Ex-UCEM boss Dr Karuhanga tips CEOs on opportunities in Energy and Mineral sector

By Elijah Khisaa

Chief executive officers of key business sectors  have been urged to seek new opportunities in the Uganda chamber of energy and minerals [UCEM] to broaden their business  especially as they relate with the NDP1V policy framework.

The call has been by  the former board chairman Uganda chamber of energy and minerals [UCEM] Dr.Elly Karuhanga  who said it was the right time for   executive officers and senior leaders from diverse industries to continue engaging  in high level discussions on cross-sector collaboration with the aim of  unlocking  new opportunities.

Dr.Karuhanga made the remarks while addressing members from the CEOs fraternity  during a CEOs breakfast meeting hosted by UCEM at Sheraton hotel under the theme ‘Collaboration and Sustainability for Economic Prosperity; A Strategic Roadmap for NDP1V.

The meeting was designed for business decision makers which offered a strategic platform to exchange insights, forge meaningful partnerships, and align business strategies with national development goals of which conversions would shape the future of business and economic prosperity.

Dr.Karuhanga told the over 50 high level business executive officers that they need to continue engaging the government in ensuring that policies that relate to their various professional industries are given due attention and effectively addressed such that they can thrive in a good business working environment

He commended the chairman governing council [UCEM] Ashaba Aggrey with his executive director Humphrey Asiimwe for their mission of reaching out to all key stakeholders within the chamber saying such engagements are likely to lead them into a good and favorable policy agenda.

The participants discussed the policy gaps such as how best the CEOs can positively relate with UCEM stakeholders and ensure that their outstanding policy demands are effectively entrenched into the new National development plan [NDP1V].

Moses Mwasa member of the sectoral committee on legal and compliance of UCEM explained to the participants the abundant business opportunities embedded in the new NDP1V policy regime and urged them to position themselves to grab their cut.

Humphrey Asiimwe, the ED UCEM said chamber members should be encouraged to work together by sharing business opportunities such as insurance, logistics, banking, ICT and human resources development among others.

Rita Muteesi Kabeyiza who is the vice chairperson Insurance Brokers Association [IBA] said they are delighted to Network with the chamber given the enormous business opportunities among  the members saying they would open up for such opportunities.

Derrick Rukare, the corporation secretary at Wagagai  mining Uganda Ltd Busia district said as members from the mining sector, they would engage with the many CEOs to offer or seek professional services like banking, logistics, insurance, ICT, Real Estate and human resources  among others as in-house stakeholders.

Edward Nambafu from MINET Insurance brokers said the mining sector players should seek insurance services for protection given the vulnerability challenges within that sector.

He sensitized the CEOs about the need for them to utilize their professional services as general risks consultants, claims advocates as well as helping to build their capacity In ensuring that their businesses are fully insulated from risks and unforeseen disasters.