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The East African Development Bank (EADB) has held a farewell event for the 8 successful teachers from the East African region who will make up the third cohort of the EADB-AAI Scholars program.
Recipients of the scholarship program will pursue Master’s Degree in Education, Mathematics and Industrial System and Engineering at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The Scholarships are competitively awarded to experienced Teachers and Lecturers of tertiary institutions, secondary schools, and polytechnics with at least 3 years full-time teaching experience. They must be university graduates with a Bachelor’s degree with First Class/Upper Second Honours in Mathematics, Sciences or Engineering.
Ms.Loise Mungai Head country office Kenya addressing the scholar benefiting from the math science technology and engineering university scholarship program at the Fairview hotel.
Under 40 years of age and a citizen of the EADB Member States: Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. They must be working full-time in public, government owned educational institutions. They must have interest in pursuing a graduate degree in those fields in the United States and are committed to returning to their home country to teach in a public government owned institution The scholars were selected from nearly 300 applicants from the East African countries of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who competed for a choice few slots.
The scholars include Five(5) Kenyans, One(1) Ugandan, One(1) Rwandan and One(1)Tanzanian.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Vivienne Yeda, Director General of the East African Development Bank said The EADB created the EADB Math, Science, Technology and Engineering University Scholarship Program, in partnership with The Africa-America Institute, for experienced teachers and lecturers to earn a post-graduate degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Rutgers University and New Jersey Institute of Technology in the United States.
“This scholarship program will go a long way in helping to increase the number of qualified academics in the STEM fields and strengthen the workforce in the science, engineering and technology in East Africa. “The EADB and AAI warmly congratulate the scholars as they have successfully navigated a long and challenging application process,” Ms. Yeda added.
East African Development Bank Board Member, Mr. Francis N. Karuiru who was the evening’s guest of honor commended EADB for their commitment to both infrastructural and personal development in the region.
“We are here today to celebrate these eight individuals who are starting an exciting journey. But we must realize that the benefits of this scholarship extend beyond their personal recipients. When these eight return to teaching back in East African universities and tertiary universities, countless students will in turn reap the fruits of their qualifications.That is why I want to commend and appreciate The EADB and AAI. This initiative ties in to our Government’s goal to increase access to education, with better learning and skills outcome,” Mr. Francis N. Karuiru concluded. ”
Mr. Francis N.Karuiru EADB board member addressing the scholars benefiting from the Math science technology and engineering university scholarship program at the Fairview hotel.
The recipients were Mathias Halinga from Tanzania who will be pursuing Industrial System and Engineering, Ruth Mathenge from Kenya who will do Physics Education, Nixon Odari from Kenya who will do Math Education, Fabien Habimana from Rwanda to pursue Industrial System and Engineering, Purity Kendi from Kenya who will do Math Education, Patrick Odhiambo also from Kenya and will take Physics Education, Usufu Nyakoojo from Uganda will do Math Education while Brian Odiwuor from Kenya will do Science Education.
The EADB scholarship aims to maximize the impact of EADB’s investment into the higher education sector by granting scholarships to accomplished lecturers who have agreed to return to their East African universities and continue teaching after they have received their graduate degree at Rutgers University.
The scheme was launched in August 2016 as a pilot programme. The first Cohort were 3 scholars (2 from Uganda and 1 from Kenya). Second Cohort were 5 Scholars – (4 from Kenya and 1 from Uganda).
The fully-funded EADB graduate level scholarships will provide full tuition, room and living expenses within a stipulated budget. The next call for application shall be in December 2018/January 2019.
It is November 2017; Charles Achieng and I are set to meet at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP) for the very first time. We have been interacting online for some months.
While at the Busia OSBP ‘cargo verification compound’ waiting for Charles and another Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) customs officer assigned to take me around the facility, I see men unloading a truck. Curious, I get closer and ask them what they are doing.
“URA officers suspect this truck to contain some unauthorized commodities. We have been asked to unpack everything. After they have cleared their doubts, we shall re-pack it and drive to Kampala,” the truck’s turnboy tells me.
This, according to this fairly-young man, let’s call him Emma, would take between one and three days, something that results in more expenses incurred and time lost along the way.
While the turnboy leads the unpacking, the driver is not anywhere in the vicinity. Actually, I am told he is somewhere in a bar having fun with newfound female friends and will only pass by to check on the progress.
After a while, Charles finally joins me after attending to an urgent matter in his office (he is a Kenya Cross Border Traders’ leader) on the Kenyan side of the Busia OSBP.
He immediately joins the conversation as we talk about the merits and demerits of this manual cargo inspection and verification process. He tries to make me appreciate why a full truck has to be unloaded and re-loaded.
Charles is accustomed to this procedure and thus finds nothing bizarre about it even though I find everything about it out-dated and somewhat analogue, to say the least.
Fast forward to the end of February 2018 and we are back to Busia. This time, President Yoweri Museveni and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta are leading delegations from both countries to the official launch of the Busia OSBP.
Efficient border crossing to boost trade between Kenya and Uganda with launch of Busia one stop border post.
At the launch, which was coincidently hosted in the same cargo inspection grounds /parking yard Charles and I first met in November 2017, the two presidents note that for the security of their countries and the entire region and due to the need for faster cargo clearance, it is important that electronic scanners are installed at all border posts, beginning with Busia and Malaba.
President Museveni then notes that the first such scanners would be installed this year (2018), to the applause of the audience in attendance.
Because Charles is a Kenya Cross Border Traders’ leader, he is seated with Kenyan delegates while I am with the Ugandan media team.
I meet Charles after the commissioning, and he notes: “I hope you have heard from the two Presidents. Your cargo inspection issue is being worked on.”
“I understand that the procurement of the scanners has already been done and installation will start soon. These will greatly reduce time wastage and unnecessary expenses incurred by traders while waiting for cargo verification in Busia,” he states.
Cargo Scanners arrive!
Further-forward, it is August 2018 and Uganda launches the first inland non-intrusive cargo scanners at Busia OSBP, to the excitement of truck operators, traders and trade-facilitating agencies.
The Fast scan series (FS6000) automated scanners can detect what is hidden behind 300mm of steel and can automatically differentiate organic and inorganic materials using colour separation. It also has capacity to scan up to 200 trucks per hour.
The new cargo scanners are fully funded by the government of Uganda to the tune of Shs 15 billion while their linking/connection with the cargo scanners at the Mombasa port is being funded by Trademark East Africa and Department for International Development (DFID). It is expected that the completion of the Busia-Mombasa and Malaba-Mombasa scanners integration will lead to the creation of one digital trade corridor.
Charles Achieng , the co-writer of this article interacts with one of the drivers before his truck was scanned at the Busia OSBP.
The launch of these FS6000 Non-Intrusive electronic cargo inspection scanners in Busia marked the beginning of a new era in the East African Community OSBP framework with full inclusive and seamless integration with other trade enabling digital systems such as Asycuda World, Outward Processing Relief (OPR), Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Electronic Single Window and Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) guaranteed.
As such, the cross-border trading community is assured of increased accountability, efficiency and predictability in movements of cargo on top of elimination of numerous highway stops for verification.
It takes just seconds to have full scanning done, which ultimately translates into increased number of consignments receiving customs attention.
In an interview, Mr Ali Malio of Sibed Transporters Company is full of praise for the new system: “It takes less than two minutes for verification to be done through the scanner at Busia.”
“We used to spend hours here but with these scanners in place, our trucks are cleared and cargo verified within minutes. We thank both the Ugandan and Kenyan governments for making this happen,” he says.
Similarly, Mr Ayub Mburu, a driver with Bingos Best Mango Exporting Company notes that “we are seeing better days.”
“Time is of the essence to us and any effort put in place to reduce time wastage is always welcome,” he says.
A cargo truck driver shares his views with Charles Achieng on how the non-intrusive cargo scanners are improving business.
For Ben Mbazira, a truck turnboy, this development is a personal benefit as it saves him energy and time.
“As turnboys, we have always suffered at this place. The driver just moves out and you are left to pack and unpack the cargo. But with this new system, we just sit as the machine does its work. In a few minutes, we are back on the road.”
According to the Ugandan Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon Matia Kasaija, traders involved in cross border trade are the biggest benefactors of the initiative.
“Importers and exporters will enjoy reduced clearance time, avoid the inconvenience and risks linked to physical inspection. They will experience a better and faster export process with reduced possibilities of short landings,” Kasaija said.
Hon Matia Kasaija launching the Busia non-intrusive scanners.
Small scale traders and travellers await their turn.
However, while the new technology is doing wonders for the large scale traders, small scale cross-border traders, passengers, and tourists are still hoping for better times since they are still being subjected to physical inspection and verification of their travel bags, goods among others.
These complain of the manual systems that violate their privacy and dignity in addition to giving some fraudulent officials room for intimidating and soliciting bribes from travellers.
Godfrey Wanyama, a hand cart cross-border trader, is quite inconvenienced by physical inspections. He notes that moving a sack of maize requires that the standards bodies open and manually check in the event that they suspect the quality of the seeds has been compromised.
“In the process of inspecting the maize for example, they sometimes pour it down, making it dirty and also tear the bags/sacks. It would be nice if small scale traders have a scanner where such small goods are rolled through, and not intruded into,” Wanyama notes.
A wide view of the Busia Non-Intrusive Cargo scanners.
Sam Wafula, a fish transporter reveals that there are scenarios where a bicycle load of fish is spread on the packing slab for verification. Most of this, he says, is packed in Uganda for destinations as far as Eldoret or Nairobi but its quality is compromised from Busia, thanks to the manual inspections.
In the same spirit, Mercy Vereso, a traveller found at the Busia OSBP crossing from Kenya to Uganda notes that while she is amazed by the infrastructural development of the border and the effective operations, she is inconvenienced every time she is asked to open her bags and luggage for physical checks.
“The same way that they have installed automatic scanners for the trucks, they should also put conveyor scanners for travellers,” she says.
With the non-intrusive scanners sorting large scale traders, it is only in order that focus now shifts to small scale traders and travellers.
It remains to be seen whether the issues of small scale traders will be addressed immediately or in the words of Nelson Mandela, it will be another “long walk to freedom!”
About the Writers;
Charles Achieng is the chairman Busia Kenya Cross-Border Traders.
Nicholas Kalungi is a Digital Proficient Journalist.
Global music and video streaming platform, TIDAL in partnership with the leading communications operator in Uganda offering mobile & fixed telecommunications, MTN Uganda, have today announced an exciting, first-of-its kind collaboration.
The partnership provides MTN Uganda customers a variety of options for a data-inclusive TIDAL membership as part of their mobile plan to gain access to exclusive high-quality streaming music, videos, concerts and more.
“Africa is a continent that has long been an inspiration for music heard around the world and TIDAL is excited to highlight the vibrant musicians on our platform. TIDAL is also thrilled to bring a new wave of digital music to Uganda as part of this collaboration” said Lior Tibon, COO TIDAL.
The partnership, launched in Uganda but set to be rolled out in other MTN operations across Africa comes with an array of membership options where customers can tap into one, three, seven and 30-day memberships, all of which include data and a free 30-day trial for all first-time members.
On the importance of MTN’s partnership with TIDAL artist-owner Damian Marley noted:
“I remember hearing stories about my father‘s records being destroyed once they got to Africa. They didn’t want the people to hear the message in the music. What a beautiful day it is now when Africa will not only have access to my family’s music but to all music that exists”
Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Jason Kpana, SVP Artist & Label Relations, shared:
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with Uganda’s musicians and helping to bring the TIDAL music streaming experience to fans across the country. We know MTN customers will love the diverse playlists, livestreams, videos and original content available on TIDAL.”
The content on TIDAL offers a deeper look into not only the repertoire of artists, but the music that inspires the work they do. Editors across the globe showcase the hottest tracks across all genres and create soundtracks for key cultural moments – life, death, civil revolutions, works of literature, and movies that have caught the cultural zeitgeist.
In celebration of the Ugandan music industry and the start of a digital music revolution, TIDAL and MTN Uganda announced advanced plans in organizing an exclusive Collaboration Conference and ‘The MTN TIDAL Experience’ which will be held on 27 and 28 September respectively. MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, Olivier Prentout, gave more details about it:
“The Collaboration Conference will exclusively be attended by artists, music producers and promoters. The conference aims to bring artists together to learn about the evolution of the music industry across the globe and how to expand locally along with the help of TIDAL. Following the conference, “The MTN TIDAL Experience”, featuring dancehall artist Kranium, Nigeria’s DJ Spinall, our very own Beenie Gunter and local DJs are set to host the experience which will be held at the MTN Headquarters”.
“At MTN we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. This partnership with TIDAL further demonstrates our strategic vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to our customers by making music more available on their smartphones. One product innovation MTN will add to the TIDAL subscriptions is the inclusion of data. MTN subscribers will be given the choice between daily, weekly and monthly packages payable only via Mobile Money (MoMo).” added Olivier.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), commissioned the start of the implementation of the National Electronic Payment Gateway. With the increasing usage of technology to access services, the citizens are often inconvenienced when making payments for the services. This is manifested in the non-seamless mode of payment the citizens are subjected to.
It is against that background, that the Accountant General, in partnership with NITAUganda, is set to implement a Payment Gateway that will enable online payments for all Government services; and as well be utilized by interested private sector business enterprises to receive payments for their supplies, in a bid to promote e-Commerce and financial inclusion in Uganda.
Addressing the pilot entities that will enabled to provide services through the payment gateway, the acting Commissioner, Financial Management Systems, MoFPED, Aiden Rujumba called upon the entities to embrace this new platform. ‘As a Government, we are always looking for technologies that will allow for more transparency and efficiency so as to make the lives of citizens easier in their interaction with Government especially with access to Government services,’ he added.
Steven Kirenga, Marketing & Communications Manager, NITA–U, informed the meeting that the national payment gateway will ensure payment for Government services securely, fast and conveniently. ‘Citizens will soon be able to pay for various Government services online, easily on their phones either through the citizens portal, the mobile phone application or USSD,’ he said.
Some of the benefits expected once the service is available include:
Seamless payment for Government services. A citizen will no longer switch between websites of Ministries and URA when paying for Non-Tax Revenue e.g. Passport fees
Simplified process for making payments for Government services
Reduced transaction costs due to the ability of aggregating payments for different services offered by the same Ministry/entity. E.g. A person will be able to pay for Search fees and company registration fees in a consolidated payment thus saving on transaction fees.
Convenience. Owing to the challenges related to transacting with cash, the National Payment Gateway will ensure transaction in a secure environment.
The payment service will initially be available with the following entities:
Uganda Revenue Authority
Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority – Electronic Government Procurement
Ministry of Agriculture – eVoucher service
Uganda Wildlife Authority
Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
Academic Information Management Systems (AIMS) – University & Tertiary Institutions
Dotsaidia Systems Ltd (Dotshule) – Primary and Secondary Schools
Uganda Heart Institute – Hospital Management Information System
Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Government of Uganda is confident that the use of ICT as an enabler of efficiency across the different ministries, agencies and departments will go a long way in making government services more accessible to the citizens of Uganda.
ACCA Uganda and Deloitte launch the second edition of the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Awards 2018, themed “Finance in a Digital World”.
This follows the huge success that the inaugural CFO Awards registered last year with six winners from a highly competitive process where Uganda Breweries Limited’s Alvin Mbugua walked away with the coveted CFO of the Year Award and NSSF’s Patrick Ayota was the 1st runners up for CFO of the Year Award. Both have moved on to bigger things inform of career growth with Mr. Mbugua now the Head of Sales, East African Breweries and Mr. Ayota as the Deputy Managing Director, NSSF.
The awards this year have been increased from five to eight to carter for the unique attributes of the different sectors. The eight awards are CFO of the year, Young CFO Award, Public Sector Award, Strategy Execution Award, Finance Transformation Award, SME Award, Not for Profit Award and Finance and Technology Award.
Anyone is encouraged to nominate a CFO/Finance Director/Head of Finance function that they feel meets the criteria and self-nomination is also allowed.
These quotients or skills are intelligence, creativity, digital knowledge, emotional intelligence, experience, vision, and technical and ethical skills.
Speaking at the Launch, Beatrice Isagayite, the Head of ACCA Uganda said the CFO Awards provide a recognition platform for leaders of the finance function and draw attention to the required professional skills that should be adopted and demonstrated by leaders that will meet the needs of a rapidly changing business and economic landscape.
“At Deloitte, we have seen firsthand how the pressure and burden of the CFO role can seem overwhelming for those aspiring to the role. The Deloitte CFO Programme has been designed to help new and aspiring CFOs navigate the next steps of their careers, prepare them for the diverse responsibilities they will face in the CFO role and help them transition successfully,” Norbert Kagoro, the Managing Partner, Deloitte said.
He said, the roles and responsibilities of today’s CFOs and senior finance leaders are more varied and challenging than ever.
The CFO Award 2018 Categories
The CFO awards were established in recognition of the fact that the finance function and the CFO’s role is pivotal in building sustainable business models which ultimately translate into value for the investors.
CFO of the Year
The CFO of the Year will have shown financial leadership, outstanding performance over a number of years and is the driving force behind the growth and profitability of their organization, striving for excellence in all aspects of the finance profession. The CFO/ Head of Finance should lead by example demonstrating leadership through their future-focus and proficiency in the seven vital qualities of professional accountants.
Public Sector Award
This should be a CFO or Head of Finance in a government ministry, agency or department demonstrating outstanding financial management and has demonstrated the vital qualities of professional accountants.
Not-for-Profit Award
This award will go to an outstanding CFO or Head of Finance, currently making a vital contribution to the financial leadership of a not-for-profit organisation and has demonstrated the 7 vital qualities of professional accountants.
SME Award
This award will recognize a CFO or Head of Finance in a small and medium enterprise, who has demonstrated outstanding financial management and has contributed to the growth of the enterprise. Small and medium enterprises include all types of formal enterprises irrespective of their legal form (such as family enterprises, sole proprietorships or cooperatives), employing between 5 – 100 employees and total assets not exceeding UGX 360 million.
This award recognises a CFO or Head of Finance who has championed transformative solutions in their finance function and has been successful in redefining the role of finance within the organisation.
Strategy Execution Award
This award recognises a CFO or Head of Finance who has shown agility and resilience in dealing with serious and intense changes in the business environment, enabling the business to successfully adapt to new demands and challenges. This CFO or Head of Finance will have shown great leadership in creating the right (financial) conditions to execute the organisation’s strategy.
Finance & Technology Award
The Award recognises a CFO or Head of Finance who has invested in and unlocked technologies that have the power to transform the business and create new value. The CFO or Head of Finance has played a crucial role in designing and executing a successful business-aligned IT strategy and is a steward for technology driven change and develops and shares his or her knowledge and know-how of technology across the business.
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 200,000 members and 486,000 students in 180countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 101 offices and centres and more than 7,200 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 is currently introducing 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
About Deloitte.
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