Wednesday, 15 September 2021

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

On Wednesday 15th September 2021, the Government of Uganda launched the 2021-2025 Roadmap for the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Uganda at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, in conjunction with the United Nations Uganda, UNDP, European Union, German Cooperation and GIZ. Implementation will cost 13 Trillion UgX. The Prime Minister of Uganda, Hon. Robinah Nabanjja said, "As Government, we have broken the 17 SDG goals into workable actions with the sole purpose of taking our people out of poverty..." The SDGs have been translated into 12 main languages of Uganda including Lugbara which featured on the banners behind the front speakers. Gertrude Rose Gamwera, the Secretary General of Uganda Local Governments Association (ULGA) said, "Local Government are the right hand of Government in any programme implementation so their representation in accelerating the SDG agenda is key..." Local Governments and leaders need to prepare for the localisation of SDGs.

Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative - a Nigerian who spoke fondly of Uganda as her "home", retorted that this roadmap will effect Uganda's socio-economic transformation.

SDGs also known as Global Goals, were adopted by all 192 United Nations member states in September 2015, while Uganda held the UN presidency, as a universal call of action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. Through the pledge to Leave No One Behind, countries have committed to fast-track progress to bring their communities to several life-changing zeros including zero poverty, hunger, AIDS plus discrimination against women and girls. Everyone has a role to play in achieving these ambitious targets.

Also launched was the SDG Secretariat in the Office of the Prime Minister, whose Head is Dr. Albert Byamugisha. Their offices are at the Post Office Building in Kampala.

The Minister for General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba while giving her presentation commented that the new roadmap designed after the previous one launched by Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda (2018) expired in 2020 "aligned to the 3rd National Development Plan" (NDP III) or Government's Vision 2040 by over 90 percent. Uganda tries to stay on track by using the Parish Development Model (Lowest Economic Planning Unit of Uganda) backed by the Local Government Act which makes government more responsive and accountable to people plus generates data for planning while making the country better for all humanity including expatriates, tourists and refugees. In terms of performance, "Uganda was the 18th out of 52 countries on the African continent..." 

The 17 SDGs [in Lugbara (Translate)]:

1. No Poverty [Ovuzu Alio kokoru/ (Alio yo)]

2. Zero Hunger ['Bani Ovuzu Abiri kokoru/ (Abiri toko)]

3. Good Health and Well-being [Ovuzu Rua Alaru beri pi Geri onyiru/ (Alata Muke)]

4. Quality Education [Onita Onyiruri isuzu/ (Imbata Onyiru)]

5. Gender Equality ['Ba dria ni Ovuzu trotro e'yo 'yeza ndundu 'diyi ma alea/ (Agupi oku be Trotro)]

6. Clean Water and Sanitation [Yi Alaruri pi Alata 'baza angu ama ageyia ri ma alea ri pie/ (Yi Ala azini Alata 'baza)]

7. Affordable and Clean Energy [Okpo ndundu 'bani eco ayu azi 'yezu Aje nyapi were 'diyi/ (Okpo 'Bani eco jera azini Ondikokoru)]

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth [(Azi Ala azini Jeba ma Zota)]

9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure [(Okalamvu, Akiri azini Afa 'bani si ri)]

10. Reduced Inequalities [E'yo 'yezu opendu siri ma Omgbo omvizu/ (Trotroako Isizaru)]

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities [Pari Aku amborua 'diyi azini 'Ba ongulumua 'diyi be/ (Aku ambo azini Enyati 'Bani eco tambara)]

12. Responsible Consumption and Production [Geri kililiru E'yo 'yezu 'diyi Afa 'bani ede 'diyi ma ayuta pie dria/ (Nyaza azini Ofuza Kililiru)]

13. Life below Water [(Idri Yi iti-a)]

14. Climate Action [('Yeta Angu mile ni)]

15. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions [(Asindriza, E'yo liza azini Otita kongolo)]

16. Life on Land [(Idri Nyaku dria)]

17. Partnerships for the Goals [(Tiicima Golo ni)]