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Uganda Electronic Single Window targeting 30 Agencies by 2021.

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Uganda Electronic Single Window targeting 30 Agencies by 2021.

Our Reporter.

Implementers of the Uganda Electronic Single Window have an ambitious plan of connecting 30 government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) by 2021.

The Uganda Electronic Single Window is a trade platform that lets Traders, Clearing and Forwarding firms submit and process trade documents electronically.

So far, 16 MDAs are actively using the Uganda Electronic Single Window to facilitate trade, with the latest entrants being Cotton Development Organisation, Uganda Communications Commission and Atomic Energy Council.

Speaking at the Single Window Phase 2 Progress Stakeholders Engagement held at Sheraton Hotel on Thursday 12th December, Ms Damali Ssali – senior manager programs also acting country director for TradeMark East Africa noted that that since its launch in 2015, the Single Window system has greatly improved clearing processes and trade in general.

“I feel that we used the best case to develop the Single Window. Since 2015 to date, we already have 16 agencies while more are being added. The impact of the Single Window is great. I was happy to hear from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) that they are overloaded with work because everyone now wants the Single Window. The journey has been long but the results are good. Several countries have come to Uganda to benchmark on how best they can implement the Single Window. Special thanks to the team that is implementing the Electronic Single Window.” Damali Ssali said, adding;

Damali Ssali – Senior Manager Programs at TradeMark East Africa, Uganda Office.

“Allow me thank DANIDA – the funder of the electronic Single Window. DANIDA gave USD 9 million for the implementation of the Electronic Single Window over the 5 years. Thanks to the success of the Single Window project, DANIDA has now given use another USD 10 million which we are going to spend over the next 4 years targeting NTBs, Standards, and Informal Trade among others.”

Nonetheless, Margaret Magera, the Senior Programme Advisor at DANIDA noted that while a lot has been accomplished with the Single Window system so far, there must be a sustainability plan to protect the gains of this project

“I acknowledge TradeMarkEastA for the commendable achievements, not least in terms of improving Uganda’s ability to trade across borders. An improved business environment is central to the operation of markets and fosters innovation, productivity and growth,” Margaret Magera – Senior Programme Advisor DANIDA said.

Margaret Magera – Senior Programme Advisor DANIDA.

She added; “We commend the Ministry of Trade for steering the Single Window project and URA for being the implementing partner of the project. We also thank the other MDAs that are using Single Window and also encourage more others to join.”

Funded to a tune of USD 9 million by DANIDA through TradeMark East Africa, the Uganda Electronic Single Window roll-out is led by Ministry of Trade while URA is the lead implementing agency for the project.

“I am certain that we are now convinced that the Single Window system is critical in facilitating trade, investment, mobilization of government revenue and even a plaform or strategic marketing of our economy among others. Our focus in phase 2 should also be on rolling out the system to more agencies including private sector institutions. I am informed that the implementing team has now engaged with most of the institutions and today we have had more modules launched.” Grace Adong Choda – acting PS Ministry of Trade said.

Grace Adong Choda – acting PS Ministry of Trade

“I am therefore confident that more benefits will even accrue when we co-opt more institutions on the e-SW platform. I congratulate the project implementation team and my ministry for their tireless effort in making this a success.  I sincerely thank DANIDA and TMEA for supporting the entire process. I also applaud UNCTAD for providing the critical technical support that has enabled the smooth implementation of the system.” Grace Adong Choda – acting PS Ministry of Trade concluded.

AU, TradeMark EA sign partnership to boost intra-African trade and Continental Free Trade Area

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AU, TradeMark EA sign partnership to boost intra-African trade and Continental Free Trade Area

Our Reporter.

The African Union (AU) has signed a partnership with TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) aimed at boosting intra-African trade and fast-tracking the realization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) ) in selected Southern and Eastern Africa countries – Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, DRC, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique .

The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa this week by Amb. Albert Muchanga – the AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Amb. Erastus Mwencha – the TradeMark EA Board Chair and Frank Matsaert – the TradeMark EA CEO.

Speaking at the signing, Amb. Albert Muchanga – the AU Commissioner for Trade and Industry noted that the ‘AU is indeed excited to work with TMEA; renowned organisation that has implemented successful trade facilitation programmes in East Africa.’

Amb. Albert Muchanga said; “We want to complement our efforts in implementing the ambitious boosting intra African trade programme, leverage TMEAs experience and ensure similar trade facilitation initiatives are implemented to boost trade and prosperity for the people in this region.”

On behalf of TradeMark East Africa, board Chair, Amb. Erastus Mwencha said, “This partnership with the African Union is an important milestone and embodies our vision for a prosperous Eastern Africa. TMEA can help fast-track implementation of the AfCFTA by supporting the African Union (AU) programme for Boosting Intra-African Trade (BIAT).”

“By implementing quick win measures to ‘thin’ borders and reduce the cost and time to trade along key corridors, TMEA will help keep momentum going for this ambitious initiative to be realised, while countries are involved in the longer-term exercise of negotiating trade and tariff regimes,” he concluded.

TMEA’s operations across eight countries, working with government, private sector and civil society to address high trade costs in Eastern Africa and support export growth, is well-positioned to support the African Union on its vision for an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

This partnership prioritizes areas of common interest to both organisations including but not limited to the following.

  1. Collaborate on the development of an Action Plan for the implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for selected countries in Southern and Eastern Africa.
  2. Complement each other’s efforts in supporting the implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), specifically the Boosting Intra-Africa Trade (BIAT) initiative which focuses on seven clusters – trade policy, trade facilitation, productive capacity, trade related infrastructure, trade finance, trade information, and factor market integration as drivers for expanding intra-African Trade and agree a work plan for the implementation.
  3. Encourage in a joint manner the inclusion of the voice of the Private Sector in the negotiations and the implementation of the AfCFTA.
  4. Increasing export growth and diversification.
  5. Develop and monitor of trade/transport corridors to improve the flow of goods, services, people and information between countries and regions, including One Stop Border Posts (OSBPs).
  6. Collaboration in areas of transport infrastructure and operations, trade facilitation, trade logistics, ICT for trade, integration of regional trade networks and support to regional value chains of goods and services.
  7. Collaborate on investments and industrial development.

About TMEA;

TradeMark (Trade and Markets) East Africa is an aid-for-trade organisation that was established in 2010, with the aim of growing prosperity in East Africa through increased trade. TMEA operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by the development agencies of the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Union, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Rockboom now served in 250ml can.

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Rockboom now served in 250ml can.

Hariss Media Team.

Famed for game changing and unprecedented innovations, Hariss International; the manufacturer of RIHAM has officially introduced a 250ml prestigious Rockboom oval can.

This is another market first for the Ugandan energy drinks sector and is part of the company’s commitment to fulfil and satisfy the aspirations of its ever growing clientele.

Different market surveys indicate that Rockboom is widely popular among youth and the mass market consumer segments across the country.

Philip Kotler, a renowned marketing author once said: “Customer is the KING in marketing.”

Therefore, in new age business, quality adherence and remaining relevant in the eyes of the consumer is the surest way to win over, later on retain the KING.

The 250ml can gives Rockboom’s ever growing consumer-base a chance to fashionably feel the positive energy. They can conveniently carry the oval can anywhere, anytime without losing either their cool or sense of style.

A 250ml prestigious can of Rockboom energy drink is available in all retail outlets, supermarkets, bars and restaurants countrywide at a recommended retail price of UGX 3,000. Consumers can buy a single can, a pack of six or a tray pack of 24 cans depending on their requirements and budget.

The 250ml oval can doesn’t in anyway affect the quality and taste of the energy drink as it remains the same product but now available in both a can and bottle form.

“Rockboom is highly demand, helps you stay awake, and motivates you on your worst days. It also boosts your mood and mind. Today, we are launching our premium packaging. The Rockboom 250ml prestigious oval can. This new packaging has been highly demanded by our consumers. The new packaging is accepted in supermarkets, bars, hotels and restaurants everywhere,” Chadi K. Ahmad, the Sales & Marketing Director for Hariss International noted.

Even so, the original Rockboom 320ml PET (plastic) bottle is still available throughout Uganda at a recommended retail price of UGX 2,000.

Six years of Positive Energy.

Rockboom is proudly celebrated as the first Ugandan made energy drink. It is made of a blend of caffeine and energy base for providing mental and physical stimulation.

Since its launch in 2013, Rockboom has remained the country’s energy drinks market leader, growing exponentially over the years.

People from different walks of life drink it, recommend it and also attest to its positive energy.

It is not only the most recognized energy drinks brand, but also the most people-centric.

Under the Rockboom flagship, Harris International has massively invested in youth and sports with generous contributions going to one of Africa’s most prolific sportsmen Golola Moses. The latest of such outstanding contributions is of Rockboom rewarding Golola Moses’ brand loyalty with a full furnished house. This is to be built next to his Talent Academy in Kawempe, with construction slated to start in coming months.

The company has also invested in kickboxing, motor rally, swimming, and basketball, among others.

From a bottle to an oval can, it remains the same positive energy that doesn’t only motivate you, but also absolutely improves your life. Ask Golola Moses for example!

Barclays Bank is now ABSA Bank Uganda

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Barclays Bank is now ABSA Bank Uganda

By Uganda Radio Network (URN).

Absa Bank Uganda, this week officially received its license from Bank of Uganda, dropping the Barclays Bank brand tag.

Absa Uganda interim boss Nazim Mahmood together with other bank’s executive received the license from the Central Bank on Monday.

Mahmood told reporters that “there will be no change in terms of account details and that they can expect nothing but the best in terms of products and services.”

BOU Deputy Governor Dr Louis Kasekende said the central bank is pleased to confirm that effective Monday, what was previously known as Barclays Bank Uganda would become Absa Bank Uganda.

This makes the end to the three-year journey of the divorce from the parent company, Barclays Plc after the latter sold its majority shareholding– retaining only 14.9% – in the Barclays Africa Group unit. This means it could not retain the Barclays Brand.

The bank has changed its social media handles to Absa to reflect the changes. Its website also reads absa.co.ug.  All its branches have been painted red, the Absa colours, from the blue that Barclays used.

Absa Uganda is part of the Absa Africa Group headquartered in South Africa.

Engineers trained on Asset Management, Low Cost Bridges.

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Engineers trained on Asset Management, Low Cost Bridges.

Our Reporter.

Globally, the cost of poor roads affects all citizens as it means longer travel hours, more garage  & repair days, accidents and diseases such as never-ending flu and cough infections caused by dusty roads among others.

As such, in a move to ensure that Ugandans enjoy improved roads and also as a mitigation strategy for the side effects of poor roads, the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Works and Transport is conducting trainings and knowledge sharing workshops for engineers drawn from both the ministry and local authorities such as districts and municipalities.

The most recent of such trainings was conducted in October and early November at Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala. This training that aimed at Strengthening Road and Bridge Management Capacity in the Road Sub was co-funded by African Development Bank and attended by over 50 engineers.

According to Eng. Hassan Ssentamu – Principal Mountain Elgon Labour Based Training Centre– the training wing of Ministry of Works and Transport, this short course provided an introduction to road asset management and the design and construction of low – cost bridge structures.

“It starts with an overview of the core principles in asset management and low-cost bridge structures and will cover to the appropriate level data requirements, data collection techniques, analytical approaches and interpretation of results or outcomes,”  Eng. Hassan Ssentamu highlighted.

Part of the team of Engineers being trained on Asset Management and Low Cost Bridges.

The engineers that attended this training were selected from 18 districts including Adjuman, Mbarara, Buikwe, Tororo and Mubende. They were trained on how to use limited budgets to deliver high quality roads and bridges.

One way of achieving this, according Eng. Steven Kitonsa, the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges at Ministry of Works is through the use of local content raw material such as concrete and cement, not the expensive, some times imported steel.

“I am so glad that Eng David Luyimbazi has been able to organize a team with a lot of local content. They have put together this very important training targeting ministry of works engineers and district engineers.” Eng. Steven Kitonsa Commissioner for Roads and Bridges at Ministry of Works said.

He added: “I wish to thank government of Uganda and Ministry of Works and Transport for embracing capacity building. Ordinarily, such a course of this nature would be conducted in Birmingham – UK. It is great that this is happening in Uganda, facilitated by local experts.”

Public pays price for poor maintenance.

Even so, Eng. David Luyimbazi, the CEO Basic Group Uganda who was a key facilitator at the training noted that ‘because the biggest challenge to the ‘transport infrastructure sector’ is limited financing, appropriate utilization of the available resources is key to achieving better roads.

Eng. David Luyimbazi, the CEO Basic Group Uganda trains fellow Engineers on Asset Management and Low Cost Bridges.

“The major issue affecting the roads sector is financing. Whenever you can’t meet both maintenance and development needs, then you are providing substandard interventions which can’t last the life time that was expected.” Eng. David Luyimbazi said, adding;

“For every dollar held back for maintaining roads, road users pay about 3.5 dollars. If we don’t pay for what is required to keep roads in good conditions, road users than pay in terms of damage to vehicles, congestion and longer travel time.”

According to a recent Uganda Road Fund (URF) survey, 57% of road users that responded to this survey were fairly satisfied with their experience on Uganda’s roads. Nonetheless, the same report revealed that many of the satisfied road users are anxious when using the same roads as they don’t feel safe.

Ends.

Africa is Uganda’s most important Trade Partner, report confirms.

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Africa is Uganda’s most important Trade Partner, report confirms.

Our Reporter.

A preliminary report on the anticipated impact of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) indicates that Uganda will reap big from the One Africa Market arrangement because Africa currently stands as Uganda’s most important trade partner.

This was revealed during the Uganda National Consultative Forum on AfCFTA, organized by TradeMark EA and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

“Africa as a regional market has already overtaken the European Union (EU) to become Uganda’s most important trading partner, with trade shares increasing from around 22 percent in 1995 to more than 30 percent by 2018. In terms of export values, Uganda now exports over 50 percent of its total exports to Africa, a figure far higher than the shares of other East African countries, highlighting the importance of the AfCFTA to Uganda,” the report reads in parts, adding;

“Not only will the AfCFTA increase trade volumes with other African trading partners, but it will also enhance the prospects for export diversification by increasing the demand for manufactured goods.”

Hon Amelia Kyambadde (C) and TradeMark East Africa Senior Programs Manager – Damali Ssali (2nd R) joined by members of Makerere University Gavel Club at the Africa Contiental Free Trade Area Workshop.

Speaking at this workshop, Hon Amelia Kyambadde, the minister for Trade, Industries and Cooperatives highlighted that Uganda in in good shape to reap from the bigger markets that AfCFTA will open thanks to the country’s sustained investment in trade facilitation projects over the years, coupled with the positive strides undertaken by local manufacturers to improve product quality.

“We have implemented several trade facilitation measures such as Electronic Single Window; Electronic Cargo Tracking; One Stop Border Posts; Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) identification and removal mechanism, Yellow Card Scheme and the Border Export Zones, among others. We appreciate the support received from key Development Partners such as; TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), European Union (EU), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and others in implementing these measures,” Hon Kyambadde noted, adding;

“Our strategy on Market Access for Ugandan Goods and Services includes Capacity Building for the Private Sector to take advantage of these market opportunities plus Provision of the necessary trade infrastructure such as affordable electricity, improved road network to ease logistics.”

Even so, Moses Sabiiti, the country director for TradeMark East Africa Uganda noted that while the entry into force of AfCFTA on 30th May, 2019 brought with it a lot of excitement and expectation for Africa growth through increased trade and investment, ‘a huge challenge faces the partner states on how to actualise the bold vision the AfCFTA encapsulates.’

“Some of the challenges constraining intra Africa trade are: a) Overlapping membership in regional economic groupings; b) Institutional capacity to negotiate and implement integration instruments and tools such as administration of rules of origin and c) Continued existence of political and security conflicts that limit survival of economic activities and seamless flow of cross border trade and foreign direct investment,” Mr Sabiiti said.

He added: “To unlock these challenges, the UNCTAD Economic Development in Africa Report 2019 notes that by agreeing to harmonise trade liberalisation regimes through the AfCFTA, African Countries would boost their chances to trade more, promote economic diversification and deepen their integration agenda.”

Twenty Seven African countries have so far ratified their AfCFTA agreements. The full implementation of AfCFTA will make Africa the world’s largest market with over 1.3 million people.

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