Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) established a fish farm in the city of Maroua, located in the Far North Region of Cameroon.

TİKA established 3 fish ponds and provided material support to enhance the production capacity of the fish farm operated by the cooperative “SCOOPS Agros Pisciculteurs Du Sahel”, which has been carrying out fishing activities using traditional methods in the region for 15 years.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Yaoundé, Volkan Işıkçı; Mayor of Maroua III, Aliou Mohamadou, cooperative members, officials from the Maroua Governorship and TİKA attended the opening ceremony.

Within the scope of the project, the fish farm, with its increased production capacity, is expected to contribute to employment in the region.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Lawmakers have called the immediate closure of the abattoir in Hoima City citing unhygienic conditions which they say poses health hazards to consumers of beef and goat meat.

The slaughter house in Kiryateete East, Hoima City was condemned in 2006 but legislators on the Health Committee were perturbed to learn that the city authorities have permitted use of the facility despite its appalling state.

The Members of Parliament (MPs) made the discovery during an oversight visit to a cross section of abattoirs and slaughter houses in parts of Western Uganda on 13 and 14 May 2024.

Construction works of the new modern abattoir in Kyentale Ward, Hoima West Division stands at 85 per cent completion but the Vice Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Samuel Opio recommended that authorities find an alternative  temporary space in the incomplete facility.   

“What we have seen is unacceptable. A transition to the new abattoir is most desirable but the status of the condemned slaughter house almost leaves no room for transition,” said Opio.

The Hoima City Production Officer, Swaleh Kajuma said authorities cannot sanction use of the new abattoir without an operation permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

“MAAIF officials say we cannot use the facility until works are complete. As soon as we get the operation permit, we shall shift,” said Kajuma.

Hoima City Mayor, Brian Kabuya asked the lawmakers to push for expeditious issuance of a temporary operations permit, as well as ensure funds totaling Shs1 billion are allocated towards the completion of the abattoir.

“We request you to ask MAAIF to be considerate and allow a temporary permit because the major reason as to why we cannot shift is limited funding. The contractor has been waiting for funds since January and the fact is, our budget is depleted,” he said.

In Mbarara City, the MPs also recommended closure of the government owned abattoir  in Kyenkombe saying the infrastructure is inadequate to continue operations.

Hon. Nicholas Kamara (FDC, Kabale Municipality) urged the Mbarara City Veterinary Officer, Dr. Moses Amanyire to ensure that the facility stays closed until acceptable infrastructure is put in place.

“It is totally unhygienic; there are flies all over and the floor is filled with stagnant blood. We have recommended that it stays closed until hygienic conditions are restored,” Kamara said.

Amanyire acknowledged that the slaughter house is in a deplorable state but he quickly blamed it on inadequate funds for renovations and maintenance.

“When we have a broken floor and leaking roof, all that affect the operations of an abattoir,” he said.

On the contrary, the MPs were impressed with the state of the privately owned abattoir in Mbarara City, saying that the facility has the appropriate infrastructure.

 Amanyire however, urged the MPs to task government to revamp the government abattoirs saying that owners of private abattoirs often threaten to close their facilities due to low revenues collected.

“We need to seriously think of a better government owned city abattoir because these private owners complain and threaten to close and we do not have alternatives,” he said.

Meanwhile, MPs expressed dismay over the poor drainage system, lack of electricity, shortage of running water and a  non-functional cold room in the Masaka City abattoir in Kirumba.

The Masaka City meat inspector, Peter Ssenabulya reported that whereas the facility generates Shs2.3 million monthly, funds are not availed for its improvement, saying that the facility has never got a facelift since it was constructed in 1959.

“The cold storage room is non-functional because the ceiling has fallen down. The original plan caters for slaughtering of fewer animals but now numbers have increased, hence the poor drainage. We requested for solar lighting, in vain and now we use torches,” said Ssenabulya.

Fort Portal City authorities on the other hand were commended for meeting most of the requirements of operating a slaughter house in Kibimba.

“The drainage is good because we have been to other places and the systems are blocked. We are happy to see the staff in uniform and appropriate work gear, and there is enough running water. The infrastructure inside the slaughter house is good,” said Opio.

The City Veterinary Officer, Fort Portal, Dr Stanley Busingye however raised concern over inadequate staff in the veterinary department, saying this affects inspection of slaughter houses and abattoirs.

“We have only one Veterinary officer who doubles as an inspector and yet we have four facilities. In the city, we require at least 13 staff,” said Busingye.

The Speaker, Anita Among tasked the Health Committee to ascertain the state of abattoirs in cities across the country during a sitting of the House on Tuesday, 13 February 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

President William Ruto has asked the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to help the country tackle the climate change phenomenon.

The President noted that climate change was the biggest threat to the country’s development and prosperity.

Speaking during the pass-out parade for KDF officers at the Defence Forces Recruit Training School in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on Wednesday, he said he was confident that the military was up to the task of combating climate change.

“I ask KDF to lead the way by providing mechanisms, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, of achieving the 15 billion tree-planting programme,” said President Ruto.

He pointed out that the recent floods that affected many parts of the country, leading to loss of lives and property, were a consequence of climate change.

“As you secure our nation from emerging security threats, climate change is also going to be our biggest threat. This is why we must mobilise the military to provide solutions to such emerging issues,” he said.

The President commended KDF for their efforts and effective disaster response during the devastating floods.

“The government is committed to relocating and resettling affected families and to significantly enhancing national disaster response capabilities to be even better prepared for future emergencies,” President Ruto said.

At the same time, the President said the country celebrates KDF for its “iconic peacekeeping role”, which complements our nation’s well-established credentials in the region.

He said these credentials enhance Kenya’s capacity to face an increasingly delicate, complex and challenging regional and global diplomatic and security environment.

“Whether in peace support missions abroad or national development projects at home, your actions reflect competence and efficiency worthy of our trust and the esteem in which our nation is held on the global stage,” he said.

The President assured KDF officers the government’s unwavering support and commitment of the people of Kenya and to the continuous enhancement of their capabilities and the promotion of their welfare to ensure that they are well-equipped to meet current and emerging challenges.

He also commended the Defence Forces Recruit Training School community, from the commandant to all members of staff, for their dedication in educating and training soldiers and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills.

“Your collective efforts have enabled this school to continue producing service members who meet the highest standards of professionalism,” he said.

President Ruto also led the gathering in a one-minute moment of silence in memory of the late Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and the officers who died with him in a military helicopter crash last month.

He noted that General Ogolla’s wise leadership, magnificent example, integrity and dedication was the best example of Kenyan professionalism, showcasing the KDF at its finest and serving as a beacon for all Kenyans.

The President said General Ogolla’s legacy will continue to inspire many in the military and public service.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.

The World Bank has released today a comprehensive report on the state of the digital economy in Djibouti.

The report, titled “Djibouti Digital Economy Diagnostic” looks at challenges and opportunities in the country’s digital landscape, the importance of digital infrastructure development, the need for improving broadband access and affordability, and the digital skills required for socio-economic development. It also highlights the importance of telecommunications and data infrastructure development, digital platforms, financial services, and entrepreneurship as fundamental pillars for the digital economy. The report provides an overview of the current landscape in each of these areas and offers recommendations for further development. 

While Djibouti has made significant progress in the digital sector, the country still faces challenges in fully leveraging its technological potential. Limited investments in ICT within the country and barriers to affordability and accessibility of digital services are among the key challenges. However, recent initiatives, such as the establishment of the Multisectoral Regulatory Authority of Djibouti and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Innovation (MDENI), demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges and driving digital transformation. 

“Djibouti has made significant progress in its digital infrastructure, but there is still room for improvement in terms of affordability, quality and access to digital services,” said Fatou Fall, World Bank Resident Representative in Djibouti. “Despite being one of the smallest countries in Africa in terms of size and population, Djibouti plays a crucial role in providing high-speed internet access to neighboring countries.” 

The report calls for the government, private sector, and civil society to work together to address the challenges and seize the opportunities to develop Djibouti’s digital economy. It emphasizes the need for collaboration, capacity building, and the establishment of clear governance frameworks to drive digital transformation and achieve long-term ambitions.  

The report also discusses data governance and increasing use of data to better understand the needs of citizens and strengthen public trust. 

“The government is dedicated to tackling these challenges and propelling digital transformation forward. Our national flagship initiative, the ‘Smart Nation program,’ represents a move toward a more unified and comprehensive approach of digital transformation,” said Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of Industry in Djibouti. “We are devoted to capitalizing on Digital Dividends, with a particular emphasis on creating job opportunities for our youth.” 

The report also highlights the importance of digital skills among the workforce. It suggests the development of comprehensive training programs for public officials and improving digital skills among the general population, especially young graduates, and entrepreneurs. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.