Chief Executives urged to lead sustainably for a better future
Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Development, urged CEOs and key industry players to adopt a long-term perspective and take swift action in addressing sustainability challenges.Leaders of Ugandan corporate entities have been urged to take bold steps in leadership, to guide their organisations towards sustainable success. This call was made to Ugandan CEOs and top managers attending the 15th Annual CEO Forum, which was held today at Mestil Hotel and Residences in Kampala.The Forum, held annually, gathers top executives and managers from various corporate entities to develop and exchange strategies for effectively leading their companies while adapting to changes in their operating environment.Held under the theme: Only One Earth -Our Purpose and Mandate, the 15th Forum, called upon top corporate and government leaders to take decisive and innovative action towards a better tomorrow.Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Development, urged CEOs and key industry players to adopt a long-term perspective and take swift action in addressing sustainability challenges. In his address, Ggoobi emphasized the importance of proactive solutions by highlighting the ministry’s commitment to fostering sustainable development across the nation.“Nationally, Uganda’s climate finance needs are estimated at USD 28.1 billion for the period 2023/24 to 2029/30. Uganda remains committed to both global and national sustainability frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have been integrated into the country’s National Development Plans and economic frameworks,” emphasized Ggoobi.On the measures the Ministry of Finance is taking, he said “The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has established a Climate Finance Unit to spearhead the coordination of mobilizing, accessing, spending, and tracking climate and green finance. Crucially, the Ministry has integrated climate change into all fiscal frameworks. Additionally, a National Climate Finance Strategy (2023/24 – 2029/30) has been developed with the goal of “enhancing mobilization, utilization, and tracking of climate finance for Uganda’s inclusive sustainable development and wealth creation”“We also have a National Climate Change Act that mandates climate-responsive budgeting through the mobilization of both domestic and international climate finance. In addition, we now issue certificates of compliance to ensure that all public investments meet sustainability requirements. As a planet, the time to act is now if we are to see positive and sustainable outcomes,” he concludedStephen Mukasa, Country Team Leader, CEO Summit Uganda, urged CEOs, to turn their focus towards comprehensive solutions towards climate change to make a bigger impact.Mukasa said “This year’s forum gives us, as leaders, the chance to really reflect on where we stand with the state of our planet—and take responsibility for it. The good news is, we’re not doing this alone. We’ve brought together some of the sharpest minds from different industries, and that gives us a real shot at making a difference. One of our main goals is to come together, build a solid plan to fight climate change, and make sure our efforts actually leave a lasting impact,” Mukasa emphasized.“Last year, we made a pledge to start incorporating climate-conscious practices into our organizations as a first step. This year, we’re pushing ourselves further. The goal is to come up with a shared approach that we can all use to make a real impact across the industries we represent. By working together and streamlining our efforts, we believe we can slowly but surely start integrating these measures within our organizations. Over time, we hope this will lead to a real shift in how we think about and manage sustainability,” he added.Dorcas Batwala Muhwezi, the General Manager, Customer Experience at MTN Uganda, encouraged other business leaders to step up and take immediate action in addressing climate change as true long-term success depends on embracing sustainability.Muhwezi said, “As business leaders, we must recognize the crucial role the private sector plays in advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles through innovation, investment, and sustainable practices. While we face challenges such as climate change and socioeconomic inequality, there are also significant opportunities for collective action. Urgent steps are needed to tackle challenge like climate change, poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to education and healthcare so we can create a more sustainable and equitable future.”She added, “At MTN, we made a bold pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, setting science-based targets to reduce absolute emissions by 47% by 2030. This is not just a goal, but a commitment we are determined to uphold. In partnership with ATC Uganda, we’ve upgraded over 92% of our cell sites to run on solar power and lithium-ion battery storage, reducing our carbon footprint.”Muhwezi concluded by emphasizing the crucial role leaders play in driving change, stating, “It’s incumbent upon us to ensure that businesses don’t just survive but thrive in ways that protect and preserve the environment for future generations.”This year, the CEO Summit successfully partnered with Centenary Bank, MTN, QCIL, Abi Finance, NBS and National Water and Sewerage Corporation to bring top decision-makers together for a roundtable discussion on strategies to combat climate change.The CEO forum was established to inspire thought-provoking discussions by bringing together business leaders to debate and exchange on the issues affecting the region’s economic development.Relatedhttps://www.pmldaily.com/business/2024/09/chief-executives-urged-to-lead-sustainably-for-a-better-future.html
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum