The Global Fund Uganda team held its mission to Uganda from 5-9th August. The Mission included among others, a courtesy call to the Permanent Secretary and Secretary (PS/ST) to the Treasury, Mr Ramathan Ggoobi. The team that paid a courtesy call to the PS/ST included the Global Fund portfolio manager for Uganda, Dr. Saman Zamani, the Local Fund Agent/PwC’s Mr. Dawson Kalemba, and the Programme Coordinator of the Funds Coordination Unit of the Global Fund Grants in Uganda, Mr. Johnson Mutesigensi. The PS/ST welcomed the team and appreciated them for their efforts regarding the fight against the three diseases AIDS, TB and Malaria. The team discussed Value Added Tax (VAT) related issues in regard to Global Fund operations in Uganda. On his part, the PS/ST said: “|it is important to pursue a path that works efficiently.” He added that he would engage with the Attorney General in order to resolve the VAT issues.
On his part, Dr. Zamani appreciated the PS/ST for all the commitment towards the fight against the three diseases (AIDS, TB and Malaria) and the overall support towards the Global Fund Grant implementation in Uganda. He also underscored the need to create efficiencies within the Malaria program and ensure that there is reduction of losses/wastage.
The Global Fund team also raised the issue of the fire that is said to have broken out and led to the destruction of mosquito nets at the NMS warehouse in Entebbe. The PS/ST said it is necessary to look again at the fire incident and he requested for a report about the same. He said the government would scrutinize it (the fire incident) further incident and give the Global Fund a report.
In regard to the TB and HIV program, Dr Zamani said he was a pleasure to observe the good performance and general progress of the programs. “All these are excellent examples of collaboration with partners,” he said.
The PS/ST was pleased to learn that TB and HIV programs are progressing very well and he pledged his continued support towards the Global Fund partnership with Uganda. The Programme Coordinator of the Funds Coordination Unit (FCU) of the Global Fund Grants in Uganda, Mr Johnson Mutesigensi briefed the PS/ST about the operations of the FCU and the proposed future direction. In response to the brief, the PS/ST promised that the Ministry would ensure that there is a very well-structured way of moving forward.
0 Comments