Reconcile with conscience.

After an intense week of erudition on issues of Governance across our Continent, (we appreciated the African Charter on Democracy, Election and Governance throughout the week, we continue to…) I think there is something beyond the Charter provisions that needs serious fixing. I don’t refute the fact that there’s some good happening around us. It’s surely an element worth acknowledgement. But what happened to men and women using their “unreasonableness” and mindfulness to save humanity?

In the past, transformational men and women stood up against injustices to the choke-full. They were “unreasonable” enough to understand the historical mission of their generation. Are “unreasonable” people extinct; people that inspired TRUE oneness within and across societies? But here we are with good provisions of the law that are hardly implemented!

Humanity, to me is oneness of all, oneness of creed and oneness in each of our standing. But do we notice how we continue to grow in self-focus and individual gratification? Do we all notice how there is a strange intensification of our representatives who are DEALERS instead of LEADERS? They are DEALERS because they are less concerned with the welfare of nationals!

Yet more disturbing is how each one of us follows the example of the “DEALERS” without even knowing! Haven’t we closed people out(in so many ways.) Have we not refused to make society’s needs or concerns our business? Do we not “transact” from that which we will benefit?

The AU agenda( on good governance, democracy…) is impossible without these vital senses;

1. Sense of Duty

2. Sense of Commitment

3. Sense of Sacrifice

4. Sense of goodwill and humanity

The only way to regain these vital senses is by us all reconciling with our conscious.

A Government That Prioritizes Concerns Of Her Citizens

(FROM LEFT:) Executive Director SEATINI, Karagwa and Osekeny

Many developing countries have the copy and paste tendency. Here, they only observe from their developed counterparts and apply into their own systems. Many times without a single modification or study of the very situations that we citizens want changed or worked upon.

A colleague and I were privileged to attend the Stakeholders’ Policy Dialogue, on “Rethinking Tax Incentives as a tool for attracting Investment in Uganda,” at Hotel Africana, on the 1st of August, 2017. This was organised and Sponsored by Southern and Eastern African Trade Information and Negotiation Institute (SEATINI), Oxfam and Tax Justice Uganda. We listened to several representatives from the government; Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Uganda Manufactures’ Association (UMA) and Ministry of Finance among others.

One panelist commented that the government has not done her part of the job as required. But most panelists rose to defend the position of government. The commissioner Tax Policy at Ministry of Finance said that the government is here for citizens and not any other person. Most people in the room were burning with questions. I for one couldn’t wait for the discussion to be open to the audience. Considering the patriots we are, we had important points to put across. Borrowing the Commissioner’s words, “…government here for us; citizens…” I wondered why the same government has continued to exempt many foreign investors from paying tax unlike the local business men and women in Uganda. Since taxation is one way Government increases her revenue, I strongly suggest that the investors who are “richer” than locals should be taxed more. Locals in Uganda should enjoy tax incentives more than foreigners so that their businesses are allowed to grow. How will the economy grow if many businesses are not registered due to fear of taxation? And we know the heavy benefits that would come with registering a business. Don’t we? Why should we be run by unrealistic tax policies? Why can’t the government that is “…here for citizens…” put away whatever doesn’t work for us? Why can’t the government that prioritizes the interest of her citizens do away with unrealistic policies that don’t even originate in Africa? According to research by African Policy Centre, (APC) a think tank that I subscribe to, 73% of the policies here in Uganda and Africa at large don’t originate in Africa and where they do, the formulators did not study in Africa. Despite this, most governments in Africa will still say that their youth are incapacitated due to lack skills and are therefore incompetent for most of the jobs available. The same governments will not do anything to equip their youth. And a government like ours will still claim that it’s here for citizens! The ranting could go on and on., but what’s good in a government that is blind to the many concerns or needs and desires of her people?

I couldn’t agree more with the Executive Director of SEATINI when he raised a serious point on first considerations of foreign investors to any given state and Uganda in particular. He said, “Investors that come to Uganda are only here because of infrastructure, raw materials and good business environment. None of them considers the tax incentives the government has to offer.’ The government’s defense on this was that foreign investors ask for a motivation to stay and invest in the country. With such a defense, my question is, “Why would the government run into motivating foreigners while we locals lack the slightest of motivation?” In attempt to enjoy the good tax policies for foreign investors, locals have resorted to Round Tripping; where they disguise as foreigners (1). Why should we get to such an extreme?

David Tusiime, a research consultant said that companies that a given incentives contribute 8-10 percent of the total revenue. He gave an example of CIPLA that produces ARVs, BIDCO and Roofings among others and argued that they are making lives better. But what’s better in a situation where these companies exceed the maximum 10 years of tax exemption and government bears that burden through counter funding. In so doing, we citizens feel the pinch. Annually, the government spends more on tax expenditure than it delivers services to citizens. Our budget is in deficit for every financial year.

Dr. Fred Muhumuza said that tax incentives are of little benefit to Uganda. He argued against tax incentives and insisted that the government ought to curtail tax incentives as much as it can, and monitor the effects of all existing incentives. He also said that jobs created should belong to citizens. According to representative from UMA, Uganda needs to have a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) policy as it is done in India to help developing sectors and maintain a truck on the jobs created. Yet again, for me, I wouldn’t support rushing to borrow what’s being done in India, I would recommend that our leaders first understand our own” elephant” and come up with ways on how to deal with it as it is.

The commissioner also said that the government is committed to supporting strategic sectors to promote value addition and economic growth. But for how long should a government pledge without fulfilling? The Income Tax Act (ITA) allows government to give a maximum of ten years tax incentives to an investor. BIDCO has somewhat gone beyond 10 and now enjoys 25 years tax exemption and no explanation was given whatsoever from the government to justify this. Putting that aside, why should Uganda still be exporting oil? The same for electricity when we could possibly generate ours, given that we have dams? Why do we still have Chinese companies in the lead for construction contracts? Would the sky come down if the government empowered Ugandans to do the construction? Why should someone else build our own country? How much of Uganda’s economy is Ugandan? And what strategic sectors has the government supported?

Where is the government that prioritizes the concerns of her citizens?

 

(1) 1 Double Taxation Treaties in Uganda, July 2014 Impact and Policy Implications, Page 10.

Mother’s advice.

Today, one of my mothers; I am a child of many parents but that’s a story for another day, she talked to me about being a girl. Here is what she told me; that I am not just a girl but an African girl. She took me from side to side how girls in the past were raised. She specified all that society anticipated from them and how they lived up to those prospects. She took me through a firm antiquity; I found it “beautiful.” She told me of how off beam she regards some of those practices.She gestured pleased about the fact that some of those effects were no longer part of our norms. To this stretch, what she said was rightly beautiful. I begun to vibrate at her same frequency. But did this last? 
“Let’s talk about you,”she proceeded. I repositioned myself to that listening posture again. She argued that despite the new developments and frameworks that concern women empowerment, I am still a girl. That she realized I was on the rise faster than my age which worried her. Mother supposes I am young and therefore I ought to be present in the moment. She advised that it’s ok to smile “well” to my he friends. She advised that as a girl, I should be wearing my make up, I should loosen up, I should relate and have nights out; with the right people of course.  

She said poetry was too serious and academic to be counted a leisure activity. “You are missing a stage,” she cautioned. She didn’t like that I was political too. She asked me to have time off to myself, to rest, to chill, to meet with friends; not a meeting over a debate motion, a moot problem or this upcoming writing competition. She was also unhappy about these associations with agendas of human rights, activism and whatever advocacy it is that I am passionate about. If you had heard speak, you could imagine the associations are around 100.  She said I needed a social life too. I was sad but quiet. She elucidated that life is not to be taken serious all the time. Mother necessitated that I take off time to be a girl, to play…she said this and much more. And oh mother wants a son in law at the right time. 

I didn’t know how to respond to these. But I had to. 

One, I asked her to understand that as a woman, my body is political. Secondly, I agree that wearing makeup is good but yet again it’s so optional. Not wearing make up doesn’t make me less of a girl. Does it? The bit of smiling “well” to the males was so annoying. And whatever “well” means, I don’t know. I certainly don’t want to know. Why should I even be taught to smile just because I am female?  I am a happy girl, I smile so often but I am totally under no obligation to smile “well” to the males. Mother said she was after my happiness, but what’s happiness without the things I love to do? Mother, I am not complaining about the “not enough social life.” Am I even missing a stage? NOT AT ALL! There’s no such a thing growing too fast for my age. “Mother, age is just a number.” I explained. I asked her to understand that the times have even changed. I asked her to know that there is nothing wrong about any girl pursing her career and doing the things they love. And for a son in law, it was too early to ask or even caution. A man was not anywhere on the list of what I was pursuing. 

I told her there was more to being a girl. I want to more than exist. Yes, girls too can more than exist, we can impart, we can influence, we can lead, we can decide and do much more. Mother that’s the girl that I am, that’s the line of my course and aspirations. So, if a daughter can speak loud and clear, why should her voice be tamed? I told mother that I aspire to be great. To be great requires that I learn more or to train harder than most. I ensured mother understood that greatness lies in the amount of my sacrifice, constituency and persistence. “Mother, who am I not to be great?” I asked. I am training my heart to serve, mother let me. I am meant to shine, mother let me. 

karagwarebecca@gmail.com

THE PRIDE OF NATIONS

In a vivid analysis of what life is and continues to be, various aspects lead to its completion. Without awareness of individual strengths, talents and abilities, no doubt life would be a nightmare all through. 

A number of structures have been put in place to to empower women through tapping into their potential. Credit to such organizations for example; FAWE, UWESO and UWONET among the many others. 

No doubt fellow citizenry that we are destined for greatness yet we ought to bear in mind that we master our own destiny. It’s therefore such a fundamental idea that we unite as a nations and as a continent to uplift women. We must act with a seriousness of purpose despite the scale of our challenge being great. 

Empowering a woman is empowering a nation. No woman deserves to live in a poor cottage, dress in rugs or go hungry. They too deserve to live life to the fullest. This is can be achieved through spirited sensitization but most importantly, fighting the battles of the mind. We still have societies which perceive women as unable in so many aspects unlike men. This is practical at a family level where males are exempted from certain chores simply because they are male. For us to be at the same footing with our male counterparts, it’s such mentalities that we have got to rubbish first. It is worth noting that the males too have a vital role to play as regards woman empowerment. 

It is the time we must answer the call of a new dawn towards the future and renew our goals in togetherness. In one accord we ought to unite judiciously and constructively against non progressive cultural practices. This shall enlighten our path in empowering women. 

Economically, women must embrace the art of saving. Commercial banks provide possible financial advice, facilities for domestic and foreign of money. This is through credit transfers, standing orders and direct debit transfers. Other ways of generating income include joining women savings and credit cooperatives and acquiring loans at lower rates. With such in place, women shall surely attain desired financial freedoms. 

The power to save is surely latent in us awaiting expression and cooperation to realize our potentials for the ideal women we ought to be. May we heartily embrace thi art and pass it on to our next generations to protect them from a world of terrible storm. Saving shall guide us out of the shadows into the sunlight of wealth towards a desired future. Emphasis must be drawn towards necessities and not luxuries. This curbs the vice of extravagance which is greatly associated with women. Hardwork and saving are links to all riches and there is no doubt to that. Napoleon Hill once said, “The key to everything is our thoughts and we can change our life experiences only when we replace old limited ideas with new expensive ones.”

Let us opt to stand out and make a difference in our generation. This change shall definitely profit our next generation. We know that in every community there is work to be done, in every nation there are wounds to heal and in every heart, there is the power to do it. May we understand the urgency of the issues at hand and address our minds to the fact that situations take the wrong course when persons of noble character deaf and blind to the vices in society. May the all women world over understand that by virtue of being women, they are called to be victors. 

Before us are noble tasks such as nurturing generations. It’s for such reasons that we must  deassociate ourselves from immoralities such as corruption which is a great cause of downfall of our societies today. As women, we ought to come together, bathe in good habits daily that the bad ones may drown. Nurturing great persons and defending such values surely comes with challenges, but let’s embrace strength and be of courage. These two shall give us the zeal to apply knowledge, ceave criticism and take in that which is relevant. This way, we refuse to be defined but rather define ourselves. 

“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it, but to defy what we are and live without belief is fate more terrible than dying.” Accolades to us all whose all whose support is directed in nurturing young women leaders. In my own opinion based on clear observation, the leader in a woman is double strong. Most importantly, women are bound by nature to adopt this particular sector of leadership through uplifting the greatest unit of society which is family.

Quality and effective leadership demands on strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands. We solomnly have a duty to dispel any stereotype that still weighs females as weaker than males. This way, we take charge to make a difference, to live a life with a sense of dignity, centering life on universal principles in pursuing the mission to be the leaders we are destined to be. Amidst the commitment, there is always a necessity to keep vital areas of life in balance. These are; faith, fitness, Family, finance and firm to put others first and honesty serve them. This cultivates character and spirit. We insist to be excellent leaders the world has only dreamt of. It begins now. 

Women such as Margaret Thatcher, Sir Ellen Leaf; the president of Liberia, Right Hon. Rebecca Kadaga; the speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Allen Kagina; the Executive Director of Uganda National Roads Authority, Mrs. Miria Matembe; the former Minister of  state for Ethics and Integrity and an activist in Action for Development(ACFODE), Winnie Karagwa Byanyiima; the first aeronautical engineer and currently the Executive Director of Oxfam International are some of the many women from whom we draw inspiration. Their determination to shine in life compels us into following in their lines of greatness. For us who intend to follow in their steps have a duty to begin laying the foundation now. Character is a gateway, let’s build it now. 

In summation, I beckon us all present here today to commit from this day in and live in accordance with values such as honesty, love, faithfulness, patience, gentility and hard work. We are destined to accomplish greater tasks so let’s hold unto our zeal, let strength empower our will for we have made Africa what it is today. “The treasure of each nation lies in the quality of a her women.” We are the pride of nations!

#break the sealing
Karagwa Rebecca.

“Something great will come of it”

 

In delusion and false pride
We've been blindly led
We have lived only in shadows 
Of "Principal"men stained with guilt
Guilt of treason, murder and robbery of the state
Holiness ascertained on the surface
Yet in rottenness, they move,work, live
And wholly have their being
No! Never!, demands of justice 
Weigh heavily upon this land
Let's throw these vices away
And bask in our own sunlight
My eyes itch and eventually tear
Due to the various injustices 
That are in seemingly in a network
That shall soon swallow us!
Has it not swallowed us anyway?

Behold! I have a glimpse of resurrection, do you?
Remember the past always returns 
You and I can't just put with it
Let's reveal our faces behind the masquerade
To find our feet...to shine
In honour of our land and our fore fathers
In the land below  us
Let's reveal our faces behind the masquerade
To find our feet...to stand
For the souls  of our beloved unborn
Remember, not everyone is built to handle rough times
But you and I are!

"Fighting" we had better
For justice upon this land
Because the worst is yet to be
Is the worst not with us anyway?
What's worse than the disintegrating clouds of our nation?
"Praying"we had better 
For holiness upon this land
Because the worst is yet with us
Let not our fears speak so loud
Let's not give our doubts a hearing
Because, for whatever scars,
They shall be a sign of triumph 
All we need is "Thirty seconds" of courage
"Thirty seconds" of embracing bravery
And I promise us;
Something great will come of it
                                        KARAGWA.N.REBECCA