Centenary Bank, Uganda’s leading commercial microfinance bank, has today joined hands with Pamoja Foundation, a non-profit organization, to improve the working environment of over 15,000 workers at Nakawa Market, in Nakawa Division, Kampala City.

As part of this effort, the two partners conducted a cleaning exercise alongside the market vendors, to make the market cleaner and attractive to both the workers and shoppers at the market which is one of the country’s oldest and largest markets.

The cleaning exercise is in line with the bank’s commitment towards environmental conservation and its Environment Social and Governance (ESG) agenda. Speaking at the cleaning drive, Mrs Beatrice Lugalambi, General Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing, Centenary Bank, said this drive aligns with a diverse range of initiatives by the bank aimed at mitigating environmental risks by reversing trends and behaviour that contribute to environmental degradation. Something that is aimed at promoting a sustainable future for Uganda.

 “We are delighted to participate in this activity alongside the Pamoja Foundation. Maintaining cleanliness in a bustling market like Nakawa is crucial to our commitment to preserving the environment in the communities where we operate. We firmly believe that this is a collective effort, which is why we’ve joined hands with other stakeholders such as the Pamoja Foundation, market leaders, and vendors to rejuvenate the market’s appearance,” Lugalambi said.

According to a 2021 report by the Institute for Social Transformation, Nakawa Market, one of the largest among the 51 markets in Kampala City, has a capacity of approximately 15,000 vendors. However, the disposal of waste by these vendors has posed a significant challenge to waste management. Such a problem, according to Lugalambi, is more reason for the bank to show commitment.

 “We cannot ignore the environmental impact of human activity, and it’s our responsibility to devise solutions to address the challenges we create. Initiating the cleanup of a significant market like Nakawa is merely the beginning. By setting an example for the thousands of individuals who work here, we can inspire them to collaboratively seek long-term solutions for managing their waste challenges.”

Additionally, Musimenta Bruce, the Executive Director Pamoja Foundation, emphasized the importance of a united front in addressing community and environmental challenges.

“At Pamoja Foundation, we are thrilled to partner with Centenary Bank on this commendable initiative to maintain cleanliness in one of the city’s largest markets. As a brand, we advocate for collective decision-making to address social issues, and currently, environmental degradation poses a significant threat to sustainable living. Alongside the stakeholders gathered here today, I am confident that we have set a precedent for effective waste management in this facility and others like it across the city.”

Centenary Bank, Uganda’s leading commercial microfinance bank, has today joined hands with Pamoja Foundation, a non-profit organization, to improve the working environment of over 15,000 workers at Nakawa Market, in Nakawa Division, Kampala City.

As part of this effort, the two partners conducted a cleaning exercise alongside the market vendors, to make the market cleaner and attractive to both the workers and shoppers at the market which is one of the country’s oldest and largest markets.

The cleaning exercise is in line with the bank’s commitment towards environmental conservation and its Environment Social and Governance (ESG) agenda. Speaking at the cleaning drive, Mrs Beatrice Lugalambi, General Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing, Centenary Bank, said this drive aligns with a diverse range of initiatives by the bank aimed at mitigating environmental risks by reversing trends and behaviour that contribute to environmental degradation. Something that is aimed at promoting a sustainable future for Uganda.

 “We are delighted to participate in this activity alongside the Pamoja Foundation. Maintaining cleanliness in a bustling market like Nakawa is crucial to our commitment to preserving the environment in the communities where we operate. We firmly believe that this is a collective effort, which is why we’ve joined hands with other stakeholders such as the Pamoja Foundation, market leaders, and vendors to rejuvenate the market’s appearance,” Lugalambi said.

According to a 2021 report by the Institute for Social Transformation, Nakawa Market, one of the largest among the 51 markets in Kampala City, has a capacity of approximately 15,000 vendors. However, the disposal of waste by these vendors has posed a significant challenge to waste management. Such a problem, according to Lugalambi, is more reason for the bank to show commitment.

 “We cannot ignore the environmental impact of human activity, and it’s our responsibility to devise solutions to address the challenges we create. Initiating the cleanup of a significant market like Nakawa is merely the beginning. By setting an example for the thousands of individuals who work here, we can inspire them to collaboratively seek long-term solutions for managing their waste challenges.”

Additionally, Musimenta Bruce, the Executive Director Pamoja Foundation, emphasized the importance of a united front in addressing community and environmental challenges.

“At Pamoja Foundation, we are thrilled to partner with Centenary Bank on this commendable initiative to maintain cleanliness in one of the city’s largest markets. As a brand, we advocate for collective decision-making to address social issues, and currently, environmental degradation poses a significant threat to sustainable living. Alongside the stakeholders gathered here today, I am confident that we have set a precedent for effective waste management in this facility and others like it across the city.” By Klelve Calvin, The Tower Post

An NYS recruitment underway during the 2024 intake carried out in February.

He emphasized the need for evidence of the recruitment process in each ward to address the growing concerns among members of parliament and the public. 

Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, popularly known as Mejja Donk, has raised concerns about the transparency of the recruitment process for the 15,000 National Youth Service (NYS) volunteers.

Gathiru questioned why the selection process did not take place at the ward level as originally planned, alleging interference in the recruitment process.

During a session in the house, the legislator sought clarification from Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria regarding the steps taken to ensure transparency in the NYS recruitment, particularly in the 85 wards within the City County.

He emphasized the need for evidence of the recruitment process in each ward to address the growing concerns among members of parliament and the public.

“There have been numerous concerns from members of parliament and the public regarding the level of transparency and equity in the distribution of available NYS slots,” he said.

In response to these concerns, Gathiru proposed that the Budget and Appropriation Committee consider withholding funding to the NYS in the ongoing budgetary process, either through a supplementary budget or in the next financial year, if corrective measures are not implemented to address the raised issues against the state agency.

Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management CS Moses Kuria had earlier announced that the recruitment would take place in 1,450 wards, with each ward allocated a share of the recruitment slots.

The recruitment exercise, which occurred from February 5 to February 9, aimed to enlist 15,000 volunteers.

Gathiru expressed suspicion of systematic interference in the recruitment process, particularly aimed at denying certain members of the public, especially in Nairobi, the opportunity to engage in national duty.

According to the distribution schedule released by the government, the recruitment was to be conducted at the sub-county level, with each of the 1,450 wards allocated a specific number of slots based on population demographics.

Candidates for the NYS volunteer positions were required to be Kenyan citizens and residents of the respective sub-counties where recruitment took place, aged between 18 to 24 years, and possess a mean Grade of D plain and above in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

Additionally, candidates were required to provide original National Identity Cards and academic certificates, along with copies, at the recruitment centre.

Other prerequisites included a certificate of Good Conduct, readiness to undergo medical check-ups during and after recruitment, and preparedness to undergo rigorous physical training and offer voluntary service anywhere in Kenya.  By Irene Mwangi, Capital News