UN Resident Coordinator's Remarks at Preparatory Meeting for the Launch of the NICE-UG Civic Education Campaign

Mr. Joseph Biribonwa - Chairman, NICE-UG

Mr. Yunus Kakande - PS, Office of the President

Mr. Crispin Kaheru, Executive Secretary, NICE UG

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my profound pleasure to welcome you today and host this preparatory meeting for the launch of NICE-UG civic education campaign. NICE-UG is a presidential initiative, which was launched on 12 March 2019 by the President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Before from October 2018 the initiative had carried out several activities including a mapping of stakeholders and benchmarking visit to Ghana led by the Government Chief Whip and UN Resident Coordinator. The initiative aims to provide a central space for the coordination and harmonization of efforts and interests around civic education by the various relevant actors in Uganda. In addition, the initiative seeks to address challenges in delivering a relevant, inclusive and coordinated national civic education in the country.

As the UN RC and the Patron for NICE Uganda, I am delighted with the progress the initiative has made and its contribution to the people of Uganda despite being in its formative stages. The UN system in Uganda is proud to be part of this initiative and continues to pledge our support to the people and Government of Uganda to achieve their aspirations as espoused in the Constitution and NDP III. By working together, the UN continues to create a catalytic environment for an informed society, socio-economic growth, democracy and justice in the society.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The UN Charter calls on Member States to place people at the epicenter of their efforts to pursue the elimination of poverty and to sustain peace regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity or age. The African philosophy of Obuntubulamu calls on us to recognise our shared humanity and to exercise our rights and responsibilities as good citizens. Obumu-Unity, Obwesimbu-Integrity, Obwerufu-Transparency and Okufaayo-Empathy are core values, which reflect the principles behind the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and are enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution. The Civic initiative and campaign provide an opportunity and a platform for each person of good will in Uganda to contribute towards a progressive society founded on good citizenship and values.

As the political temperatures cool down, I would like to acknowledge the Peace1st Campaign that was implement before, during and after the elections by NICE-UG, the Youth Coalition on SDGs and the UN in Uganda. The campaign was a success and contributed significantly in the awakening of the consciousness of the people of Uganda on their role to peacefully participate in the electoral process. The campaigned also called upon the law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint in conducting their duties and work within the rule of law.

At this point in the electoral cycle, we have an opportunity to reflect on the civic space and how best can the space contribute to a more cohesive country devoid of divisions along our identities. In this regard, I would like to inform you that I have been working closely with the Government of Uganda, members of the private sector and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) Coordinator, General (Rtd) Salim Saleh to fully operationalize NICE-UG. In this regard, I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the contribution from UMC hospitals of UGX 10 Million, OWC UGX 100 Million and a pledge from Stanbic.

The contributions will go a long way in supporting the work of NICE-UG especially as it is in the process of launching the first-ever mindset change campaign called, Uganda: This is Home. This campaign will build on the experiences and lessons learnt during the Peace1st campaign. I would like to thank Alk and Art Media Agency and the Youth Coalition for SDGs for the concept development of which we are here to discuss.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The UN in Uganda will continue supporting the people of Uganda as they seek to attain development, address their challenges, promote the values of Obuntubulamu, and universal principles around human rights. Together we remain committed to reinforce calls peace, justice, tolerance and dialogue across all political levels. The UN Charter calls for the respect of all life and shared journey towards inclusive prosperity. In this regard, we will sustain our support towards the civic campaign, engagements with high-level political decision makers, civil society and members of the security forces.

Further, the UN system in Uganda remains committed to supporting and working with all actors, whether state and non-state through implementing the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021 to 2025 with the view of entrenching peace and the realization of the aspiration of the Constitution of Uganda and the tenets of democracy.

Thank you