The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs wants the Uganda National Kiswahili Council to be hosted under the Ministry of Education and Sports as the suitable institution to promote Kiswahili language.

The Undersecretary in the Defence Ministry, James Mutabazi said their position is  premised on the basis of the ministry’s position in curriculum development and their overall supervisory function over the education sector.

“The Uganda National Kiswahili bill, 2023 does not clearly specify who the minister for Kiswahili will be; it does not spell out the domicile ministry to host the council. The council would be most suitably hosted under the Ministry of Education and Sports given its role in language education and curriculum development,” Mutabazi said.

Mutabazi said this while appearing before the Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development on Wednesday, 21 August 2024 where they presented their submission on the Uganda National Kiswahili Council Bill, 2023.

The Bill was tabled in Parliament on 28 February 2024 for the First Reading. The bill seeks to promote the usage of Kiswahili language in administrative, judicial and legislative process as a medium of communication by local governments.

It also seeks to establish the secretariat of the council to be headed by an executive secretary, provide for funds and auditing of the Council, and provide for making of bylaws to regulate the affairs of the staff of the Council.

Led by the State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Sarah Mateke, the officials said the Education Ministry would work in unison with other government bodies such as the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi which already runs Kiswahili programmes. “Kiswahili is one of the areas of study at NALI; if you meet anybody who has trained from there, he has studied and has been assessed in Kiswahili,” said Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko (UPDF Representative).

The Defence Ministry also proposes that the council that intends to establish the Kiswahili Commission should be looked at as a unifying factor for the diverse ethnic groups in Uganda and ultimately, the unity of the eight-member East African Community.

Kyotera District Woman Representative, Hon Fortunate Rose Nantongo supported the proposal for the Education ministry to host the National Kiswahili Council, cognizant of its influence over schools which have a wide audience. “The ministry has the mandate over curriculum development right from nursery to university. I think they can do a better job on promoting the language, they have the biggest audience considering the number of children in schools, when children learn language at an early age it is very possible that they will take it up,” she said.

MPs asked the ministry to justify its representation on the Kiswahili Council as proposed in the bill. “We need to know your relevance as representatives on the Council. What are you going to add to the council and what would be your input?” asked Nakaseke Central County MP, Hon. Allan Mayanja.

Hon. Innocent Kiyaga (NUP, Mawokota County North) sought to understand the army’s strategies used to promote Kiswahili which has since been one of the army’s languages of operation. “We are deliberating on the strategies of how Kiswahili can be promoted to the population. I would like to know how the army has managed to have Kiswahili as their language? Do we impose it on people and do we make it compulsory in schools?” Kiyaga asked.

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

During the visit to Tosyalı Demir Çelik İskenderun Plant by Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas of the Republic of Angola and the accompanying delegation, Tosyalı Iron&Steel Angola (www.TosyaliHolding.com.tr) announced that with this new structure, Tosyalı Iron&Steel Angola plans to further expand the scope of its existing iron ore investment and establish an integrated iron and steel plant.

Drawing attention with its investments in Türkiye, Algeria, Benghazi, Libya, Senegal, Angola, and Spain, global green steel producer, Tosyalı (www.TosyaliHolding.com.tr), announced that it will further expand its investments in Africa with a new cooperation in Angola.

After the visit of Tosyalı Demir Çelik İskenderun Plant with the delegation, Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas of the Republic of Angola, Jose Gonçalves Martins Patricio, Angola’s Ambassador to Türkiye, and Sebastiao Gaspar Martins, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sonangol, Angola’s Oil and Gas Production Company, another piece of good news came from Tosyalı.

Accordingly, Tosyalı Iron&Steel Angola will make a collaboration with Sonangol, the oil company owned by the Republic of Angola, in order to establish an integrated iron and steel plant in addition to its existing iron ore investment. It is planned to reactivate the iron ore mines in the Kassinga Region and then establish a steel plant at the Sacomar Mining Terminal in Mocamedes, southwest of the capital Luanda. Commenting on the new cooperation, “We were pleased to welcome the Minister and his accompanying delegation at Tosyalı Demir Çelik İskenderun Plant known as the center of green steel in Türkiye,” said Fuat Tosyalı, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Tosyalı Holding, and added, “On the occasion of this visit, we once again highlighted Tosyalı’s belief in Angola and our strong support for the country’s strategy to shift to non-oil and non-gas sectors, particularly iron and steel and mining. I wish this new partnership structure that expands the scope of our cooperation in Angola will be beneficial for both countries.”

Tosyalı continues its investments in the Kassinga Region, which has the largest iron ore reserves in Angola, for the purpose of operating iron ore mines in the region concerned. The company aims to reach an annual iron ore processing capacity of 10 million tons in phases thanks to this project with 2 billion tons of iron ore reserves. With the new steel plant, which is planned to be completed in 2027, a fully integrated industrial complex that dominates the entire value chain from mine to plant will have been realized. This project aims to pave the way for Angola’s industrial investments in non-oil and non-natural gas sectors and to develop the local economy more widely.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Tosyali Holding.

Contact:
Dogukan Unal
International Relations Director
dunal@dha.com.tr

Canon Academy (www.Canon-CNA.com) offers a comprehensive educational program featuring hands-on workshops covering a wide range of photography topics. To date, we have successfully trained 85 students through this initiative. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice, where expert trainers instill confidence and passion while covering essential topics like exposure triangle, composition, lighting, focus, and more. 

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is thrilled to announce the official launch of Canon Academy in Senegal, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing local photographic talent. In partnership with renowned institutions, Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School and Sup’IMax School, Canon is committed to empowering aspiring photographers and enthusiasts with world-class education and resources. 

This significant launch was marked by a meet-up event on August 13th at the Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School, introducing the local photography community to Canon’s comprehensive educational offerings, cutting-edge product lineup, authorized dealers, and the immersive Canon Academy workshop experience. 

The heart of the Canon Academy experience was the hands-on workshops conducted at Sup’IMax School on August 14th. Led by Canon Ambassador Seibou Traore, these sessions delved into the fundamentals of photography, covering essential topics such as the exposure triangle, lighting, focus, composition, aperture, ISO, and mastering manual mode. By equipping participants with practical skills, Canon Academy aims to unlock their creative potential and elevate their photography to new heights. 

“Canon Academy is dedicated to providing photographers with unparalleled learning opportunities,” said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director at Canon Central and North Africa. “Through hands-on workshops and expert guidance, we empower photographers of all levels to explore their passion and achieve their full potential. We are excited to bring this enriching experience to Senegal and contribute to the growth of the local photography community.” 

Canon Academy is dedicated to Canon users, offering hands-on experiences across a wide array of topics. Workshops are led by certified Canon trainers, ensuring that participants benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. The programme caters to different skill levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace. 

Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School, a beacon of accessible film education, shares Canon’s commitment to fostering creativity. “We’re excited to partner with Canon to empower the next generation of filmmakers and photographers. Together, we’ll create a brighter future for Senegal’s creative industry.” said- Mr Sangaré Toumani – Director, Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School 

Sup’IMax School, a leading institution in digital arts and communication, complements Canon’s vision for a vibrant creative ecosystem. “Canon Academy is a fantastic addition to our curriculum. This partnership will equip our students with the skills and tools to excel in the digital world.” Said- Mr. Birame Diouf – Executif Director, Sup’IMax School (Ininstitut Superieur des Arts et Metiers du Numerique)  

This strategic collaboration between Canon Central&North Africa, Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School, and Sup’IMax School (Ininstitut Superieur des Arts et Metiers du Numerique) exemplifies Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei – living and working together for the common good. By joining forces, these organizations are creating a powerful platform for young talent to thrive and contribute to Senegal’s creative landscape. 

The launch event and workshops signify a significant milestone for Canon in Senegal, demonstrating the company’s dedication to investing in local communities and supporting the growth of photography as an art form. Canon is confident that this initiative will inspire a new generation of photographers and strengthen the brand’s presence in the market. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Media enquiries, please contact 
Canon Central and North Africa 
Mai Youssef 
e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com 

APO Group – PR Agency 
Rania ElRafie 
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com  

About Canon Central and North Africa 
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. 

Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.  

Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.co/3yR0djA) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. 

For more information: https://apo-opa.co/3YWSFGy

TikTok (www.TikTok.com) is taking major steps to boost safety on its platform across Sub-Saharan Africa with the launch of its inaugural Safety Advisory Council and the expansion of its #SaferTogether community education campaign. By partnering with key stakeholders, including policymakers, members from academia, NGOs, and community leaders, TikTok aims to foster a collaborative approach to ensuring a secure and positive platform environment. This announcement was made at TikTok’s Safety Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya. 

A Continuous Investment: The Safety Advisory Council 
Since 2020, TikTok has established nine regional Safety Advisory Councils alongside the U.S. Content Advisory Council, each composed of experts in areas such as youth safety, free expression, and hate speech. These councils play a vital role in shaping TikTok’s policies, product features, and safety processes, ensuring the platform remains responsive to evolving challenges. 

The newly launched Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council will further this effort by bringing together local experts who will collaborate with TikTok to develop forward-looking policies and address regional safety concerns. Their input will help TikTok manage current issues and anticipate future challenges, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to user safety and fostering a positive online environment. 

Members of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council are: 

Prof Guy Berger, Rhodes University (South Africa)  
Dennis Coffie, Content creator (Ghana)  
Peter Cunliffe-Jones, University of Westminster Visiting Research Fellow (UK)  
Aisha Dabo, Co-Founder and coordinator of AfricTivistes (Senegal)  
Lillian Kariuki, Founder and Executive Director of Watoto Watch Network (Kenya)  
Dr Akinola Olojo, Expert on preventing and countering violent extremism (Nigeria)  
Prof Medhane Tadesse, Policy academic on peace and security issues (Ethiopia) 
Berhan Taye, Independent Researcher (Ethiopia)  

“With the launch of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, we are demonstrating our commitment to including expert African voices in our Trust and Safety work. This group of leaders was chosen for their broad range of expertise and experience, and we look forward to working with them over the coming years.” – Valiant Richey, Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Trust and Safety, TikTok 

#SaferTogether: A Community-Centric Approach 
This iteration of the #SaferTogether campaign is designed to engage the community actively in promoting a basic understanding of the platform’s community guidelines and safety features. This initiative will include workshops, social media outreach, and partnerships with key stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of following TikTok’s community standards. The campaign aims to foster a collaborative effort to ensure a secure environment for creative expression. 

Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Director of Government Relations&Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa emphasised, “The community empowerment campaign highlights the importance of safety being a shared responsibility. This part of the campaign will speak directly to the TikTok community, to join us in making TikTok a safer space for all by ensuring they follow the Community Guidelines and use the safety features available to them. With the additional layer that the Safety Advisory Council presents, we believe that safety can be achieved, collectively.” 

Understanding TikTok’s Community Guidelines 
TikTok’s Community Guidelines (https://apo-opa.co/4dT5vdm) are integral to the platform’s safety efforts. Developed through comprehensive research and input from various stakeholders, including safety experts and community members, these guidelines set the standard for acceptable behaviour and content on the platform. They are designed to foster a safe and welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone can express themselves freely and creatively while staying protected from potential harm. The guidelines are continuously updated to address emerging safety concerns and support a respectful online community. 

Impact of the #SaferTogether Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa 
In Kenya, TikTok has so far achieved remarkable milestones with its flagship #SaferTogether workshops (https://apo-opa.co/3Ayt4cZ).  

Reaching students and youth aged 13 to 24 from secondary schools to universities 
Conducting workshops in 26 out of 47 counties across Kenya, these workshops continue to encourage best practices on online platforms 
Workshops have also benefitted over 64,000 students, more than 467 parents, and 346 teachers 

In 2022, the #SaferTogether workshops and campaign launched in Nigeria. 

Earlier this year, TikTok announced the official partnership with the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (https://apo-opa.co/3XhbDGU) (WGYD) at the inaugural TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Ghana. This partnership will help deliver digital literacy programmes across Africa, guiding young people and their caregivers on how to diversify their livelihoods using digital platforms, in a safe and engaging way.  

Safaricom has been a long-standing strategic partner of TikTok, collaborating on a number of mobile and network initiatives over the past several years, including TikTok data bundles and participating in the #LevelUpAfrica Creator event. In light of these ongoing collaborations, Safaricom expressed strong support for TikTok’s recent efforts to enhance online safety in Africa. “At Safaricom, we see the internet as a resource that everyone should have access to, safely. Having witnessed the announcement of the TikTok Safety Advisory Council and the launch of the #SaferTogether campaign, we commend TikTok’s efforts in bringing together various stakeholders for a common goal – ensuring online safety and promoting the safe use of its platform across Africa,” said Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom PLC. 

More information about the work of the Safety Advisory Councils can be found on TikTok’s Transparency Centre (https://apo-opa.co/3MmsGAJ). 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TikTok.