PIC News Bulletin

The PIC News Bulletin
Uganda Country Office  

Deputy Prime Minister Launches Report as Emmanuel Jimenez looks on

KAMPALA, January 2007 - Uganda saw the  launch of the World Development Report 2007 by   Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Henry Kajura, at a high profile event Chaired by the World Bank Country Director for   Tanzania and Uganda, Judy O’Connor, on January 29, 2007 at Serena Hotel, Kampala.  The World Bank Uganda Country Manager Grace Yabrudy was also present at the launch.

The report whose theme is “Development and the Next Generation”  focuses on investment in young people living in developing countries.  Its findings are particularly relevant to Uganda with 50% of it’s labor force comprising of youth. 

The report was presented by   Emmanuel Jimenez Director, Human Development, East Asia and Pacific Region and Director, World Development Report 2007. It was discussed by the Minister of Gender, Labor and Social Affairs, Hon. Syda Bumba and the Member of Parliament Representing Youth,  Hon. Robert Kashaija.

Hon. Bumba, whose ministry is in charge of youth development, lauded the report for emphasizing the need to create conducive environments for young people to realize their potential to meaningfully participate in all aspects of development.  She said, “Investing in young people is not only a social obligation, but makes economic sense. It is the surest approach to achieving overall national development. Society is dependent on the youth for its continual renewal.”

The Youth Member of Parliament said in order to practically engage young people, ages 12-24, in self development, their capacity should be enhanced through, “Accessing relevant and quality education, keeping healthy, securing gainful employment…and taking part in governance matters.”

A representative for the Youth with Disability, Ambrose Murangira, hailed the Bank for providing Assistive Technology for the Visually impaired in it’s Public Information Center.  He said this facility has been very useful to youth doing electronic research.

Paul Olaja: Cover Designer along side Ministers Syda Bumba, Ham Muliira, Country Director Judy O'Connor and Report Director Emmanuel Jimenez

In attendance was the artist who designed the cover of the report, Paul Olaja, a Ugandan student at Kyambogo University. He was publicly acknowledged for his talent and excellent contribution.

Addressing the Minister of Communications and ICT, Hon. Ham Muliira,  the Youth representative requested government to emulate the World Bank in providing E- accessibility for all, including the deaf and physically disabled.    The Minister acknowledge the World Bank for giving E- accessibility to the visually impaired using programs like JAWS and promised to take up the issue.

In attendance was the artist who designed the cover of the report, Paul Olaja, a Ugandan student at Kyambogo University. He was publicly acknowledged for his talent and excellent contribution.

The event organized by the Country Communications Team attracted about 75 participants, mainly Government, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector, Youth, Media and World Bank Staff. Also in attendance were four government ministers, the Governor of the Central Bank and the Permanent, Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance. 

In an outreach effort, the Public Information Center set up an information booth at the launch site.  It displayed major World Bank publications recently released such as the World Bank in Uganda Country Brief; the Uganda Joint Country Assistance Strategy 2005-2009.

The World Development Report 2007 launch was broadcast on two leading television channels, various radio stations and made headlines in the main daily newspaper. The New Vision and the regional weekly newspaper, the East African and the Weekly Observer.

Parliament from Uganda Library

The

Communications Team Visit Project Site

The team attended the workshop on the Draft Economic and Financial Evaluation on the Private Power Generation Project.   They also interacted with key stakeholders from the Government, sector participants, the project sponsor , and lenders. 

The team also, conducted  a rapid mapping exercise of the main audiences and actors to establish  their position on the project and finalized a communications work plan for project.

In addition, the team met with representatives of the project sponsor to discuss the communications needs and responsibilities for the various parties involved.

A section has been established in the Public Information Center that contains all project and safeguard documents as they are released.    In conclusion, the Communications Team will track local media press articles on the subject.

UGANDA: The World Bank Public Information Center
1^st Floor,  Ruwenzori House,Telephone: 256-41-230094, www.worldbank.org/ug