The proposal emerged during a visit to Uganda from March 1–7 by a VEB Group delegation led by CEO Samuel Abbey Ntswana. The visit was coordinated by the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria and led by Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Paul Amoru, as part of efforts to promote investment and partnerships.

During a meeting at State Lodge in Nakasero, Museveni emphasized the need for quality hygiene products for schoolgirls and supported the development of disposable pads produced locally. Following the discussions, VEB Group said it would focus on biodegradable, single-use sanitary pads made from banana fibre sourced in Uganda.

The initiative is similar to work already underway in the country by BanaPads, a Ugandan social enterprise that produces low-cost sanitary pads from banana agricultural waste and employs rural women.

While in Uganda, the delegation also met officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports to discuss potential collaboration in manufacturing and training. They held talks with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, about opportunities in education, youth employment and industrial development.

According to the High Commission, VEB Group is exploring investments in agro-processing, manufacturing, training centres and agricultural projects. The company has indicated an initial investment of about $5 million and plans to supply one million disposable sanitary pads and one million biodegradable baby nappies, with future production expected to take place in Uganda using locally sourced banana fibre.

Uganda has increasingly explored the use of banana waste as a raw material for textiles and hygiene products, with research institutions including Busitema University developing methods to convert banana stems into fibre.

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Paul Amoru, Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, said the development marked a “significant milestone in our efforts to unite and empower the Ugandan community in Southern Africa”.

COUSA was founded with the aim of fostering dialogue, information sharing, collaboration, and networking amongst Ugandans in Southern Africa.

“Our objective is to enhance enterprise development, promote trade and investment, and celebrate the achievements of the Ugandan community in the region. We recognize the value of recognizing and rewarding the achievements, gifts, and talents of Ugandans in the diaspora,” he said in a statement to Daily Secrets.

The historical background of COUSA dates back to its formation as a non-profit organisation in 2018.

It was established as a unifying Confederation for numerous Ugandan organisations, with the purpose of maximising their common leverage and striving for excellence in social, economic, academic, and cultural sectors.

The Ugandan community in Southern Africa, consisting of approximately one million individuals, represents a significant social and economic transformative group in the region.

The 1st Interim Board of Trustees, in collaboration with the Interim Executive Committee, will work hand in hand to review and develop a new broad-based COUSA constitution.

This constitution will consider and reflect the composition and diversity of the Ugandan community in Southern Africa, providing a structure of leadership and governance for COUSA. The Board will also oversee the development of the COUSA Charter, which will further guide our activities and initiatives.

The Interim Board of Trustees and the Interim Executive Committee will have a one-year mandate to complete their tasks.

Within six months, their work should be completed, paving the way for the election of substantive office bearers for the Board and the Executive ahead of the 2024 COUSA Convention proposed for October 2024.

The roles and responsibilities of the Interim Board of Trustees and the Interim Executive Committee include:

1. Reviewing and developing a new broad-based COUSA constitution.
2. Overseeing the development of the COUSA Charter.
3. Considering and reflecting the composition and diversity of the Ugandan community in Southern Africa.
4. Developing a structure of leadership and governance for COUSA.
5. Collaborating closely with the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria.

We extend our congratulations to the 1st Interim Board of Trustees for COUSA:

1. Dr. Echun Daniel – South Africa
2. Mr. Fidel Omiat – Botswana)
3. Mr. Douglas Karujungi – Zimbabwe
4. Ms. Linda Alyek – South Africa
5. Mr. Alex M Kanuga – Lesotho
6. Mr. Alex Phillips Kakuru – South Africa
7. Ms. Rose Nakajubi – South Africa
8. Mr. Andrew Muwonge – Eswatini
9. Mr. John Taineomwangire – Lesotho
10. Mr. Richard Obo – South Africa
11. Mr. Matthew Bagonza – External Envoy

“We would like to reaffirm our commitment to supporting COUSA and its objectives in serving the Ugandan community in Southern Africa.

“Together, we can unlock financial, business, and trading opportunities for the Ugandan diaspora, as well as build collaborative ventures with corporate, businesses, trade and finance organisations,” Amoru said.

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The High Commission in Pretoria said in a statement the meeting took place on Saturday and ws attended by several FIFA officials and diplomats, along with renowned referee Pierluigi Collina.

“Amoru expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage in discussions with Mr. Gianni Infantino and Dr. Patrice Motsepe on numerous important topics,” the statement said.

“Key issues including sports infrastructure development, coach training, and support for underprivileged children in need of better sports facilities to nurture their talents were at the forefront of the conversation.”

According to the statement, Amoru emphasised the importance of training opportunities for Ugandan coaches and sought assistance in developing at least ten identified grounds, as acknowledged by the Ministry of Sports.

“These grounds require essential amenities such as artificial turf, effective lighting, and fencing to maximise their potential for multipurpose use,” Amoru said.

“With a focus on benefiting underprivileged children, both boys and girls, the improved facilities would offer them enhanced opportunities to develop their sporting abilities,” the envoy added.

Amoru appealed for the scouting of talented individuals and building stronger connections between Uganda and football clubs with the aim of establishing academies within the country.

“Such endeavours would provide a nurturing environment for young talent to flourish and reach their full potential on an international stage,” he said.

Prior to the dinner, Sports state minister Peter Ogwang in a telephone call with Amoru expressed his gratitude to Dr. Patrice Motsepe for his support of the Pamoja Bid, which will see Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania jointly hosting the 2027 CAF tournament for the first time in history.

Ogwang also confirmed the government’s readiness to provide suitable land for prominent football clubs interested in establishing sports academies in Uganda.

Uganda remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with the South African government through an exchange programme geared towards enhancing sports facilities. The Joint Commission for Cooperation, a framework previously signed between the two friendly countries, serves as the foundation for this endeavour.

The private dinner provided an exceptional opportunity to strengthen ties between Uganda and the global football community while addressing key issues in the realm of sports. Uganda’s dedication to developing its sports sector and supporting underprivileged children’s talents was resoundingly emphasised.

As Uganda continues to strive towards becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of sports, collaborations like these lay the foundation for an even brighter future in Ugandan athletics.

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