HiPipo Money

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Qalaa Holdings (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Exchange, formerly Citadel Capital) announced that its energy sector subsidiary TAQA Arabia aims to expand its network of fuel stations in Egypt through TAQA Oil Marketing Company. The company currently offers comprehensive services with the highest levels of quality, through 36 state of the art gas and fuel stations nationwide.

TAQA Arabia’s Board of Directors, headed by Khaled Abu Bakr, recently approved the ambitious expansion plan presented by TAQA Marketing Managing Director, Mohamed Nafea. The company’s strategy is focused on serving remote areas of the country that are in need of premium service stations outside the major urban centers of Cairo and Alexandria. 

“The Egyptian market has immense growth potential. In light of the government’s efforts to revive the economy and regain investor trust, we will continue to invest heavily in energy as one of our core industries. This initiative on the part of TAQA to expand its network of stations is an important step that will make oil products more readily available in rural areas that have witnessed the worst of the country’s energy shortage,” said Mohamed Shoeib, Managing Director and Head of Qalaa Holdings Energy Division.

TAQA Oil Marketing is currently pursuing a strategy that aims to see the company become one of the top 5 oil marketing companies in the country within the next 10 years, particularly with regards to its market share. Its new stations are state of the art one stop shops offering a variety of petroleum products.

“We have already differentiated ourselves and built strong brand equity in the market by providing customers with the highest quality products and services. Now TAQA Oil Marketing looks forward to rolling out our new expansion plan in Egypt’s underserved markets,” said TAQA Arabia CEO, PakinamKafafi.

TAQA Oil Marketing has capitalized on its exclusive deal with Castrol, one of the biggest lube producing companies in the world. As the exclusive distributer of Castrol’s products in Egypt, the company provides services to the automotive, industrial and maritime sectors.

“TAQA Marketing has become a profitable company with return on equity expected to exceed 20% by year’s end and will reach 25% within two years,” said the company’s Managing Director, Mohamed Nafea..

TAQA Arabia is the largest private sector energy distribution company in Egypt with over 16 years of experience, investing and operating energy infrastructure including gas transmission and distribution, power generation and distribution and marketing of petroleum products. The company serves more than 600 industrial, 50,000 commercial and 600,000 residential customers and has converted 1 million appliances to natural gas in Egypt and the MENA region.

Energy is one of Qalaa Holdings’ (formally Citadel Capital) core industries along with cement, agrifoods, transportation & logistics and mining.

—Ends—

Qalaa Holdings(CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Stock Exchange) is an African leader in infrastructure and industry. Formerly known as Citadel Capital, Qalaa Holdings controls subsidiaries in core industries including Energy, Cement, Agrifoods, Transportation & Logistics, and Mining. To learn more, please visit qalaaholdings.com.

TAQA Arabia is the largest private sector energy distribution company in Egypt with over 16 years of experience, investing and operating energy infrastructure including gas transmission and distribution, power generation and distribution and marketing of petroleum products. Incorporated in Egypt, TAQA Arabia has successfully grown from a local service provider to a highly ranked regional competitor with operations in the Middle East and Africa. TAQA provides services through 4 operating arms; TAQA Gas, TAQA Power, TAQA EPC and TAQA Fuel Marketing.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this News Release that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Qalaa Holdings. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Certain information contained herein constitutes “targets” or “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “seek,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Actual events or results or the actual performance of Citadel Capital may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements. The performance of Qalaa Holdings is subject to risks and uncertainties.

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• First private equity fund to raise capital from local pension funds
• 70% of the funds are committed by commercial investors 
• Fund to invest in enterprises across Eastern Africa

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The dark silhouetted figure of a lanky Karamojong warrior suddenly appeared in our way along the path leading to Natapari village in Nabilatuk sub county, Nakapiripirit district, one of the two sub counties that benefited from the MTN 2013 Marathon water project.

Unlike in the recent years, the warrior had a long stick instead of a gun slung across his neck as he took long strides towards a large tree, a few meters away from one of the newly constructed boreholes where half a dozen other warriors who had already taken their seats. As he steps aside to give way to the 4WDs to pass, a traditional Karamojong stool peeped out of his suuka.

At the water point, a modern borehole spewing out clean and safe water, a horde of dirty kids and a lone one-armed elderly woman were noisily quenching their thirst. As they took turns to pump the water, the warriors under the tree take quizzical watch over their precious miracle pump, a much prized asset that has happened to the village in the recent years.

For Apuun Maritina who is nursing an amputated right arm, the bore-hole is God sent.  She said before the borehole was drilled she used to go down the swamps, over three kilometers from her manyata to fetch dirty water, for which she would be asked to pay Ugx 1000.

“I have not stopped thanking God for this borehole. Now I can come anytime and get clean water for my household. This is indeed a blessing to this village for which we are very grateful to the people who thought of us as beneficiaries of this project”, she said as she stretched her left palm to scoop another handful of clean water which she drank with relish, oblivious of the stump that is left of what used to be her right hand.

It is evident that the borehole is not only important to Maritina and the children. Lokol who had already taken his position under the tree with other warriors said:

“We come here every morning and take our seats under this tree to guard over our water source lest some strangers come and destroy it. It is within our will to guard it day and night to ensure its longevity for the good of our children, mothers, wives and livestock”.

In a region largely dominated by pastoralists who do nothing else other than graze cattle, hunger has become synonymous with the communities. Most people make do with one meal a day, explaining why a clean source of water such as this borehole means a lot to the people here. In Lokol’s words, now the communities can at least afford to drink safe water to take them through the day.

Following the 2013 Marathon, MTN Uganda and its partners including Huawei Uganda, New Vision, Stanbic Bank and Rwenzori Water handed over the UShs. 400 million collected during the MTN Kampala Marathonto Water Aid Uganda to implement a 6 months water project in Nakapiripit- part of the Karamoja sub region and deliver safe and clean water to the people of Karamoja.

The selection ofNakapiripit districtas beneficiary was made after the evidence from Uganda Bureau of Statistics -UBOS poverty map and primary data indicated that more than 80% of the people in the district were living below the poverty line. A full needs analysis was carried out by Water Aid Uganda to ensure that the neediest villages in Karamoja would benefit from this water project.

The Uganda Human Development Report 2005 (UNDP 2005) ranked Karamoja Region as the second last in the country Human Development Index of 0.24 where high levels of poverty were attributed to frequent drought and insecurity. The two beneficiary Sub Counties Moruita and Nabilatuk in Nakapiripirit that were selected due to the fact that they have the least water coverage of 34% and 46% respectively.

WaterAid was also tasked to monitor sanitation and hygiene among the communities and engage them through hygiene education and promotion activities including drama shows, village improvement campaigns, and household hygiene and sanitation follow-ups in 8 villages.

The Nakapiripirit Water Aid Uganda Project Coordinator  Anne Lukune said the other components of the project included conducting of two community competitions as part of demonstration of best practices in sanitation and hygiene, capacity building for Community Based Monitoring Systems (CBMS) , Construction of 4 School sanitation facilities, training school health clubs, SMCs and teachers in improvement of school sanitation and hygiene and procurement of 50 hygiene and sanitation tool kits (Spades and pick axes) for aiding household latrine construction all of which is expected to benefit close to 10,000 people.

According to Lukune, 18 boreholes have been constructed across the two sub-counties and most of the work has been done. In addition, eighteen water committees have been formed in coordination with the District Local government officials to be trained on best hygiene and sanitation practices.

Milly Okwi, WaterAid Hygiene and Sanitation Coordinator said they are working closely with the district Local government committee to sensitize the communities on proper hygiene practices.  Tonny Okullu, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) who chaired the joint meeting at the district headquarters said authorities have embarked on law enforcement to ensure proper hygiene practices are observed by the Karamojong.

“We are currently working with Police to arrest all those found defecating in the open space. As a result of this enforcement, Latrine coverage in the district has gone up to 14% from almost zero in the last two years.

Okullu thanked MTN and partners for choosing Karamoja as beneficiaries of the water project adding that their efforts will never go to waste is the most deserving given the low literacy levels and lack of proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

Speaking about the project, MTN Uganda’s GM Corporate Services Anthony Katambareiterated that MTN Uganda was committed to continue partnering with other Corporate Companies and with the Government of Uganda as developmental partners to spearhead life changing initiatives

Katamba added;“We take pride in the fact that every participant who took part in the 2013Marathon whose theme was run for Water, joined hands with MTN to make a difference in the lives of the people of Karamoja.At MTN, we have over the years dedicated ourselves to the cause of improving the society we live in by harnessing the passion that we as Ugandans have within ourselves. We have done this through many avenues, but one of my personal favorite is the MTN Kampala Marathon”.

As MTN and partners prepare to officially commission the  18 boreholes in Nakapiripirit next month, it is evident that the life of Lokol Peter and his kinsmen in Natapari village, have positively changed, just like that of other communities where the water sources have been installed.

-Ends-

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 31 March 2014, MTN Uganda recorded 9.5 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.

About the MTN Group
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. More info onwww.mtn.com

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After a successful launch of this year’s scholarships programme worth 650 million Uganda shillings, and receiving over 1,000 applications the MadhvaniFoundation scholarship committee has released the list of candidates shortlisted for final interviews.

Face to face Interviews will be conducted at Makerere University senate building level 4.  From 4^th to 9^th August between 8:30 am – 5:30pm to evaluate which candidates are the most deserving to be awarded full tuition scholarships.  

In a statement issued by the foundation, Ms. Beatrice Apoto the foundation’s Administrator said, “the Scholarships have always received a very good response with thousands of applications and this year has not been any different, we have been particularly impressed with the surge in applications from Northern Uganda which is evidence of the effects of return of peace to the region”.  

She continued the candidates shortlisted for interviews are required to come to come with all original documents they submitted with their application in addition to a valid identity card, proof of parents/guardian’s occupation e.g pay slip, letter from the employer, Letter from LC, Death Certificate in case of deceased and all receipts for payment of fees at their current University.

Beatrice reminded all candidate to come for the interviews only at the appointed time and date. The full list of candidates is available on the foundation website http://www.madhvanifoundation.comand at the Madhvani Foundation offices at Plot 96-98, 5th Street Industrial AreaEast African Distributors Ltd.

The Madhvani Foundation scholarship programme was set up at the dawn of Uganda’s independence to honour the memory of the founder of the Madhvani Group the late MuljibhaiMadhvani (1894 -1958) who firmly believed Uganda’s economic transformation would only be possible through investment in the promotion of scientific and technical education among the people of Uganda. The Foundation supports both under and postgraduate Ugandan students from underprivileged families who prove themselves academically.

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Chinese government officially handed over solar street lamps to KCCA at Kampala Serena Hotel. The solar lamps grant worth $800,000 (98 solar lights) was as a result of notes signed by the Government of the republic of china and government of Uganda in 2012 on the initiation of the solar demonstration project aiding Uganda.

The 98 lights were installed by Huawei Technologies Uganda co. ltd along Kabaka anjagala road, Usafi Car Park, Nsambya road, Mbogo road and state house close.

Mr. Radoslaw Kedzia the Managing Director Huawei Technologies Uganda said that the lights were easy to maintain, save up to 85,000kwh every year and have zero emission of carbondioxide. He added that each light’s battery can support three days working of LED light in case there are days with no sunlight.

Mr. Zhao Yali, the ambassador of China to Uganda noted that the grant was a sign of good relations between Uganda and China as a result of an economic and technological agreement that was signed in 2011.

Mr. Frank Tumwebaze; the minister for Presidency and KCCA affairs, Mrs. Jenifer Musisi Ssemakula Executive Director KCCA and other dignitaries from KCCA also graced the event.

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through our dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. We are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population.    For more information, visit Huawei online: www.huawei.com

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Photo Caption:

Shelter Afrique Acting Managing Director Mr. Yekini Olayanju (centre) and the National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC) Chairperson Ambassador Agnes Kalibbala (2nd left) exchange documents after the two organizations signed a USD9 million loan agreement, at Shelter Afrique offices in Nairobi, Kenya. The signing was witnessed by Uganda’s Minister of Housing Hon. Daudi Migereko (2nd right), the NHCC Managing Director Mr. Felix Okoboi (right), and Shelter Afrique Director Business Development and Operation Mr. Femi Adewole (left).

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Nairobi, 21st July, 2014: Pan – African urban housing financier institution Shelter Afrique, has signed a USD9 million loan agreement with Uganda’s National Housing and Construction Company (NHCC). The facility will help boost the supply of affordable housing in Uganda.

 The Agreement signed in Nairobi by Acting Managing Director for Shelter Afrique Mr. Yekini Olayanju and the National Housing and Construction Company Chairperson Ambassador Agnes Kalibbala, and witnessed by Uganda’s Minister of Housing Hon. Daudi Migereko and the NHCC Managing Director, Mr. Felix Okoboi.

“The project finance facility agreement between Shelter Afrique and NHCC Uganda is a step in the right direction and marks an important milestone for the two institutions, we are committed to supporting the government of Ugandan in rolling out housing projects through a public private partnership that will pave way for possible increase in capital subscription to ensure effective intervention for shelter Afrique in the Ugandan markets,” said Mr. Olayanju.

On his part, Hon. Migereko lauded the move by NHCC to engage Shelter Afrique in its attempts to improve housing of affordable housing in Uganda and urge the company to explore further ways of working with Shelter Afrique.

“As a ministry, we are doing a good job but we have to do more and in good time. We also have to look at ways to make the cost of housing materials cheaper, we have to find a way to become a part of the value -chain so we can control the cost, which has been the prohibitive factor in acquiring houses in Uganda,” the Minister said. 

Ambassador Kalibbala thanked the Minister and the staff of Shelter Afrique for successfully concluding the loan deal adding that this will go a long way in address housing deficit in Uganda.

“Signing is the culmination of a hard work, a very big step and the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Shelter Afrique and National Housing and Construction Company of Uganda,” said Amb. Kalibbala.

“The housing in Uganda is one of the biggest problems and I’m very optimistic the project this loan is meant for will really help Ugandan people to access affordable housing,” the Amb said.

National Housing and Construction Company Limited (NHCC) is a Ugandan public enterprise that was established by the National Housing Corporation Act of 1964. The act was later repealed by the 1974 Decree to form National Housing and Construction Corporation.

About Shelter Afrique

Shelter Afrique is a Pan African company for habitat and housing in Africa, an international housing finance and development  intuition which has its headquarter in Nairobi and a regional office in Nigeria. It is backed by 44 member countries, the Africa Development Bank (AFDB) and the Africa Reinsurance Company (Africa RE).

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Muslim communities in Kibuli and Old Kampala Mosques received assortment of food items and Ramadan gift hampers from MTN Uganda  as part of the Company’s holy month give-back drive and association with the Muslim community.

Last year, MTN Uganda created a celebratory mood around the holy month of Ramadan at Luzira Prison Mosque and several other mosques in and around Kampala where a team from MTN Ugandaoffered donations of food items toLuzira prison inmates and Muslim communities.

In what has become an annual theme, this year the MTN staff will visit Kibuli Mosque on Friday 18^th July 2014 and attend Juma prayers before donating the items. This will be followed with a visit to Old Kampala Mosque on 25^th July 2014. The total cost of the initiative is UShs. 24 million for both activations.

In both Mosques, MTN will distribute 400 gift hampers containing an assortment of items. The beautifully wrapped gift hampersare all branded with a Quran message.

“MTN Uganda appreciates the significance of this fasting season among the Muslim community. Our visit to the mosques is testimony to our pledge to continue making a difference in the lives of our customers and especially now, in the lives of our Muslim brothers and sisters as they mark this fasting month of Ramadan,” saidYasin Ramadanwho is MTN Uganda’s Senior Manager- Planning and Optimization in the Network Division.

The Imam of Kibuli Mosque Sheikh Zubairi Sowed on behalf of the Kibuli Mosque communityhas hailed MTN for always responding to the needs of the communities in the country and for always showing the spirit of solidarity with the Muslims.

Speaking about the initiative, the Sheikh  said; “We welcome your kind gesture and appeal to other corporates to emulate this remarkable spirit of sharing that MTN has continuously exhibited not only to the Muslims but also to other entities” he said.

The MTN Uganda staff representative Yasin Ramadan,said MTN Uganda will continue with the spirit of association with its diverse customer segments in a show of solidarity and appreciation of support it has received over the years.

He urged the Muslim communities to utilize the recently launched Mfaith service which MTN designed to help its customers from different faiths to access daily quotes from the Holy Quran or the Bible.

MTN is a brand that welcomes and respects diversity in all forms.

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A MUSICAL JOURNEY INTO THE EXRAORDINARY

Nile Gold in partnership with Black Roots Unlimited have announced Grammy nominated  international R&B superstar Joe Thomas and Grammy winner, guitarist Norman Brown as the headliners for the 7^th Annual Nile Gold Jazz Safari. The five man Jazz super group, TIZER is also added to the star-studded line-up. The show will take place at The Kampala Serena Conference Centre, Friday 3^rd October 2014.

In 2013, more than 1,000 fans attended the 6^th Annual Nile Gold Jazz Safari to enjoy performances by Keith Sweat. Tom Braxton, John Blackwell Project and Michael ‘Patches’ Stewart. For the past six years, the festival has enjoyed unprecedented growth, consistently delivering stunning increases in attendance while attracting both locals and out-of-towners.                                                                                                                                              

Daniel Ogong, NBL Marketing Director said “Nile Gold is proud to be associated with Jazz Safari in conjunction with the Uganda Rotary Cancer Program. Our support toward the construction of the Maureen Mugoya Cancer Ward will benefit the fight against cancer. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the corporate community and everyone who comes down to support such a noble cause.”

Stephen Mwanje, Chairman of the Rotary Uganda Cancer Program said, “Together with partners like Nile Gold and Nsambya Hospital, we are trying to supplement the current limited facilities in the country in the prevention and treatment of common cancers and managing their effects. This Centre is simply the first part of a much larger intervention.”

Joe whose platinum breakthrough album “All That I Am” reached #13 on the Billboard 200 album charts and #4 on the R & B charts will perform alongside Norman Brown. On the same stage we will see Saxophonist Steve Nieves, Drummer Raul Pineda, Guitarist Chieli Minucci from Jazz Fusion group (SFX) Special EFX, Bassist Andre Manga and Lao Tizer – all part of TIZER.

These announcements were revealed at the launch of the 2014 Nile Gold Jazz Safari at The Brand House in Bugolobi.

“We recognize that the array of instrumentalists, live bands and musicians on the Jazz scene has grown over the years and are proud to be associated to some of that growth. Our goal is to nurture the creativity and diversity of Jazz Music in Uganda and the Jazz Safari property has allowed us to have an effect in this. This year we look forward to having an exceptional concert,” Sponsorships Manager Isaac Sekasi said.

 “The artist line up this year is phenomenal! We plan to have all the artistes in well before the concert, so get ready to experience world class entertainment! We are going to show you the definition of a good time with our theme – Nu Jazz and Neo Soul Supremacy. I would like to thank Nile Gold, British Airways, the Kampala Serena Hotel and Rwenzori Premium who have stuck with us for all these years,” TShaka Mayanja founder said. ‘If you like soul, rhythm and blues and Smooth Jazz, you are going to love this show,’ he added.

Norman Brown who is famous for his guitar wizardry received a Grammy Award in the best pop instrumental category. TIZER which was nominated for “Jazz Group of the year” is filled with multiple talent. From Raul Pineda, who has been nominated thrice and won one Grammy Award, to Chieli Minucci of Chieli Music who for a long time led the Grammy nominated Jazz – fusion group SPECIAL EFX, Cameroon born bassist Andre Manga who has had great success in the industry, Steve Nieves, the Saxophonist who has over 35 years of experience performing live and lastly Lao Tizer who assembled the group and has himself been nominated for Best New Jazz Artist.

As part of our CSR and our dedication to developing instrumentalists here, we shall have a Jazz music workshop at Kampala Music School, hosted by renowned Jazz pianist Arlington Jones Jr. AJ, who is endorsed by the famous Steinway pianos, was here with Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright for Jazz Safari 2010. He’ll be teaching music students and other Ugandan musicians. 

Prior to the event there will be exciting in-trade promotions where consumers will:

• Buy a bucket of Nile Gold(contains 4) or a carry pack at selected bars and supermarkets
• Receive a code and
• Have a go at cracking the Nile Gold safe which contain lots of prizes including tickets to the artistes’ meet and greet

Entry for the Nile Gold Jazz Safari stays the same as last year, 170,000 for regular tickets.

Nile Gold Crystal Malt stands out as Uganda’s leading premium brand for its great taste and quality which resonates with a premium event like the Nile Gold Jazz Safari.

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• Mechanised Ballast Tamper and Ballast Profiler to replace manual track alignment
• Equipment to ensure precise track alignment, increase productivity 25X compared to manual processes
• Machines arrive weeks ahead of 20 additional General Electric locomotives 

Wednesday, 16^th July 2014 – Mombasa … Regional rail operator, Rift Valley Railways has today commissioned two high capacity railway track maintenance machines thatwill automate and hasten track restoration.

Speaking during the commissioning, outgoing RVR Group CEO, Darlan De David explained that automating the track maintenance process will significantly improve track stability, helping achieve efficiency and much improved cycle times.

The Ballast Tamper and Ballast Profiler machines work in tandem to arrange displaced ballast restore the trackto the technically required geometric alignment at a speed of one kilometer per hour compared to only 40 meters per hour using manual processes.

“Railway tracks require regular maintenance as frequent movement of heavy trains usually unsettles the ballast and configurationof the line. The computers aboard this mechanised equipment automatically corrects track alignment to a very high degree of precision based on data fed into monitorsduring trackreconnaissancetrips”, said Eng. Joshua Pembere, an RVRmechanical engineer and project manager.

The high end equipment is manufactured by Austrian firm Plasser & Theurer, the pioneer and global leader in mechanized railway track maintenance technology.

The commissioning comes days after Rift Valley Railways received an injection of sh6 billion, the final tranche of a sh14.4 billion debt financing package from international and regional lenders.

The loan facility is part of a sh25 billioncapital expenditure plan to turnaround the rail operator that began in January 2012. The five-year investment programme will see substantial investments in improving operating technology and infrastructure, expanding haulage capacity and developing skilled personnel.

Infrastructure improvements financed under the programme include a sh2 billion rehabilitation of 73 kilometres of worn railway track between Mombasa and Nairobi and a sh400 million project to rebuild bridge crossings near Jinja in Uganda.

“Together with the installation of GPRS technology on all our trains these investments have cutcargo transit time between Mombasa and Nairobi by six hours. And we expect to reduce cargo transit time from the port to Kampala by 16 hours through this mechanisation over the next year”, Darlan said.

Darlan noted that RVR has spent more than sh5 billion to upgrade infrastructure since the start of the investment programme 26 months ago but has had to rely on fairly expensive private  sources of finance.

“Co-funding from less expensive public sources in the true spirit of public private partnership would reduce the high cost of private capital that gets reflected in tariffs and speed up the realisation of our common goal of building a robust railway network to boost trade and prosperity in the region”, Darlan observed.

He said all these infrastructure improvements are entered into the balance sheet of government as it is the owner of the railway infrastructure that RVR manages.

Kenyan and Ugandan technical teams will run and maintain the equipment, after a skills transfer conducted by the manufacturers.

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Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, donated 10,000,000ugx to Mpungwe Secondary school Mayuge to construct a classroom block. The block to be constructed shall create space for a good learning environment and a chance for more children to have education in Mpungwe community.

Mr. Yiga Adel, the Assurance and Managed services director Huawei Uganda noted the cause for donating to the school. He also encouraged parents in the community to contribute to this project actively by making sure it successfully comes to completion, and to send their children to School. ‘Giving back to communities where we operate is our corporate social responsibility obligation, it is the reason we have donated 10,000,000ugx to aide in the construction of a classroom block with the aim of creating opportunities through education’.

State Minister for ICT Hon. Nyombi Thembo; the chief guest was grateful for the donation from Huawei and offered a certificate of appreciation in return , he further appreciated the community and their leaders for moving a step ahead before Huawei Technologies coming on board. ‘Huawei Technologies has always been socially responsible in Uganda; I would like to thank them for investing in education which is a foundation for integrity and social economic development.

Huawei is committed to support Uganda’s social economic development through Science, Technology and education. The donation to Mpungwe Secondary School is a sign of this commitment.

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through our dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. We are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population.    For more information, visit Huawei online: www.huawei.com