Your mail: Let’s support female sports 

Whoever loves netball will confirm that the display of the She Cranes throughout the recent World Cup in South Africa underlined the fact that Uganda has abundant talent that only requires the government to invest in sporting infrastructure to help unlock the immense talent we have.

The superb leadership offered by the players who have since turned professional just confirms that the girls can go to any level if they are well-supported.

Considering that the netball administration in Uganda has lately been synonymous with controversy while the game is yet to be categorized as essential, it is now time for the National Council of Sports, the ministry of Education and Sports, the parliament and the executive to turn tables and comprehensively invest in netball/sports infrastructure in Uganda.

The performance of the She Cranes has completely rewritten Uganda’s global image in the world of sports. I challenge all women leaders to promote the future of our girls and allow them pursue sports-related careers.

Richard Mubiru,
Mukono.

Delayed payment hurting oil contractors

The oil and gas industry is already making a strong contribution to Uganda’s economy. Many Ugandans are employed in the sector and are generating revenues. However, there are some issues in the sector that need to be resolved. Key among them is the late payment of invoices.

Most contracts have a payment period of 45 days after the submission of an invoice. In many cases, this has not been the case. Some invoices have run to over 100 days with no payment.

These delays cause adverse knock-on effects across most contractor cycles. That is, many contactors are finding it difficult to pay their own suppliers. Also, since many of them fund contracts using credit, the delayed payments have created high interest rates on loans and, in adverse instances, defaults.

Not only does this create a negative impression about the sector within the banking network, it has also created a problem of lack of working capital for many businesses. If this situation persists, local content will suffer a natural death. Contracts will be awarded to foreign companies which have deep pockets, with Ugandans losing out.

Michael Woira,
Kampala.

Empowering girls to reduce pregnancies

Empowering young girls against teenage pregnancies not only equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures, but it also addresses the underlying factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy.

First, we need to think of educating girls. When girls have access to quality education, they are more likely to delay marriage and pregnancy. Education empowers them with knowledge about sexual and reproductive health, family planning, and their rights.

It fosters critical thinking skills that enable them to challenge harmful norms and make choices that align with their aspirations. Furthermore, education opens doors to economic opportunities, breaking the cycle of poverty that can often contribute to,early pregnancies.

Additionally, access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and services is crucial for empowering girls. When they
understand their bodies and have access to information about contraception, family planning and sexually transmitted infections, they are better equipped to make responsible choices.

This knowledge empowers them to take control of their reproductive health and make informed decisions about when and if to start a family. Empowering girls means nurturing their self-esteem and confidence. Girls who believe in their own potential are more likely to set high goals for themselves and resist pressures to conform to early marriage or pregnancy.

Furthermore, empowering the girl child involves challenging and changing societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality. By promoting gender equality in households, communities, and schools, we create an environment where girls are valued and respected.

When boys and girls grow up with equitable role models and expectations, they are less likely to engage in harmful behaviours that contribute to teenage pregnancies. Economic empowerment offers girls the means to shape their own futures.

When girls have access to skills training and economic opportunities, they are less likely to feel financially dependent on others, reducing the likelihood of early marriages for economic security. Economic independence also gives girls the confidence to prioritize their education and delay pregnancies until they are ready.

Empowering the girl child is not an isolated effort. Communities should play a vital role in creating an environment that supports girls’ rights and well-being. Engaging parents, teachers, community leaders and religious figures in discussions about the importance of girls’ empowerment can shift attitudes and practices that contribute to teenage pregnancy.

Shadia Nakazibwe
nakazibweshadia61@gmail.com