HiPipo Money

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British Airways is offering remarkable discount fares to mark its fourth flight per week which commenced today from Entebbe to London Heathrow Terminal 5.

The airline has offered discounted fares from Entebbe to London across its World traveller and World traveller Plus cabin classes where the cheapest ticket for World traveler will cost as low as $144 USD; and World traveller plus $344.

Announcing the development in a press statement today, Faith Chaitezvi British Airways Commercial Manager said, “British Airways is celebrating with all our customers during the launch of the increased flight services between Heathrow’s and Entebbe International Airports from three to four a week. We appreciate our customers’ loyalty and we endeavor to meet their demand as it grows. The booking period for the amazing fares was originally scheduled  between 26 March and 1 April, but because we feel that our customers deserve a world class service which is cost saving too, we have extended this period to 4th April for outbound travel from 26 March to 20th June or 1 September and 20 November 2014”.

British Airways is also maintaining it’s night time departures to improve connections at Terminal 5 to other international destinations including North America, where there is a choice of British Airways or American Airlines flights nearly every hour. 

Prices exclude all taxes and surcharges but may vary slightly on the day of purchase due to exchange rate fluctuations.

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South African Tourism (SAT) hosted their Africa Roadshow, in the form of trade workshops, on the 12^th March 2014 at Serena conference centre.

The purpose of the roadshow is to create a platform wherein the East African travel trade can engage with South African tourism products, establish new relationships as well as maintain the existing ones. The roadshow also serves a platform for the attendees to explore future business deals.

Owned by South African Tourism, the roadshowforms part of their approved 2013/14 business plan and annual marketing calendar. Statistics show that as of June 2013, 8,089 Ugandanshad travelled to South Africa, a 7% increase from the previous year and a factor that highlights the potential for future business growthbetween the two countries.

Various South African products were exhibited with the aim of creating an opportunity to sell relevant stock to the East African market. A minimum of 100 traders per trade workshop were in attendance, with topics ranging from visa processes/ requirements; evolution from traditional to digital e-marketing; to new plans on Africa attracting new trade partners were shared and discussed.

The roadshows started in West Africa, specifically Ghana and Nigeria; and will continue onto Angola and later include the East Africancountries of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. These trade roadshows are a great opportunity forthe Uganda travel trade to explore trade linkages with South African Tourism’s trade platforms, like INDABA,as well as to give Ugandans a chance to showcase their products to participating West Africa states.

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“Think of the Lounge as your office away from the office during INDABA” South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, MrThulaniNzima.

INDABA IS THE single biggest and best opportunity on the African continent for everybody who does business with the African travel and tourism industry.

Based on international trade show best practice, INDABA will this year, for the first time, introduce an exciting new format by launching a new Premium Lounge. INDABA is set to migrate over the next few years from double-storey stands to a beautifully appointed studio configuration.

South African Tourism is directing additional efforts towards the top international travel trade buyers who have expressed or demonstrated their eagerness to make Africa an important and valuable component of their businesses. These influential travel trade buyers have direct responsibility of uncovering products from Africa. The purpose of the new Premium Lounge zone will be to fast-track the focus of INDABA back to deal-making, giving premium exhibitors an area perfectly equipped to accommodate their meetings with buyers.

“Think of the Premium Lounge as your office away from the office,” says South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, MrThulaniNzima. “We’re locating the lounge in the heart of the International Convention Centre. It will comprise 52 professionally managed office studios that will come equipped with modern furnishings, access to plug points, uncapped high-speed Wi-Fi and regulated branding panels. All these will be designed to make it easy for buyers to find the space of the exhibitor they are scheduled to meet with.”

Exhibitors who make use of the Premium Lounge are guaranteed up to 15 meetings with quality, hosted buyers every day. Entry to this zone will be carefully managed to make sure that only people who (literally) mean business are granted access. Hostesses (one per four studio hubs) will be assigned to assist with refreshment requirements. Optimised, managed diaries will give Premium Lounge exhibitors maximum business value and face-to-face meeting time with the best hosted buyers.

Premium Lounge studios will only be available to exhibitors who have already taken up INDABA stands of at least 18 square metres, and therefore already meet the product exhibitor qualification criteria.

Applications for the 52 studios will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis. South African Tourism anticipates strong demand for the spaces. To manage this, the application will be available only for 72 hours after it goes live online today at midday (GMT+2).

The cost of a Premium Lounge studio is at a premium as benchmarked against global trade show studio rates. However, in the spirit of partnership, recognizing the transition of INDABA in 2014, and to illustrate tangible support of the trade, South African Tourism will be sponsoring the majority of this cost, for this year only. Premium Lounge exhibitors whose applications are successful will only have to pay the cost of R10,000 ex vat.

To apply for a Premium Lounge studio, go to www.indaba-southafrica.co.za and click on the ‘exhibitor’ tab to access the ‘Premium Lounge’ application form. Complete it, submit it, make payment and the space is yours – provided yours is one of the first 52 applications received, evaluated and verified. The website will give you all the info you need.

“It’s that simple,” MrNzima says, “and it’s that easy to secure a beautiful, professionally-equipped space for your INDABA meetings.”

South African Tourism and the Indaba team have reaffirmed their commitment to the trade, to craft a revamped groundbreaking travel trade show for Africa. Indaba seeks to showcase best-in-class travel products throughout Africa that optimise the finest experiences that our beautiful continent can deliver, to captivate discerning international buyers. All African exhibitors and international buyer delegates come to INDABA each year to meet, close deals, network, strengthen relationships and plan future business. South African Tourismis dedicated to creating the best possible sales and marketing environment that results in short-term and long-term business to African suppliers.

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South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, today launched ‘Madiba Inspired Tourist Attractions’, a travel map that encourages tourists from around the world to come to South Africa to walk in former President Nelson Mandela’s footsteps.

“The passing of South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, in December 2013 sparked a global outpouring of grief. The world paused as we collectively reflected on the life of this phenomenal man, and celebrated what he had achieved, not only for South Africa but for mankind. Most of the places associated with his life’s journey teemed with visitors who dedicated private notes and flowers as tokens of respect and remembrance, as South Africans and indeed the world, tried to come to terms with the loss of the founding father of the nation,” said Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

He was speaking today at an event at the Drakenstein Correctional Centre (formerly Victor Verster Prison) in Cape Town, the last place that Nelson Mandela was held captive before he took his first steps to freedom on 11 February 1990.

“To make it as easy as possible for people to personally experience Mandela’s story, we have developed the ‘Madiba Inspired Tourist Attractions’ map, that encapsulates the key points of his life’s journey,” Van Schalkwyk said.

Developed by South African Tourism in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, the map highlights tourist sites as well as general places of interest in the four main provinces that defined Mandela’s life. These include: the Eastern Cape, where he was born, grew up and attended Fort Hare University; Gauteng, where he worked as a human rights lawyer and became instrumental in South Africa’s political struggle; KwaZulu-Natal, where he was captured and the Western Cape, where he was imprisoned and ultimately freed.

Since Mandela’s release from prison in February 1990, a number of world-class museums, monuments and precincts have been developed to bring his story to life and to cater for the demand to better understand South Africa’s history. 

The Madiba Inspired Tourist Attractions map includes well-known attractions such as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island, where Mandela was imprisoned and Mandela’s house on Vilakazi Street in Soweto, the only street in the world to have had two Nobel Peace Prize winners as residents, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. It also features some of the lesser known attractions such as the Kliptown Open-Air Museum, also in Soweto, which marks the spot where the Freedom Charter was adopted by the Congress of the People. The Nelson Mandela Youth and Heritage Centre in Mandela’s childhood home, Qunu, where he was buried is also featured in the map. Background information, contact details and approximate cover charge information for the various attractions and places of interest are also included.  

“Mandela’s integrity, spirit of hope, reconciliation and love have touched the lives of millions of people. This year we celebrate 20 years of democracy and freedom and we look forward to welcoming many tourists from around the world to share our story and Mandela’s legacy with us. Not only was Nelson Mandela an incredible man and leader, but he is a truly global icon and his name alone put South Africa on the map. Since 1994 visitors from all corners in the globe have come to South Africa to seek out the places that shaped his remarkable life.”

In 1993, the year before Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president, South Africa had 3.4. million international arrivals. In 2012 South Africa welcomed 13.5 million people to the country, of which close to 9.2 million were tourists (people who spent one or more nights in South Africa).

“The numbers aside though, what has perhaps been our greatest inheritance for tourism is that Mandela has ignited people from all corners of the globe to come and experience South Africa for themselves. It is thanks to his vision and principles that our tourism industry has grown as much as it has since our first democratic elections 20 years ago when he was elected President of South Africa,” adds van Schalkwyk.

“It is also thanks to him that the world now knows South Africa for more than just our incredible wildlife, amazing scenic beauty and excellent value for money. Since 1994 the world has come to realise that what really sets this country apart is Mandela’s people  whose warmth and hospitality leave all who visit touched by Madiba Magic,” the Minister concluded.   

The “Madiba Inspired Tourist Attractions” map has been made available to trade partners in South Africa and around the world to make it as easy as possible to packaging Madiba-inspired itineraries. The map is also available online at www.southafrica.net

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MTN Uganda hosted the third edition of the MTN Monthly Golf Challenge at Kampala Golf Club.

Last month Mukasa Eli turned out the overall winner with a score of 79 points ahead of Jadur Patel who was second runner up. Aggie Konde won the women’s category with a score of 63nett with Ntege Monica following suit with 68 nett in second place.

This month Charles Kareba who also won in Men’s Group B has emerged the overall winner with a clear 68 nett closely followed by Batanda who garnered 70 Net, also emerging as winner in Group C.

Playing in Ladies GoupA, Mbaguta Gloria took the winning cup with 68 Net followed in second place by Kabenge Katy with 69nett.

Kabuye Gerald came first in Men’s Group A with 73 nett followed by MatataOnyango with 74 nett.

General Ivan Koreta came second in Group B with 68 Net that was also led by Charles Kareba.

Men’s Group C was won by David Batandawhile Simba M came in second place with 72 nett.

Men’s Group D   saw Roh DC come first with 71 nett followed by Simba M with 72 nett.

The whole day golfing event at the Kampala Kitante Golf Course attracted high participation from regular Kampala Club Golf member as well as representatives from corporate companies. For the last five years, MTN Uganda has maintained an annual support of 10 monthly mugs, one Mid-Year Mug and a final Mug of Mugs that happens in December.

MTN Uganda’s Account Manager Business Sam Musoke Kasoma who handed out some of the mugs to winners said MTN Uganda’s association with the game of golf is a demonstration of the Company’s commitment for the growth of sports in the country.

“MTN Uganda has consistently supported the sporting fraternity in Uganda and aside from golf; it has sponsored many sports activities over the years including Football, Rugby, Basketball, Volleyball, Table tennis and Golf amongst others. MTN has also continued to invest in supporting sports in Uganda through the MTN Arena in Lugogo, which was refurbished by MTN in 2010 to be the largest and most modern indoor stadium in Uganda.”

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• The East African Customs and Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate (EACFFPC) Program is apartnership developed by the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Association(FEAFFA)and East Africa Revenue Authorities (EARAs).
• The Program is intended to equip trainees with necessary skills, competencies and values desirable in Customs and Freight Forwarding operations.
• 192 graduatesare awarded withE ACFFPC Certificates of completion. 171 more will receive their awards in September 2014
• TradeMark East Africa supported the review, improvement and training capacity expansion of the program

Today, 192 graduates celebrate their success after completing a comprehensive six months course to achieve a regionally recognised award of The East African Customs and Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate (EACFFPC) . The graduates are part of a total 377  and the first batch of graduation this year.

The East African Customs and Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate (EACFFPC). In Uganda, the Program started in 2008 to reckon to a need of capacity building and professionalizing the industry. It is a joint training program of the East Africa Revenue Authorities (EARAs) and the Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Associations (FEAFFA). The program equips individuals already practicing or intending to practice throughout the East African region with necessary skills, competencies and values desirable in Customs and Freight Forwarding in order to enable them discharge their roles competently as Customs Agents; entrench professionalism in the services offered by Freight Forwarders, especially in Customs clearing; and enhance ethical conduct, good governance and integrity in the profession and Facilitate trade.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony at Imperial Royal Hotel, the FEAFFA PresidentMathieu Bizimana expressed delight in the success and professionalism so far realised as a result of the EACFFPC Program .As a federation, through this trainingprogram we have reduced the time and cost of cargo transport in East Africa. I wish to appreciate Uganda Revenue Authoritywho have enhanced quality control in the industry to ensure professionalism , ethics and intergrity; and TradeMark East Africawhose assistance to this program was in reviewing, improving and expanding

the training capacity.This enabledthe achievement of a regional critical mass of 4,500 Customs Agents by end of 2013, for which Uganda’s critical mass is 800 and so far 548 have succesfully qualified to attain this certificate”.

Silas Kanamugire ,Trademark East Africa DirectorTrade/Transport Facilitation affirmed TMEA’s objectiveand support tf the program, “we want to see trade enhanced within the region by creating a pool of trained agents who can raise the proffessional standards in the industry. We are proud to witness the awarding of professionals who will discharge their role competently as Customs agents . We are therefore proud partnerson this cause”he remarked.

The Commissioner Customs,  Uganda Revenue Authority, Richard Kamajugo who was the guest of honour applauded the graduates on completion of the program, “you are now recognised as professional agents across the region and therefore the flag bearers of  professionalism, ethics and intergrity of the industry”.

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MTN Uganda is the only service provider that offers Internet geographical redundancy by providing three Internet Uplinks that guarantee business continuity for its customers. This means that whether there is a Local Fiber cut within Uganda or a Fiber cut in Kenya or Rwanda, or an undersea cable cut, MTN can use an alternative route to still provide its customers with World-class Internet.

The MTN Chief Marketing Officer, Ernst Fonternel said, “Network downtime for Enterprises usually results in significant revenue losses, but this can be avoided by using MTN’s Connectivity to ensure that Customers and their Businesses are never offline. With scalable, customized solutions, MTN Business is positioned to make small business bigger and big business better.Your business is never offline with MTN”.

As part of its deliberate investments to ensure reliability in service, MTN Uganda has consistently invested in its Network rollout and Infrastructure development to ensure that its customers are able to enjoy a seamless service; both MTN voice and data services.

In February 2013, MTN officially commissioned its Fibre network at Katuna Border in Kabale district. The commissioning of the fibre at Katuna was a major development which has had a positive impact on Uganda’s ICT Roadmap. This landmark development was the first terrestrial link to Rwanda that was earmarked to greatly lower cost and significantly improve quality of communications services in the region. It has since substantially improved the connectivity with neighboring countries and the world by connecting Uganda to an additional submarine cable SAT-3 to Rwanda via the Tanzania route from Dar es Salaam.

This is in addition to the other two cables already connected through the Kenya route from Mombasa which provide Uganda with unique redundancy and a backup structure for secured and reliable connectivity while providing quality voice and data services. This important development is in line with MTN Uganda’s commitment of leading innovation in the market and in the region as a whole.

MTN Uganda continues to be the pioneer of innovation by rolling out products and services to suit the needs of its customers.

Fonternel said “In 2013, MTN Uganda was the first in the market to introduce WiFi Hotspots, 42Mbps and 4G LTE. We also provide our customers with 15MB worth of Free Internet every month and we are constantly reaching out to our customers through various activations and great device deals”.

In terms of Network Infrastructure, MTN continues to lead the way in terms of investment and its commitment to development of the ICT sector. MTN has secured USD 60 million as additional investment in 2014 to expand its Infrastructure and Services and this will be added to the USD 150 million invested during the last 2 years.

MTN Uganda launched its Mobile Network operations in 1998 and since inception MTN’s cumulative investment has been in excess of UGX 1.7 Trillion. In 2013, the company injected more than UGX 140 billion in upgrading the Network infrastructure and adding another 400Km of national fibre. By December 2013, MTN Uganda’s total Fibre infrastructure exceeded 3,200km.

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Shareholders send clear message backing firm’s transformation into an investment holding company; capital increase on track to close in the coming three weeks

Shareholders of Citadel Capital (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Exchange), the leading investment company in Africa &the Middle East and the majority shareholder in RVR met yesterday for Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meetings, ratifying in the process key resolutions related to the firm’s ongoing capital increase, which will see total issued capital rise to almost 1.15 billion USD.

At an Extraordinary General Meeting, shareholders in attendance voted to approve continuing the ongoing second phase of a capital increase, which will see the Firm’s issued capital rise by USD 523,361,121 Million to USD 1,149,652,026 from a present USD 626,290,904Million. All outstanding and unsubscribed shares from the first round of the subscription process may be acquired by shareholders through cash deposits or in exchange for the shares’ value in liabilities owed to them by the Firm and attested to by a report from the firm’s Auditor of Record.

“The fact of the meeting having attracted a quorum of 57.19% of all issued shares — the highest attendance at a Citadel Capital general assembly in the past three years — is a clear vote of shareholder confidence in our ongoing transformation into an investment holding company that will stand as an African leader in infrastructure and resources,” said Citadel Capital Chairman and Founder Ahmed Heikal.

The firm expects the second subscription round for the capital increase to be fully subscribed and completed within the coming three weeks.

The firm’s independent auditor (KPMG / Hazem Hassan) has previously certified USD0.53 million in liabilities to co-investors and shareholders, mainly arising from investment purchases by the firm. Citadel Capital will capitalize an amount equivalent to the uncovered portion of the ongoing capital increase.

The firm’s Ordinary General Meeting, held immediately before the EGM, approved the Citadel Capital’s FY 2013 Standalone Financial Statements and other standard business attendant to the closing of the 2013 business year and the opening of the current fiscal year. 

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Caption: L-R Buganda’s sports and recreation minister Mr. Henry Ssekabembe a Buganda representative, Alex Wekoye, Airtel Brand Manager and Mr. Nuhu Kanyike, Airtel Mobile Money Director

Airtel Uganda launched their new partnership with the Kabaka Foundation at AirtelOffices.  Together with the Kabaka Foundation they hope to help and change the lives of Fistula victims in Uganda.

Only 42 percent of births in Uganda are overseen by a medical professional and this has resulted in between 50-100,000 people being affected on a yearly basis in the sun-Saharan region. This disease is becoming a huge epidemic seeing as in Africa and Asia there are more than two million people living with fistula. The highest are here in Uganda affected by Fistula are Masaka, Igandan, Soroti and Kagando. This is plight is one that Airtel has decided to tackle to build a better and healthier Uganda, with the help of Buganda Kingdom.

Speaking at the occasion, Airtel Moneydirector Mr. NuhuKanyike said “It is part of our social responsibility to look into the needs of society and address them as best we can, in whatever way we are able. Today, we are responding to a call by the Kabaka Foundation to donate monies and help change the lives of though battling Fistula in Buganda.”.”

The Kabaka Foundation and Airtel’spartnership is aimed at encouraging Ugandans to meet their responsibilities as good citizens and to be active participants in society, most especially in those activities of a humanitarian and social nature.

Speaking on behalf of the Katikkiro of Buganda Dr. Charles Mayinga, Buganda’s sports and recreation minister Mr. Henry Ssekabembe praised Airtel’s initiative adding: “Our association in this campaign will go a long way in raising the awareness about the fistula suffering in Uganda and it’s the foundations positive consequences on the health and society.”

The campaign was concluded with a presentation of a cheque of one hundred million Ugandan shillings to the foundation which was received by Buganda’s sports and recreation minister Mr. Henry Ssekabembeand concluded with a unique photo opportunity

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Government of Uganda is taking the steps necessary to launching a one stop electronic trade clearance system, a computerised scheme that saves time, shoe leather and money.  Through the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC), a High Level Task Force (HLTF) has been constituted composed of Ministers, Leaders of key institutions and private sector players involved in the facilitation of trade, to agree on national governance and institutional arrangements for adoption and implementation of the electronic single window system (E-SW) in Uganda and consider the proposed roadmap for its implementation. The private sector fully supports the implementation of the E-SW and recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Uganda through MTIC.

Announcing the composition of the team at a HLTF committee meeting held at the Serena Hotel facilitated by TradeMark East Africa, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Technology Hon.James Mutende said a broad range of stakeholders from government and private sector would be consulted to get the necessary data and information needed to operationalize the system which will make it possible for traders and transporters to submit the data needed to declare goods admissible to the authorities at border control using a single portal. These include the Ministry of East African Affairs (MEACA), The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT), Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Ministry of Energy (MoE),National Information Technology Authority (NITA), Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), DHL, PrivateSector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) and airlines among others.

Mutendecontinued “once fully implemented, the E-SW system will link government, clearing agencies and local traders easing/speeding up international trade.  It will decrease the time the process usually takes by 50 per cent and will complement other national and regional trade facilitation initiatives such as Integrated Border Management (IBM) and One-Stop- Border Posts (OSBP) which will soon be coming online”.

“Adoption of the E-SW SYSTEM is an integral part of the national and regional strategy of using trade as a tool for the promotion of prosperity. The HLTF committee will play a pivotal oversight role in the implementation of the programme and as TradeMark we will support them along the way to ensure they achieve their objectives” noted Allen Asiimwe the Country Director of TradeMark East Africa.

Commenting on the potential impact that the implementation of the system will have on the private sector, The Public Relations Manager of the Private sector Foundation for Uganda Sarah Nakibuuka  said “this is a welcome initiative which will undoubtedly reduce the cost of doing business through the time saved at border crossings and other customs points. Our members are very much encouraged by this and other efforts Government and its respective agencies have introduced aimed at facilitating the growth of trade. ‘’  

Caption Pic 1

(Left to Right) Minister in charge of General duties Tarsis Kabwegyere; State minister for Industry and Technology James Mutende; Country Director Trademark East Africa Allen Asiimwe; and Commissioner External Trade- Ministry of Trade Silver Ojakol attending the High Level Task Force(HLTF) meeting on the implementation of the e-Single window System( E-SW SYSTEM ) in Uganda at Kampala Serena Hotel today.

Caption pic 2

 Minister in Charge of General duties Tarsis Kabwegyere(left) addressing participants at the High Level Task Force(HLTF) meeting on the implementation of the e-Single window System( E-SW SYSTEM ) in Uganda. Looking on is Minister of State for Industry and Technology James Mutende (middle) and Country Director Trademark East Africa Allen Asiimwe (right). The meeting was held at Kampala Serena Hotel today.