Civil society organisation scoops consumers top choice awards

Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) has scooped an award as the top choice Non -Governmental Organisation (NGO) which advocates for a people’s centred budget that dignifies humanity in the country.

The minister of trade, Amelia Kyambadde, handed over the award to CSBAG under the auspices of Consumers Choice Awards 2018 in a colourful ceremony held at Serena Hotel in Kampala.

According to Bari Salim, the publisher and editor in chief of Consumers Guide magazine CSBAG emerged the winner in the category of “excellence as a non-for-profit NGO in Uganda 2018”

Salim said the civil society group was chosen by consumers themselves and not by the panel of judges, having gained public trust and confidence in championing the cause of equitable budget in the country.

The minister of trade Amelia Kyambadded (L) accompanied by chief marketing manager of Tororo Cement Alok Kala (R) on arrival for the consumers awards gala ceremony 

 
“The awards were given according to the quality of service an organisation has provided to the public and as a result the consumers have trust and confidence in the organization,” Salim told guests.

He said the civil society group exhibited excellence in the work they do and was voted the best by the consumers.

Carol Namagembe, the programme manager of CSBAG who was delighted to receive the award said the accolade was well deserved, having spearheaded the campaign against mobile money tax of 0.5% levied on financial transactions, which caused uproar in the country.

The civil society then argued that the mobile money tax was retrogressive and was going to cause financial exclusion after the majority of Ugandans had joined the bracket of financial inclusion.

“We are happy to be recognised in the private sector. It shows we created an impact during the campaign against mobile money tax,” Namagembe said after receiving an award.

Jeff Wadullo, parliamentary liaison officer attributed the organisation’s recognition to championing the fight against mobile money tax which is repressive and not fair and equitable.

President Yoweri Museveni, last week assented to the mobile money tax recently after Parliament passed it and its now law.

“This is a big opportunity to making quality services; once you are winner you will always remain higher. This is being unique and we take pleasure for fighting against mobile money tax,” Wadullo said.

The Minister of Trade Amelia Kyambadded (3rd left) poses for a group photograph with other winners

 
Evas Kanyesigye, ICT official attributes the organisation’s success to partners and members of a coalition saying without their input the recognition would have been possible.

In her remarks, the minister informed guests that Consumer Protection Bill is in the offing.

Kyambadde told the celebrants that Cabinet was handling the Consumer Protection Bill and it will soon be tabled in Parliament.

She said there has been significant improvement in service industry contributing 56% of the GDP.

Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group was among the 34 organizations who received awards for their excellent contribution to the development of economy.

The minister opened a dance for guests who took to the floor in a mood of celebrations for the awards.

About CSBAG

The CSBAG is a coalition formed in 2004 to bring together civil society organizations at national and district levels to influence government decisions on resource mobilisation and utilisation for equitable and sustainable development.

It was created out of a desire to collectively influence government and effectively participate in setting national budget priorities.