From Piggy Banks to Treasury Bonds: Lend to the Government with Just 100,000 Uganda Shillings
First, let’s congratulate Government agencies that took the decision to participate in the tradefair. It is in such spaces you explain your mandates, objectives, processes, and total information dissemination. Now, imagine being a lender to the government of Uganda-with as little as 100,000 Uganda shillings. Would you tey it?
As day six of the UMA Trade Fair unfolded, the euphoria reached new heights. Visitors and students from various institutions flocked to the event, eager to learn, explore, purchase, and witness firsthand what the fair had to offer.
Our team took keen interest in the various government institutions present, and here’s what we found.
The Electoral Commission was on-site, providing valuable information about voter registration and the electoral process. Students were practically tripping over themselves to learn about their democratic duties, amidst whispers of ambition from students eager to offer themselves for highest positions (a requirement( a la-Katumba oyee) and or vote in upcoming elections. The Commission emphasized its role in ensuring citizens exercise their constitutional rights every five years. They also offered guidance on registering new voters—because every voice matters, every vote counts!
Nearby: Then came the standout moment: the Bank of Uganda team. With their courteous and well-informed staff, ready to tackle tough questions about money matters and central bank lending rates, they also introduced an enticing proposition: treasury bonds! For just 100,000 shillings, anyone can invest in these government securities. Our team watched in awe as they explained how this investment works—essentially a way for individuals to lend money to the government while earning interest over time.
The Bank also provided insights into identifying real versus counterfeit currency and informed attendees that old or torn notes (as long as they are more than three-quarters intact) can be replaced at commercial banks for their face value. (If it’s torn, or rat eaten, B.O.U might help!)
Nearby, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) educated attendees on how to register for an NSSF card while encouraging workers to report employers who fail to remit contributions through a whistleblower platform.
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau tent was bustling with visitors seeking information on marriage registration and company formation. While civil registration has been moved to NiRA, It was heartening to see primary school students engaging in conversations about starting their own international companies. Watch out, Elon Musk; there’s a new generation of tycoons coming!
In another rare humorous twist the proposed marriage law bill seemed to attract a lot of interest from every visitor at the URSB. Is everyone suddenly planning to marry?
This is what the UMA Trade Fair embodies: a melting pot of manufacturers, value chain players, enablers, cottage industries, ”mama mele” and aspiring entrepreneurs. This is where you can plan your vote, invest in government bonds, learn to spot fake money, and maybe even plan your wedding or register that dream company.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to check my piggy bank. The government needs me!