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Tag: Frank K Tumwebaze

  • Minister Tumwebaze appoints Dr. Beine as NAGRC&DB Executive Director

    Minister Tumwebaze appoints Dr. Beine as NAGRC&DB Executive Director

    The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze has appointed Dr. Peter Beine as the Executive Director of the National Animal Genetics Resources Centre and DataBank (NAGRC&DB).

    This was upon the recommendation of the NAGRC&DB Board of Directors and in accordance with the legal advice of the Attorney General. This appointment comes with a set of policy and service performance targets the agency must deliver in line with the NDP3 development goals over the next five years.

    Speaking about the appointment, Hon. Tumwebaze emphasized the critical role of stock farms in the improvement of the national livestock herd and the active participation of NAGRC&DB in farmer education and transformation of the sector from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.

    “During my visit of the cattle corridor and in the East, I noted with concern the poor performance of some of our cattle breeds in the community and I have tasked the team to ensure that their outputs are for the betterment of our farmers in the community. This will be achieved through continuous farmer training sessions and community interfaces,” Tumwebaze said

    “The performance targets for NAGRC&DB are already clarified in the Agro-Industrialization Program Implementation Action of the NDP3; the Minister has further given me policy performance targets to deliver in the current medium term. My team’s work is cut out and we pledge to deliver on our contribution towards the transformation of the sector from subsistence agriculture to commercial agriculture,” Dr. Beine said on receiving the news of his appointment.

    Hon. Frank Tumwebaze

    Hon. Tumwebaze  has also set out performance targets for NAGRC&DB leadership under Dr. Beine that include; centrefarms becoming knowledge transfer centres to farmers and general private sector actors, reducing the animal import bill to zero, develop a licensing and regulatory framework for animal breeders which will be used to support, license and regulate private animal breeders, Breed, multiply and avail for uptake at subsidized prices, sufficient numbers of breeding stock on all its center farms and ranches, effective conservation of all indigenous animal genetic resources, produce safe animal feed enough to meet its internal organizational needs and for availing to private farmers for uptake at subsidized prices, roll out of 18 functional hatcheries in each sub-region and also cover the country with animal genetic improvement services such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

    Dr. Beine’s Profile

    Dr. Peter Beine has been the Acting Executive Director at NAGRC&DB for over one year. Previously, Dr Beine was theAssistant Commissioner for Agricultural Planning and Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries of Uganda. He has also worked as a research scientist and manager with NARO and ASARECA and has extensive experience in international agricultural development project management with the World Bank, UNEP/GEF and CABI International. A doctoral graduate of the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom with a PhD in Agricultural Economics with a focus on agricultural production and productivity economics, Dr. Beine also holds a Master’s Degree in Agriculture from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from MakerereUniversity. Dr. Beine gained a lot of ranching experience and livestock development from the sophisticated livestock industries of South Africa, UK and Ireland where he has participated in several international livestock development events. Dr. Beine is an accomplished administrator, Planner, and livestock development Expert with over 15 years of hands-on practice in both private and public sectors.

    Achievements in NAGRC&DB during one year of Acting capacity

    • Unprecedented increase of Non-Tax-Revenue collections from the constant UGX 700M since the start of the agency to UGX 3.88 Billion within just 7 months of change of leadership. This was vital in the wake of fiscal contractions arising out of the COVID 19 pandemic when government suffered severe budget constraints.
    • The government ranches and farms have been revived and are now performing very well. Conservation programs for indigenous local breeds as well as community animal breeding programs are now fully functioning.
    • Significant increase in the number of elite livestock breeding stock bred and multiplied on NAGRC&DB ranches and availed to the public for uptake
    • On account of the turn-around meritorious performance, NAGRC&DB was, in December 2020, voted the best livestock agency in Uganda through a process led by NPA, OPM and H.E The President and Vice President’s Offices.
    • Against the backdrop of his performance, the Board of Directors appraised and unanimously recommended appointment of Dr. Beine as substantive Executive Director for NAGRC&DB on account of meritorious performance.
  • Construction of ICT Innovation Hub at Nakawa kicks off

    Construction of ICT Innovation Hub at Nakawa kicks off

    The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance has today held a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of ICT Innovation Hub at Nakawa Institute of ICT Campus.

    Ground breaking ceremony was presided over by The third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Hajji Ali Kirunda Kivejinja today morning at Nakawa.

    In his speech, the Minster of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Frank Kagyigyi Tumwebaze said he is glad that his Ministry has broken ground for the construction of innovation centre.

    “I am glad that today Wednesday November 8th 2017, my ministry has broken ground for the construction of the ICT Innovation HUB at Nakawa Institute of ICT campus.

    This hub will be constructed by the UPDF engineering brigade at 1/3 the cost what the private contractors would have charged us. The total cost of the hub with all finishes and furnishings will be 5.6 billion and it will be completed within six months. I thank the UPDF engineering brigade for giving us a workable quick solution.

    The Hub will offer free work-spaces to young innovators who can’t afford to hire commercial rental space in town. A process partner to mentor their trials will be put in place to manage the hub and manage the mentorship process. Innovations that go through the whole innovation eco-system and are quality assured will be commissioned to the market. Government will be first in buying and promoting those innovations.

    Every year we shall be putting up a similar hub at every public college/University that offers land.

    Without supporting innovations we can’t create jobs through ICT and our digital transformation as a country will lag behind. Our target as the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance is to close this gap by putting in place a functional Innovation eco-system. I am glad we are steadily progressing and accounting on what we promised,” Frank said.

  • ‘Kibale East overwhelmingly supports removal of age limit’ – Frank K Tumwebaze

    ‘Kibale East overwhelmingly supports removal of age limit’ – Frank K Tumwebaze

    Kibale East in Kamwenge district MP Hon. Frank K Tumwebaze has revealed that his constituents have overwhelmingly supported the removal of age limit to allow President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni rule beyond 2021.

    “Kibale East overwhelmingly supports the removal of Age limits so that people’s power can be supreme through elections,” Frank Tumwebaze tweeted.

    During his day 2 of consultations today, Frank revelaed that people at Bihanga massively supported the removal of age limit.

    “Day 2 of our consultations as Kibale East speaks out on Age limit. Bihanga Sub County joins other Sub Counties to endorse removal of Age limits,” Frank said.

    Meanwhile Tumwebaze has applauded Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA)’s quick response on Kihura-Kahunge Road to do emergence works on the road.

    “Thank you UNRA for responding to our appeal on Kihura-Kahunge road with the emergence works going on as we await contractor for more works,” Frank posted.

  • Frank Tumwebaze among the best dressed MPs

    Frank Tumwebaze among the best dressed MPs

    Kibaale East County in Kamwenge District Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Frank Tumwebaze is among the best dressed Members of Parliament according to Chris Obore, The Director of Communications and Public Affairs at Parliament of Uganda. The former journalist at the Daily Monitor also listed Hon. Elijah Okupa and Hon. Edmond Ariko of Soroti Municipality as the among the best dressed male MPs.

    Hon. Frank Tumwebaze

    However Chris Obore refused to list the best dressed among the female MPs saying he doesn’t want to be misunderstood. Obore made the post on his social media wall. Frank Tumwebaze also doubles as the Minister for ICT and National Guidance.

    Hon. Elijah Okupa

    “Hon Elijah Okupa leads the pack among the ever well dressed MPs. Former director at parliament and now Soroti Municipality MP Herbert Edmond Ariko has continued where Capt Mike Mukula left -always suited appropriately. Frank Tumwebaze is in there. I don’t want to say which female MP leads the pack lest I get misunderstood. You can name them. Life is not about hard stuff all the time,” Chris Obore posted.

    Chris Obore
  • ‘Be Aware of Conmen; report them to Police Immediately’ – Frank K Tumwebaze

    ‘Be Aware of Conmen; report them to Police Immediately’ – Frank K Tumwebaze

    The Minsiter of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Frank Tumwebaze has warned the general public to be aware of conmen using the name of his Ministry to steal from innocent members of the public.

    The Minister said such people should be reported to Police if found to be punished by the law. Below is the minister’s official statement on the issue;

    “I have received reports that some conmen yet to be identified and claiming to be working in my office as my Personal assistants, are calling different youths in diffident districts and inviting them to come to Kampala for onward movement to Kyankwanzi for training. And that they are asking each willing person to pay shs 200,000 purportedly for transport and feeding while in Kyankwanzi. This is false and nothing else but thuggery! I advise any person contacted to immediately alert the Local Police, RDC and DISO.

    Districts where these incidents have so far been reported include Buhweju, Mitooma, Bushenyi and Lira. All security officials (RDCs, Police, DIsos) should be on the lookout for these conmen. Thank you,” Frank Tumwebaze.

  • Cabinet approves the change of practice on clearance of Public Officers to travel abroad

    Cabinet approves the change of practice on clearance of Public Officers to travel abroad

    Cabinet sitting today has approved the change of practice on clearance of public officers to travel abroad among other things. This was confirmed by Cabinet Spokesperson Hon Frank K Tumwebaze.

    Cabinet Sitting Friday 25TH August, 2017 discussed among many other items and made the following decisions:

    Cabinet:

    1. Approved the change of practice on clearance of Public Officers to travel abroad as follows;
    1. That clearance for Ministers, Ministers of State, Specified Officers, Head of Public Service, Deputy Head of Public Service, Permanent Secretaries and Chief Administrative Officers will be the responsibility of the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister.
    1. That clearance for other Public Officers below the position of Permanent Secretaries and Chief Administrative Officers will be the responsibility of the respective Minister.
    Cabinet PRO Frank Tumwebaze

    The Current Practice has been that all travels abroad would be cleared by the RT Hon Prime Minister. The change of practice is premised on the need to reduce the work load of the RT Hon Prime Minister and to enable Ministers to take full charge of the affairs of their ministries and therefore be accountable as Political heads. The measure is also intended to reduce on the cost of travels abroad through rationalization of trips of abroad at any given time.

    1. Approved the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS)

    2017/18 -2021/2022. The strategy will operationalise the Policy on export promotion and coordinate all efforts of different Ministries.

    1. Directed all responsible Ministers to undertake Sectoral budget reprioritization in context of the NEDS implementation with a view to focusing existing resources on implementing the NEDS.

    The Minister of trade will further address the Press next week on Monday to give highlights of this National Export Development strategy.

    Cabinet was chaired by the RT HON Ruhakana Ruhunda, Prime Minister of Uganda

    Frank K Tumwebaze, MP

    Minister of ICT & National Guidance, Cabinet Spokesperson

  • Frank K Tumwebaze marks five years in cabinet, fundraises for the church

    Frank K Tumwebaze marks five years in cabinet, fundraises for the church

    The Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Frank Kagyigyi Tumwebaze yesterday celebrated five years in the cabinet with a thanksgiving service at Bisozi Catholic Parish in Kibaale, Kamwenge district.

    The minister also used the service to fundraise for the completion of the church. Speaker of Parliamnent Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga was the chief guest. Over 50 million in cash and 100m in pledges were raised towards completing the church activities.

    “We had a good day of thanksgiving today at our home church of Bisozi Catholic Parish on the assumption of the Virgin Mary. The RT Hon Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was the chief Guest. Colleague Ministers and Members of Parliament attended and we raised over 50 million in cash and about 100m in pledges as we fundraised towards completing the church activities.I thank you all for coming. God bless Uganda,” Frank Tumwebaze.

    On 15th August is the Day of Assumption of the Virgin Mary..It is an important spiritual day in the Catholic faith. This is the same day (15/8/2012) I was first announced/appointed Minister. I made 5 years in Cabinet today 15th August 2017. My wife and I, joined the Parishioners of our home church Bisozi Catholic Parish, to celebrate this day and also give thanks to God. The thanks-giving mass was led by Bishop Akiiki Muhirwa of Fort Portal Diocese and RT Hon Kadaga Speaker of Parliament was the Chief guest…A number of friends also joined me to thank God.

    I dedicate this day to all my constituents and pray that it gives them good health and good weather. Blessings to you all friends who attended,” Frank Tumwebaze said.

  • There is need to equally analyze and speak against the culture of leaders in Africa who can never concede defeat

    There is need to equally analyze and speak against the culture of leaders in Africa who can never concede defeat

    By Frank K. Tumwebaze

    While many Political Pundits talk much and castigate incumbents that are always reluctant to hand over power, there is need to equally analyze and speak against the culture of those in Africa who can-never concede defeat.

    The George Bush and AlGore dispute is one classic one to learn from. While it was clear that AlGore had very legitimate grievances, at the end of their Florida battle he quickly said; I concede: “What unites us as Americans is much bigger than what divides us.” He put America first and never threatened to mobilize his supporters for Street action and violence. These lessons should be instructive to all of us In the Political class. In an election both sides can’t win.

    Frank K Tumwebaze

    And for democracy to have its true meaning, losers must learn to accept defeat and contend with the sorrow associated with it, hoping that one day they shall emerge victors. Claims of rigging all the time especially at the tail end of the process when a winner has been determined doesn’t make sense. ‪We need to respect our electoral systems even when we lose.

    The fact that an aspirant accepts to participate in a process is evidence enough that he/she approves the integrity of its managers. Making all sorts of unsubstantiated claims therefore at the end to discredit the system is not only contradictory but wrong. You cannot claim all the time that electoral managers are partial yet you continue to participate in the same elections they organize not only once or twice but thrice.

  • Frank Tumwebaze requests Gov’t of China to provide technical assistance to Uganda

    Frank Tumwebaze requests Gov’t of China to provide technical assistance to Uganda

    The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Frank K Tumwebaze on Thursday afternoon met a delegation from International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and The Republic of China led by the ITU Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Andrew Rugege.

    The Chinese delegation included officials from the Chinese Embassy in Kampala, Ministry of ICT and Industry and the China Academy for ICT (CAICT).

    The Minister who was flanked by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire and Directors from Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and NITA-U requested ITU and the Government of China to provide technical assistance to Uganda to build a modern innovation hub at the Uganda Institute of Communications Technology (UICT) and to assist in shaping the country’s digital vision.

    The digital vision includes; going to space, running e-government among others. The discussions will continue until the two can reach a memorandum of understanding. The ITU and Chinese delegation are on a tour of the Eastern African Region discussing with member countries on possible areas of co-operation including; an information superhighway, e-platforms and a proposed regional ICT research and innovation development centre.

  • Frank Tumwebaze tells Parliament on Uganda’s Plans for Outer Space

    Frank Tumwebaze tells Parliament on Uganda’s Plans for Outer Space

    The Minister for ICT and National Guidance Hon Frank K Tumwebaze yesterday made a statement to Parliament on Uganda’s readiness to tap into the potential of space Science in the short, medium and long term. Parliament adopted the statement. Here it’s is;

    STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION RAISED BY HON. CUTHBERT ABIGABA, MP KIBALE COUNTY DURING PRIME MINISTER’S QUESTION TIME ON UGANDA’S PLANS FOR OUTER SPACE

    BY

    HON. FRANK K. TUMWEBAZE

    MINISTER OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

    June 04, 2017

    QUESTION:

    Rt. Hon. Speaker, during the Prime Minister’s question time on 1st February 2017, Hon. Cuthbert Abigaba wanted to know what plans the Government had in place to tap into the vast opportunity provided by the Upper air space and whether there is any policy on this matter and the implementing Agency.

    Subsequently the question was forwarded to my Ministry for appropriate response.

    RESPONSE:

    The Outer Space is where satellites (including the moon) are located and operations in the Outer Space is for the benefit of mankind and not specific to any state. The Ministries of Defence, ICT, Air Transport, etc. have got interests and do benefit from the Projects in the Outer Space. Space science is therefore broad and involves Satellite Communication, weather forecasting and defense systems among others. The component relevant to the Ministry of ICT’s mandate, is satellite communication.

    There is no firm boundary where Outer Space begins. However, the Kármán line, at an altitude of 100 km above sea level, is conventionally used as the start of Outer Space for the purpose of space treaties and aerospace records keeping. The framework for international space law was established by the Outer Space Treaty, which was passed by the United Nations in 1967. This treaty precludes any claims of national sovereignty and permits all states to explore Outer Space freely for peaceful purposes. In 1979, the Moon Treaty made the surfaces of objects such as planets, as well as the orbital space around these bodies, the jurisdiction of the international community. Additional resolutions regarding the peaceful uses of Outer Space have been drafted by the United Nations, but these have not precluded the deployment of weapons into Outer Space, including the live testing of anti-satellite weapons.

    In December, 2014, the African Union organized a Validation Workshop on the African Outer Space Policy and Strategy in Brazzaville-Congo. At continental level, therefore, there are efforts to discuss and evolve relevant policies on the usage of space science. This continental forum is likely to help the AU members understand more on the development of the Policy and Strategy regarding the Outer Space usage.

    Satellite Communication (Geostationary Orbital slots):

    In the management of outer space specific mention should be made of the geostationary orbital slots. The geostationary orbit (approx. 36,000 KMs above sea level) is a geosynchronous orbit which is in the same plane as the equator. This is the orbit where communications satellites are located and makes them perfect repeaters of radio signals because they appear stationary relative to the earth. Each Member of the United Nations (Uganda inclusive) is allocated one orbital slot which it can use or in partnership with other institutions. The governance of these orbital slots is carried out by the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO). Uganda has been an active member of ITSO and I am glad to report to Parliament that last year, Ugandan fielded a candidate, campaigned and won for the position of Director General of ITSO.

    As mentioned above, Uganda being an active member of ITU and ITSO benefits from outer space through satellite broadcasting, telecommunications services (telecom operators and other ISPs use satellite as a primary and alternative route for both backup and emergencies for data and voice communications), metrological services and geo mapping (location of mineral deposits and water basins) among others.

    Government of Uganda through Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) manages and regulates the usage of airspace in as far as Communication services are concerned. This is done though the management of the National table of frequency allocations derived from the International Table of Frequency Allocations under the framework of International Telecommunications Union (ITU) where Uganda is an active member on the Council of Administration. Furthermore, Uganda is allocated orbital slots (with code number UGA 05100) under the ITU Orbital Slots Allocation table for the development of space communication infrastructure e.g. Development and launch of satellites.

    UGANDA’S POLICY AND STRATEGY ON SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

    As a country, we would wish in future to develop and launch communication satellites because it is the most safer and reliable means of communication, though expensive. Currently, we are depending on optic fibre and other outsourced external satellite service providers for connection to other Countries. Optic fibre communication is affordable but prone to Natural and man-made disasters which satellite communication supersedes. The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance is currently developing a digital vision for Uganda as an overall ICT policy framework and it will set digital milestones for each sector of Government. Country aspirations on Satellite development and deployment will be part of this ICT digital framework and its implementation will depend on the Country’s resource envelop.

    Thank you Rt. Hon. Speaker and Members for listening to me

     Frank K. Tumwebaze,MP

    Minister of ICT & National Guidance