Here is how the youth fund is distributed

Here is how the youth fund is distributed at district level

The Youth Livelihood Programme was approved by Cabinet on September 4, 2013, passed by Parliament on September 13, 2013 and officially launched by the President on the January 24, 2014. The programme is a product of wide consultation among the youth of Uganda through their leadership, civil society organisations, development partners, Members of Parliament and Cabinet, among others.

The objective of this programme is to empower the target youth in Uganda to harness their socio-economic potential and increase self-employment opportunities and income levels.

The Youth Livelihood Programme has an approved budget of Shs265 billion for the initial five years beginning FY 2013-14. For the current FY2013-14, the programme was allocated Shs19.25 billion, of which only Shs15.9 billion has so far been released by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Ninety per cent of the fund under this programme is allocated to financing youth projects generated and approved by the district local governments. Ten per cent is for operation costs at the sub-county, district and national level.
Owing to the inadequate funds released by the Finance ministry for FY 2013-14, the ministry if Gender has adopted a phased approach of implementation beginning with 27 districts selected on the basis of youth unemployment rates, poverty count and land area. The rest of the districts will be covered in the FY 2014-2015.

Implementation of the programme has started with setting up systems – establishment of the secretariat and development of simplified guidelines –and preparation of the districts to undertake their roles and responsibilities, including mobilisation and creating awareness, beneficiary selection, project proposal preparation, project appraisal and approval, etc. This has already been done in the 27 districts under Phase I. 
The funds so far spent on the above activities are in accordance with the approved annual work-plan and budget for the operations funds for FY 2013-14. No single youth project has been funded as yet, as the first submission of approved youth projects by the districts to the ministry of Gender is expected in the fourth week of April, 2014.

The youth shall receive support through groups of 10-15 members, not individuals as alleged by opposition politicians. There is no way an individual can access the funds, except through duly selected groups. It is, therefore, wrong for the opposition leaders to allege that the Gender ministry has used the youth funds to finance individuals to the tune Shs40 billion through mere instructions from the IGP.

The selection of the beneficiaries, preparation, appraisal and approval of the youth projects is a responsibility of local governments; not any individual person or the ministry of Gender.

The 27 district under Phase I have already begun the process of issuing interest forms and selection of beneficiaries and are expected to make the first submissions by the end April 2014. These submissions will constitute the first youth projects that will receive funding by the second week of May 2014.

All the youth project funds under the Youth Livelihood Programme have been allocated to the districts and the Indicative Planning Figures have been communicated to the districts to be managed by them.

The Gender ministry does not have any funds set aside at the headquarters to dish out to individuals or groups. The youth funds will be channeled directly to Youth Interest Groups through their respective Youth Livelihood Programme project accounts.

This programme has well laid out implementation guidelines and fund access criteria to which the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is committed to ensure they are meticulously, religiously and judiciously adhered to by all implementers at all levels, without exception.

The implementation of the programme has taken off and is on course. We, therefore, call upon the public, especially the youth, to be part of this process and avoid any diversionary propaganda intended to disrupt smooth implementation and realisation of the programme’s development objective.

Mr Mondo is the assistant commissioner for youth affairs/spokesperson Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development

By Kyateka F. Mondo 

Posted  Tuesday, April 22  2014 at  21:04
Daily Monitor

Mondo says this is in response to the false claims made by Opposition leaders – Democratic Party president Norbert Mao, Uganda Peoples Congress leader Olara Otunnu, Gen Mugisha Muntu who is the president of Forum for Democratic Change, and former FDC leader Dr Kizza Besigye – in the media recently.

The Opposition alleged, among other things, that Shs40 billion meant for youth projects under the Youth Livelihood Programme, had been diverted and used to bribe individuals to join NRM on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, to the Gender ministry Permanent Secretary Pius Bigirimana.

They also claimed the programme is a political slush fund that had not duly been approved by Parliament and that the set procedures of accessing funds under the programme had been flawed.

These allegations are misleading, inaccurate and unfortunate. These are national leaders who are supposed to epitomise judicious diligence in whatever they do or communicate. 

RE: THE RAMPANT SCHOOL STRIKES IN UGANDA 30th July, 2013

THE SECRETARY GENERAL

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN

P.O BOX 21456

KAMPALA - UGANDA

Dear Sir,

Re: the rampant school strikes in Uganda

We have noted with great concern the exponential rise of school strikes in our country. We also recognise National Council for Children has the mandate of coordinating, monitoring and evaluating policies and programmes relating to the survival, development, protection and participation of children and related matters by act of parliament.

We appreciate that most senior secondary going students are below 18 years and therefore children as stipulated in the Children’s Act Cap 53. Hence within your docket as well.

Going by the article published on Thursday 25^th July 2013 by Nation Media’s Daily Monitor “What is fuelling school strikes in Uganda?” the writer tried to explore the situation, and the issue arising is misplacement of rights and responsibilities. The guns are directed to school administrators, government, students and parents whilst morals, politics and the economy are cited as the driving force behind.

Well as this might cause awareness, it also calls for joint effort with all stakeholders to do something about it. Education is a right, it should therefore be emphasised as it is a national asset and investment.

As we talk now Sheema and Bushenyi districts have closed all secondary schools. Students from these particular schools at the end of the year have to sit the same UNEB Exams with the rest of the students across the country.

We urge an initiation of some kind of sober dialogue with all stakeholders to arrest this situation as soon as possible.

Yours in service,

……………………………………….

KUGONZA K NICHOLAS

Programmes Coordinator

DECLARATION ON THE MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE BILL 27th March, 2013

THE SECRETARY GENERAL

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN

P.O BOX 21456

KAMPALA - UGANDA

Dear Sir,

RE: DECLARATION ON THE MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE BILL IN REFERENCE TO CHILDREN

Knowing the mandate of National Council for Children and having worked closely together, Bright Doves of St. Francis through your office to the government wishes to pronounce itself on the Marriage and Divorce Bill.

Bright Doves of St. Francis appreciates the spirit in which the bill is brought as to protect the vulnerable who are engaged in relationships and marriage. But we are not comfortable with the biasness of the language chose “THE MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE ACT, 2009. An act to reform and consolidate the law relating to civil, Christian, Hindu, Bahai and customary marriages; to provide for the types of recognized marriages, marital rights and duties; recognition of cohabitation in relation to property rights; separation and divorce, and the consequences of separation and divorce; and for related matters.”

Our Concerns:

As much as we do not condone cohabiting, we do recognize the children that come as a result of this relationship. There are cases of children having parents who subscribe to one faith as in the act yet another subscribing to the moslem faith, yet In part 1, the Preliminary, under Application paragraph(2) This Act does not bar parties who profess the Muslim faith from  proceeding under it.

The bill does not elaborate on how children should be handled.

Panic, we feel this bill is being rushed, the populace is not fully sensitized about it and those who are trying to; are biased in terms of faith, political affiliation and personal experiences rather than being objective.

Penalty, the penalty of 5 years in prison when convicted deprives a child of an interaction with the parent in its development. It encourages single parenthood and drives the marriage relationship to a point of no return as there cannot be room for dialoguing when one party is in prison.

We therefore recommend this bill be revised, to include concerns of different stakeholders and a vigorous sensitization programme be effected if the bill is to be for the people.

Yours in service,

KUGONZA K NICHOLAS

Programmes Coordinator

KAMWOKYA PARISH CHILDREN MINISTRY (KCM)

KAMWOKYA PARISH CHILDREN MINISTRY (KCM)

A REPORT ON THE CHILDREN’S SEMINAR HELD ON 7^TH SEPTEMBER, 2013

Introduction:

Kamwokya Parish Children Ministry is a Bright Doves of St. Francis (Youfra) initiative set up to meet the needs of children in the Parish from 4 to 15 years of age. The Ministry’s major aim is not only to reach out to the spiritual needs of the children but also to meet their physical and emotional needs. This not only brings them up as God fearing children but also helps them grow as good and responsible citizens.

The seminar was organized by the Franciscan Youth of Kamwokya (Youfra) in partnership with the Chaplain Fr. John Peter Lugobe.

Participation:

Over 400 children from different Sub-parishes participated in the seminar and these included;

1. St. Muggaga – Kyebando
2. Uganda Martyrs - Kamwokya
3. St. Andrea Kaggwa – Bukoto
4. St. Josephs – Mobile Sub-prish

Facilitation:

The seminar was facilitated by;

1. The Bright Doves
2. Fr. John Peter Lugobe
3. Mrs. Kiwewesi Evelyne

Activities:

The following were the activities of the day;

Praising and worship:

The seminar began with praising and worshiping which was led by the Bright doves.

Teachings:

There were two teachings one was given by Fr. John Peter Lugobe on the theme of the day which was “Listen to your father without him you would not exist.” and the other was given by Mrs. Kiwewesi Evelyn (Director Happy Days Nursery and Primary School – Najjera) as the guest speaker and Representative of Parents.

Talent search:

11 Children out of the 26 registered from three sub-parishes i.e St. Muggaga, St. Andrea Kaggwa and Uganda Martyrs competed in the final talent search in singing among which three were selected as the winners.

Mulera Pascal from St. Muggaga was the best followed by Ndagire Mary from Uganda Martyrs and the third was Namubiru Stella from St. Andrea Kaggwa - Bukoto.

A panel of three adjudicators judged the competition namely; Dusinguze Gloria (member of Kamwokya Praise and Worship Team), Entyang Herbert (Trooxy studioz) and Hamidu Naza (Storm Recordz).

Awarding best performers

Different gifts were awarded to the best performers in different activities mainly active participation in the Sunday school, children worship bulletin, and singing.

Children’s Worship Bulletin:

Every Sunday children are given bulletins during Sunday school which contain puzzles, painting pictures and other questions which are always extracted from the readings of the Sunday. Children go with these bulletins home answer them and return them back to their moderator/coordinator the following Sunday for marking. Results for all the Sundays since June 4^th to 25^th August were compiled. The best performer in this Bulletin was Natukunda Edith from St. Muggaga – Kyebando with a total of 545 out of 553. She was awarded with a children’s Bible, a rosary and a certificate.

Nangoga Sherina was the 12^th but the best in Bukoto with a total of 257 out of 553 and was also given a children’s Bible, a rosary and a certificate.

Others active participants were given certificates, rosaries, ‘God Speaks to His Children Texts from the Bible’  Booklets and many others.

Overall:

This award was based on the active participation in all ministry activities and the winner was Birungi Francis from St. Muggaga – Kyebando. He was given a rosary, a certificate, a ‘God Speaks to His Children Texts from the Bible Booklet’ and an Illustrated Children African Bible.

Talent search:

26 children participated in the talent search during the auditions which were held on Thursday 5^th September, 2013 at St. Muggaga – Kyebando.  According to the results 11 were selected to compete again on Saturday among which three finalists were selected as the winners. These winners were given free recording deals by three Studios i.e. Octave Recordz, storm recordz and Trooxy studioz.

The three finalists were also given a chance to participate in the Children speak out program at MAMA Fm with the Bright Doves the following day Sunday 8^th September, 2013.

Eating and drinking:

Every child was given two packets of biscuits, sweets and a bottle of safi.

Achievements:

• Children were helped to realize their potential in different fields
• Children were encouraged to participate more in the church activities e.g Sunday school.
• Talent search winners were given free recording deals whereby they will be helped to record their own songs thus promoting the talent of singing among the young.
• Each child was given a free copy of a children’s worship Bulletin.

Challenges:

• Some of the activities planned for the day were skipped due to limited time.
•  Fewer children turned up compared to last year’s recollection though evaluation showed that it was as a result of leaving out Uganda martyrs  sub- parish in effecting Sunday school.
• Less participation by children from St. Josephs and Uganda Martyrs Sub-parishes.
• Less cooperation from some of the ministry stakeholders more especially during preparations e.g the Catechist Uganda Martyrs Sub-Parish.

Recommendations:

• There is need for more support for the ministry activities more especially Sunday school.
• The ministry coordinator needs to create a data base for the parents’ contacts for easy communication in case there is any information to be passed on to them.
• The ministry needs to recruit more volunteers to ease implementation of its activities.
• The children’s mass needs to be resumed i.e every third Sunday of the month as a way of boosting up ministry activities.

Conclusion:

This has been the first get together of children in the ministry since its rejuvenation. We are proud of the performances exhibited and hope to move to greater heights. God willing, we wish to replicate our success in other parishes more especially those with Youfra fraternities.

Great thanks to our Chaplain Fr. John Peter Lugobe, the Parish Priest Fr. James Ssebayiga, JPICFA Office, Octave recordz, Storm Recordz, Trooxy Studioz, coordinators of Different Sub-parishes, and the Bright Doves for the generous support towards this seminar. May the good Lord bless and reward you abundantly.

……………………………………

NAKIYIMBA SANDRA

KCM COORDINATOR

RE: ACTIVITIES AND PROGRESS OF YOUFRA – KAMPALA

A REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES AND PROGRESS OF YOUFRA – KAMPALA REGION AS AT 31^ST AUG 2012

The Franciscan Youth (Youfra) is the fellowship of young people who feel called by the Holy Spirit to have an experience of Christian life, in fraternity, and in the light of the message of Francis of Assisi, deepening their vocation within the realm of the Secular Franciscan Order (SFO).

In the Ugandan context, this group is referred to as the Young Franciscans (Youfra) and they are to seek the living and acting person of Christ in the brothers and sisters, in Holy Scriptures, in the Church and in liturgical celebrations. Activities of Youfra in Uganda are decentralized to both regional and local fraternity level. On the region, Youfra is organized into regions of Kampala, Tororo, Jinja, Lira and Gulu and Mbarara. In the same line Kampala region is divided into the Dioceses of Kampala, Kinda Mityana, Kasana Luwero, Masaka and Lugazi.

Young Franciscans have not been active in this region until the recent past when the Bright Doves of St. Francis the Youfra group in Kamwokya Parish set out to rejuvenate and rekindle the light of the spirit of St. Francis in the region through a program – Evangelical outreach.

Currently the activities of Youfra in Kampala region are only active in the Parishes of Kamwokya, Nsambya, Namayumba and Nansana in Kampala Archdiocese, Nkokonjeru in Lugazi Diocese and Busunju in Kinda Mityana Diocese. These Parishes total to a membership of 217 Youfras currently under formation.

2. Our approach:

Through the evangelical outreach program, Bright Doves took a lead in reaching out to the youth in other parishes starting with Kampala and fire up the spirit of St. Francis by helping them form Youfra groups. With this program, the Bright Doves approach the responsible people in the given Parish, take lead in liturgy of a given Sunday where they are given platform to share with Christians on the Franciscan spirituality and the Franciscan Youth. After this they call for enrollment and follow up activities begin as far as engaging these youth is concerned.

In March 2012, Bright Doves visited Namayumba and helped introduce the Youfra group in the Parish under the name St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity, in June 2012, the Bright Doves were in Nansana on the same Agenda. Thanks to Simpson Mujuni for the work well done.

Bright Doves has also used the Youth Fellowship in Kamwokya Parish as a platform to create more impact of the Franciscan Spirituality among the youth. As they take lead in the fellowship every first Friday of the month, they engage the youth more in the Franciscan values.

We have been working with other Franciscans in reach including the Secular Franciscans – thanks to Br. Richard Yiga and Br. Onyango Bernard for the support, Franciscan Capuchins especially Fr. Baluku Lawrence, Fr. Kasibante Remigius, Fr. Anthony Jakwanga, among others, Franciscan Convetuals – Fr. Voytek Male, the Little Sisters of St. Francis and the Franciscan Missionaries for Africa.

There has also been full collaboration with Parishes especially the Parish Priests and Fathers responsible for the youth (Fr. James SSebayiga & Fr. John Peter Lugobe – Kamwokya, Fr. Edward Sebikkora & Fr. Kato in Namayumba and Fr. Ronald Bwanika in Nansana among others). These have in addition to youth leaders at different levels helped in mobilizing the youth for these activities.

3. Activities:

The Youfras in these Parishes are engaged in different activities including;

·         Liturgical singing

·         Music, Dance and Drama

·         Sports

·         Sensitization on JPIC values (Children Rights, active non-violence, health and environment, Catholic Social Teaching, etc…)

·         Spiritual formation

4. Achievements:

As we embark on rejuvenating the Franciscan spirit in the region, I will say so far so good as the following will show;

·         As we front liturgical singing, the Youfras in the region have already taken lead. In Kamwokya Parish, the Bright Doves lead in the 9 o’clock Mass every third Sunday of the month and the Children’s Mass which is also once a month. St. Anthony of Padua Youfra – Namayumba lead in the second Mass every third Sunday of the Month.

·         The Bright Doves in Kamwokya Parish who are charged with the Children Ministry in the Parish organized a successful Children retreat in 10^th Aug 2012 which brought together over 600 children in the Parish.

·         We have got a Franciscan desk in the Interreligious Dialogue offices (Old Kampala) where we can coordinate the activities of region. Thanks to Br. Yiga Richard for the initiative and support.

·         A number of members from the region have received training on JPIC values in the different in country trainings organized by JPICFA in conjunction with Youfra Uganda at Mama Kevina social Centre - Iganga. The most recent one is the training in Active non-violence just concluded on 25^th Aug 2012.

·         Different groups were able to organize one day retreats for the members aimed at spiritual nourishment. The Bright Doves held a leaders retreat in March 2012 and Youfra Nsambya and Namayumba had their in June and July respectively.

·         The Youfras took part in the National Prayer Day against terrorism on 11h July 2012 at Pope Paul VI Momorial Hotel as organized by the Franciscans and Mission after Custody (MAC).

·         The Youfras in Kamwokya organized a Franciscan carol service in commemoration of the 25^th Anniversary of the Spirit of Assisi. Thanks to the Little Sisters (Sr. Margert Itadal) for the support in training. We encourage you support so we can sustain this activity.

·         We have been able to bring onboard the Franciscan capuchin who are charged with the Youfras to over see our activities. Thanks to Fr. Baluku and Fr. Anthony in Busunju.

·         We have received formation materials (Booklets) from the Franciscan Capuchins and these are already being used in Namayumba and Kamwokya. We hope to receive more so that all the fraternities can have for smooth formation to go on.

·         Youfra activities were introduced to the Archdiocese office early this year with the hard work of Sr. Margret Awori (LSSF) and Fr. Harman (OFM). This allows for extension of Youfra activities through out the archdiocese.

·         Different groups have received balls and other sporting equipments for their sporting and games activities. Thanks to the Coordinator – Mukundane Dennis for the links with Beezsports International which provided the items.

·         The Youfras have also been in advocacy work on the Radios. The Bright Doves in Kamwokya have a Children Rights advocacy program on Mama FM and the Youfras in Nsambya do a Catholic Social Teaching program on Radio Maria.

5. Challenges:

As we spread the spirit of St. Francis in the region, the following are viewed as challenges;

·         Ignorance of the Christians on the Franciscan spirituality.

·         Lack of funds to implement such programs as promotion of JPIC values

·         Lack of a functional regional committee to run and over see the Youfra activities in the region.

·         No support from the Youfra National office.

·         Limited support from the professed members of the order (both SFO and the religious)

·         We lack the National statutes that should guide our operation.

·         Lack of formators as majority when approached claim not to have time.

·         No centre for coordination of the Youfra activities in the region.

·         Limited manpower in the implementation of the JPIC programs

·         Poor communication in form of reporting across the region.

·         Lack of formation and other spiritual materials and as such most youth have little knowledge of St. Francis and the Order.

·         Lack of musical instruments much as uniforms and other costumes to support our singing and music activities.

6. Going Forward/ Strategic Planning

As we continue to streamline our operation on the region, the following will be put to focus;

·         Have in place a regional committee to over see the activities in the region.

·         Roll out and extend the activities of Youfra to more Parishes and Dioceses in the region.

·         Enroll more members and create a regional database.

·         Lobby for funds both locally and internationally to finance the Youfra activities in the region.

·         Work with the National committee to come up with National statutes that will guide the activities of Youfra.

·         Make use of the Franciscan Desk at the Interreligious Dialogue offices to coordinate Youfra activities in the region.

·         Encourage more Franciscan groups to support our work as we work more with the SFOs and the Religious.

·         Lobby for more material (books and videos) especially on formation and Franciscan spirituality.

·         Publish a Youfra Newsletter that will expose our activities as Youfra in the region and will be used to inform.

·         Encourage the Youfra groups to start up Income Generating Activities (IGAs) that will help them support the Fraternities on local level.

·         Implement the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Follow up program as initiated by the Bright Doves in coordination with Youfra Uganda.

·         Promote a culture of saving among the Youfras in the region through encouraging members to save for their future.

·          Encourage information sharing across the region much as across the country to ensure that we are all on the same page.

·         Organize retreats and workshops for members in the regions where members can learn and share more about the spirituality.

·         Record a Franciscan Music Album as a region and use it to promote Franciscanism in the country.

·         Organize both musical and sports galas which will bring together the Youfra to appreciate their talents in both music and sports.

·         Organize an environmental and health oriented competition on the region level aimed at supporting the environmental and health campaign as a JPIC value.

7. Upcoming events:

As we enter into the last quarter of the year, the following are yet to come;

o   The Youfras will take part in the Uzima retreat from 31st August – 2nd Sept 2012 in Kisumu – Kenya.

o   We will join the Capuchin and the rest of the Franciscans to celebrate the Feast of St. Padre Pio on 23^rd Sept 2012.

o   Will join the Conventual Friars in St. Francis Parish – Matugga to celebrate the feast of St. Francis as they also open the new parish.

o    One Atwine Gloria from Nsambya will be representing Youfra-Uganda to the annual session on Human Rights to water and sanitation which will be held during the 21st session of the Human Rights Council at the UN in Geneva staring 16th - 22nd September 2012 curtsy of Franciscan International.

o   The Bright Doves – Youfra in Kamwokya will stage a Franciscan/ Marian Carol service on Sunday 28^th October 2012 at Kamwokya Parish to celebrate the feast of St. Francis.

o   The Bright Doves are also organizing the Child Rights day in conjunction with the National Council for Children on Saturday 17^th November 2012.

o   Will have a get together party on Saturday 15^th Dec 2012 where we hope to bring together all the Youfra groups formed as we facilitate networking.

8. Conclusion:

I salute all that made it possible for the Youfras in the different Parishes especially our superiors in the Order and do urge you to come even closer to assist these established groups to stabilize. I call upon the National council – Youfra Uganda to support us as a region keeping in mind the challenges that surround our progress and empower us to as we bring more groups on board .

Just wishing you well and calling upon you to do routine visits to the region to monitor our progress and encourage the members.

Prepared By;

 

……………………………..

MUKUNDANE DENNIS

Youfra Coordinator – Kampala Region