In Summary
Plans. Musisi Deogratius Mwebe would review the NSSF policy by reducing the minimum qualifying age from 55 years to 45 to enable beneficiaries set up investment projects when they are still strong so that they are able to monitor and supervise them
The first 100 days translates into about three months, which would be described as short-term. I would, therefore, focus on key issues that touch the lives of all Ugandans. I would re-allocate resources from less important to key sectors of the economy, for example, I would call for reduction of Cabinet and Parliamentary seats. Savings in form of salaries and allowances would be allocated to more important sectors such as agriculture, education and health, while at the same time, institute policies to revitalise the economy and widen the income base.
Peace and security
I would ensure that peace and security prevails countrywide. I would re-constitute the systems, structures and implement the rule of law, ensuring independence of the three organs of the state thus Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
Constitutional Review
I would cause a review of the constitution to reduce number of Cabinet and parliamentary seats such that the funds saved are allocated to other key sectors such as increasing salaries for medical and teaching staff.
As part of the constitutional review process, I would recommend fixing of term limits as we also plan to introduce a federal system of governance.
Corruption probe reports
I would ask all appointed probe committees into the misappropriation of taxpayers’ funds to present their reports to relevant authorities for action so as to curb the vice and seek to have all money lost through corruption tendencies recovered. I would also institute strong monitoring mechanisms to reduce and/or eliminate bribery in society.
Reduce interest rates
I would call for review of the banking policy through the central bank, with the intention of reducing interest rate on borrowed funds to at least between 10 and 15 per cent to improve access to credit for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly those investing in the agriculture and agro-based industries.
I would also reduce inflation to below 5 per cent by increasing production to the extent that supply exceeds demand in all sectors of the economy. In the agricultural sector, for example, I would advocate an immediate review of policy to scrap taxes on agricultural inputs and all related items, reinstate co-operative societies, which would lend farmers at affordable rates.
I would also set up a fund for SMEs to provide resources to invest in capital goods such as machinery. This would increase food and cash crop productivity through commercialised agriculture for both local and international markets.
I would also negotiate for economic integration thus creating a free market economy in the African region to widen the income base thus, improving the Gross Domestic product.
Foreign Exchange
Focus would be put on the value chain with particular emphasis on producing processed products with value addition to meet the quality expected on international standards. With such products, we shall be able to penetrate overseas markets, realise the required foreign exchange that would enable us reduce the balance of payment.
Reduction of oil prices
Immediate policy review would be done to reduce tax on fuel so that prices on all oil products are reduced. A similar undertaking would be done on energy prices by licensing more energy generating firms, as a result making it cheaper and affordable.
•Social-cultural demographics
Looking at the demographic aspects, I would address the needs of different people after categorising them as follows:
Job creation for youth
I would set up more entrepreneurial training centres and increase funding to create an environment that can enable youth change their attitude towards entrepreneurship and job creation and/or putting up self-development projects.
Sports
I would focus on sports activities particularly on the youth because not only do they provide entertainment, but also bring them together, develop talent, are a source of income creation and also contribute to the resource envelop of the country, especially those who would participate or be recruited in foreign teams.
Women
Women emancipation will continue to be encouraged by participating in different income-generating activities, undertake courses through further training aimed at making them more resourceful so as to improve the lives of their families.
Retirement benefits
I would expedite payment of pension to eligible personnel. I would also review the NSSF policy by reducing the minimum qualifying age from 55 years to 45 to enable the beneficiaries set up investment projects when they are still strong enough to monitor and supervise them so that their income levels improve, hence ensuring better standards of living.
People in Diaspora
I would encourage people working in the Diaspora to bring in more capital and invest in agriculture, tourism, construction, industrialisation and other sectors of the economy to widen the income base.
People with disabilities
Plans to improve productivity of persons with disability will be emphasised through good leadership, coordination, gathering information concerning what is considered to be key aspects of their well-being.
Other key factors that I would consider in the short term include;
•Review of the Budget forecasts
I would constitute a committee to review the last two quarters of the 2016/16 Budget and make adjustments in the 2016/17 Budget forecast.
•More funds would be allocated to infrastructural development particularly; construct more highways, but also focus on a number of feeder roads around Kampala, which would later be extended to other areas of the country.
I would also remove round-abouts from the city to reduce traffic congestion and also work on the drainage systems to create a healthy environment.
•Construct more dams to increase power generation and distribution in the country.
•Allocate more funds to the development of information technology infrastructure countrywide. This would boost employment opportunities, especially for the youth by improving processes and profitability through e-business, e-procurement, e-marketing, customer relationship management etc.
•Emphasis would also be put to ensure that utility prices including electricity and water are subsidised to make them affordable.
Education sector
I would institute a committee to consider whether we could make some savings in the short term so as to enable us increase teachers’ salary during the last quarter of 2016. I would ensure that the next budget considers such reviews depending on the qualifications and working experience.
Reviews will also be made on UPE and USE policies to make them more efficient and effective to improve the quality of education and align it to the required international standards.
Health sector
Like in the case of education, health is equally an important sector that needs urgent attention. Offering health staff better remunerations, improving their working conditions, facilitating workers, re-stocking the health units with necessary drugs and equipment would have to be given priority.
Oil and gas
I would immediately constitute a committee to review the Oil and gas agreements to ensure that the provisions therein are geared toward sustainable development of Uganda. I would come up with a more transparent and accountability mechanism for reporting oil proceeds.
land policy
I would institute a committee to look into the land policy issues that are affecting our people and ask them to make lasting solutions through making recommendations that takes care of the needs of all stakeholders.
Conclusion
I know many of the undertakings mentioned above have to be continued in the medium and long term, but it is important to start implementing the desired changes rather than leaving the good ideas on paper.
About the author
Name: Musisi Deogratius Mwebe
Nationality: Ugandan
Residence: Namasuba Masajja – Makindye
Ssabagabo Municipality
Contacts: 0772 862664 / 0701963738
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