By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Vivian Nakalyango,
KAMPALA
Dr. Owomugasho.N. Daisy has received a certificate of recognition for her efforts to promote the seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Uganda.
“In a special way, we wish to recognize and extend our appreciation to you for your continued commitment to promoting 2023 Agenda for Sustainable Development, at the core of which are the seventeen (17) SDGs,” read excerpts of the certificate of recognition.
The certificate was awarded to her by Ambrosoli Consult Uganda Limited, a business, education and research consultancy firm in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday 16th September, 2023 at Serena Hotel Kampala.
She becomes a second person to be honored by Ambrosoli Consult after city business mogul, Mukesh Shukla alias Shumuk of Shumuk Aluminium industries who was honored for promoting industrialization in Uganda, two years ago.
Speaking to Parrots Media shortly after the award ceremony, Dr. Owomugasho hailed Ambrosoli Consult for noticing and recognizing her works put into helping communities.
“I am really excited and humbled that when I am doing my works and helping communities, someone out there noticed and chose me to get awarded. It gives me morale to continue working harder and alot of space especially on the 17 SDG which talks about partnerships,” she said.
Dr. Owomugasho however noted that the outbreak COVID-19 has greatly failed the realization of SDGs in Uganda with a score of 54 percent below the 60-70 percent passmark.
She said that working towards popularizing the aspects of SDGs would help the country to achieve all of them.
“We have a responsibility to popularize sustainable development for people to know about them and know which areas they need to focus on for Uganda to move as a whole to achieve SDGs,” said Dr. Owomugasho
She added, “I appeal to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the government and all SDGs enthusiasts to look at these aspects where Uganda is not doing well and concentrate on them.”
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ambrosoli Consult, Dr. Otanga Rusoke however, challenged that realization of the SDGs in Africa remains a nightmare unless governments prioritize investing in science and technology as well as improving on the education system in the continent.
“If the SDGs are not backed up with advanced science and technology, they will fail,” he said.
Development damages planet earth, the behavioral scientist, Dr. Otanga argued citing out human activities that endanger environment such as infrastructure development likely to cause negative impacts on climate, 13 SDG.
“Uganda like any African state, we do not have technology to defend ourselves. SDGs without technology is the same as committing suicide,” warned Dr. Otanga Rusoke
In addition, Gilbert Musinguzi, a Quality Assurance Manager at Quality Assurance Network appealed to government to negotiate with the World Bank to lift the suspension on funding new loans for Uganda.
According to Musinguzi, the Bank has been supportive of numerous projects which seek to address the 17 SDGs in the country. He says the stoppage to funding for Uganda cripples many programs which makes Uganda to lose her target to achieve SDGs by 2030.
Other notable guests at the award ceremony was Musime William Bill – Sales Representative at Rio Insurance, Peace Tumwine – Human Resource Manager and Administrator at UNASO, Charles Lwanga – Projects Manager at Somali Union in Uganda, among others.
About SDGs
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by all the United Nations member states in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.
Through the pledge to leave No one behind, countries committed to fast-track progress for those furthest behind.
The 17 SDGs, with a total of 196 targets and 232 indicators, recognize that action in one area will affect outcomes in others, and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability.
According to the UN, this ambitious target can be reached at by everyone through partnerships with the government, private sector, CSOs and citizens.
Uganda adopted the SDGs in 2016.
