Find out information about Coronavirus in Uganda. More here.

By Staff Writer

A word from Rev. Mukonzo Ezra Yongeza at the ACORD Uganda peacebuilding training in Kasese about the youth position in peacebuilding.

The youth are the wall of every building the iron sheets are the elders who are supported by the youth who are the majority and energetic.

The moment the youth are equipped, the world changes. The adults have tried for many years and things are the way they are, the youth need to be supported too. 

Find out information about Coronavirus in Uganda. More here.

By Staff Writer

The lockdowns in many countries during the spread of COVID-19 have been accompanied by images of wild animals venturing into the streets of deserted towns, experiencing life with fewer humans around. These visuals have been a reminder of the effect people have had on displacing animals from their natural habitats over the centuries and how human activity continues to destroy biodiversity.

Friday June 5 is World Environment Day, the United Nations day for encouraging awareness and action to protect the planet. The theme for 2020 is to celebrate biodiversity. And with scientists saying that one million species are now at risk of extinction, there has never been a more important time to focus on safeguarding the variety of life on Earth.

Africa and the Middle East are facing biodiversity threats despite still being home to a rich and diverse animal, plant, and marine biodiversity that provides critical ecosystem services, driving the regions’ economies and serving as buffers to climate change.

‘Eco-responsibility is a key pillar of MTN’s sustainability strategic framework. We are determined to ensure that our growth contributes positively to the future of the planet and continuously work to reduce our impact on the environment’, says Nompilo Morafo, Executive for Corporate Affairs at MTN Group.

Our belief is that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. So far, more than 257 million subscribers have plugged in to our network across 21 countries. The masts that we use to connect customers are one sign of our presence in these markets.

When planning the location of these, MTN considers various factors, including environmental, biodiversity, visual and functionality aspects. We consider proximity to existing roads and electricity infrastructure to reduce the potential disturbance to the natural environment of vegetation removal or habitat disturbances during construction. 

Together with our partners, we work to minimise biodiversity loss and environmental impact, safeguarding against the removal, damage or disturbance of flora, fauna or birdlife. We also ensure that no hunting, trapping, shooting or poisoning of any fauna takes place.”

Our work goes beyond mere compliance with environmental laws. We believe strongly in the protection of the world’s precious natural resources. Connectivity does not need to come at the price of biodiversity. Through conscious decision-making, and planning and implementation, we are committed to reduce our impacts across the markets in which we operate.

This World Environment Day join us in calling for action to combat accelerating species loss and degradation of the natural world. It’s Time #ForNature: it’s time to act to help end biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. Only by playing our part can we allow nature to heal and ensure a better and healthier future for everyone.

ENDS

Find out information about Coronavirus in Uganda. More here.

By Staff Writer

When you think about peace, what comes to your mind? For many, peace is understood as a concept. Ugandan youth in several regions of the country have for a long time gone through a lot of issues that disrupt their peace. The hostilities and violence in these areas have taken away their right to peace in the long run disorganized their lives.

Thanks to the activities of the Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (ACORD Uganda), there is hope for every youth in these areas.
Ugandan youth in the Rwenzori region mainly Kasese and Bundibugyo, and Central/Buganda region in areas like Wakiso are now learning about peace supported by ACORD in their youth groups through dialogue, sports, and drama.

This has already been seen in affected areas of the country. For example, in the Rwenzori region, a step by step to peacebuilding by ACORD Uganda has been ongoing successfully building peace brick by brick. This is supported by UNFPA Uganda and involves key stakeholders like the Kasese district’s inter-religious council that is committed to Peace Building.

All this was put into perspective recently by Mubiru Kuraish, a young person who participated in one of the peacebuilding training sessions for young leaders organized by ACORD. He said, “We are the Country – we are the people; we are the change we want to see!”

He added; “We are the youngest population in the world, we stand a chance! If we only come together we can change our destiny. Which destiny is a Peaceful Uganda.”

The youth are also learning other concepts like integrated leadership and Peacebuilding for their organizations, institutions of learning, and constituencies. This way youth leaders discuss and working together towards their full potential in peacebuilding.

Beneficiaries like market vendors and Boda Boda leaders are also getting knowledge about Conflict and Dispute, Dialogue and Debate, Equity and Equality as well as Fairness and Justice all this to harness the youth’s potential for sustaining peace in Uganda.

There you are, peacebuilding really starts with you working with fellow youth to drive Uganda to greater heights. Harnessing the Youth’s Potential for Sustaining Peace in Uganda is an initiative by ACORD Uganda with support from UNFPA Uganda.

About ACORD Uganda.
The Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development – Uganda (ACORD-U) is a Ugandan National Non-Governmental Organisation that has worked in Uganda since 1979 with headquarters in Nsambya-Kampala and several other offices across the Country.

ACORD-U aspires to contribute towards Uganda’s Development and Humanitarian Responses for Vulnerable Communities in Rural and Peri-Urban Areas. Currently, ACORD-U Implements interventions in more than 23 Districts in the South-western, Western, Northern, West-Nile, and Eastern Parts of Uganda.

Find out information about Coronavirus in Uganda. More here.

You can access NSSF services anywhere, anytime on your mobile phone or computer.

By Our Reporter

Gone are the days when you had to first visit NSSF offices to access their services. NSSF services are now available at your fingertips.

The Fund, over the years, has introduced different platforms to improve their service delivery, and enable members to access NSSF services in an easy and convenient way from anywhere.

Whether you want to register, update your details, or just check your NSSF balance, you can now easily do so using your mobile phone or computer.

The Fund offers a wide range of e-channels that are convenient, user friendly and easy to navigate.

These channels include:

1. NSSFGO App

The NSSFGo app is a fast and convenient way to monitor your account. Through the app, you can view your current balance, check your salary growth rate, make voluntary contributions, know how much of your salary you contribute to NSSF, project retirement payout, see employment history, and see e-statements, claim for your age benefit and so much more. You can also register to become a member of the Fund using the app.

Download the NSSFGo App by clicking here if you’re an Android user or click here if you are an iPhone user , you can also search for “NSSFGo” on both stores.

2. NSSF Web App

The fund also provides the option of experiencing the app functionality without necessarily downloading it.

Access NSSF services on your mobile phone, desktop or laptop by visiting the NSSFGo website.

Log into the web app with your registered phone number or email to access your account and all the features the mobile app provides with the same look and feel.

3. NSSF Corporate Website

You can also easily access NSSF services from the comfort of your office or home via their website. The website has a self-service section where members can see e-statements, make NSSF payments and also leave feedback among others.

It is also the primary online information portal for the Fund where you will find the latest updates, career opportunities, annual reports, to mention but a few.

4. SMS

Can’t connect to the internet? No problem. Access NSSF services using any mobile phone, whether a feature phone or smart phone, by simply sending a text message to 6773.

1. For balance inquiry, send BAL to 6773
2. For mini statement, send MINI to 6773
3. For benefits claim status, send CLAIM to 6773

5. USSD

You can also register yourself for NSSF using your feature phone or access a mini statement and balance using the USSD option. The feature will work on a kabiriti or feature phone or smartphone.

Step 1: Dial *254# and choose your preferred language
Step 2: Select register member and then register self
Step 3: Enter your national ID number (NIN)
Step 4: You will get an SMS with your NSSF number.

6. Toll Free Line

If self-service is not your thing or you prefer speaking to a customer service agent, NSSF offers a toll-free line 0800286773 for any inquiries and requests. You can also contact customer support via WhatsApp on 0784259713 and the support team will reach out to resolve any challenges you might have.