Innocent Kawooya, the CEO HiPipo

By Our Reporter

The HiPipo Music Awards 2020 edition has been postponed. The development was announced by Innocent Kawooya, the CEO of HiPipo on Friday.

According to Kawooya, the awards were postponed because one of their key suppliers could not deliver on their obligations.

“The award ceremony has been postponed owing to unexpected happenings that have made a key supplier unable to complete and later on ship major project necessities on time,” said Innocent Kawooya in a statement to award stakeholders.

The award ceremony which was slated for March 14, 2020, at the Kampala Serena Hotel has since been pushed to an indefinite time.

“Nonetheless, voting in all the categories continues. A new date will be communicated at the soonest.” He added.

Now in their 9th edition, the HiPipo Music Awards are aimed at recognizing and celebrating music excellence across the African continent.

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Ronald Ngobi, the station manager of Shell Bugolobi rewarding a boda rider who won fuel during the campaign.

By Our Reporter

The Shell 10 weeks of cheer campaign which was concluded last month was a huge success. This is according to Ronald Ngobi, the station manager of Shell Bugolobi who says the volume sales at the service station increased immensely during the duration of the campaign.

“The promotion was a huge success and helped us increase our volume sales. We hit our target over and beyond,” Ronald Ngobi revealed. “For example for the month of February our volume target was 600, 000 and we hit 750,000.”

Ngobi who rewarded over 1000 customers during the campaign attributed its success to the easy to understand mechanics of the campaign.

“Our customers were so happy with the promotion reason being that they were rewarded instantly by just presenting a message showing how much fuel they had won. I was also pleased with the promotion because it was run online which made tracking very easy.” He added.

The promotion targeted all motorists including boda riders, taxi drivers, private motorists and truck drivers that use Shell fuels, lubricants or shop services.

To participate, customers simply had to spend UGX 50,000 in the case of general motorists or UGX 10,000 for riders to get a draw entry coupon at participating Shell service stations. They were then required to enter the competition by sending a unique code and their license registration number to 8008 by SMS.

In addition to the instant rewards, 10 weekly draws were also held across the country that saw customers win jackpot prizes of fuel worth UGX500,000 and UGX50,000 for motorists and riders respectively.

“The promotion has not only rewarded customers but it has also helped build loyalty.” He concluded.

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By Our Reporter

National Theatre was on Friday evening peppered with laughter as the queens of comedy took over the stage for the second edition of the Arise Woman Comedy Jam.

Hosted by Akite Agnes, this edition featured the crème de la crème of comediennes like Anne Kansiime, Titin Gladys, Maggie da Bwaiserian, Richmouth and the Fun Factory ladies, who cracked jokes about different real-life experiences; sending the audience into thunderous applause and laughter.

Held in the spirit of the women’s week, the comedy jam exceeded expectations as it celebrated and glorified women in the comedy industry, perfectly aligning to the theme of the show, “Arise Woman.”

The crowd favourite was Titin Gladys’ set where she progressively told stories of her daily-life woes that culminated with an exciting twist on her relationship troubles that sent the audience laughing nonstop.

The night ended on a high with Anne Kansiime firing up the audience with her jokes and comic antics as revelers sipped on Tusker Malt Lager while munching away at popcorn spread out on trays around the dimly lit auditorium.

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By Reporter

With new talent, comedians and comedy groups emerging, the latest addition is the Ba Sekimpi family. The comedy duo today at Club Obligato made intentions to venture into commercial and competitive comedy. The duo of Sali Shafad, Tamale Hillary are signed under Nationz Connect Media.

The comedians who have been working together for the past two years have pledged to work hard and stick together further.

The comedy duo joins others like Maulana and Reign, MadRat and Chiko and many other duos who have shone for many years.

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By Reporter

While singers Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool anticipate a singing battle, the fans seem to have decided even before the actual battle and given Chameleone an early lead. While the most anticipated battle is likely to take place at Cricket oval if both artistes agree terms, both singers had an early teaser at the grounds last night at Cindy’s concert.

While Chameleone was received with loud praises and jubilation, the same cannot be said about Bebe Cool as bottles were pelted at him. The two did not receive the same love and probably will not ever.

The post Round One: Fans choose Chameleone over Bebe Cool at Cricket Oval appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Ntambi Jimsal.

There is a battle going on in the Uganda Music industry between Musican Pius Mayanja commonly known as Pallaso and Rubaga South Member of Parliament Honourable Kato Lubwama .

This Battle sparked after Pallaso’s Xenophobia attack in South Africa. Honourable Kato Lubwama went on National Television and revealed that Pallaso wasn’t beaten and also informed the republic that he was playing his stunts .

Honourable Kato Lubwama also insulted The Akomelerwe singer on different media platforms which didn’t please artist, his family and the Manager.

Pallaso’s Manager Kama Ivan contacted lawyers and urged them to take Kato Lubwama to Courts of Law claiming that he has disrespected his artiste before fans , Family and Children . Tarnished his Brand and also traumatised him mentally which Kama Ivan as manager can’t tolerate with.

The case has been opened up in Makindye Commercial Court and we shall keep you posted.

The post Pallaso, Karma Ivan take Kato Lubwama to court appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

Miracle Centre Cathedral Church Lead Pastor, Robert Kayanja has assured Ugandans that Corona Virus won’t come nearby.

According to Pr. Kayanja, “We prepared and limited the spread of the locusts. Now we are confirming that Uganda will never have corona virus. We have prayed and believed with faith.”

This was said during the Women’s day church service. During the service, Kayanja also asked women to stop using ugly photos on their social media accounts. “Be bold, use the best of you,” said the Pastor.

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By Reporter

The foundation for the building of any strong nation combines a perfect mixture of government and private sector influence in national development and discourse. The actual concept of democracy was simply an ideology created to empower the private sector and reduce the influence of government in economic activities by dictating whose policies aid private sector growth and independence. The full text of these ideals never seemed to have reached the shores of our beloved Uganda, the fax machine which delivered the document was obviously out of ink as all was seen by Ugandans is the word-Government.

Government Etuyambe is our national anthem in Uganda while we enjoy everything that comes from the United States of America, a nation built and controlled 90% by the private sector. “The government of Uganda has not brought any meaningful development” says the man on the streets of Kampala, enjoying seeing mansions in Nigerian movies not knowing they were built 100% by private sector efforts. He sits there thinking Nigerian government is much better than his not knowing that Nigerians have no security at all, can’t be outside later than 7pm at night, have no electricity in their homes, no running water yet command the largest and most vibrant economy in Africa. Can you imagine if they also had Ugandan government?

The 10 Point Program by President Museveni is by far the most clear cut blueprint on nation building with focus on private sector participation in economic development yet it seems the only aspect of it that Ugandans know is …government shall support you. We are so concerned about what the neighbor will say that we just don’t act here. The leper by the pool of Bethesda is a classic comparison to Uganda as he kept complaining for 30 years while others were getting healed by the same pool.

There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING happening outside of Kampala, Uganda. The rest of the country is just a combination of undeveloped land. Ugandans see investment in their own community as the responsibility of the government or the opportunity for a foreigner to invest. Ugandans have more confidence to invest in another country than in Uganda, a nation that has had real peace for more than 30 years. A nation that borders countless others with opportunity for market expansion, a nation with the most unbelievable weather for an African country, one with the most fertile land and one whose leader will do anything for. How someone doesn’t want to invest here is beyond belief!

I am calling on all Ugandans to turn a new leaf as we provide private sector opportunities to bring prosperity into the country. It is for your own good that you heed this call and join us to overturn this ugly report or watch black people from various nations including the US, UK, Nigeria, Jamaica, etc come here and make you a foreigner in your own country.

We are a leading Africa’s first Economic War and it will culminate in the establishment of the Black Wall Street in Uganda. The Black Wall Street is the engine of capital generation for the industrialization of the African continent through the pro development corporations listed on it and the dividends they pay through the risk-free investment scheme of the Black Wall Street. The Black Wall Street is designed to rival Wall Street in New York which is currently a $21 Trillion dollar market value by the addition of more pro-development corporations and more dividend recipients from all over the developing world. The Black Wall Street was seeded by the signature ”Tablets and Dollars” program of Development Channel, Uganda Poverty Alleviation Program (UPAP). The Black Wall Street community is to be built on 2.5 Square miles of land and will consist of 11 of the highest skyscrapers in Africa with over 10,000 live-in work force drawn from the African American community where the name Black Wall Street was derived from a tragic racial past.  

The Black Wall Street will make Uganda, the economic capital of Africa and the developing world, the only status, the legacy of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni deserves!.

 Watch the space for the announcement of the ground breaking of the Black Wall Street.

Charles N. Lambert, Nigerian born British Citizen, Leader of Africa’s first Economic War adopted Uganda as his home country in November 2017.

The post Uganda needs Private Sector Boom – Charles N. Lambert , Leader Africa’s first economic war. appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

TV Presenter Douglas Lwanga is all smiles after bagging tens of millions of money and also crowned new Champion bet ambassador.

Douglas today adds champion bet to his rich collection of brqnde he influences for like cloth shops, telecommunication companies amomg others.

Douglas Lwanga also told media he will encourage responsible betting and also preach against addiction.

He is estimated to have gained over 30Million from the signed deal.

The post TV Presenter Douglas Lwanga scoops deal as new Champion Bet Ambassador appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

• Kalibala Peter (Trap Kid) wins inaugural edition and walks away with shs15, 000,000 cash prize, a one-year recording deal, MTN Pulse ambassador title as well as a chance to have his music uploaded to Tidal.

• The rap competition is one of the giant telecom company’s efforts to provide a platform for rappers to express themselves as they develop their talent

• MTN has been at the forefront of supporting this music genre in Uganda which has now grown in popularity from just being loved in high schools and karaoke to being one of the most loved genres in Uganda.

Peter Kalibala aka Trap Kid has beaten off stiff competition to emerge as the inaugural winner of the MTN Pulse Rap battles.

With this win, Kalibala (Trap kid) walked away with a cash prize worth shs15, 000,000 and a recording and management deal that includes mentorship for a period of six month as well as becoming an MTN Pulse ambassador.

He will also have his music uploaded to Tidal, an global music streaming app that is available to MTN customers and is owned by renowned American rapper, Jay-Z.

Tamusa Disan aka Gibbon MC was the first runner up while Timothy Bauma, aka The Homie was the second runner up winning shs7, 000,000 and shs5, 000,000 respectively.

Sponsored by Uganda’s leading telecom company and organised by KUNTA productions, , the MTN Pulse Rap Battles aimed at seeing young unknown talented Rappers take part in the competitions that will help them showcase their talent and be recognized in the entertainment circles.

“We have a lot of talented youths in the country, but they usually just lack a platform to showcase their talent. The MTN Pulse Rap Battles therefore sought to inspire youth to develop their music talents as a future source of livelihood but also offer the rap community a sustained opportunity to express their talent,” said Martin Sebuliba, MTN Uganda Senior Manager Brand and Communications.

The 13-episode televised show was set in a battle format in various settings like cages, streets, forests etc. in the presence of renowned judges, a super hyped host and the participation of the general public especially through digital.

The epic rap competition saw contestants face off in various categories such as; Pass on the Mic: A beat was dropped in a cypher set up and each rapper was to freestyle without losing the beat and passes on the mic after the given time period. Contestants were subjected to physical activity while rapping out. Speed test: Contestants were rewarded for speed and articulation. Spoken word: Contestants were challenged to write and perform the spoken word.

The competitions started in September 2019 and have been running for 6 months before the grand finale on Sunday, 8^th March 2020 when the winners were announced.

MTN Uganda has been at the forefront of developing this music genre that has since grown from being only popular in High School and Karaoke to become one of the most loved music genre today led by the decent of Lugaflow, a type of music that accounts for almost 90% of urban music played today.

The other interventions the telecom giant has undertaken to develop this music genre is the support of the MTN HipHop awards now in its 4^th year, to celebrate the contribution of individuals and organisations to this industry while awarding leading rappers.                                  

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By Reporter

Jose Chameleone continues to uplift talent. Previously, Chameleone has brought Weasel, the late Radio, Papa Cidy, Melody amomg many other artistes to limelight. Chameleone in his latest release “Tokoowa” makes an atrempt to introduce new female talent Mary Nantayiro to the music scene.

Tokoowa is a new video shot by Grate Makr and audio recorded by Producer Ronnie.

Watch video hereplaceholder://

The post Jose Chameleone lifts another talent, introduces Mary Nantayiro in new video “Tokoowa” appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

Nigeria’s afro-pop singer and songwriter, Yemi Alade is coming to Uganda.

The “Johnny” hitmaker made the announcement on social media where she revealed that she will be performing at Blankets and Wine in April.

The show also comes as part of her promotion for the “Woman of Steel” music album, her fourth studio album. Released officially in September 2019, the 15-track album features big names like American star Rick Ross and legendary African singer Angelique Kidjo.

“Uganda! I will be performing at the Blankets and Wine on 19th April 2020. Woman of steel World Tour is coming to you. Get your tickets! It’s going to be an African Party!” She posted online.

Powered by Tusker Malt, Blankets and Wine which is now in its 25th edition is a picnic themed afro-pop music festival and will be held back at its home venue, Lugogo Cricket Oval.

The post Nigeria’s Yemi Alade coming to Uganda appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

Cindy Sanyu aka The King Herself wrote history on Saturday at Lugogo Cricket Oval during her much anticipated “Boom Party Concert”. She out-lived all expectations and raised the bar high for female Ugandan artists, becoming the first female Ugandan singer to successfully take on the mega venue.

Revelers flocked Lugogo Cricket Oval by the dozen filling out the Stadium that seemed to be an intimidating venue of choice by public opinion, but, Cindy proved that she made the perfect choice as fans, friends and family came in to support the artist.

It was more than just a “Boom Party” for many of the Cindycates who were treated to nonstop entertainment from artists like Kent & Flosso, Maro, Karole Kasita, Rabadaba, Silver X who sent the crowd wild with excitement with every stage performance.

Once The King Herself took over stage revelers the crowd roared with excitement welcoming the star of the night who wasted no time entertaining her fans with “Ayokya Yokya” and “Tebimala”, “One and Only” giving her audience a real Cindy experience. She went through three different sessions on stage with beautifully designed wardrobe changes that lit up the stage even more.

“Tonight, we make history! This was my vision and I am humbled to have such great fans, family and team to support me, Thank you all!” she shared.

Cindy’s fans could not contain their excitement as they watched their favourite artist own the stage and put up a performance that was without a doubt 100% authentic and real. Fans could be heard cheering her on, “Akikoze,” “She has set the record”, “We love you Cindy,” proving to fans that she dared to make her dream a reality.

The post Cindy makes history at Lugogo Cricket Oval  appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

It was an all-ladies affair as revelers partied the night away at Design Hub in Industrial Area on Saturday.

Hosted DJ Mary Jo,  the event aptly named Ladies Affair and now in its fourth edition is held to coincide with Women’s Day celebrations. It features a female-only cast of deejays taking over the turntables to entertain revelers.

The MC of the evening, Sista Natty Gyal, kept the audience sufficiently hyped as the show kicked off with DJ Amor, who took the crowd through an old school set, including hits like Kagoma by Bobi Wine and Unbwogable by GidiGidi MajiMaji.

Next was Sal DJ, who started her set off with South African house music, getting the revellers on their feet before DJ Ruby took to the decks and started her set off with some mid-2000s RnB, with the crowd singing along to hits like Usher’s Trading Places.

The headline act was DJ Mary Jo, who stepped on stage at midnight and played an all-female set that started with Christina Aguilera’s Can’t Hold Us Down.

The event, sponsored by Uganda Waragi, is meant to highlight the talent of female DJs, especially in light of the fact that deejaying is a mostly male-dominated industry.

The post Female deejays take center-stage in celebration of Women’s Day appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Despite the nature and massive competition in the music industry, the young stars have still come up with enormous hits and here we go with our very own Faymous Bryan, the new kid on block.

Listening to his talent flow in hits like OtukubaNnyo and Tegummala cannot leave your ears unsoothed for a massive airplay for this great musician.

For 2020 ,he is dropping a double play that has already gotten some great artists on tension after seeing him record at Nessim Pan Productions proving that he got what it takes to become the next big thing in East Africa.

The post Faymous, the real Star to watch out for in 2020 appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Sandra Musimenta

This will go down as my best women’s day celebration ever. One, because I officially launched my baby, “Maama Sandy’s kitchen” and two, most importantly I got so much advice plus knowledge from humble yet highly profiled ladies in society. Like Shamim from icandy decor, Madam Sarah Ntale from Sarah cakes, Jamila Mayanja from Smart girls foundation and so many others who shared their personal stories in relation to life skills, womanhood and entrepreneurship.

For a long time, we as women have been our biggest enemies. And then along came social media which gave us a platform to rip each other apart at every given opportunity. We feed it with all sorts of gossip and trash, then we expect men to treat us better.

We use our different talents to spread hate speech, be chaotic and de-fame each other. As a mother, sister, daughter and friend, I was saddened by all this but it even broke my heart more that we are raising a generation that is curiously looking at us and taking notes. Tell me how we are going to teach them to be or do better?

So pardon me when I burst with joy at the sight of women applauding each other, advising each other, praying together and building a beautiful bridge on which our children will have to cross.

We have failed countless times, our marriages have gone down the drain, society has been cruel to us, the world has judged us enough for our mistakes.

It’s time we courageously get up with the little strength we have left and re-draw the picture we have put out there.

Let us be our own cheer leaders, share ideas, forgive each other and stretch out to celebrate one another at every milestone we achieve.

“There’s a Wonder Woman inside every one of us,” Let’s unleash her this year — to better support one another.

Thank you Colos wellness Spa for giving us a venue and pampering us with spa treatments this women’s day.

I wish to see more of such events not only on women’s day but on regular days too!

“It’s possible to climb to the top without stomping on each other.”  – Taylor Swift

The post What did you celebrate this women’s day? Was it your mother, your strength, your mentors, sisters, female workmates or your daughters? appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

SATO, providers of smart and affordable sanitary solutions, has unveiled a sustainable solution to improve community sanitation and hygiene.

Poor sanitation and hygiene poses an imminent threat to the health and general well-being of the community. It is linked to transmission of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery and typhoid.

In a bid to address this, SATO has renovated and upgraded the pit latrines at Emmanuel College in Kazo, Kawempe, giving them the functionality of a flush toilet. Pit latrines are breeding grounds for flies, which can carry and transmit diseases.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on Monday, Timothy Kayondo, Country Director SATO noted that proper sanitation and hygiene is critical in keeping the girl child in school.

“Girls often drop out of school because of menstrual issues and hygiene among others. We believe by partnering with schools to enhance their sanitation and hygiene through improving and upgrading the school latrines is one of the ways to encourage girls to stay in school.” Timothy Kayondo said.

According to Timothy Kayondo, putting SATO pans on the latrines helps keep away flies, block the foul smell and also makes it easy to clean them. The pans are placed directly above existing pit latrines and operate much like a trap door, using a counterweight to stay closed except for allowing the passage of waste.

“We plan to encourage other schools that are still using pit latrines to adopt this new solution. Putting a SATO pan is not an expensive venture because you can just retrofit the pan on an existing pit latrine with one SATO pan costing just Ushs 15,000/=.” He added.

Kigumba Paul, the headmaster of Emmanuel College expressed gratitude for the improved and renovated toilets, noting that it will greatly improve sanitation and hygiene around the school.

“We thank SATO for donating improved SATO pans to our pit latrines and also renovating them. We believe this is the way to go for all schools and encourage them to also embrace this initiative.” Paul Kigumba said.

The post SATO introduces sustainable solution to improve community sanitation and hygiene appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Comedian Teacher Mpamire also reffered as Museveni will not hold a show on the same day as Chameleone after he came out to clear the air and he also said he has moved his comedy show. The two, Chameleone and Mpamire were supposed to hold shows on the same date which is May 29th but it won’t happen as Mpamire chose to book June 2nd.

According to Teacher Mpamire, he respects Chameleone as a legend and he wouldn’t want to see him on tenterhooks days to his show contemplating on whether he will pull a big crowd or some will choose to go for his comedy show since they were meant to happen a few metres away from each other. “My show is a comedy show and Chameleone’s is a musical show but you never know someone might instead opt for Comedy instead of music” Teacher Mpamire said.

The show that will take place on the eve of Martyrs day will take place at UMA Multipurpose Hall and will have many other comedians and musicians.

The post I respect Chameleone, Teacher Mpamiire shifts concert date appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Stuart G-Khast

Muna Kampala singer Ykee Benda is not ordinary farmer singer anymore. The singer is said to have added an extra 100M shillings to account according to reliable sources. The father of two recently sealed deal as Prudential insurance ambassador fronting his son Duke of buziga Dante Quain Tugume. As a greatvparent and father, Ykee will start saving with the insurance company for the son as an assurance for a great future and also preach the gospel of the good deeds of the company and why every parent needs to insure their children.

Ykee Benda will today shoot the commercial adverts for billbiards in and around the country as new ambassador.

Congrats to Ykee.

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Mrs. Sarah Walusimbi, the Chairperson Board of Directors at aBi Development handing over a plaque of appreciation to Mr. Collins Apouyo, the Chief of Party at Development Alternatives Incorporation during the annual Stake Holders Forum and 10 Years Celebration.

By Our Reporter

Agricultural Business Initiative Development Limited (aBi), a multi-donor company, devoted to building a competitive, profitable and sustainable agriculture and agribusiness sector in support of equitable wealth creation in Uganda, marked 10 years of existence and unveiled a new 5-year business plan at a colourful stakeholder forum held at Kampala Serena Hotel on Friday.

The forum was presided over by Hon. Matia Kasaijja, the Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development and attended by a cross section of aBi stakeholders including; Development Partners, Government MDAs, aBi Implementing Partners, Financial Institutions, agribusiness private sector and relevant agribusiness advocacy platforms.

While addressing the Forum, Sarah Walusimbi, Chairperson aBi said, “Over the period 2014-18 alone, aBi Development implemented around 130 matching grant projects with a total value of an estimated USh345bn to reach over 600,000 farmers and contribute to increase in employment, household incomes and Agribusiness.”

Walusibi added that, “The thrust going forward will see aBi supporting the introduction of new Fin-Tech enabled methods to broaden and deepen financial services in rural areas to drive financial inclusion.” Further noting that, “aBi Development through its Finance division is now in position to assist a wide range of Financial Institutions (FIs) to reach out and meet the needs of agricultural businesses ranging from additional income generating businesses to the medium sized industries.”

Ms. Walusimbi observed that the targeted outcome for the new strategy is to apply more innovative financing models to strengthen the agribusiness capacity of farmer organisations (FOs) considering that the former strategy of working with FOs and NGOs in order to serve the weaker and less commercially developed value chain actors was not very successful in transforming FOs into competitive players in market systems.

Explaining the transitioning of aBi, Josephine Mukumbya, the Chief Executive Officer, noted that, “As part of the 10-year journey, 2019 saw changes in aBi’s governance aimed at making it stronger, more efficient in its decision-making, and more sustainable. In September, aBi Trust completed its transition to a new vehicle called aBi Development Ltd, a company limited by guarantee leading to the voluntary wind up of the Trust. It also birthed a new Business Plan 2019/23 currently being implemented with support from our development partners and Implementing partners.”

Since inception in 2010, aBi has channeled development funding as matching grants and Business Development Services to agricultural producers and agribusinesses to enhance their management, production, productivity, value addition, income, profitability and employment.

In his remarks, the chief guest, Hon. Kasaija, on behalf of the government commended aBi and all the development partners that have supported aBi since inception and the agricultural sector in general, namely; Governments of Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, USA, Germany, UK and European Union. “Your support towards the operationalization of the existing development cooperation agreement has supported the implementation of the National Development Plans (NDP) and the Uganda Vision 2040. In addition, by aligning your development support to the national development priorities, you are helping in transforming Uganda from a peasantry to a modern and prosperous country.” He said.

Hon. Kasaija highlighted Uganda government’s contribution to the sector. He said that, “Government is financing value chains mainly through interventions at the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant ministries, Operation Wealth Creation, NAADS and Agriculture Credit Facility (ACF) housed in Bank of Uganda,” adding that, “Under the ACF, its uptake by government and partners has steadily increased and this is reflected in portfolio of loans disbursed amounting to UGX 331 Billion, extended to 525 projects across the country, as at March 2019.”

He further emphasized; “There is a need to increase credit access to the sector through a multipronged approach focusing on all financial institutions but with special focus on the lower tier financial institutions, as they operate in close proximity to agricultural value chain actors most constrained by limited institutional capacity and financial resources.”

During the forum, which coincided with the aBi’s 10-year anniversary, Dr. Richard Pelrine, an agricultural expert and Team Leader at GIZ Agricultural Finance Project, Nigeria delivered the keynote address under the theme; Financing Agricultural Value Chains: Balancing Strong Commercial Viability with Clear Development Objectives for Agribusiness.

The panellist were; Dr. Tumubweine Twinemanzi, Executive Director Supervision at Bank of Uganda, Ms. Damali Ssali, Trade Development Expert, Trademark East Africa, Mr. Tineyi Mawocha, Chief Executive Officer at Opportunity Bank Ltd and Mr. Collins Apuoyo, Chief of Party at Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) discussed the theme in depth as panelists.

Agriculture remains the major source of livelihood in Uganda. According to the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2016/17, the bigger proportion of the working population is engaged in agriculture, forestry and fishing (65%). Among the females in the working population, 70% are engaged in agriculture compared to 58% of the males.

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