Four Thumbs Up

I’m a Gooner but strongly believe Manchester United’s football (read Alex Ferguson’s Philosophy) is very efficient every year even if not the Most Beautiful. Expectedly though, on Saturday 28th May 2011, Pep (Josep) Guardiola, the Best Passer of the ball during his playing career, with the help of his "L'equip Blaugrana" Catalans showed the Red Devils why the simple but hard (Spanish) Tiki - Taka Pass and Move is the Most Exciting Game Plan today by winning Barcelona’s fourth Champions League trophy in their second finals appearance against Man Utd (2 – 0 in 2009 and 3 - 1 in 2011). Not only is it easy on the eyes of spectators but also very efficient like the famous Total Football popularised by Johan Cruyff from Netherlands (The Orange Team). One of his best quotes is, "You always have to make sure that you score one goal more than your opponent."

Four days prior to that, (arguably the Team with the Best Facilitation in Uganda) URA FC beat KCC 2 -1 and were crowned for the fourth time in six years as the Eco Bank Super League Champions. The tax collectors clinched the season title in a year when their parent body (who celebrate their 20th Anniversary in September) was praised as “operating at 100 percent efficiency” though one of the departmental commissioners modestly confessed that it is actually 80 percent with room for “more improvement”. Banks and Traders now use their e-Tax Payment System, so heaven is the limit. URA's Tuesday game was like a super precursor of the illusive Pedro, lethal Rooney, gifted Messi and world class Villa spectacle at Wembley on Saturday.

Meanwhile at Casablanca Bar on Acacia Avenue in Kololo (a Kampala Suburb) on the same Sabbath, Orange was showing telecom users that its Lifestyle Portal is the Best in UG. Personally, I’m mesmerized by the ingenuity of the useful business idea and entertaining content on their Lifestyle Webpage (http://lifestyle.orange.ug/). “The future is bright, the future is Orange!” Choice and Today surely changes with Orange as it bridges the digital divide in UG from Koboko to Busia. Together, we can do more.

No wonder, even the colour Orange itself is amazing, though not my favourite. Green would do for me but Orange is a warm, vibrant and flamboyant color like energy combined with fun, the color of the risk-taker, the extrovert and the uninhibited. In Color Psychology it means adventure, optimism, self-confidence and sociability. It's used extensively by Al-Jazeera TV, Fanta Orange Soda, Splash Drink, etc.

Physiologically, orange vitalizes, inspires and creates enthusiasm. It is stimulating to the appetite and social conversation and therefore works well in restaurants and other food outlets. This can be achieved by using some form of orange in the décor, such as in the furnishings or the lighting. An up market restaurant will look more elegant with subdued versions of orange. Combine with aubergine, purple, or blue for a unique, contemporary and classy look!

Psychologically, orange gives the impression of affordability, depending on the shade chosen and its combination with other colors. Gentler than red, it's the energy of creation.

The 5th Successful URA Open Minds Forum

(Photo of Professor Stephen Adei, Courtesy of www.ghanaweb.com)

"Having authority or power doesn't make you a leader. Power is a double edged sword that can be used for both good and bad.", Ghanaian Professor Stephen Adei (once the Chief of the African Bureau of UNDP) taught the gathering at Imperial Royale Hotel Kampala on Wednesday 15th July 2009. This was URA's 5th Successful (and very hilarious too) Open Minds Forum where anyone can "Be a part, be heard, be told"; I attended the first ever forum held at Hotel Africana many months back but this was probably my second. The program is a corporate interactive debate on topical issues of public interest. Allen Kagina, the URA Commissioner General confessed that the forum is always organised with a selfish motive "Aimed at enhancing Tax Compliance" but somehow URA gets to participate in community by promoting interactive feedback and promoting accountability. The theme that day was "Leadership and Nation Building", who would want to miss that?

The usual Chairman magnifique (Ugandan Government Spokesman appointed New Vision Publishing CEO) Robert Kabushenga wielding absolute authority introduced the members on the panel, his old girl URA CG Mrs. Allen Kagina felt she wasn't worthy. On the left end sat Honourable Eriya Kategaya, the current 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda who has been involved in the liberation politics of Africa for a number of decades. He is also a respected statesman trying to rebuild the EAC (East African Community). Next to him was Professor Mahmood Mamdani, one of the lead discussants and also one of Uganda's foremost thinkers who lectures in an American university. He is the husband of Maisha Filmlab founder Mira Nair who also made a romantic movie entitled "Mississippi Marsala" starring Denzel Washington about the 1972 Asian expulsion by President Idi Amin Dada. Professor Mamdani brings original thinking to subjects that have become hostage to prejudice and stereotypes. On the right end was the visitor from Ghana. When Allen Kagina sent Kabushenga an email, his mobile browser told him that the message was truncated. It took 5 minutes to load. Professor Stephen Adei has about 9 degrees, he has worked all over the world and his printed CV fills three foolscaps.

Adei was the first speaker, "Positions give opportunity to exercise leadership ... A good administrator applies rules but good leadership changes dysfunctional rules. A good manager aims at efficiency, man aging the status quo is not leadership, it involves paradigm shifts. Leadership is a function; development of vision, strategies and empowerment of individuals. Having a picture is halfway. Vision without strategy is a dream, ally the relevant people behind your strategies. A leader influences others, takes a stand. In leadership, what you know is less important. Good leadership is an art to be learnt because it comes with principles. Combine talent with training. One of my favourite preachers named Myles Monroe once preached, 'Whenever a nation has a lack of quality legitimate and just leaders, national deterioration occurs.' GOD's answer to our moral problems is righteous leaders. Jews were used for 400 years as slaves in Egypt but when the right leader came about, they were freed in a week. Singapore is just a rock but in 30 years, the right leadership turned it from a third world country into one of those with the best quality of life. Those of us with gray hair know that Uganda has come a long way. Rwanda is one of the African countries that will make it on their own because of the leadership of Paul Kagame. There were two great leaders in the world: Churchill and Hitler. Always make sure that the dysfunctionalities are corrected. When Nkrumah was overthrown, the country was humiliated for two weeks. The soldiers had to beg people to go and work. Learn dependence of followers.

Transformational servant leaders build nations: (1) They tend to be people of character, your credibility is important. It's not an option, people want a leader they believe in and can trust or honour. (2) Highly competent irrespective of the discipline, willing to apply to the situation. (3) Care for their people: If you are a chief, what do you steal money for? I have never seen a person who can ride five bicycles at the same time. You get a free house, petrol, car, security ... Our system takes care of our leaders, it is criminal to be a leader and steal. Africans are very generous to their leaders. A good leader works harder than other people, leadership doesn't come easy to all of us. Our own selfish nature makes us want everything for ourselves. The president (M7) wants the average per hectare of farmland to be 1,000 US Dollars [about 2 Million UgX]

Cost is what makes leaders important: (1) Challenge the status quo for improvement; rebels always look back. (2) Provide a shared vision and get people dreaming again: Create a world class centre. Leaders must bring a new picture, people must be inspired towards a better future. (3) Powerful autonomy who are like a think tank and define a nation e.g. the National Bureau of Economics of Thailand (4) Build functional and effective teams, it is the responsibility of leaders to put together the right team. For this country(Uganda)'s development, not more than 10 ministries matter. Honesty, Capability and Commitment. Leaders balance continuity and change, take major decisions and change things (solve problems). They develop future leaders. They manage well the Prize (Privileges); Price (Cost); and Perils (Temptations) of leadership. Be very careful how you enjoy in leadership! If people realise that you are not with them, finished. Most effective leaders usually will not enjoy the privileges that come to them until they lift up their people.
In Cost, leadership is hard work, so many people are sick and hungry around you. They look at you like a father, you need a think tank, everybody comes to you. All my life, no body told me am handsome until I made it. When I come to the village with a Benz, immediately I assume beauty. The politics in the church is as bad as the politics in the state. If you are a politician, what is your job? What do you mean by nation building? Create a cultural identity for all people beyond their tribal identity! Every country has to come up with a political system. Americans have comfort with two term limits. In Britain, there are no term limits. In France, when you are 55, you are almost going to the grave. Democracy can be defined in terms of the parameters.

Economic Development: Improve the welfare of citizens, realise their full potential. Nations that have grown in the last 50 years had less corrupt bureaucracy; governance situation tends to be above a certain level; there is rule of law; peace; enough technology. None of these is a primary cost. 'Do what I say not what I do' comes from the Devil's Bible. What is the promise that Africa will have such leadership? On the continent as a whole, it's coming too slowly. Things that will make it happen include: (1) Supply of good leaders, the qualification to be President of Ghana (40 years, literate and not mad) is lower than the qualification to be a secretary of Adei, Politicians shift when societies shift. (2) National values. (3) Formal training of future leaders. (4) Civic Education. (5) Create incentive for good leadership. (6) Make the cost of bad leadership high and raise the cost of misrule (The Gospel reigns, most leaders have to change heart). (7) Provide alternative avenues for wealth creation. (8) Need a loyal opposition (They want something bad to happen to the country)


(Photo of Professor Mahmood Mamdani, Courtesy of www.hindu.com)

Ugandan Professor Mahmood Mamdani (who is wanted back at Makerere University Kampala. Chancellor Mondo Kagonyera reported that thinking became idle after Mahmood left) spoke next. He started in a relaxed mode that was meant to amuse. He revealed that he got a call from URA and when the lady on the other side asked if he was the one, he responded with a very worried and faint 'Yes' until the reason why he was Wanted was told; That relieved him immensely. He was basically invited to raise questions, "Professor Adei's argument is that Africa needs transformation. My presumption is that such leaders will never exist, you are talking of saints, not politicians. Any visionary leader given time will turn dysfunctional. Churchill became dysfunctional in peace time and lost the election. What do you do when the leader turns dysfunctional? The professor has no answer in his speech, maybe he has reserved the answer for a speech in Ghana. The answer is not in the domain of leadership but institutions. I begin with an example in the US. During the 2008 Election, CNN did a poll. Most who did the poll believed that the 2000 Election was stolen, the Supreme Court stopped a recount. The reason was political, what would be the cost of a reversed verdict, would the tensions between the red and blue states overtake the system? There was no foreign intervention, instead America embarked on a process to reform. The US survived eight years of usurped bad leadership, millions died in the war against terror. (1) The strength of US institutions helped to contain the damage of bad leadership. (2) There is no single African problem. I will outline two, but their solutions have to be thought through concretely: the Most Serious Political Problem is to be found in Congo, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The political problem is an expression of a deeper social problem revolving around land. Who owns more land? Tribal rights, citizen rights. Zimbabwe was divided by land issues./ Darfur conflict started in the 1980s between agriculturalists and pastoralists (1987 - 9). The latter said, 'We couldn't make a living up north, so we moved south. We have to survive ...'/ Banyamulenge in Congo migrated towards the end of the 19th Century and have conflicts with migrants from Rwanda. But who is a citizen?
Second question is a question that divides the political class. It originated from the colonial system of Big Men, you are appointed from the top and removed from the top. It generates its own corruption, creates sycophants, otherwise they will not survive. It creates arrogance, this is not the critique of any individual. That is the psychology a system creates. Who will ensure a transfer of power. In some kingdoms, it was the work of the wives to blow the whistle if the king was too weak to lead the people. The transfer of power cannot be left to the person who occupies that position. It also happens in the opposition. The base of leadership begins with three fundamentals: Hope, Vision, and Promise. We can hope for the best but must prepare for the worst.


(Photo of Honourable Eriya Tukahirawa Kategaya, Courtesy of www.hindu.com)

Eriya Kategaya (the one who made the famous U - Turn in his political affiliation back to the ruling NRM - National Resistance Movement) was the last speaker from the high table, "We need tools for nation building. The question is skin deep. When Ugandans move from one region to another for instance Masindi, they are called immigrants. We need leaders who can create institutions (which are the guarantee of security) in the country, not strong men like Charles Taylor and Mobutu. Most African wars are intra-state e.g. in Congo, Liberia, Sudan and Uganda. Some groups don't feel comfortable, wrongly or rightly. There must be a mechanism of solving those problems. Anybody can wake up and become a leader but we need systematic delivery of leaders. It must be deliberate. Amin's Vice President was asked if he knew the constitution and he said, 'Karatasi gani?' (Swahili for 'Which paper?')/ Alternative avenues for wealth creation/ Think tanks: Running a country is not a short term exercise, we need people to think through the policies. Lack of a think tank in a country creates earth worm movement. The earthworm doesn't see where it is going so when it meets an obstacle, it changes direction and starts again. We need to look for more leaders in Africa. We have been praying all this long and still waiting for signs. It is people who aren't elected causing us trouble. I stood for Local Council Chairman in my village but lost, the man who won was in the seat for over 5 years but I did not complain.

Famous Public Figures present included DP President Ssebaana Kizito (who wanted the topic widened to include business leadership too), Army Spokesman Felix Kulayigye, Makerere University Kampala Chancellor Mondo Kagonyera, Omar Kassim, Ken Lukyamuzi (well known for the hilarious phrase 'What are you talking about?' which he applied like cream after asking Kategaya a few hard hitting questions and exciting the audience), Reegan Okumu, Uganda Christian University Vice Chancellor Dr. John Ssenyonyi (the first speaker from the audience), Professor Kirya plus many gray haired people and the rest. "Absolute power corrupts absolutely," Robert Kabushenga assured everyone that he was going to use his power for the day to humiliate people, there would be strictly 3 minutes for the audience speakers to comment or ask the panellists, 5 minutes for Eriya and Mahmood to answer but 7 for the special Ghanaian guest Professor.

A public lecture was also held four days later on Sunday 19th July 2009 at the same venue between 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. "The President (M7) wants a think tank that will give people the Freedom to Think," Professor Stephen Adei from Accra, Ghana spoke about 'The Critical Importance of the Creation of Think Tanks for Africa's Development'. The lecture was organised by S.A.L.T Program Uganda (Sundoulos African Leaders Training) in conjunction with Intercessors for Uganda. Contact persons included Mrs. Allen Kagina (Coordinator S.A.L.T. Program [Uganda], Dr. James Magara [National Coordinator, Intercessors For Uganda) Tel: +256(414)466657, +256(712)959081, +256(712)876006

Using Dialogue to Solve Problems

On Wednesday 22nd April 2009 at Hotel Africana Kampala's Victoria Hall, President Yoweri Museveni chaired a precursor of the International Smart Partnership Dialogue scheduled for July at Speke Resort Munyonyo. About 20 countries will participate. In this national smart partnership dialogue meanwhile, several round tables were set up where people discussed issues. Notable Ugandans included Governor Emmanuel Mutebile, James Mulwana, Maggie Kigozi (UIA) among many others. The president mentioned Migingo Island as one of the problems that dialogues can solve (Kenyans call it Ugingo and claim it is their sovereign territory). M7 said, 'The colonial boundaries were made carelessly...' He added that it's now up to us to bring order.

Instead of arguing over a small mass of rock yet the 1917 Kenya Colony and Protectorate maps - updated in 1946 - show that the other Pyramid and Ilemba Islands belong to Uganda, the two countries would be more at peace doing business like Nakumatt Supermarket that opened a new Kampala Branch on Yusuf Lule Road in April 2009, the third after Kenya and Rwanda. Anything you want, they got it - maybe even the solution for the Migingo saga and the customer service is 24 hours daily even if it comes at a price. When the region becomes East Africa, we will not care who owns Migingo. In fact, it might even be "No Man's Island", sorry Kenyans!

M7 also advised that dialogues can bridge the gap between revolutionary reformers like him and the implementors who are the civil servants...

People’s Cost & Benefit Analysis of CHOGM

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…

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.

The 'Trading for Peace' Forum in Kasese and COMESA Simplified Trade Regime (STR)

(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.

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…