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METROPOL CREDIT REFERENCE BUREAU UNVEILS CRYSTOBOL : A NEW PRODUCTS DELIVERY PLATFORM.

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METROPOL CREDIT REFERENCE BUREAU UNVEILS CRYSTOBOL : A NEW PRODUCTS DELIVERY PLATFORM.

Our Reporter.

Metropol Credit Reference Bureau (MCRB) has today Wednesday May 8th , 2019 launched its new product delivery platform code-named Metropol Crystobol.

A first of its kind in Uganda, borrowers will have control of their credit information by having direct access to Bureau products conveniently at their disposal via their mobile phones.

Customers will gain access to the service by dialling *243# and following the message prompts. A customer needs to key in their Financial Card number in order to proceed and register on Crystobol. After registration one is entitled to a FREE annual credit report.

The Crystobol service will empower borrowers to:

  • Take control of their credit worthiness by allowing them easy access to affordable credit
  • Negotiate favourable credit terms with Lenders
  • Get freedom to choose their preferred Lender.

This will significantly impact on the lender-borrower relations in the Ugandan market, where we shall see borrowers obtaining increased bargaining power by taking advantage of their positive credit profiles.

Metropol Crystobol has four bureau products on the menu. These include:

CREDIT REPORT. A Credit Report is a detailed account of one’s lifetime borrowing with all current credit providers and their performance in terms of repayment. The report is used by all lenders to determine loan approvals.

LISTING STATUS. Clients will get to know their listing status as reported by their various lenders. Green means one has no credit history; Black means one has a negative (default) credit history and lastly, Gold means one has a positive credit history.

METRO-SCORE.

The Metro-Score® measures one’s credit worthiness and the likelihood that they will meet their financial obligations. The Metro Score has become the industry standard that all Lenders use to assess borrower credit worthiness and is also used by Lenders to determine appropriate interest rates to charge for various types of credit facilities. The Metro Score ranges between 200 – 900, with 450 being the middle mark. Customers that score below 450 have Marginal to Poor credit quality while those that score above 450 have Good to Excellent credit quality.

WHO HAS LISTED ME.

This service gives a list of all the lenders who have contributed information about a client to Metropol Credit Reference Bureau.

ABOUT METROPOL CRB.

Metropol Credit Reference Bureau is a subsidiary of Metropol Corporation Limited, a data driven entrepreneurial company based in Nairobi, Kenya and which has been in existence for the past 23 years The Company delivers and captures value by leveraging on data by integrating market information into products and processes. Metropol CRB was licensed by Bank of Uganda in 2015 and has been in operation since then. Metropol receives credit data on a monthly basis from all the Bank of Uganda licensed financial Institutions and processes this data into credit reports and other value added solutions necessary for making sound credit decisions.

Hon Amelia Kyambadde shares latest update on 2019 BUBU EXPO.

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Hon Amelia Kyambadde shares latest update on 2019 BUBU EXPO.

Hon Amelia Kyambadde, the cabinet minister for Trade,Industries and Cooperatives has today given a brief on the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda Expo slated for 7th to 9th March 2019.

In her address at the Uganda Media Centre, she outlined the significance of this program while calling upon Ugandans to embrace it.

The 2019 BUBU EXPO will be hosted at Kololo Airstrip, Kampala.

Below is her full statement.

The Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) Policy was formulated by Government through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives and approved by Cabinet in 2015. The Policy together with its implementation strategy was subsequently launched by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister in 2017.

The BUBU policy is premised on PPDA Act 2014 under which amendments are being made to among others provide for reservation scheme regulations to give force of law to the policy. The amendments.

The following are the objectives of the Policy;

  1. Promotion of consumption of local goods and services.
  2. Promotion of conformity to standards to guarantee quality goods and services.
  3. Provision of capacity building programs to local suppliers of goods and services.

During the two years of implementation of the BUBU Policy, the following achievements have been realized;

  1. Improved capacity of local producers and service provider

Iron and Steel Sector: Currently, there are 24 steel industries with an installed capacity of 1.7m tons per annum from 866,000 tons per annum five years ago.

Cement: Currently, Uganda has five cement factories producing 4.43 million MT per annum, an improvement from 2 million MT five years ago.

This exponential increase in capacity for iron and steel and cement has been precipitated by the large Government projects in the offing including roads, bridges, dams (Karuma dam, Isimba, Bujagali and others) and the planned oil and gas pipeline.

Textile Sector: Uganda has produced an average of 130,000 bales equivalent to 24,050 tons of cotton per year.

Currently, there are 39 ginneries with an installed ginning capacity of close to one million bales.

Total spinning capacity is 12.2 tons per day. The yarn produced is mostly consumed locally for production of fabric.

Uganda also has a total weaving capacity 80,000 meters per day and knitting capacity of 8.2tons per day.

  • Government security agencies including police, UPDF and prisons are procuring their garments from local textile industries.

 Leather Sector: Currently, there are 7 operational tanneries in Uganda, 2 of which process a small proportion of their hides and skins to finished leather.

Uganda has an installed tanning capacity of 1.08 and 2.0 million hides and skins per year respectively.

There are 7 medium sized footwear factories and more than 800 micro and small-scale footwear entrepreneurs in the country producing about 1.5 million are produced in the country. The production of shoes is still at artisanal level.

  1. Improved quality and standards of local products

In the last 2 years, UNBS has supported 904 SMEs in product certification processes.

SMEs are now accessing markets locally mainly in hotels and supermarkets and some are exporting in the region as a result of compliance.

  1. Increased shelf space of local products in supermarkets as a result of increased capacity and improved standards.

Shelf space for Ugandan products in supermarkets now stands at 40%. Products range from honey, sugar, detergents, cosmetics, food stuffs among others.

Ugandans have taken control of the supermarket business and are largely selling Ugandan products. Examples are Quality, Capital shoppers, Megha Standard, Master supermarket and many other small scale businesses.

  1. Support to local agro-processing: In order to support local farmers, Government has initiated the Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (AVDP) to the BUBU Policy and reserved USD 3.5 million for the purchase of local products e.g. local seed multipliers, local fertilizers and seed dealers and agro-processors. Specifically, all procurements below USD 200,000 in this project will be competed for by local firms.
  1. Furniture and Metal works: With the increased growth of the construction sector in Uganda now standing at 33%, there has been increased capacity and improved quality for local furniture and meal works producers.

MDAs have commenced procuring office furniture from Uganda Prisons Industries and other suppliers of locally made furniture in accordance with H.E the President’s Directive.

Schools are also procuring desks locally.

  1. Medical supplies/Pharmaceutical products: Following implementation of the reservation schemes, National Medical Stores locally procured medical supplies worth UGX 156.056 billion from local companies in FY 2017/18.
  2. Civil works: In the FY 2018/18, UNRA awarded contracts worth UGX3.7 trillions. Out of this, contracts worth UGX450 billion (12%) were reserved to national providers. In addition, a total of UGX423billion (11%) was awarded to local providers through mandatory sub contracting by foreign providers.
  3. Energy supplies: Before issuance of the guidelines on reservation schemes, 90% of the cables for construction of power lines were imported from China and India. Currently, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd reserves the procurement of cables to manufacturing companies in Uganda.

In FY 2017/18, UEDCL procured energy equipment worth UGX 1.1bn from local companies.

  1. Oil and Gas: According to statistics by the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, local companies have supplied local products worth USD 37.24 million equivalent to UShs 141 billion (28%) out of USD 133 million equivalent to Ug.Shs.500 billion which has been spent in the oil and gas sector by the end of calendar year 2018. Ugandans have benefitted by supplying local made foods, beverages, office supplies, drilling and production materials, construction materials and in offering services like catering, transport, security, management, land surveying, clearing and forwarding, civil works, supplying fuel, conducting environmental impact assessment studies, communication and waste management.
  • Kkatt Consult, a Ugandan company partnered with Arteliu Eau and Environment, a French company to provide engineering services during the final stages of construction of Isimba Dam. The Ugandan company was allocated USD 900,000 (UGX 3,302,100,000) which is 22.5% of the total monetary value of the consulting services contract.

Other Services with improved Capacity and standards

  • Tourism
  • Entertainment Industry
  • Education services

Other Achievements

  • Role of District Commercial Officers
  • Formalization of businesses through URSB
  • Establishment of the MSME Directorate

Way forward in BUBU Implementation

  • Ensure hygiene
  • Improve on the premises
  • Improve packaging
  • Comply with the required standards
  • Formalization of businesses

The BUBU Expo 2019

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives together with other partners has organized the inaugural Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) Expo 2019, as one of the initiatives aimed at creating more awareness about the BUBU policy.

It will take place at Kololo Independence Grounds from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th March 2019 under the theme: “Showcasing Uganda’s potential”

The 3 day event will feature the following;

  • an Exhibition for local products (goods and services),
  • a National Women Entrepreneurs’ Conference;
  • an awards dinner to recognize the BUBU compliant government institutions, local producers and service providers with quality products and competent local service suppliers;
  • And a networking conference between Government and the local private sector players.

The exhibitors have been drawn from a broader scope comprising of construction, energy, textile, stationary, footwear, agricultural products, dairy, pharmaceuticals and so much more.

We are targeting over 300 MSMEs as exhibitors and over 140,000 show-goers during the 3 days.

I urge all Fellow Ugandans to turn up in big numbers at Kololo Independence Grounds to appreciate the potential we have in Uganda.

During the three days of the Expo, a number of institutions will offer Corporate Social responsibility services.

  • Free medical services from Nakasero Hospital, Dr.Agwarwal’s Eye Hospital, Makerere Joint AIDS Program, Reproductive Health Uganda, AAR Healthcare, Point of Touch Nutrition and Health Services, Naguru Hospital; AHF Uganda Cares, Elpa Uganda and Uganda Blood Transfusion services
  • Free hands on skills training in cosmetics, juice and soap making, and brickets making by Uganda Industrial Research Institute
  • Free registration of businesses advice by Uganda Registration Services Bureau
  • Advice on electricity use by Electricity Regulatory Authority

In conclusion, BUBU is the highest level of Patriotism that we must all embrace as citizens, investors and stakeholders in the Ugandan economy and it will enable us attract more investment and reduce on our import bill. It will also help us strengthen our national capacity to undertake major national infrastructural projects with appreciable national content.

Let me take this opportunity to thank all our partners who have contributed generously towards this cause. Allow me to mention some of them; Pearl Dairies (Lato milk), Roofings Group, Atiak Sugar, Southern Range Nyanza Ltd, Riham Group, Alam Group, Vivo Energy, Plascon Ltd, Nile Agro, Premier Distillers, Steel and Tube and others.

I also thank the Government MDAs that have worked closely with us to ensure a successful BUBU expo, and the companies that have offered to provide probono/CSR activities during the Expo.

I thank you all for listening to me.

 

 

Paul Ankunda awarded ACCA Africa Advocate of the Year.

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Paul Ankunda awarded ACCA Africa Advocate of the Year.

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has recognised Paul Ankunda FCCA with its Advocate of the Year Award for Africa.

Paul, who is head of finance and administration at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Uganda, was praised for his work in ACCA student recruitment and development delivering career talks and previously serving as chairman of the ACCA students committee.

He has actively volunteered his time and support to ACCA clinics, conferences and events relating to CPD (Continuous Professional Development) and CSR(Corporate Social Responsibility). Paul was an integral part of ACCA’s Eastern Africa Members Convention in 2014, a forum representing members in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

In his previous role working with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), he spearheaded the approved employer application process for NWSC, which saw them become the first Approved Employer Public Sector Organization in Uganda in 2010.

Jamil Ampomah, director of ACCA in Africa, said: ‘Paul has been a strong advocate in developing the profession across Eastern Africa.

‘He was a key part of ACCA Research Class of 2020: the future finance professionals on the future of the accountancy profession. This culminated in ACCA’s ground breaking report Professional Accountants: The future.

‘Paul provided valuable insight into this project that identified the main drivers of change that will impact on the profession and the future technical, ethical and interpersonal competencies desired in the future.

Ampomah continued: ‘I congratulate Paul on his selection as Africa Advocate of the Year, and thank him for his contribution to ACCA over all these years. My thanks go to all members who give up their time to give back to our organisation, promote the profession and inspire future talent – not only in Africa, but also in our 179 other markets around the world’

ACCA launched the regional advocacy awards last year to recognise members who go above and beyond in expressing public support for the accountancy profession, embodying ACCA’s values. These advocates are also members who deliver public value, display ethical professionalism and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The Advocacy Awards are not about career achievement; but about the way that ACCA members give back to their communities, and help ACCA to develop the next generation of professional accountants.

The other ACCA Advocacy Award winners for 2018 are:

  • ACCA Middle East and South Asia Advocate of the Year 2018: T J Suren Rajakarier from Sri Lanka.
  • ACCA Emerging Markets Advocate of the Year 2018: Jarosław Grzegorz from Poland.
  • ACCA ASEAN and ANZ Advocate of the Year 2018: Alice Tan from Singapore.
  • ACCA Europe & Americas Advocate of the Year 2018: Etain Doyle from Ireland.
  • ACCA Greater China Advocate of the Year 2018: Major Qinxue Mei from China.

For more information about ACCA’s advocates, please visit http://www.accaglobal.com/an/en/member/advocacy.html.

About ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

ACCA supports its 208,000 members and 503,000 students in 179 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 104 offices and centres and more than 7,300 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

ACCA has introduced major innovations to its flagship qualification to ensure its members and future members continue to be the most valued, up to date and sought-after accountancy professionals globally.

Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com

Government of Uganda is committed to the Trade Development Agenda, notes Hon Kyambadde.

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Government of Uganda is committed to the Trade Development Agenda, notes Hon Kyambadde.

Hon Amelia Kyambadde, the Minister of Trade, Industries and Cooperatives has noted the Government of Uganda is committed to the Trade Development Agenda and we look forward to positive collaboration with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Secretariat to leverage resources for trade growth.

She said this while opening the EIF Regional Workshop currently underway at Golden Tulip Canaan Hotel. The workshop is attended by representatives from over 15 countries.

Here is her full speech:

It is my honour to host the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Regional Workshop for Anglophone speaking countries and I take this opportunity to welcome you all.

  • Uganda’s economy

Uganda is land-linked country with a GDP growth of 5.6%.

As one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, Uganda has a population of about 40 million people with a GDP of US$773 (in real terms).

Our economy majorly depends on the export of agricultural commodities although Services and industrial production has recently increased over the years.

During the Financial Year 2017/18, Uganda’s exports increased by 7.23%, to US$ 2.89 billion from the previous Financial Year 2016/17 of US$ 2.696 billion.

Imports also increased by 16.42%, to US$ 5.48 billion from the previous Financial Year 2016/17 of US$ 4.71 billion.

A number of interventions have been made to address the country’s widening trade deficit. The pursuit for regional integration, business reforms, infrastructure development and skilling our human resources.

Our membership to regional integration agenda comprises of the EAC, COMESA, TRIPARTITE and AfCFTA. It is in the EAC and COMESA regions where Uganda recorded a positive trade balance since 2007. Our trade balance was $383.9 million in 2007, rising to $615.7 million in 2016.

  • EIF Collaboration

EIF’s collaboration with Uganda dates back to 2005; under the revamped Integrated Framework Programme, where Uganda was supported to undertake the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) in 2005/06.

This study and the revised DTIS, identified both economy-wide and sector/commodity specific constraints to the growth of trade and proposed a priority action matrix addressing the constraints.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperative has been coordinating other MDAs and Development Partners to address these constraints through aid for trade related initiatives like:

  1. Trade Facilitation support:
  2. The Ministry received support from (DFID) through TMEA, to implement a web based Non-Tariff Barrier Reporting System that eased reporting and resolution of NTBs among trade facilitating institutions.

This, in turn has reduced on the delays and costs of moving goods in and outside of Uganda across trading member states. By end of December, 2018, 86% of all reported NTBs reduced movement of goods from Mombasa to Kampala from 21 days in 2011 to 4 days in 2018.

  1. With Support from United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) through Trademark East Africa, construction of three OSBPs was completed in Mutukula, Busia and Mirama Hills. All the border posts are operating under one stop control which means that a transporter or traveller clears only once, on one side of the border.
  • Electronic Single Window System (ESWS): The Ministry with support from UNCTAD and TMEA is implementing an electronic single Window programme. A trade facilitation initiative aimed at reducing the time it takes to clear goods.   The system has cut clearance time for imports and exports by over 25%. This is programme is supported by UNCTAD and TMEA.
  1. ETrade Portal: Government with support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UNCTAD and TMEA, lunched a one stop information portal for export, import and transit information in Uganda. Every interested party can freely access this information online.
  2. The Government of Uganda is implementing the Phase II Regional Integration Implementation Programme (RIIP) supported by COMESA with funds from the European Union. The overall objective of the Project is to improve Uganda’s competitiveness in taping regional opportunities through increased regional trade and investments. With RIIP support, support to operationalization of five Border Export Zones and implementation of the simplified trade regime and training of Cross Border traders.
  • Legal frameworks: The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC) has undertaken regulatory and institutional reforms in addressing the DTIS Action Matrix:

The Ministry established an MSME Directorate to oversee the growth of MSME enterprises who account for 95% of the business establishments in Uganda, with a majority (57%) of these operating in the Trading sector.

MSMEs have been aided in value addition to enhance their export capacities and skills development. An SME Policy and strategy was developed to guide development of this sector.

The Government approved the National Export Development Strategy 2015/16-19/20 to address macro-economic challenges such as exchange volatility and rising inflation. The NEDS implementation is expected to reduce the trade deficit; increase Uganda’s export values and market share in key priority marketplaces.

The Ministry of Trade oversees the implementation of Buy Uganda Build Uganda Policy that was approved by cabinet in 2014. The Policy and its strategy /plan is aimed at boosting local production and consumption of goods and services through Government Procurement. Prior to the implementation of the BUBU Policy, Steel industries were operating at 51% of installed capacity but by the end of the last financial year their production capacity had reached 60%. The increase in production capacity resulted into increase in the number of employees by 1209 from 6044; savings of USD 22 million on importation of steel products and increase in tax revenue of UGX. 27.53 billion. The contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the steel sector rose by UGX. 352 billion as a result of BUBU Policy implementation.

A National Policy on Services Trade was approved by Cabinet on 19th July, 2017. It is aimed at boosting domestic trade and export of services. The successful implementation of the policy is expected to contribute significantly towards incremental growth of export values by US$ 5000 million, annually over the next five years. So far growth has been realised in mostly the tourism, Transport and ICT sectors. The education and business services are expected to grow with improved skills and capacities of services suppliers.

Uganda Development Corporation; an agency set up with the primary objective of promoting and facilitating industrial development in Uganda. The UDC is guided by a 15-year strategic plan (2017/18 – 2032/33) that guides Government’s investment in priority sectors. In partnership with the private sector; UDC is running several investments in cement manufacturing, fruit processing, tea value addition and provision of infrastructure services.

Uganda Warehouse Receipt Systems Authority (UWRSA) was established by an Act of Parliament to regulate and promote the use of commodities as collateral against credit to producers and traders. The achievements made include: Support to infrastructure development, Inspections & Licensing of over 1,000 storage facilities and market information system.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

EIF has supported Uganda with both Tier 1 and Tier 2 Projects;

 

  • Tier 1 (TRACE) and (TRACE II) Impact

In 2007, the Trade Capacity Enhancement project (Tier 1) was formed to address the immediate bottlenecks towards the development of trade as identified in the DTIS.

The Key outcomes:

  • Trade was mainstreamed into the 5-year National Development Plan 1 & 11
  • Development of the National Trade Policy (2007/2008) and strategy.
  • In October 2010, the Second Trade Capacity Enhancement project commenced under which strong synergies were built among various stakeholders including Government, Local Governments, Development Partners especially UNDP, World Bank, European Union and Sweden on promoting competitiveness, standards, the legal regime for doing business, private sector development and investment promotion.

Tier 2 Project (DICOSS)

  • The District Commercial Services Support Project (DICOSS), was successfully implemented between 2012 and 2017.
  • 25 districts were equipped and retooled to facilitate effective and efficient delivery of commercial services.
  • Trade Sector mainstreaming in District Local Governments Plans and budgets has been attained.
  • The Ministry of Public Service approved the proposal to delink the Commercial Department from Production at the Local Government. Hence forth, new staff have been recruited in the districts.
  • Sustainability Support Phase
  • The Ministry is currently implementing the Sustainability Support Project which seeks to consolidate the ownership of the trade agenda and ensure sustainability of the results achieved under Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects.

 

  • I am proud to inform you that following the successful implementation of the DICOSS project, the Government of Uganda has continued to support District Commercial Officers (DCOs) through the Commercial Services Conditional Grant to facilitate commercial extension services at the Local Governments.

 

  • In FY 2017/18, a total of UGX 2.3 billion was released as conditional non-wage grant to all districts. In the FY 2019/20, the Government has earmarked 1.2 Billion UGX as part of the development fund for facilitate the commercial offices countrywide.
  • The Sustainability Phase budget has continued to facilitate: Annual DCOs Networking Workshops; revitalising the Inter Institutional Trade Committee and support to bi-annual engagements; developing an Industrial and SME database; support on Trade Committee engagement and updating the DTIS Action Matrix and Aid for Trade Database.
  • Handicraft and Souvenirs Development Project

I extend my appreciation to the EIF for approving and subsequently funding the Handicrafts and Souvenir sector development project, worth USD1,500,000, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.

This project will no doubt improve the livelihoods of our people who are engaged in the sector, create employment (over 10,000 jobs for the people involved in the sector), and boost exports of our handicrafts.  I pledge our support for successful implementation of the project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Uganda having been a pioneer beneficiary of the Aid for Trade initiative under the EIF, has made tremendous strides in prioritising trade, improving the doing business environment, regulating trade, negotiating markets for merchandise trade and services.

The Government of Uganda is committed to the Trade Development Agenda and we look forward to positive collaboration with the Enhanced Integrated Framework Secretariat to leverage resources for trade growth.

We particularly look forward to the rolling out of the EIF Strategic Plan 2019-2022, under the theme: Forging new paths for the Least Developed Countries in Global and Regional trade; which will advance the commendable work that the EIF has so far done in LDCs across the globe.

I extend my appreciation to the Enhanced Integrated Framework Secretariat for the continued support extended to Uganda and to other LDCs to promote trade as an engine for growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Our Country will continue the struggle to graduate to middle income status by 2020.

I urge you to explore the beauty and sceneries of Uganda. This is a country with the longest river in Africa and is food basket for East and Southern Africa.

I thank you for listening to me.

I now declare this workshop open and wish you fruitful deliberations.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

Hariss International rewards Employees, promises to invest more in Uganda.

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Hariss International rewards Employees, promises to invest more in Uganda.

Our Reporter.

As part of its commitment to enhance cohesion, togetherness and team work among employees and the company leadership; Hariss International Limited held its annual staff party on 16th Feb 2019 at Kabira Country Club, Bukoto.

Dubbed #HarissDay, the end of 2018 party was a fanfare with employees and their employers indulging themselves in remarkable display of talent while wining and dining together.

Speaking at the party, Hon Latif Ssebagala, the Member of Parliament Kawempe North profoundly admitted that even though there are many companies located in Kawempe, Hariss International is number one.

“Over the four terms I have been in the Uganda Parliament, we have received a lot of complaints from workers of several companies but I can confirm here and now that we have never received any petition or complaint about Hariss International. This means that Hariss International works in harmony with her staff and always rewards hard work,” Hon Ssebagala said, adding;

“As we collectively work to fight unemployment which is a big challenge in Uganda, I pray to the almighty God to enable Hariss International grow more and open up so many branches across our country so that people in other parts of Uganda also benefit from Hariss International opportunities.”

The Kawempe North Member of Parliament thanked the over 1700 Hariss International staff for their immense contribution but also spared some time to advise them on how to get ever much better.

“I want to remind you that you are not paid for what you studied, but for what you do; your input, efforts and handwork.  As you execute your duties, continue being honest, committed and above all treasure what you do. Thank you so much for putting us on the map,” Hon Ssebagala concluded.

On his part, Mr. Yasser K. Ahmad; a co-founder and chairman of Hariss International revealed to the attending staff that his company is very proud, committed and dedicated to the Ugandan market.

“As leaders of Hariss International, we shall continue to support you, our dear staff in each and every way possible. We shall continue to invest in training, mentorship and better working conditions for you.  Our priority is on Ugandans. We don’t want to import expatriates to come and work here. We believe in Ugandans and are willing to continue our investment in them,” Mr Yasser Ahmad said.

He added; “Unlike those multi-nationals with headquarters in America and/or Europe, our headquarters are here. We are proudly Ugandan. We want to work from Uganda and win over markets in East Africa, across Africa and the rest of the world.”

All the staff that attended the event went home gifted with over 100 taking home top honours from the different Awards categories. Some went home with UGX 5 million richer than how they arrived.

Mr Chadi Ahmad, the Sales and Marketing Director noted that while 2018 was a very competitive year, his Hariss staff never disappointed and as such the end of year celebration was in order.

“In 2018, we saw our staff grow to 1700 people (permanent and temporary). This is very huge considering that we were less than 300 in 2013. In 2019, it is important for us to use our time wisely. Dedication and team work must be continued. We need to give twice, double our efforts so that we can overcome any challenges now and in the future.”

The party that started at 3pm, went on until 10pm. It was spiced up by acts from Myco Ouma, Levixone, Rema Namakula,Bebe Cool and Moses Golola.

About Hariss International Limited:

Located in Kawempe, Hariss International Limited is one of Uganda’s leading manufacturers of food and beverages. Since its inception in 2005 the production of both food and beverages has been operating under the brand name RIHAM.

RIHAM has grown into a well-known household brand over the years, and has greatly captured the support of the mass market. The brand currently operates a broad product portfolio comprising of Carbonated Soft Drinks, Natural Mineral Water, Juices, Malt & Energy Drinks, Premium & other biscuits.

Hariss International Limited was founded in Uganda, and was built on principles and foundations laid by its founders Mr. Yasser. K. Ahmad, Mr. Chadi. K. Ahmad, and Mr. Izzat. K. Ahmad. Today, the company stands with the philosophy of the same entrepreneurial spirit and determination.

Pomp and Colour at #RihamLove Valentine’s Day Dinner.

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Pomp and Colour at #RihamLove Valentine’s Day Dinner.

Our Reporter.

Whenever Valentine’s Day is approaching, there is always pressure to find a perfect present. This year was not different as millions of people world over were seen crisscrossing streets and shopping malls in search of that perfect gift.

But some were saved from this hustle and bustle by people centred companies such as Hariss International Limited, which arranged fully paid parties for them and their loved ones.

In what was dubbed the Win Your Crush with #RihamLove this Valentine’s Day promo, up to 20 lucky winners were treated to a fully paid dinner at Kampala Sheraton Hotel’s Paradise Restaurant. Each left with a gift hamper thereafter.

The party was not short of pomp, colour and fascinating simplicity.  The winners indulged their cravings; enjoying a full-course dinner spiced up with all sorts of dessert; Fruits, Cake, Chocolate, Ice Cream, and Riham Cola among others.  The night’s live music band never disappointed either.

“The venue has been breath-taking. Sheraton is known for having the best food in Kampala. The restaurant has been well decorated and it was a lovely chilly place since it was outside with the cold breeze. I loved the food but my favourite were the dessert. God I kept eating the cake and chocolates for over an hour. For me, it was a dream come true. Thank you Riham for the dinner and the Hampers,” Charlotte Atim, one of the winners said.

Charlotte and Arthur at the Riham Love Valentine’s day Dinner.

Arthur Didan, another winner was more candid and noted: “This was one of my best Valentine’s Day parties especially because I was with the love of my life. The food was great; I extend my thanks to whoever thought about a dinner at Sheraton Hotel. I thank my bubu for choosing me as her crush after participating in the #RihamLove competition. This means a lot for me. Clearly, I’m the only one. I hope to invite the Riham team to our wedding very soon.’’

Like George Sand once said; “there is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved.”

About Hariss International Limited.

Hariss International Limited, commonly known as RIHAM and located in Kawempe Division, Kampala District is one of Uganda’s leading manufacturers of food and beverages. Since its inception in 2005, the production of both food and beverages has been operating under the brand name RIHAM. It currently operates a broad product portfolio comprising of Carbonated Soft Drinks, Natural Mineral Water, Juices, Malt & Energy Drinks, Premium & other biscuits.

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