By Aggrey Baba
Uganda’s leading organizations and government entities wereon November 29, 2024, celebrated during the 12th Visionaries of Uganda Awards, held at Serena Hotel in Kampala. The ceremony, an annual highlight, recognizes contributions toward Uganda’s Vision 2040 agenda, a transformative program aimed at driving the country toward modernity and prosperity.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Excellence and Strengthening Sustainable Inclusive Socio-Economic Development,” underscored the critical role of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in advancing national progress. The event drew notable government leaders and dignitaries, led by Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, who represented Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Guest.
Other key officials in attendance included Hon. Wilson Muruli Mukasa, Minister for Public Service; Hon. Henry Musasizi, State Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development; Hon. Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs; and Hon. Wilson Mbadi, State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, who stood in for Hon. Francis Mwebesa. Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, speaking on behalf of Prof. Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi, Chairperson of the National Planning Authority, also addressed the audience.
In their speeches, the ministers emphasized their ministries’ contributions to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and provided updates on key achievements. They highlighted ongoing efforts to drive industrialization, urbanization, and human capital development, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and sustainable progress.
Throughout the event, private companies and government programs were recognized for their impactful contributions to various sectors, including education, health, technology, agriculture, and infrastructure development. The awards, handed out by the attending ministers, honored entities that have consistently aligned their operations with the objectives of Vision 2040.
Prominent among the awardees were BIDCO Uganda Limited, lauded for its advancements in agribusiness and value addition, and Makerere University, which was recognized for its role in academic excellence and research innovation. Uganda Revenue Authority was celebrated for its technological innovations in revenue collection, while Huawei Technologies Uganda was recognized for driving digital transformation across the country. Other honorees included Cipla Quality Chemicals, praised for enhancing local pharmaceutical production, and the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer Program under the Ministry of Finance, which has significantly improved local government funding.
The evening also highlighted the achievements of institutions such as National Social Security Fund, Galaxy International School Uganda, and Translink Uganda Limited, among others, all of which were praised for their exceptional contributions to Uganda’s socio-economic development.
The Visionaries of Uganda Awards continue to inspire excellence across all sectors and serve as a reminder of the collective effort required to achieve the ambitious goals of Vision 2040. As Uganda progresses toward becoming a modern, prosperous country, the ceremony stands as a testament to the critical role played by government and private sector partnerships in shaping a sustainable future for all. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to intensify efforts toward achieving sustainable, inclusive growth for Uganda. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at [email protected]).
