HiPipo Money

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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

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Wednesday, 26^th June 2014; Today, CNOOC Uganda opened a new office in Hoima, their second office in the country. This new office is located at Plot 48, Kitara Courts Hoima town.

This function was attended by the area MP Hon. Henry Kajura, the woman MP, Hon. TophaceKaahwa, local leaders, kingdom officials, representatives from Kyangwali sub county, representatives from other oil companies, CNOOC partners, CNOOC staff and Hoima journalists, CNOOC Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Zack Lubega thanked all of the people in Hoima for accommodating them and allowing them peaceful access to the land in the areas where the drilling is to be done.

“This office is open to all of you people in Hoima. We have dedicated staff here who are more than willing to answer all your questions about our past and present activities both in Uganda and internationally.” He said.

The area woman MP, Hon, TophaceKaahwa thanked CNOOC for opening an office closer to the Hoima people who are directly affected by their activities. “There were some reports that communication with CNOOC management is not easy since they are mainly located in Kampala. I would like to applaud CNOOC for quickly and positively reacting to this report and establishing a ground office.” She said.

Representatives from the kingdom thanked CNOOC for responding to the requests they make for funding and sponsorship for their activities. They encouraged people in Hoima to embrace the development that CNOOC was bringing to the region and to continue co-operating with them whenever approached.

The brief event ended with CNOOC serving refreshments to its guests as they toured the new office. The Hoima journalists were later treated to a meet and greet dinner, courtesy of CNOOC.

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HOIMA, Uganda – As Uganda edges towards the production phase of the nascent oil and gas sector, one area that is already getting a feel of the anticipated results is Hoima District.

The town that is now rightly referred to as ‘Uganda’s Oil hub’ is a bee hive of activity as its old one-storied, clay walled and rusty iron sheet houses give way to larger offices, hotels and recreational centers.

The town now boasts of several commercial properties, bigger financial institutions as well as several large offices that have instantly changed the infrastructure of this oil hub.

A statement released by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development on Tuesday (June 24, 2014) announcing that the process of selecting a contractor to build Uganda’s first refinery and related downstream infrastructure has narrowed down to two companies, has only aroused the appetite for infrastructural development in the district.

Chinese oil firm, CNOOC is the latest entrant in this mix as the company recently unveiled a magnificent office overlooking the town.

During a dinner organized to officially open CNOOC’snew offices in Hoima, AminahBukenya, CNOOC’s Public Relations Supervisor said that the building will help take services closer to the people.

“This office now makes it easier for our people to access us rather than trekking all the way to Kampala. We are optimistic that this step will help cement our relationship with the locals,” she said.

She also added that the new offices open an avenue for employment opportunities for the locals.

CNOOC is so far the only oil company to have been granted a production license and is managing the Kingfisher field that was granted in September 2013. According to the company’s management, development is already in place at the field.

Zakaria Lubega, the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at CNOOC says that the company plans to construct roads, widen an air strip as well as increase their funding to the education sector in Hoima.

Information from the Ministry of Energy indicates that 115 exploration and appraisal wells have drilled in the AlbertineGraben to date. 101 of them have encountered hydrocarbons with a drilling success rate stand at over 85%. 28 wells have so far been flow tested.

The ministry adds that investment by the oil and gas industry in seismic surveys, exploratory and appraisal drilling stood at over US$2.5billion by the end of 2013.

“There has been sharp increase in investment after the first commercial discovery. This investment has been important in progressing the country’s oil and gas sector and is expected to increase significantly during development,  production, refinery development and attendant pipelines development,” reads a report from the Ministry in part.

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This month, the ever-cool Channel O is collaborating with hot Nigerian music label Mavin Records to offer one lucky SuperFan the incredible opportunity of being included in the upcoming DoroBucci music video, alongside celebrated Mavins Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, D’Prince, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Di’Ja.

In keeping with its SWAG theme (Something We Africans Got), Channel O is rolling out a year of great surprises, and this exciting new competition which will be run over social media platforms, is just the latest!

In addition to starring alongside some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, the one lucky SUPERFAN will get to hang out with the artistes who’ll answer their questions about life in music’s fast lane. You’ll be backstage and in front of the cameras, so if you have ever wanted to know what it takes to make the phenomenal music videos you see on television, then wonder no more!

The competition is simple to enter. First make you sure are following @channeloafrica and @donjazzy on both Twitter and Instagram. Then use these platforms to tell us why YOU are the ULTIMATE MAVIN fan!  Remember you must use the hashtag:  #CHOMavinSuperfan on all your messages. The competition runs from 28^th June until July 4^th and on July 2^nd, Don Jazzy will reveal who he’s chosen as the CHANNEL O MAVIN SUPERFAN! Details of the music video will be announced later this year, so for now, just make sure you are part the competition!

Commenting on the competition, Channel O Africa’s Lee Kasumba says, “Channel O’s audience are incredibly loyal supporters of the channel and its line-up, so anytime we can offer them an amazing opportunity to engage up close and personal with the stars that are lighting up the airwaves, then we want to be able to do that. We are delighted to be partnering with the wonderful team at Mavin Records to make one SuperFan very, very happy!”

Meanwhile the legendary Don Jazzy, who heads up Mavin Records, is equally pleased with the partnership. “Channel O have enthusiastically supported African music for over 15 years, and are always willing to engage with the industry and the fans. So to work alongside them to create a memorable experience for one SuperFan is something we were happy to do. Of course, at Mavin Records, we are expecting to make the DoroBucci video one of our best ever so it’s gonna be something very special to be a part of!”

Channel O is available to over 50 countries on the African continent on DStv (channel 320) and on GOtv (in selected markets). For more information on Africa’s first ever dedicated music channel, home of the annual Channel O Music Video Awards, visitwww.channelo.com. Highlights on the channel this month include the new music video for the epic Africa Rising anthemfeaturing Tiwa Savage, Sarkodie, Davido, Micasa, Diamond Lola Rae & Diamond, plus a behind the scenes look at the making of the video!

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24 June 2014: Africa’s leading Pay TV provider, MultiChoice Africa has kicked off its Content Extravagaza in style – driving the message that it will continue to deliver the best local and international television content in Africa.

The event, held in Mauritius and themed “Only the best” featured over 50 television and music celebrities who appear on various DStv and GOtv channels including BBC Lifestyle, BBC Entertainment, E! Entertainment, Style, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Telemundo, Comedy Central, MTV Base, Nickelodeon, History Channel, Crime and Investigation, Africa Magic, Ebony Life TV, Channel O and  SuperSport.

The CEO of MultiChoice Nico Meyer, expressed his pride at being part of a company that has pioneered Pay TV on the continent and re-emphasised his commitment to ensuring that MultiChoice subscribers receive world class news and entertainment on DStv and GOtv services.

Sharing the story of the incredible MultiChoice journey which dates back 20 years and is one of the first subscription television services outside of the United States, Meyer said, “We faced many hurdles, as a new company and we needed to build and develop credibility not only with the market in which we were offering services, but also with international channel suppliers and satellite companies.  20 years ago many people called us crazy!”

In 2013, the company saw the launch of 13 fantastic new channels on the DStv platform which include three M-Net Series Channels, M-Net Movies Zone, Fox, Ebony Life, Telemundo, Hip TV, Spice TV, CBS Action, CBS Drama, JimJam and MGM.

Furthermore, its launch of GOtv in 2011, a low cost digital television service using the latest generation Digital Video Broadcast standard represents the most advanced digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcast system and infrastructure established in Africa to date and leapfrogs the out-dated T1 systems utilised by first movers in the Digital Migration process, putting Africa at the forefront of technology in the digital migration process.

“MultiChoice Africa remains committed to the digital migration process in Africa and will continue to work closely with governments and all stakeholders to ensure that this is a seamless platform, ensuring great family entertainment at affordable prices,” he said.

Alluding to the company’s latest innovations, the Explora, Catch Up and Box Office which significantly change the way subscribers experience and control their viewing, the CEO promised subscribers additional future technology to ensure that they have access to the best information and entertainment anytime, anywhere, on any devise.

Meyer concluded by reminding his audience that MultiChoice believes in uniting Africans to address the social and economic needs currently facing our continent. “We have a pivotal role to play in both the economic and social transformation of our continent, and corporate social investment provides the ideal vehicle through which to bring about meaningful change and upliftment to our people.

“We strongly believe that the quest for good corporate citizenship starts with an acceptance of responsibility, not only from citizens of Africa but to the broader African community and corporates,” he said.

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Pierre Branco is Vice President Southern Europe and Africa and General Manager France and Portugal.

He holds two Master’s degrees in Political Sciences (Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris) and Media Management (Université de la Sorbonne, Paris) and a Bachelor in Contemporary History (Université de la Sorbonne, Paris).

He is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese and he also speaks Italian.

He started his career at France Télévisions (the French Public broadcaster) in the Content Strategy Department. After an experience as Media Consultant at NPA Conseil, he worked for Canal+ in Sports Rights Acquisitions.

He joined Turner in 2006 where he managed Distribution and Business Development during four years. In 2010, Branco took over all other revenue generating activities of the French & French speaking business.

Immediately after, he was promoted to Deputy General Manager, adding the kids channels management (Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Boing) to his commercial responsibility.

After less than a year, in September 2012, he was nominated VP & General Manager TBS France with full editorial & commercial responsibilities for Kids brands & TCM cinema.

Since March 2014, Pierre Branco is Vice President Southern Europe and Africa & General Manager France and Portugal with direct responsibility for all French & Portuguese speaking territories in EMEA, as well as an involvement on Turner’s strategy for all territories in the cluster.