200,000Ush or 1.8% BIF
b) Guaranteed (Bonded) 300,000Ush or 1.8% BIF
c) Re-exports both units and other car 200,000Ush or 1.8 %BIF
(Whichever is higher)
4. TRANSIT:
a) High Risk cargo like cigarettes, fuel,
sugar and others 500,000Ush or1.8% of BIF
(Whichever is higher)
b) Ordinary Risk Cargo 300,000Ush or 1.8% of BIF
(Whichever is higher)
5. WARE HOUSING
Bonded warehousing (IM7) 200,000Ush or 1.8 % of BIF
(Whichever is higher)
Warehousing (normal IM4) 200,000Ush
Supplementary entries for Ex-warehousin 50,000Ush per entry
NOTE: ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM TO THE HARMONISED AGENTS TARRIFF.
All member companies shall adhere to the code of conduct of the Association and the set tariffs.
1. A company shall not charge below the set tariffs.
2. A company believed or reasonably suspected of undercharging shall be referred to the disciplinary committee of the Association for investigations.
3. The Association shall suspend membership of the company found charging below the set tariffs.
4. The Association shall make recommendations for:
(a) a special audit by Customs of a company reasonably suspected of charging contrary to the set tariffs.
(b) suspension of its license by URA
(c) total expulsion from the industry through commissioner customs any company which fails to conform to the prescribed tariffs.
5. The cooperate tax and VAT shall be collected in accordance to the minimum tariffs agreed upon by the General Assembly.
6. The company shall be expected to ensure that these tariffs are applied at all their operation stations.
UCIFA Working Committees
TECHINICAL COMMITTEE:
1. AYEBARE LAWERENCE
2. MZEE DOKORIA NICHOLAS
3. FRANK MURAMURA
4. LINO CRIEL
5. OKECHA FESTO
DISCIPLINARY AND INVESTIGATIONS
1. SHADADI KINTU
2. OKECHA FESTO
3. JAFFER FARJALLAH
FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. JAFFER FARJALLAH
2. OKECHA FESTO
3. FRANK MURAMURA
4. MADINAH KISUMBI
WELFARE COMMITTEE
1. HANNINGTON KATARIKAKAWE
2. OKECHA FESTO
3. FRANK MURAMURA
4. MADINAH KISUMBI
LOBBY AND ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
1. KASSIM OMAR
2. JAD TABULE JOHNSONS
3. FRANK MURAMURA
1. AYEBARE LAWERENCE
2. MZEE DOKORIA NICHOLAS
3. FRANK MURAMURA
4. LINO CRIEL
5. OKECHA FESTO
DISCIPLINARY AND INVESTIGATIONS
1. SHADADI KINTU
2. OKECHA FESTO
3. JAFFER FARJALLAH
FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. JAFFER FARJALLAH
2. OKECHA FESTO
3. FRANK MURAMURA
4. MADINAH KISUMBI
WELFARE COMMITTEE
1. HANNINGTON KATARIKAKAWE
2. OKECHA FESTO
3. FRANK MURAMURA
4. MADINAH KISUMBI
LOBBY AND ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
1. KASSIM OMAR
2. JAD TABULE JOHNSONS
3. FRANK MURAMURA
UCIFA Board meeting on 23rd June 2007
Members Present
Ayebare Lawrence Vice chairman
Jad Tabule Johnsons General Secretary
Jaffer Fajallah Treasure
Kisumbi Madinah Deputy Treasure
Icila Lino Criel Member
Okecha Festo Member
Shadadi Kintu Member
Katarikawe Hannington Member
Muramura Frank. Member
Members absent with Apology
1. Omar Kassim
2. Nabitalo Zam.
Agenda.
1. Prayer
2. Communication from the chairman
3. Reorganization of the Board
4. A.O.B
MIN 01/06/07.
The opening prayer was led by Okecha Festo.
MIN 02/06/07
The chair welcomed all the members for the meeting. He said that a number of issues had taken place which included UCIFA day organized by the Entebbe branch. UCIFA won URA in football match. However, the Entebbe branch was not happy with the main branch’s attendance. He said that next time the board members should fully participate.
He said that the board should equally feel concerned about the issue of suspensions. There is a need to call an emergency meeting with the commissioner customs to sort out that issue.
He noted that the main issue of convening this meeting was to discuss performance of board members in respect of expectations of the Board.
MIN 03/06/07
The General Secretary requested the board to ignore the issue of suspensions which should be handled by the technical committee He proposed that each member be given two minutes to give an over view of what UCIFA is said to be and what it should be.
Hannington said that the main issue of discussion was reorganization of the board and that it should take a step to see if it can go an extra mile.
However he was put to task by the chair (Ayebare) to present a document which would act as guild line for the overview of UCIFA.
Hannington’s Overview
Hannington noted that UCIFA has offices and committees but do not function properly. Members are not aware of what UCIFA is doing. He noted that the chairman should delegate some of his duties because he is very busy to execute them.
The vice chairman is not empowered to carry out those duties in the absence of the chairman thus rendering the administration backward. Other members should also be co-opted to perform those duties were need arises most especially in terms of emergencies. He further said that the Members should forget their personal issues because they break up the Association.
The General Secretary’s office is the fulcrum of the Association thus information basket to both the board members and members. However the board receives the information late. It should at least be conveyed a week in advance e.g. two weeks ago he received a call from the chairman about the T.O.T meeting just hours to the meeting.
He recommended that the General Secretary’s office should be efficient and coordinate all the activities in time. However the Deputy General Secretary has been inactive.
He further noticed that the Branch offices are more active than the main branch. There was a need to link up with the chairmen of branch committees immediately after assuming their posts failure of which has caused them to assume false autonomy e.g. issuing of identity cards by the Malaba branch without the involvement of the main branch. There is a need to show them direction because problems which affect them affect the main board too.
He said that the finance department is the blood line of the Association. He was meant to understand that books of accounts had been audited which the board was supposed to look at and approve. This was not done. The finance committee should have drawn a budget which should haven been followed to know the Association’s inflows and out flows. He suggested that all balances of annual subscription be collected and encourage members to pay annual subscription fee of 2007.
REACTION TO THE ABOVE.
The board unanimously agreed that there should be door to door collection of annual subscription fee plus balances of the previous year starting with the board members. The board members had to pay by the 30th of June and the finance department was to come up with a budget for the board to know its expenditures.
The Vice chairman asked Hannington whether it should be the entire board to collect annual subscription.
In reply, Hannington said that when the vice chairman was a treasurer, he personally came to his office. So the finance department should perform its duties.
Lino said that committees are not operating. His committee had had a meeting once ever since it was appointed. Measures should be put in place to reactivate the committees by co-opting some of the members to the committees. The chairmen to these committees should always call meetings.
In reply to the above, the General Secretary said that members should be co-opted but a board member should always be the chairman of the committee.
Hannington agreed that they should reorganize the committees, a
board member should chair the committee and co-opt members on the committee.
In reaction to the above, Frank said that the timing is not appropriate though it’s a good idea. There is a need to first sort ourselves out financially because these members would need allowances for meetings attended. It would not be good to wash our dirty linen in public.
Okecha said that there is lack of coordination. Members are not updated on the Association’s activities. If we do not meet the members they will not know how we spend their subscriptions.
He further said that the general secretary should always issue instructions to his staff.
On the issue of identity cards, it should be only the main branch to issue them and when the Malaba branch committee is issuing to its members, they should charge them 3000/= as registration fee.
In reply, the General Secretary said that members were skeptical about the Malaba branch committee. They wanted to succeed and become autonomous. In the previous meeting it was agreed that the Malaba committee should not issue identity cards. He further noted that it would be very hard to control the issue of those identity cards if the Malaba branch is allowed to issue Identity cards.
In addition to Okecha’s idea, the vice chairman said that the board might create a lot of friction because this was a resolution passed by all their members that Shs 18,000/=should be paid for identity cards. The printing point should also be centralized.
Lino said that the board should write to all boarder stations requiring them not to issue identity cards.
In response to the above, the treasurer said that those people have already collected money. We should go ahead and find out whether they have printed the identity cards. He suggested that the board reorganizes itself, find some money and call a quarterly general meeting to update the members about what has been achieved and that the Malaba branch should charge at least 3000/=as registration fee.
It was agreed that Malaba branch committee should be stopped from issuing identity cards and the money which had been collected be retained as welfare.
Lino said that communication between the chairman and his vice should be improved. . The administrative area should be handled by the vice chairman. He further said that the board should leave by principles. Chairman should not always change what the board has resolved. He should respect the board members. He also acts emotionally most especially when he has been out of the country. Actions are taken in good faith and when he comes back he rubbishes them.
The Board resolved that since the chairman is very busy, the vice chairman should be empowered to carry out certain duties whether in the presence of chairman or not. However he should always inform him about what is about to be done and what has been done.
At what point should the chairman be briefed? Send him a message or email but should always report his coming back to the General Secretary.
The General Secretary apologized for mistakes made, that he is over burdened. Some times the situation cannot allow him to expend his duties diligently.
He defended himself by saying that on several occasions the secretariat has not been receiving information directly because the headed paper has private phone numbers, Box number and email address which mislead the public.
It was agreed that the next print of any stationary should be purely UCIFA. No private phone numbers and email address reason being that if someone resigned or died, there would be no access to private information and the Association wouldn’t be able to move on with its activities.
There should also be means of accessing the email every week.
He asked the board to give him another deputy who is vibrant.
Okecha said that the deputy secretary should be given a chance to defend herself.
The treasurer felt that she should be given notice of the Board’s intended action.
Hannington said that she should be given an opportunity to be heard. It should be the chairman’s office to write to her. If she does not take up the challenge then the board should find another person.
It was agreed that the chairman’s office writes a letter to Zam.
On the issue of the Books of accounts, the treasurer said that he was given re audited accounts of 15million shillings but at a time of his appointment it was 25 million shillings. He asked for receipts of expenditure and they were not availed to him because there was no specific office. He paid his own Auditor to audit the accounts because he could not find the Association Auditor.
Franck asked why refunding the people who contributed towards the running of the secretariat was secretly done.
The treasurer who had asked the same question some time back was told that he was not qualified to ask that question.
MIN 04/06/07
On the issue of Jupitor Forwarders, Panok International, the board said that it was a private arrangement between Panok International and Crested Crane Tours and Travel. However, as a matter of disciplinary action, the two parties should be called for mediation by the finance committee.
That Dorcas Kitonsa is still recognized as the Public Relations Officer and has to be given appointment letter with terms of reference.
Meeting adjourned
Ayebare Lawrence Vice chairman
Jad Tabule Johnsons General Secretary
Jaffer Fajallah Treasure
Kisumbi Madinah Deputy Treasure
Icila Lino Criel Member
Okecha Festo Member
Shadadi Kintu Member
Katarikawe Hannington Member
Muramura Frank. Member
Members absent with Apology
1. Omar Kassim
2. Nabitalo Zam.
Agenda.
1. Prayer
2. Communication from the chairman
3. Reorganization of the Board
4. A.O.B
MIN 01/06/07.
The opening prayer was led by Okecha Festo.
MIN 02/06/07
The chair welcomed all the members for the meeting. He said that a number of issues had taken place which included UCIFA day organized by the Entebbe branch. UCIFA won URA in football match. However, the Entebbe branch was not happy with the main branch’s attendance. He said that next time the board members should fully participate.
He said that the board should equally feel concerned about the issue of suspensions. There is a need to call an emergency meeting with the commissioner customs to sort out that issue.
He noted that the main issue of convening this meeting was to discuss performance of board members in respect of expectations of the Board.
MIN 03/06/07
The General Secretary requested the board to ignore the issue of suspensions which should be handled by the technical committee He proposed that each member be given two minutes to give an over view of what UCIFA is said to be and what it should be.
Hannington said that the main issue of discussion was reorganization of the board and that it should take a step to see if it can go an extra mile.
However he was put to task by the chair (Ayebare) to present a document which would act as guild line for the overview of UCIFA.
Hannington’s Overview
Hannington noted that UCIFA has offices and committees but do not function properly. Members are not aware of what UCIFA is doing. He noted that the chairman should delegate some of his duties because he is very busy to execute them.
The vice chairman is not empowered to carry out those duties in the absence of the chairman thus rendering the administration backward. Other members should also be co-opted to perform those duties were need arises most especially in terms of emergencies. He further said that the Members should forget their personal issues because they break up the Association.
The General Secretary’s office is the fulcrum of the Association thus information basket to both the board members and members. However the board receives the information late. It should at least be conveyed a week in advance e.g. two weeks ago he received a call from the chairman about the T.O.T meeting just hours to the meeting.
He recommended that the General Secretary’s office should be efficient and coordinate all the activities in time. However the Deputy General Secretary has been inactive.
He further noticed that the Branch offices are more active than the main branch. There was a need to link up with the chairmen of branch committees immediately after assuming their posts failure of which has caused them to assume false autonomy e.g. issuing of identity cards by the Malaba branch without the involvement of the main branch. There is a need to show them direction because problems which affect them affect the main board too.
He said that the finance department is the blood line of the Association. He was meant to understand that books of accounts had been audited which the board was supposed to look at and approve. This was not done. The finance committee should have drawn a budget which should haven been followed to know the Association’s inflows and out flows. He suggested that all balances of annual subscription be collected and encourage members to pay annual subscription fee of 2007.
REACTION TO THE ABOVE.
The board unanimously agreed that there should be door to door collection of annual subscription fee plus balances of the previous year starting with the board members. The board members had to pay by the 30th of June and the finance department was to come up with a budget for the board to know its expenditures.
The Vice chairman asked Hannington whether it should be the entire board to collect annual subscription.
In reply, Hannington said that when the vice chairman was a treasurer, he personally came to his office. So the finance department should perform its duties.
Lino said that committees are not operating. His committee had had a meeting once ever since it was appointed. Measures should be put in place to reactivate the committees by co-opting some of the members to the committees. The chairmen to these committees should always call meetings.
In reply to the above, the General Secretary said that members should be co-opted but a board member should always be the chairman of the committee.
Hannington agreed that they should reorganize the committees, a
board member should chair the committee and co-opt members on the committee.
In reaction to the above, Frank said that the timing is not appropriate though it’s a good idea. There is a need to first sort ourselves out financially because these members would need allowances for meetings attended. It would not be good to wash our dirty linen in public.
Okecha said that there is lack of coordination. Members are not updated on the Association’s activities. If we do not meet the members they will not know how we spend their subscriptions.
He further said that the general secretary should always issue instructions to his staff.
On the issue of identity cards, it should be only the main branch to issue them and when the Malaba branch committee is issuing to its members, they should charge them 3000/= as registration fee.
In reply, the General Secretary said that members were skeptical about the Malaba branch committee. They wanted to succeed and become autonomous. In the previous meeting it was agreed that the Malaba committee should not issue identity cards. He further noted that it would be very hard to control the issue of those identity cards if the Malaba branch is allowed to issue Identity cards.
In addition to Okecha’s idea, the vice chairman said that the board might create a lot of friction because this was a resolution passed by all their members that Shs 18,000/=should be paid for identity cards. The printing point should also be centralized.
Lino said that the board should write to all boarder stations requiring them not to issue identity cards.
In response to the above, the treasurer said that those people have already collected money. We should go ahead and find out whether they have printed the identity cards. He suggested that the board reorganizes itself, find some money and call a quarterly general meeting to update the members about what has been achieved and that the Malaba branch should charge at least 3000/=as registration fee.
It was agreed that Malaba branch committee should be stopped from issuing identity cards and the money which had been collected be retained as welfare.
Lino said that communication between the chairman and his vice should be improved. . The administrative area should be handled by the vice chairman. He further said that the board should leave by principles. Chairman should not always change what the board has resolved. He should respect the board members. He also acts emotionally most especially when he has been out of the country. Actions are taken in good faith and when he comes back he rubbishes them.
The Board resolved that since the chairman is very busy, the vice chairman should be empowered to carry out certain duties whether in the presence of chairman or not. However he should always inform him about what is about to be done and what has been done.
At what point should the chairman be briefed? Send him a message or email but should always report his coming back to the General Secretary.
The General Secretary apologized for mistakes made, that he is over burdened. Some times the situation cannot allow him to expend his duties diligently.
He defended himself by saying that on several occasions the secretariat has not been receiving information directly because the headed paper has private phone numbers, Box number and email address which mislead the public.
It was agreed that the next print of any stationary should be purely UCIFA. No private phone numbers and email address reason being that if someone resigned or died, there would be no access to private information and the Association wouldn’t be able to move on with its activities.
There should also be means of accessing the email every week.
He asked the board to give him another deputy who is vibrant.
Okecha said that the deputy secretary should be given a chance to defend herself.
The treasurer felt that she should be given notice of the Board’s intended action.
Hannington said that she should be given an opportunity to be heard. It should be the chairman’s office to write to her. If she does not take up the challenge then the board should find another person.
It was agreed that the chairman’s office writes a letter to Zam.
On the issue of the Books of accounts, the treasurer said that he was given re audited accounts of 15million shillings but at a time of his appointment it was 25 million shillings. He asked for receipts of expenditure and they were not availed to him because there was no specific office. He paid his own Auditor to audit the accounts because he could not find the Association Auditor.
Franck asked why refunding the people who contributed towards the running of the secretariat was secretly done.
The treasurer who had asked the same question some time back was told that he was not qualified to ask that question.
MIN 04/06/07
On the issue of Jupitor Forwarders, Panok International, the board said that it was a private arrangement between Panok International and Crested Crane Tours and Travel. However, as a matter of disciplinary action, the two parties should be called for mediation by the finance committee.
That Dorcas Kitonsa is still recognized as the Public Relations Officer and has to be given appointment letter with terms of reference.
Meeting adjourned
06 May 2008
Rendezvous with …Omar Kassim
Q: How would you introduce Omar Kassim to a stranger?
A: An open minded, open natured person with a charisma more humane than expected. But above all, a man with an iron will and strong determination in whatever he pursues, brilliant and compassionate but volatile to extreme proportions.
Q: What is the role of UCIFA?
A: It is a national body that brings together clearing and forwarding agents in this country and sets guideline for its members in terms of operational matters and other relevant aspects such as tariffs and customer relations. UCIFA also in principle is a lobby organization that manages the affairs of its members with respect to government policies and other stakeholders, especially URA.
Q: Evaluate the relationship between UCIFA and URA, KACITA plus other bodies?
A: UCIFA and URA have a strong partnership and share common objectives hence a wider platform for dialogue. KACITA and other shareholders have representative interests which are normally channeled in partnership with UCIFA’s core interests.
Q: What is the future of the association and what benefits do the members have?
A: The future of the association is very bright and the fact that the regional integration is impacting on the welfare of the business community in East Africa; the scope of the association will certainly be seen in light of that process. Members’ interests drawn across the board will be fronted by the association accordingly.
Q: There is a drive to form an East African Federation but can that be possible since another body UFFA (Uganda Freight Forwarders Association) was formed out of UCIFA?
A: The federation is a welcome move aimed at ironing out differences that might have given root to the splitter association UFFA. After all, the federation will be the umbrella body whose leadership composition may be all encompassing. I believe that is the first step towards a re-unification.
Q: What caused the break away and what differences do both associations have?
A: Both associations exist by their own terms of references and separate constitutions. I have not had the chance to read their constitution. The freedom to associate is a cardinal point behind the splitter but I wouldn’t know the specific reasons.
Q: Is there a way forward to have one association?
A: I know that where there is a will, there is always a way. Personally, I believe that both associations have common objectives and that would be the best way forward. But the idea of a federation would not be a bad idea either.
Q: What was the history of UCIFA before you took over?
A: UCIFA was the Most Vibrant Association in the history of the East African Region. When Gideon Karioko, the former Chairman died, the association went into a limbo until I was elected into office. Today, two years down the line, the association is almost back to its former glory.
Q: Have you organized special plans for the organization?
A: Indeed yes! The A.G.M. was held in December 2006 [at Blue Mango in Bukoto] and a lot of programmes and projects are set to be presented to the members for ratification.
Q: Looking at East Africa’s cargo forwarding industry, which transportation companies would you consider to be the Most Serious plus Efficient and how would you rank them?
A: Most transport companies in East Africa have a track record of experiences, mostly from Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to be under subcontracts with shipping lines and therefore do not have same ratings like P.N.Mashru, Multiple Hauliers, and M.A.Bayusuf.
Q: If I want to register a new company, how do I go about it?
A: The association has all the information and the data necessary for you to set up a new company and recommends you for licensing. However, licensing is done only once a year and is given by URA (at the end of the year).
Omar Kassim is also the Chairman of the Kawempe Division of Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The UCIFA Secretariat is now located at the MTAC Building, Top Floor (Room B1 only, B2 was relinquished), Nakawa Industrial Area near URA’s Customs Business Centre, Kampala, Uganda (East Africa) since January 2007. Omar still sits in the Dewinton Road Office though opposite the Chogm Cultural Village and National Theatre’s Crafts Village…This interview was carried out in 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)