United Nations in Uganda

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Uganda:

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22 October 2020

Join the Conversation. Be the Change.

To mark its 75th anniversary, the United Nations is launching a global conversation on the role of international cooperation in building the future we want.

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11 October 2020

UN Resident Coordinator gives hope to child abuse survivors

The UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Rosa Malango has given hope to dozens of victims of defilement and forced marriages in Amudat, southern Karamoja. She encouraged the survivors to overcome traditional beliefs and culture by embracing education and ensuring they complete school and become future leaders. Malango said there were opportunities for the survivors to make a turnaround and take charge of their own future by staying in school and attaining higher levels of education. She cited an example of her own education challenges in a society that viewed women as incapable of leading but she eluded all the traditions to become a family head as well as a clan head, apart from her international responsibility as the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, an international structure. This was during an impromptu stop to the rescue centre at Alakas Girls Primary School in Amudat town council on Tuesday. Malango is currently in Karamoja on an official visit to monitor the various projects implemented by UN agencies in Karamoja. At Alakas Girls Primary School currently turned into a children’s rescue centre, 26 girls have been rescued from early marriage following alerts from social workers and probation office of the district who have collaborated to rescue victims of child marriage from the community. The girls are given psychosocial support and counselling before they are integrated into the formal education system while those who have never been to school are given skills such as hairdressing and tailoring. Frida Amuron, the Amudat community based development officer said that there were a lot of unreported cases across the district notably in rural areas where information about the rights of a girl child was still scanty. She said all 26 girls were rescued during the recent COVID-19 lockdown after the closure of schools. She encouraged partners to scale up sensitization of communities coupled with punitive punishment under the law. The Amudat Chief Administrative Officer, Wasswa Masokoyi noted that strong cultural norms such as adoration for bride price has made a section of the Pokot to view girls as a source of wealth. He asked UN agencies to collaborate with the probation office, police and other government structures to mobilize the community against child abuse and support girl child education. According to the UBOS report, Amudat has 26.1 percent enrollment which is one of the least in the country. The district has projected 33,000 school-going age children of whom an estimated 8,885 were in school before COVID-19 pandemic. Local authorities have attributed the low enrollment and low literacy levels of 5 percent to traditional views about the girl child. ****** This article was published online by The Independent magazine of Uganda on 16 September 2020 based on report from Uganda Radio Network

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Press Release

06 October 2020

Prime Minister signs Joint Statement of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025

Kampala - The Prime Minister of Uganda, The Right. Honourable, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, signed the Joint Statement of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2021-2025. The UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, H.E. Ms. Rosa Malango signed on behalf of the United Nations System in Uganda, while the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA), Prof. Pamela Mbabazi signed on behalf of NPA. Guided by the United Nations Uganda’s vision of contributing to a transformed inclusive Ugandan Society where people have improved quality of Life and Resilience for Sustainable Development, and building on the successes of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2016-2020, the UNSDCF2021-2025 aims to support the Government to accelerate development and social transformation across Uganda as outlined in Vision 2040 and the third National Development Plan (NDPIII). “The signing of this cooperation framework is another welcome demonstration of the mutually beneficial relationship between the UN system in Uganda and the Government and people of Uganda,” Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda said. “We deeply value the role and contribution made by the UN system in promoting the development agenda of Uganda. We are committed to ensuring that this partnership grows from strength to strength” he added. UN General Assembly Resolution 72/279 on the repositioning of the UN Development System, positions the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework as the single most important UN country planning instrument in support of the 2030 Agenda. The Joint Statement stipulates the Cooperation Framework accountability featuring the UN entities that will support the UNSDCF implementation, the UN Country Team configuration and key highlights of UN entities’ contributions to the UNSDCF. The UNSDCF accountability and signing levels include: 1) The Joint Statement at ministerial and UN Country Team level signed by the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA), UN Resident Coordinator and UN entities and, 2) The Cooperation Framework at State level signed by His Excellency the President on behalf of the Republic of Uganda and the UN Secretary-General’s Representative – by the UN Resident Coordinator. These will be followed by the formulation of the annualized Joint Work Plans aligned to the Program Implementation Plans of NDPIII. Prof. Pamela Mbabazi highlighted the synergies expected between NDP III and the UNSDCF noting that, “the two planning documents bring our work in line and therefore the synchronized start of their implementation will enhance synergies and coordination, transparency and efficiency in the delivery of the both government and UN activities” “I would also like to commend the UN system for adopting a whole-of-UN-system approach to jointly supporting the Government of Uganda towards meeting NDPIII and SDGs targets. The effort and consideration put into ensuring that all the 31 UN agencies promote coherence and mutual accountability cannot go un-recognized. The motivation of delivering as one to achieve common results is also at the heart of the programming principles of the NDPIII,” she added. “Today we are witnessing a critical milestone in the new partnership between the United Nations and the Government and people of Uganda. The Cooperation Framework reinforces the mutual accountability between the UN and the host Government by creating space for the Joint Statement of accountability at Ministerial and UN Country Team level which today will be signed by the Right Honourable Prime Minister, the Chairperson of the National Planning Authority (NPA), UN Resident Coordinator and UN entities. The Joint Statement provides information on the capabilities and contributions of UN entities as well as the UN Country Team configuration,” said Ms. Malango. “I wish to re-affirm the UN’s commitment to working with all stakeholders in supporting the Government towards the achievement of NDP III and SDG targets, and promotion of regional integration, peace and security, by addressing Africa Union Agenda 2063 and East African Vision 2050,” said Ms. Malango.

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15 March 2023

Government and UN Recommit to end Female Genital Mutilation

“With eight years remaining in this decade of action, there is potential to eliminate this harmful practice through sustainable partnerships with men and boys” said Ms. Susan Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda at the commemoration of the International Day of zero tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 2023 in Kampala. Ms. Namondo added that men and boys’ voices and actions can positively change the deeply rooted social and gender norms, to create a safe space for girls and women to realize their rights and potential regarding health, education, income, and equality.” Although the prevalence of female genital mutilation in Uganda is already declining (from 1.4 per cent in 2011 to 0.3 per cent, according to UDHS 2016), progress needs to increase tenfold to meet the global target of elimination by 2030. “We must act quickly, decisively and on many fronts simultaneously,” said Ms. Namondo. Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, Minister of State for Gender and Culture at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social development in Uganda, the chief guest at the event reechoed Ms. Namondo’s message, asking men to partner with the government to end such harmful practices that have negative impacted our women and girls. “The effects of FGM affect even those that have not been mutilated. Ending FGM is a job we must not delegate to others,” said Hon. Mutuuzo. She urged all stakeholders to support the government to establish local radio station in the most affected communities in the eastern part of Uganda so that focused messages on FGM broadcast to the communities. In Uganda, the commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation has been held since 2003 and this year (2023) marks the 10th year of commemorating the International Day following the UN Resolution. “The UN continues to be a trusted partner in efforts geared towards eliminating female genital mutilation and is committed to work with the government to eliminate this harmful practice,” said Ms. Namondo. Since 2008, UNFPA, jointly with UNICEF, have led the largest global programme to accelerate the abandonment of female genital mutilation in 17 countries globally. In Uganda, UNFPA and UNICEF have leveraged funding from the Spotlight Initiative and UN Trust Fund for COVID-19 response to expand the services to women and girls affected by female genital mutilation. Speaking to some of the achievements, Ms. Namondo said: “The UN family together with the Government of Uganda have expanded services for FGM prevention, protection and care for women and girls in the most affected communities in Karamoja region,”. She added that over 35,000 community members have actively participated in making public declarations on FGM abandonment which represents a positive shift in deeply rooted social norms driving the practice of FGM. The Spotlight Initiative and UN Trust Fund for COVID-19 response are Joint UN initiatives that brings together different UN agencies and are both managed by the Resident Coordinator’s Office. These have registered tremendous success in the different parts of Uganda, a testament that the UN family can achieve a lot through joint programmes and funds. The Spotlight Initiative is a global, multi-year partnership between the European Union and the United Nations to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. In Africa, the Spotlight Initiative aims to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence, including harmful practices, and it is currently scaling up existing initiatives on FGM and child marriage across the region. In Uganda, the Initiative is a multi-stakeholder programme implemented by eight UN agencies (UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNDP, UNHCR, IOM and Pulse Lab) and entities, more than 20 government ministries, departments and agencies, six district local governments, and over 30 civil society organizations, the private sector, religious and cultural institutions, and academia in Uganda. It is being implemented in 7 districts of Uganda including Amudat, Arua, Kampala, Kasese, Kitgum, Kyegewa and Tororo. Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation is a critical step towards realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDGs 3 on Good Health and Well-being, 4 on Quality Education, 5 on Gender Equality and 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

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Launch of the 4th phase of UN Joint Programme on FGM

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10 February 2023

Uganda commemorates International Day of Education: Stakeholders call for increased Government investment in Education

“Education is the best investment a country can give its people.” This was the key message delivered in a joint statement made by Dr. Munir Safieldin - Chairperson Education Development Partners Group (EDPG) during the commemoration of the Fifth International Day of Education (IDE) in Uganda celebrated under the theme: ‘To invest in people, prioritize education’. This revelation comes against the backdrop of the country grappling with a significantly high dropout rates among learner in Uganda before they are able to complete a full cycle of education. Building on the global momentum generated by the UN Transforming Education Summit in September 2022, UN Organizations in Uganda led by UNESCO in partnership with the Read to Learn Foundation and Ministry of Education and Sports convened at Makerere University’s, Yusuf Lule Auditorium to celebrate the IDE, on 24th January 2023 with further calls for maintaining strong political mobilization around education and charting the way to translate commitments and global initiatives into action. In attendance at the commemoration were young people across all levels of education, Academia, Civil Society Organizations, Development partners, among others. The Chief Guest at the event was the Minister for Security represented by Mr. Jonathan Kamwana. He highlighted the Government of Uganda’s readiness to repurpose the education sector to support the country’s development visions noting that. “By 2030, every teacher should be a graduate. Education is the engine for development, and the teacher is the engine for education.” He continued to highlight that if the country is to turn around the current challenges affecting the sector, then massive efforts must be put in place to attract the best grades to join the teacher profession. Ms. Rebecca Abeja, a Senior 3 student and a panelist at the event implored the government of Uganda to initiate education interventions right from the communities and grassroot levels before rolling them out into mainstream classrooms in school. “Particular emphasis should be placed on establishing community libraries that focuses on literacy, skilling and economics spearheaded by young people such that they (young people) are equipped with the basic knowledge of literacy and skills to dispense out to other fellow youths.” Ms. Rosie Agoi - Secretary General National Commission for UNESCO presented the Future of Education Report. In her address she emphasized the need to reflect on the kind of education the country currently has vis-à-vis what the country aspires to have. “We need a new social contract for education that can repair past injustices while transforming the future.” She further added that there was an urgent need to rebalance our relationships with one another, with the planet, and with technology so as to realize better education outcomes. Mr. Charles Draecabo – The UNESCO National Projects Coordinator and lead convener of the event while officiating at the commemoration reiterated the global call of the need to reflect on Education as a public good, a human right and a public responsibility underpinning that without inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, countries like Uganda will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children behind. The proceedings of the event were telecasted live on national television with the programming of the half-day event including key note addresses, panel discussions sessions targeting the representatives of the learners from primary and tertiary learning institution, with the discussion revolving around “Prioritizing Education for a Brighter Future” with particular emphasis on education in emergency situations, innovations in education, the role and impact of artificial intelligence; among others. Looking ahead, stakeholders appealed to the policy makers in Uganda to increase on the country’s domestic spending in the field of Education as a way of streamlining service delivery within the sector.

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14 December 2022

“The place with the picture of maize will feed you”

Agnes Tabu adopted five children because she could not stand to see them suffer after they lost their parents during the South Sudanese war. She gave them a home and protected them. But when fresh fighting broke out in 2016, her life and that of her children were in too much danger. When she told them that they had to leave, they asked: “But mom, where are we going?” She told them that they were going on a long journey that would lead them to a place of safety. “No matter what happens on this journey, know that you can always go to a place with the picture of hands. Those hands are a sign of protection. If you do not see the hands, go to a place where there is a picture of maize and they will feed you. Those pictures are for the UN. They will always give you what you need even though I am not with you,” she told them, referring to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the United Nations World Food Programme emblems. With over 1.5 million refugees, Uganda is one of the largest refugee hosting countries in the world. WFP gives food assistance to 1.3 million refugees based in rural areas. Tabu and her children joined their neighbours on a five-day journey to Uganda, where they had to hide in bushes to avoid being seen. Then she realized her five children had disappeared. “Somewhere along the road they separated from me. It was like a dislocation. Like when a part of you breaks and disappears.” But Tabu was certain her children were alive because she had trained them well – exactly for this kind of situation where they might have to survive without her. So, when she arrived in Bidi Bidi she combed the 250 square kilometres that make up the settlement and found out that her children could have settled in Rhino Camp, 100 kilometres way. Tabu scraped together money for her second journey and, six months later, she was in Rhino. It was August, a rainy month, and, as was now their routine, her five children were waiting at the reception centre for new arrivals. “They told me that every day they would wake up and come straight to the centre to wait for me. This was their life every day of the six months we were apart,” Tabu says. With every arrival that was not their mother, hope dimmed. She could have disappeared like many others. Maybe someone would bring the news about how she was slaughtered on the way... This August afternoon was threatening to be yet another day of listless waiting and uncertainty when they heard the voice of their mother – not from the new arrivals as they had anticipated but from among the people already in the settlement. The world stopped. They ran to her. Tears mixed with the rain as they hugged and tried to cover themselves with a small piece of UNHCR blue tarpaulin. “They told me, ‘Mother, we followed the UN signs. The UN saved us.’”

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Agnes Tabu is a refugee from South Sudan in Uganda

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14 December 2022

They may have lost sight, but digital assistive learning technologies have given learners a vision for the future

Habib, 14, and Suzan, 13, may be attending schools 280 kilometres apart, but the two pupils have much in common. They are visually impaired top students at the Primary Six class at Spire Road Primary School in Jinja and St. Bernadette's Model Primary School in Hoima, respectively who have become experts at using assistive device technology provided by the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) with support from UNICEF through the Norwegian Government. Unlike Habib, though, Suzan was born with sight until 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown when she suffered an "allergic reaction" that claimed her eyesight. Even when the schools re-opened, she could not return to her former school because it lacked the necessary infrastructure to support learning for children like her. As a result, Suzan lost yet another year of education. Her mother was recommended to enrol her at St. Bernadette's Model Primary School – a Catholic-founded school in Hoima Municipality that has admitted blind, visually impaired, deaf and hard-of-hearing primary school children since 1920. According to the school's headteacher, Sister Jacinta Komuhangi, Suzan is well on course to score a first grade in the national Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), judging from her stellar performance in the school's termly assessments. Komuhagi credits this turnaround to the support the school has received from UNICEF and MoES, including a consignment of digital inclusion learning materials and gadgets that she says have significantly improved the performance of children with disability. "We have brail machines, orbit readers, blaze ET, victor readers, laptops with text-to-speech enhancements, projectors on which teachers cast audio and video content so that no child is left behind. Those who cannot see can hear, even record the lessons and can playback later using the victor readers," Sister Komuhangi said. St. Bernadette's Model Primary School has an enrolment of 1,351 pupils, 154 of whom are special needs children. The school suffers a vast capacity gap because only five teachers can ably integrate accessible learning materials into their lesson plans and use them to aid the learning of children with disabilities. Back in Jinja, Spire Road Primary School is eyeing Habib and her classmate Arafat, 13, to carry the day in national examinations next year. Not only has the duo's performance increased since the school received assistive device technologies from UNICEF for children with disabilities in 2017, but their confidence in and outside of the classroom grown too. The school headteacher, Agnes Ketrah Amoding, noted that the devices had reduced absenteeism and late coming of learners and boosted the confidence and performance of learners with disabilities. In 2021, the school got four first grades in the PLE examinations, two of which were scored by children with visual impairment. Scaling up Since 2017, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with support from UNICEF through the United Nations Promotion of Right of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) Fund and later the Norwegian Government, has been developing digitally accessible learning materials and supporting learners with disabilities in 20 model schools in Uganda. In conjunction with Kyambogo University and the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), three of the four subjects taught in Primary Schools (P.4 and P.6); Mathematics, English and Science have been transcribed into accessible formats; audio (daisy format), audio-visual (sign language), and large print. The textbooks' pictures have also been graphically enhanced with compatible software to meet the needs of children with low vision, while natural voices have been used as direct narrations to translate images for blind children. According to Sarah Bugosi Kiboli, the Commissioner for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, at least three teachers from each of the 20 schools, including the headteachers, were trained to use digital tools to improve the learning experience of special needs children. The Ministry has also developed a teacher's guide on assistive technology from which the trained teachers can train their colleagues locally on the use, maintenance, and storage of digital assistive devices. "Uganda is now developing the National Inclusive Education Policy in which digital devices for inclusivity and adaptation of materials for all subjects have been prioritised to increase equity and quality education for all learners with sensory impairments," Bugosi said. The Commissioner further intimated that the Ministry has already rolled out a similar initiative targeting secondary schools under the Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project that capitalises on the gains and lessons learnt from implementing this initiative in primary schools. According to the National Council for Disability, about 2.5 million children in Uganda live with one form of disability, yet less than 250,000 access some form of education.

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Blind learners playback a recording of the day's lesson on their Victor readers

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12 August 2022

New bridge increases access to humanitarian assistance, social and protection services for refugees

Northern settlements in particular have a unique set of challenges that are diﬀerent from other regions in Uganda, as it has absorbed the largest portion of refugees after the clashes in Juba, South Sudan in July 2016. The newly commissioned bridge will improve travel time in delivery of services in refugee hosting zones as well as enhance road transport capacity. Nyara Bridge will connect the Ofua Zone in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement to Omugo Zone in the Rhino Camp Extension Settlement. Beneﬁciaries include refugees in the Rhino Camp Settlement, the Rhino Camp Extension and the surrounding host communities. The bridge was handed over on the 29th of July 2022 with representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees and representatives from Arua and Terego local governments. Since 2019, UNOPS has been implementing the 'Nyara Bridge Construction Project' in Terego District, with $2.4 million in funding from the Government of Japan and the Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda. The 48m span Nyara bridge is designed to link the Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement Ofua Zone and the Rhino Camp Extension Omugo Zone in Terego, Uganda. Previously, the river was impassable when the water levels rose during the rainy season. Host communities, refugees, humanitarian actors and development partners in these settlements had to travel 54 kilometres to access each zone. The bridge will improve the eﬃciency of humanitarian assistance and increase access to social and protection services by reducing travel time from 80 minutes to less than 15 minutes and reducing the travel distance from 54 kilometres to 10 kilometres. Nyara bridge was constructed by a local contractor “Dynaco Limited” and the project was commended for promoting the local construction industry development, which is in line with the government policy of Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU). By enhancing road transport capacity between Omugo Zone and Ofua Zone in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, the project will improve access to more business opportunities and livelihood activities, help grow local economies in host communities and increase the long-term self-reliance of refugees. Approximately 157,000 refugees and more than 67,000 people in host communities will beneﬁt from the newly constructed bridge. The bridge will enable the promotion of peaceful coexistence by connecting diﬀerent peoples, beliefs and cultures. In coordination with the Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda, UNOPS also carried out an 8-day technical training session with Engineers from ﬁve districts (Arua, Koboko, Madi-Okollo, Maracha and Terego) on bridge inspection, operations and maintenance. Technical capabilities of operations and maintenance are essential to maintain the good condition of the bridge and the technical knowledge will be vital for future bridge construction projects. “The Nyara Bridge will play a role as a holistic path of local integration and a promotion of peaceful coexistence of refugees and host communities,” said Ambassador of Japan to Uganda His Excellency Fukuzawa Hidemoto. “The entire West Nile region is expected to beneﬁt from the construction of this bridge,” said Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda (MoWT) Mr. Bageya Waiswa. UNOPS Director for East and Southern Africa Mr. Rainer Frauenfeld said,"it is our sincere hope that the bridge will address access issues, especially during the rainy season, as well as support local integration of communities using the bridge.”

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Press Release

10 May 2022

Government and the United Nations meet to discuss UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework

The Joint Government - United Nations Steering Committee of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework in Uganda (2021-2025) met to discuss the implementation and the Results Report for 2021 of the UN Cooperation Framework. The meeting took place on 5 May 2022, at the Office of the President Conference Hall in Kampala and was Chaired by the Right Hon. Robinnah Nabbanja, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda. The meeting was attended by government officials, donor community, international organizations, private sector, academia and civil society organisatons. In her opening remarks, the Prime Minster thanked the United Nations team for the support, commitment and effort put into coordinating the implementation of the Cooperation Framework and urged government Ministries, Departments and Agencies to continue supporting this partnership. The Cooperation Framework is implemented by the United Nations in collaboration with relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies and has three strategic priorities; Transformative and Inclusive Governance; Shared Prosperity in a Healthy Environment and Human Well-Being and Resilience. “As government, we remain committed to take any corrective measures necessary for the achievement of the UN Cooperation Framework objectives,” said the Prime Minster. She emphasized the need for timely reporting and accountability for both resources spent and tangible results from all projects and programmess supported. The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework is the most important instrument for planning and implementation of the UN development activities at country level in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda). The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Susan Namondo appreciated the strong collaboration with the government of Uganda, the donor community, international organisations, private sector, academia and civil society organisatons for their support in achieving the outcomes of the Cooperation Framework and advancing, mainstreaming, localisation and financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030. Since the formulation of the Cooperation Framework, the context that we live in Uganda has significantly changed due to unforeseen development challenges notably the COVID-19 pandemic. This called for innovative ways of doing things. The meeting endorsed the following recommendations. Increased investment for enhanced capacity to produce and use statistics at national and sub national levels Support localization, mainstreaming and integration of SDG indicators and Voluntary National Review (VNR), Citizen Generated Data (CGD) Strengthen mechanisms for implementation and monitoring of labour export policy and regulations to protect the rights of workers and employers Increase investment for research and technology focusing on disaster and climate change mitigation, response, and management In September 2020, President Yoweri Museveni launched the Cooperation Framework for Uganda. In line with UN Reform, the Cooperation Framework was formulated through a highly consultative process over several months from 2019 to 2020 involving representative from Government, United Nations and non-state actors, including the private sector, academia, religious and cultural institutions, civil society including women, youth, and organizations representing persons with disabilities.

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Press Release

21 April 2021

Japan contributes US$ 9.8 million to support efforts towards refugees and host communities, border security as well as COVID-19 response in Uganda

KAMPALA, The Government of Japan in March committed approximately US$ 9.8 million to support refugees and host communities as well as border security, with a strong focus on mitigating the COVID-19 impacts, over a period of one year from April 2021 to March 2022. The support has been channeled through the United Nations and International Organizations: the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the empowerment of Women (UN Women), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). “Japan recognizes that the humanitarian situation in refugee-hosting areas is devastating, especially under the spread of the COVID-19. Therefore, the 2021’s contribution has been made with a specific focus on mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 to the vulnerable population, including refugees, host community members, women and children in Uganda. Acknowledging Uganda’s generous progressive refugee policy and needs for humanitarian–development supports, the Government of Japan is determined to continue to support Uganda’s solidarity with refugees and host communities,” said Ambassador Fukuzawa. Honourable Hilary Onek, Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, who attended the press conference said, “On behalf of the Government of Uganda I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Japan through the Ambassador of Japan in Uganda for the generosity exhibited towards the refugee community.The Government of Uganda commends the Government of Japan for their tireless efforts and support to Uganda, indeed Japan will always remain a true partner to Uganda. I am here to emphasize to the world Uganda’s generosity despite the scarcity of resources and to retaliate Uganda’s open door policy. Uganda, as a country, holds a special place on the world stage when it comes to refugees. ” Speaking on behalf of the UN system in Uganda, H.E. Rosa Malango, the UN Resident Coordinator, said, “I would like to applaud the government and people of Japan for this valuable contribution to the global efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to the advancement of the human security in Uganda.” Present at the press conference were representatives of the involved UN agencies: Mr. Joel Boutroue (UNHCR Uganda Representative); Mr. Alain Sibenaler (UNFPA Uganda Representative); Dr. Munir Safieldin (UNICEF Uganda Representative); Ms. Sheila Ngatia (UNDP Uganda Deputy Resident Representative); Ms. Adekemi Ndieli (UN Women Uganda Deputy Country Representative); Mr. Robert Ackatia-Armah (WFP Uganda Head of Food Systems & Nutrition); Mr. Olivier Balagizi (IOM Uganda IBM Project Officer); and Mr. Jason Yauney (IFPRI Uganda, Country Representative). The assistance has been provided to help meet the objectives the Global Compact on Refugees (GRC) through the implementation of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) in Uganda, a whole-of-society approach which, under the Government’s leadership, rallies support among a wide range of stakeholders including UN agencies, International Financial Institutions, development and humanitarian partners and the private sector to improve delivery of services for refugees and the communities hosting them. Uganda is the largest refugee hosting country in Africa with more than 1.45 million refugees and asylum-seekers, including 83 percent women and children. Majority of the refugees and asylum seekers in Uganda originate from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. Uganda’s refugee laws and policies are among the most progressive in the world. Refugees and asylum seekers are entitled to work, have freedom of movement and can access social services. UNHCR Has received US$2,500,000 towards the provision of minimum health care package in Bidibidi refugee settlement, protection services in several settlements in northern Uganda and promotion of livelihood opportunities for refugee and host communities through UNHCR-JICA cooperation on rice promotion in Rwamwanja, Rhino Camp and Adjumani settlements. The project is implemented within the context of the CRRF. The fund specifically supports the continuation and expansion of UNHCR-JICA cooperation on rice promotion and farming for refugees and their hosts; access to primary health care for over 232,000 refugee and host communities in Bidibidi as well as preparedness and response for outbreak of epidemics; community-based protection interventions to improve prevention and response to gender-based violence, child protection and mental health and psychosocial support. UNFPA Has received US $1,515,918 to increase availability and utilization of integrated sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender based violence (GBV) services among refugees and host communities in target refugee hosting districts in South-Western and Northern Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic. UNFPA will support the strengthening of the functionality of Health Centers IVs in refugee hosting districts and support community demand creation to reduce maternal mortality among refugees and host communities. In addition, survivors of GBV will be provided with preventive prophylaxis, treatment and referrals for psychosocial support and information, and community mechanisms for early identification of SGBV victims, referral pathways and psychosocial support systems will be strengthened. The refugee response part of the project will be implemented in the refugee hosting districts of Isingiro, Kamwenge, Kyegegwa, Kikuube and Lamwo. UN Women Has received US $ 1,154,817 to empower over 4,000 women and girl refugees and hosts (direct) and 8,000 (indirect) to mitigate the impact of multiple crises on their livelihoods, protect themselves from exposure to gender-based violence, and participate in decision-making processes within their communities in 3 refugee hosting districts of Adjumani, Yumbe and Terego. The proposed project builds on UN Women’s experience and achievement in promoting the resilience, self-reliance, leadership, and protection of refugee women achieved in the last four years in Uganda’s refugee hosting districts. Key strategies will involve support to women farmers to engage in Climate Smart Agriculture; women and youth increased access to second chance education livelihood initiatives; access to ICT facilities and equipment, digitalised Village Savings and Loan Associations and cash for work opportunities. Transformational leadership skills, legal aid, psychosocial support as well as positive gender norms will be promoted in support of women's leadership and protection from violence. UNICEF Has received US$1,146,981 for emergency assistance for the prevention of further spread of COVID-19 Infection. With the funds received, UNICEF will play a key role in the COVID-19 health response, including risk communication action in 3 refugee hosting districts and the COVID-19 high-risk districts of Karamoja sub-region including: Isingiro, Kikuube, Kyegegwa, Abim, Amudat, Kaabong, Karenga, Napak, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, Moroto and Kotido. In addition, UNICEF aims to improve the nutrition status of children and mothers in the districts of: Abim, Amudat, Kaabong, Karenga, Napak, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, Moroto and Kotido. UNICEF will also undertake key WASH interventions in Kikuube and Kamwenge Districts. Finally, UNICEF will support emergency preparedness and response capacity building of Disaster Management committees in Koboko, Obongi, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Karenga, and Nakapiripirit districts. WFP Has received US$1,000,000 to introduce a programme that will improve access to nutritious food among refugees and Ugandans in host communities. WFP will provide fresh-food vouchers to cover critical food needs of pregnant and nursing women and children aged 6-23 months while promoting social behavioural change. In addition, the organization will provide seed vouchers to promote the production of fast-maturing nutritious foods. WFP will stimulate demand for nutritious foods while causing households to produce and consume more high-value crops throughout the value chain. UNDP Has received US$880,000 to support and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on household food security and environmental restoration. This proposed project will bridge the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus by providing green livelihoods options for resilience-building for refugees and host communities with a focus on women and youth. This will include vocational skills-building, MSME development and access to finance, clean energy solutions to provide energy access to health facilities to selected refugee hosting districts, while providing peace education for peaceful co-existence between refugee and host communities. IOM Has received US$ 375,000 to contribute to strengthening border management to mitigate risk of terrorism from land and maritime borders in the context of COVID-19 in Uganda. IOM is working with the Ministry of Internal Affairs through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control (DCIC), and other relevant partners, to improve capacity and preparedness of border management agencies to identify and respond to terrorist groups at ports of entry through provision of specialized trainings and development of inter-agency data sharing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), as well as enhancement of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks by the provision of maritime security counterterrorism response equipment to DCIC. IFPRI Has received US$1,224,290 to vitalize rural livelihoods in the northern region that is hosting a large influx of refugees by introducing a program, SHEP promoted by Japan, that aims to improve the market profitability of horticulture and thus increase incomes and employment for small farmers. In collaboration with Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), the intervention adopts an innovative method of training local farmers under the concept of “produce strategically to sell.” The project will contribute to stabilizing and boosting farm incomes in vulnerable, refugee-hosting communities and will build resilience of local livelihoods to COVID-19. For more information please contact: Embassy of Japan in Uganda Office of the Prime Minister Mizuki Watanabe Pheona Bukaayi Coordinator for Economic Cooperation Personal Assistant to the Minister Tel: +256 788 283 561 Tel: +256 787 687 746 Email: mizuki.watanabe-2@mofa.go.jp Email : bukaayiphoeona@gmail.com UN Resident Coordinator Office UNDP Uganda Michael Wangusa Michael Mubangizi Communication Officer Communications Analyst Tel: + 256 771 005 988 Tel: +256 772 147 564 Email: michael.wangusa@un.org Email : michael.mubangizi@undp.org IOM Uganda UNHCR Uganda Richard M Kavuma Rocco Nuri Public Information Officer Senior External Relations Officer Tel: +256 772 709 917 Tel: +256 775 827 388 Email : rmkavuma@iom.int Email: nuri@unhcr.org UNICEF Uganda UNFPA Uganda Catherine Ntabadde Prossy Jonker Nakanjako Communication Specialist Communications Specialist Tel: +256 772 147 111 Tel: +256 417 744 540 Email : cntabadde@unicef.org Email: nakanjako@unfpa.org UN Women Uganda WFP Uganda Claire Hawkins Lydia Wamala Program Specialist, Women, Peace, Security Title: Communications Officer and Humanitarian Action Tel: +256 772 287 034 Tel: +256 785289292 Email: lydia.wamala@wfp.org Email: claire.hawkins@unwomen.org IFPRI Uganda Jason Yauney Country Representative/Head of Office Tel: +256 772 328 045 Email: j.yauney@cgiar.org

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Press Release

18 March 2021

United Nations Uganda and Equity Bank Uganda establish new partnerships for acceleration of attainment of the SDGs

The United Nations system in Uganda and Equity Bank Uganda have established new partnerships for acceleration of the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country. The new partnership will promote social inclusion and improve economic outcomes for human development as well as contribute to the social economic transformation of Uganda. Additionally, the UN-Equity Bank Joint Programme on “Enhancing Social Impact through SDGs” will focus on Financial Inclusion, Innovation and Shared Prosperity; and Institutional Partnerships, Governance and Shared Leadership. The collaboration commenced at a meeting between the leadership of the UN system in Uganda led by UN Resident Coordinator and Designated Official for Security H.E. Rosa Malango and the leadership of Equity Group Uganda, Equity Group Foundation, and Equity Group Holdngs led by Equity Group MD and CEO Dr. James Mwangi. Equity Group Holdings Plc whose purpose is to transform lives, give dignity and expand opportunities for wealth creation continues to play a leading role in contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda on the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its regional banking subsidiaries Equity is already collaborating with UN agencies in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and in other footprint countries and aims to enhance this partnership in new areas to contribute to the acceleration of the achievement of the SDGs. Commenting during the signing of the partnership, Dr. James Mwangi said, “As Equity Group we are committed to not only grow with our customers but also to empower them socially and economically by availing opportunities and solutions that cater for their diverse needs. As a Pan-African bank whose purpose is to transform lives and livelihoods, we are excited to scale up our initiatives in partnership with the UN by supporting the growth and recovery of MSMEs during and post the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting women and youth entrepreneurs to scale their skills and businesses and by providing financial inclusion for the most vulnerable populations including the refugee communities.” The United Nations system in Uganda is comprised of 29 entities that are implementing the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, 2021 – 2025) focusing on transformative and inclusive governance; shared prosperity in a healthy environment; and human well-being and resilience, in support of the third National Development Plan (NDP III), Vision 2040, the East African Vision 2050, African Union Vision 2063 and the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. The SDGs, adopted in 2015 by all United Nations member states of the UN General Assembly, were designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all". They are intended to be achieved by the year 2030. The SDGs have the ambitious goal to guide the sustainable development of the planet, embracing its economic, social, and environmental dimensions, in a balanced way to spearhead societies towards a sustainable and equitable future. “While the UN remains steadfast in supporting Uganda’s development aspirations especially during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the needs are still enormous and call for strengthened partnership with other actors,” said Ms. Malango. “I welcome Equity Uganda’s commitment to join efforts with the United Nations in providing solutions to critical challenges, including inclusive financing for youth and women led Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and unlocking the potential of digital technologies to support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.” About United Nations Uganda The United Nations Uganda Vision 2030 is ‘A Transformed inclusive Ugandan Society where People have Improved Quality of Life and Resilience for Sustainable Development. This vision is attained through implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2021-2025). Focusing on three Strategic Priorities: 1) Transformative and Inclusive Governance, 2) Shared Prosperity in a Healthy Environment, and 3) Human Well-being and Resilience. The Cooperation Framework is implemented by the Heads of UN in entities investing in Uganda supported by over 3,000 UN personnel. The Cooperation Framework provides a platform for mutual accountability for the implementation of SDGs in Uganda as a pathway to bring the national vision of becoming a prosperous & modern society to life. The UN in Uganda has several joint initiatives to promote innovation, inclusiveness, climate action, creating enabling policy framework and establish strategic partnerships with the people and partners of Uganda. The UN Emergency Appeal for COVID19 and its implications; the UN socio-economic analysis; Fast Track initiative on HIV/AIDS; and the upcoming 1 Million SDG Solutions by Youth in Uganda Innovation Challenge are a few examples. There are over 3000 UN personnel in Uganda in 4 regional hubs, with 25 district presences, nationwide coverage. Website Links https://uganda.un.org/ About Equity Bank Uganda Equity Bank Uganda began its operations in 2008 and is registered as a commercial bank through the Bank of Uganda. The Bank has its Head Office located in Kampala, with a network of 44 branches, 4,277 Equiduuka agents, 5,845 merchants and 46 ATMs spread across the country and serving over one million customers. Equity Bank Uganda is a wholly owned subsidiary of Equity Group Holdings Plc, a financial services company listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Uganda Securities Exchange, and Rwanda Stock Exchange. In addition to Equity Bank Uganda, the Group has banking subsidiaries in, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, DRC, South Sudan, and a Commercial Representative Office in Ethiopia; with additional non-banking subsidiaries engaged in the provision of investment banking, custodial, insurance agency, philanthropy, consulting, and infrastructure services. Equity Group Holdings (EGHL) is a Pan-African financial services holding company listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Uganda Securities Exchange, and Rwanda Stock Exchange. The organization is Kenya’s first trillion-shilling balance sheet bank. The Group has banking subsidiaries in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and DRC and a representative office in Ethiopia. It has other subsidiaries in investment banking, insurance, telecom, fintech and social impact investments. Equity Group has an asset base of over USD $10 billion. With over 14.2 million customers, the Group is one of the biggest banks in customer base in the region. Since 2008, the Group’s corporate foundation, Equity Group Foundation (EGF), has delivered humanitarian programs in Education and Leadership, Food and Agriculture, Social Protection, Health, Energy and the Environment, Enterprise Development and Financial Inclusion to millions of Africans. EGF has a networked health care provider, Equity Afia which has been supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. Website Links https://equitygroupholdings.com/ug/ https://equitygroupfoundation.com/ For further information, please contact: - Michael Wangusa United Nations Uganda T: 0771005988 E: michael.wangusa@un.org Camilla Mindru Equity Uganda T: 0774 582 961 E: Camilla.Mindru@equitybank.co.ug

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Press Release

07 March 2021

West Nile embraces Agri-LED approach to Sustainable Development

West Nile political, civil society and private sector leaders yesterday embraced the Agri-LED approach to sustainable development during the West Nile Development Association (WENDA) Annual General Meeting at Muni University, in Arua City. The United Nations Resident Coordinator, H.E. Rosa Malango was the Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address on the theme "Building Sustainable Peace and Development through Agro- Industrialisation in West Nile: Lessons from Rwenzori and Beyond." The Agro-industrialisation for Local Economic Development (Agri-LED), which is a transformative Presidential Initiative, is an innovative approach to realizing people's aspirations at the local level by focusing on local evidence and prioritizing value-chains based on natural resources. The meeting was attended the First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Gen. Moses Ali; Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Hon. Grace Kwiyucwinyi, Minister of State for Energy, Hon. Simon D'Ujanga. Vice Chancellor of Muni University, Prof. Christine Dranzoa; WENDA Executive Director, Mr. Moses Akuma Odims; Members of Parliament from West Nile; and UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Head of Office in Uganda, Dr. Dmitry Pozhidaev. “The 15 districts of West Nile are more united than ever before and we are on course to achieve sustainable development,” said Gen. Ali. While Hon. D’ Ujanga revealed that West Nile would soon be connected to the national electricity grid and that electricity lines were already being connected in the region. Led by Muni University, the findings and recommendations of the research on the social economic challenges in West Nile conducted by WENDA revealed that only 30% of the arable land in West Nile is under productive use and crop yields are below the national average. The study recommended opening up and productively using the arable land through the one-acre model approach, the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers as well as mechanization. The study also recommended value addition through cooperative arrangements in the region. In her keynote address Ms. Malango explained the Agri-LED initiative in Rwenzori region as a joint effort by Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and the National Planning Authority (NPA), with whom the UN has collaborated to demonstrate the investment potential of Rwenzori region including the Rwenzori Investment Expo which was held in Fort Portal in January last year where over 200 local businesses and innovations were profiled in seven priority areas. She noted that participants included international delegations from Chine, Lebanon, Germany, Belgium, Kenya, DRC, Tanzania and South Sudan while five business deals were signed. The Expo was opened by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni and attended by over 3,000 participants from 21 districts. Following the Expo, her office together with OWC, UIA and NPA published the Rwenzori Exhibitors' profiles as part of evidence generation, the first ever consolidated publication on the 194 businesses which exhibited at the Rwenzori expo. In addition, Rwenzori investment profiles were produced in five priority sectors: Agriculture; Infrastructure and services: Tourism: Human Capital Development (education and health); and Extractives and Minerals. Promotional videos of the Rwenzori Investment Profiles were also prepared and can be accessed at www.uganda.un.org and www.ugandainvest.go.ug Ms. Malango also provided an overview of UN footprint and investments in the region in support of humanitarian and development, and reiterated the UN commitment to support implementation of SDGs in the region including through Agri-LED. Ms. Malango welcomed the baseline created through the research by WENDA and recommended prioritization by focusing on 4-5 key economic areas that can kick-start rural economic growth and leverage investment informed by relevant value chains; creating a local enabling environment to attract local and foreign investments into the region by ensuring accountability from parish to District to city and regional levels; ensuring a clear division of labour from the parish to national level to help farmers enhance value addition, create jobs, increase exports, and access to markets; and streamline financing by establishing a Consolidated Inter-Governmental Pooled Fund as a financing instrument for National Vision 2040 and SDGs. She also recommended the establishment of a regional partnership network to monitor progress, encouraged National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda (NICE-UG) to support the development of civic education program to support mind set change in the region and suggested a strategic discussion including the Government and the UN to ensure the recommendations were feasible in the current global economic environment. She strongly encouraged leaders to factor in the strategic location of West Nile in order to benefit from markets in the Democratic Republic of Congo (newest member of the East African Community) and South Sudan. Ms. Malango also encouraged WENDA members to leverage existing investments in industrial parks already made across the country including the newly established park in Kasese and invited participants to assess modalities to improve post-harvest handling and transport for value-addition purposes. The meeting appreciated the lessons from the Agri-LED approach in the Rwenzori region and committed to follow the best practices including the involvement of the private sector in their sustainable development plans including maximizing the potential of tourism and establishing an annual expo on opportunities in West Nile. For further information simon.nsereko@un.org michael.wangusa@un.org

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Press Release

04 March 2021

Uganda’s Sustainable Development Goals Data Platform goes live

Uganda now has a national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) data and metadata platform, which enables anyone to obtain information on the SDGs in Uganda online at https://uganda.opendataforafrica.org/sdg The Open Data Platform (ODP) acts as a data warehouse for Uganda’s statistical data and metadata for SDGs, and provides dashboards and visualisations to users, as well as data downloads in a variety of formats, useful for both the public interested in a high-level overview of how Uganda is progressing towards the SDGs and policy analysts and researchers who may want to explore the data in more detail. Uganda is one of twenty countries across Africa and Asia participating in the UNSD-DFID project, which is led by the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and funded by the UK Department for International Development. The overall objective of the project is to make Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) data open and available to the widest possible audience. The project aims to improve the availability of data on nationally aligned SDG indicators and making them more accessible through national data and metadata platforms for dissemination. ODP is a cloud-based dissemination platform developed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and is available to all African countries. UNSD and AfDB worked with Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and the SDG Secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister to develop the platform, with support from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Uganda. UBOS is the chair of the Data Technical Working Group within the National SDG Coordination Framework. The ODP platform currently contains data for 40 global SDG indicators and allows the user to browse through some initial visualisations and view the global metadata for each indicator and download data for further use. Other developments foreseen include the addition of further data, including extended time series for the global indicators and the addition of national SDG indicators, as well as the addition of national metadata for the indicators. As part of this process, UNSD and AfDB will be providing in-depth training to UBOS and other stakeholders so that they can take full ownership of maintaining and updating the platform and dashboards. For Further information Uganda Bureau of Statistics UN Resident Coordinator’s Office SDG Secretariat molly.acan@ubos.org michael.wangusa@un.org bpascal17711@gmail.com

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