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The National Economic Empowerment Dialogue ( NEED ), under the leadership of Joseph Kabuleta, has called upon Parliament to transcend regional and tribal prejudices, emphasizing the importance of national cohesion and fair policy formulation.
In a press conference held in Kampala, Moses Matovu, the national spokesperson for NEED, expressed apprehension regarding the escalating tribal rifts within Parliament, particularly in light of recent comments made by Speaker Anitah Annet Among.
Matovu criticized the Speaker’s remarks for fueling disunity and urged MPs to prioritize the welfare of Ugandan citizens and the nation’s economy.
Matovu also raised concerns about the potential dismantling of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), emphasizing the pivotal role of coffee as a major export that sustains numerous families across Uganda.
He cautioned that disbanding the UCDA could have adverse effects on Uganda’s economic resilience.
Ensuring fair treatment across sectors
Highlighting NEED’s “Make Them Poor” initiative, Matovu drew attention to disparities in taxation among key sectors like fishing and sugarcane production, contrasting them with the preferential treatment of resources like gold that benefit only a select few.
He stressed the inclusive nature of coffee as a national asset and rebuked attempts to associate it exclusively with a particular tribe.
NEED called for Speaker Among to retract her recent statements and demonstrate impartiality and unity in her leadership.
The organization emphasized the importance of Parliament crafting policies that serve the collective interests of all Ugandans, devoid of any tribal biases.
Prince Joe Nakibinge Jjuuko, NEED’s National Organising Secretary, placed the current issue in the context of Uganda’s historical challenges, citing instances where tribalism hindered effective governance.
Referring to past calls for federal governance as outlined in the Odoki report, Nakibinge highlighted the neglect certain communities face, symbolized by the recent banana mosaic outbreak.
He urged the government to acknowledge and leverage each region’s distinct resources and potential, advocating for inclusive and equitable development strategies for all Ugandans.
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![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg)