HiPipo Money

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MTN Uganda is pleased to announce completion of the planned 2013 Network Coverage site roll-out initiative. The site roll out exercise for 2013 saw the rollout of 115 new coverage sites and upgraded the capacity of another 406 Network sites. This is part of the 2013 Investment plan worth USD 70 million and brings the total number of MTN Network sites supporting the MTN network up to 1,220.

The new coverage areas rolled-out in 2013 include some of the following:

• Central Region- Nakwero, Luwero Town, Negulumye, Luyanzi, Masajja Town, Lubatu, Lweza Central, Semuto, Namanve, Kyebando Nsoba, Ndejje University, Pekasa Hostel, Protea Hotel, Ntinda Valley, Namanve, Kireka Zone, Ham Towers, Gwaffu
• Northern Region– Aripia, Pajimu, Acholi Pii, Palwo, Bangaladesh, Muchwini, Midigo, Karenga, Buseruka Road, Nyarugabo, Katikamu, Ntwetwe town, Zombo, Merewa, Akilok, Lacor Hospital, Goli, Omoti, Patongo, Ovujjo, Kisimula, Bweyale, Badyan, Pamodo, Akara, Buhimba, Pakele, Bala, Nyapea, Padea, Adumi, Wandi, Loyoro , Wol, Kupoth, Morulem.
• Eastern Region- Sigulu East, Kobulubulu, Achuna, Kalaki, Namwezi, Bwonda, Bugobi Nakyere, Tororo,Senior Quarters, Namasagali, Buyende, Irundu, Magoro, Kyanvuma, Namagera, Cheminy, Ibuje, Namungalwe, Dodos, Nabisengo, Bukoli, Kapujan, Mbale resort, Senyi_Island, Nangunga
• Western Region- Isingiro Town, Igara, Kinuka, Nabugabo, Lake Katwe, Nyamatunga, Lusalira, Masonde, Mahango, Naanywa, Nyamwirima, Kyanika, Rwengobe, Rubuguri, Kitemu, Biwolobo, Nakivale, Banda Maanyi, Mpambiire, Kanseera, Maya, Dyango

In addition, MTN Uganda has upgraded almost all its Network sites in Kampala from 2G to 3G and all the planned new 3G locations out of Kampala have been completed bringing the total number of 3G locations to more than 400 sites. The upgraded sites in Kampala will go a long way in supporting businesses and commerce in the Central Business District.

“MTN Uganda is ahead of target on its rollout plans and nearly all of the planned 406 sites earmarked for upgrade by end of 2013 have been completed,” reiterated Rami Farah, MTN Uganda’s Chief Technical Officer.

MTN has invested heavily in technology consistently leading the pack over the years.

Over the last two years, MTN has made major investments to its data infrastructure in Uganda, expanded the mobile distribution foot print, and greatly enhanced the mobile core, radio capacity and Network infrastructure.

Since MTN was launched in Uganda in 1998, it has made major investments in the country. In 2012 and 2013 alone, its CAPEX investments exceeded USD 150 million. This investment was mainly in expanding the network infrastructure to support the mobile subscriber growth as well as the rollout of new innovative products and digital solutions. The continuous investment over the last 15 years has positioned the MTN Brand as number One in all categories as the Largest Network with the Widest Coverage, Fasted Internet and the Biggest Mobile Money Service Provider with direct and indirect Job creation and support exceeding 500,000 people.

“In terms of Network Infrastructure, by the end of 2012 MTN Uganda had deployed 2,800km of fibre backbones achieved with multiple layers and rings to protect customer experience across all national regions and provide dedicated business solutions to SMEs and Corporate Enterprises. Another 350km of fibre is currently deployed between Mutundwe in Kampala and Kyenjojo district through Fort portal) in Western Uganda,” said Farah.

Furthermore, MTN Uganda extended the fibre network backbone and built five regional switching centres in the East, West, North and Central regions. MTN also built a fibre optic cable through Tanzania into Rwanda, providing an alternative data capacity route through Katuna into Uganda.

“The continuous CAPEX investment by MTN is aimed at providing our customers with the best possible user experience across the country. We would like to ensure consistent and reliable network quality for all existing customers and also to enable many more new customers to enjoy the best of what Mobile Technology has to offer,” concluded Farah.

MTN Uganda has 3 regional switching centers located in Tororo, Mbarara and Masindi. The purpose of these is to improve network resilience and efficiency. MTN also commissioned its fourth switching centre at Mutundwe and rolled out high speed data. The Company has been improving inter switch capacity and resilience to accommodate traffic increases on the network and provide better service to our customers. Earlier this year, MTN Uganda become the first operator in Uganda, and one of the very first in the region and on the African continent to successfully launch its 4G LTE network.

This is in line with MTN’s new Vision- ‘To support delivery a bold new digital world to its customers.

 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 30 September 2013, MTN Uganda recorded 8.4 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. Visit. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtn.com www.mtnmmo.com  and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com

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Third edition of pan African African schools competition attracts entries from 14 countries

Paris, Johannesburg – Friday, 13 December 2013 – Following the success of the national judging of this year’s entries to the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards, MultiChoice Africa and Eutelsat announce that the international jury meeting of this pan-African schools competition will be held in Ghana on 5 February 2014. This year’s jury will be chaired by the Italian ESA astronaut, Paolo Nespoli who undertook his first flight into space in 2007 on the Discovery Space Shuttle before spending over 5 months in space aboard the International Space Station where he was responsible for a range of scientific and technological experiments and educational activities.

“Africa is by far still a continent of contradictions with pockets of world-class innovation co-existing with a lack of resources and skills, particularly in fields which require Maths and Science. As a company born and bred in Africa, we recognise that technology will be one of the key drivers of the continent’s growth story and that Africans need an education system that will produce young people who are creative and innovative thinkers who can think out of the box. What is needed are world-class scientists, engineers and businesses with skills to take the continent to the next level of innovation,” said Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice Africa.

Michel de Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Eutelsat Communications, added: “Now in its third year, the DStv Eutelsat Star Awards shine a spotlight on how scientific principles can be applied to Africa’s development. They enable high-school students to reflect on the use of technology and underscore the importance of developing a new generation of technologically-savvy Africans who will further transform their continent. We look forward to the outcome of who will come tops in the search for Africa’s next generation thinkers.”

MultiChoice and Eutelsat selected Accra as the host city for this year’s judging and awards ceremony, following Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam for the first and second editions of the event. Ghana has made significant progress towards attaining its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on the eradication of extreme poverty, universal primary education, promotion of gender equality, empowerment of women, and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Equally as something to celebrate, Ghana prepares for its third FIFA World Cup in succession having qualified again for one of the world’s most watched sports competitions to be held in Brazil in 2014.

Two months before Africa’s brightest stars battle it out in Ghana for the coveted prizes, which for the poster winner is a trip for two to visit Eutelsat’s headquarters in Paris and for the essay a visit to see a rocket take off into space, Paolo Nespoli encourages Africa’s youth to reach for their dreams: “You have to make your dreams real and education is key to dreams becoming reality. Looking at planet earth from space is an exhilarating experience – it motivates you to overcome barriers and all odds to travel the world. You realise that the earth is small and fragile and that it needs to be well looked after.”

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The year 2013 has been a great one for MultiChoice Africa which saw fantastic new channels launched on both its broadcasting platforms, great consumer campaigns and the introduction of innovative new technology aimed at enhancing the overall television experience.

DStv subscribers got a lot more choice with introduction of a variety of new channels across a range of genres. Over the last 12 months MultiChoice launched a total of 13 channels on DStv including three M-Net Series Channels, M-Net Movies Zone, Fox, Ebony Life, Telemundo, Hip TV, Spice TV, CBS Action, CBS Drama, JimJam and MGM. One of the channels that took audiences by storm is Africa’s first dedicated telenovela channel, Telemundo, its content has proven to be a very big hit with DStv subscribers right across the continent.

GOtv marked its second successful year on the market, and has managed to consolidate its position as Uganda’s leading DTT Pay-tv brand, providing families with a fantastic selection of channels from sports, drama, movies, news, documentaries, kiddies shows and music at a price everyone can afford” said Mr. Charles Hamya the General Manager MultiChoice Uganda during the end of year media party. He continued this year  “we expanded our GOtv signal footprint significantly to cover all the five regions of the country, Ugandans can now enjoy GOtv services in Lira, Gulu, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Masaka, Mbale and Iganga as well as our earlier sites in Kampala and Entebbe”.

“As a business born and bred on the continent, celebrating Africa is a key priority. In partnership with Africa Magic, MultiChoice Africa launched the inaugural annual Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards in March 2013. The awards recognize and reward excellence in African film and television stated Mr. Hamya.

The pay-tv operator announced another innovative milestone with the launch of its next-generation PVR decoder – the DStv Explora. The Explora is the most modern decoder ever produced and comes with 2 Terabyte hard drive of four times the current storage capacity this allows subscribers to record up to 220 hours of HD television in addition to downloading 20 movies in Box Office and 60 hours of Series Catch Up content. The Explora represents an exciting new era for digital television allowing subscribers to completely personalize their DStv viewing experience.

In closing Mr. Hamya thanked Ugandan subscribers for the incredible support in 2013 which has been the best year so far for the company in Uganda, he promised that MultiChoice would continue to invest and innovate in order to provide MultiChoice viewers so much more in 2014.   

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Uganda’s Top Trending Searches

Uganda’s Trending People

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Tourism enjoys continued growth

Tourist arrivals to South Africa grew 5.1% during the first six months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. This was on top of the growth of 10.5% recorded last year during the same period. We have thus consolidated the significant gains achieved in 2010-2012 on the back of the FIFA 2010 World Cup, and have further increased the baseline to reach an historic high of 4 642 217 international tourist arrivals for the 1st two quarters of the year. Over a 4 year period, we have averaged 9.4% compound annual growth for the first half of the year, despite ever increasing global competition, tough trading conditions in some of our source markets and the fluctuating Rand.

“Tourism arrivals to South Africa continue to grow in 2013, with growth in arrivals recorded from all regions. Our growth is in line with global averages for the period. According the UNWTO, growth in global tourist arrivals was 5.2% during the first six months of 2013,” said South African Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk.

Europe

Tourist arrivals from Europe grew by 5.5% during the first six months of 2013 to 675 595 arrivals, up from 640 231 arrivals in the same period last year. 

South Africa continued to see good strong growth from Germany, its third biggest source market, with arrivals growing by 13.8% in the first six months of 2013. There was also positive growth in arrivals from France (10.8%) and Italy (7.1%).

However, two of South Africa’s traditional source markets, the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands are still under pressure and recorded marginal declines in arrivals of -0.6% (UK) and -1,2% (Netherlands) during this period.

North America 

Arrivals from North America grew by a further 3.7% in 2013. A total of 194 586 tourist arrivals were recorded for the first six months of 2013 compared to 187 703 in 2012.

“For us to compete as a destination in the current economic environment where many travellers in our traditional core markets are choosing to travel for shorter periods of time and closer to home, we need to work harder than ever to be seen as a destination that offers brilliant value for money. Working with our private sector partners, we are focussed on nurturing this value proposition,” said the Minister.

Asia

Asian growth figures for the first six months of 2013 showed growth of 12.7% to 210 776 tourist arrivals compared to 186 981 tourist arrivals during the same period in 2012. Arrivals from China grew by 23.9% and India by 11% during this period.

Africa

Arrivals from our continent grew by 4.8% in 2013.  Arrivals from Africa land markets grew by 4.4% in the first six months of 2013 whilst arrivals from African air markets grew by 11.4%.

There was strong growth especially from West African air markets, albeit from lower baselines: Ghana (+27.3%) and Nigeria (+15.9%).

“We remain confident in the growth in tourism arrivals from Africa, particularly from our air markets in West and East Africa,” Minister van Schalkwyk said.  “We are therefore proud to open a South African Tourism office in Lagos on the 28 January 2014. We look forward to being part of the larger Nigerian travel community. Having a marketing home in this critical West African region will do much to bolster the relationships we have with both trade and consumers in the region, and unlock the full potential of tourism.”

Tourism’s contribution to the economy 

Minister van Schalkwyk said: “Tourism’s contribution to the South African economy remains a key driver of growth and employment. Tourism injected R35.3 billion into the economy from January to June this year. Compared to other economic sectors, this is more than, for example, the R32.6 billion that gold exports contributed during the same period.”

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25 year old, Performer and Jazz Singer, representing Burundi

 

“I can’t stand people who sing off key… ”

                                                                -HOPE-

Out of all the people left in Tusker Project Fame 6, Hope is one of the few who knows that he has the star power that people like. The son of a pastor father and singer mum, Hope grew up in a family with 8 boys and 2 girls. The advantage that he has is that Hope has already performed with major East African names like Kidum, so he knows what it takes to play major stages. Finally taking his shot and stepping out of the shadows, Hope is taking the stage to find out if he came make it.

 

Q: What is the one thing you cannot do without?

A: My nylon string guitar and my plectrum.

 

Q: How far do you think you will get in this competition?

A: (laughing) I am winning this.

 

Q: Who is your music role model and why?

A: My role models are Frank Sinatra and Otis Redding. The old school big band sound is beautiful.

 

Q: Who is the past Tusker Project Fame houses did you like?

A: I liked Jackson Kalimba. He could really sing.

Fun Facts about Hope:

Hope is dating someone. She happens to be a former Tusker Project Fame contestant, but he refuses to reveal who it is.

Hope’s favourite colour is black.

Hope can be messy but can be neat.

Hope can be seen on the stage at the SERENA in Kigali, even though he is from Burundi.

Hope’s charity of choice, homeless people. Providing them a home… and a meal… and a livelihood.

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…contestants of past and present came together in the grand finale…

Tusker Project Fame is nearly over for another year, but on the upside that means we still have the final to watch!

It was a family affair in the final week of Tusker Project Fame. As the excitement of final evictions approached some of the exhilaration of the penultimate night was tempered by the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela. Mindful of the tremendous legacy left by President Mandela the show began with a tribute performance by Kavi Pratt (niece of sitting Kenyan President H.E Uhuru Kenyatta) with the first family there to cheer her on from the VIP marquee along with Mburu Karanja son of former EABL MD Michael Karanja- the Master Brewer who’s signature is on the bottle of Tusker Malt.

Some top flight performances on Sunday left the judges with a tough decision about which final 4 contestants would make the cut. As Hisia, Daisy, Hope and duo Amos and Josh prepare for the grand finale; it was the end of the road for Patrick and Nyambura when they were voted out of the show on Saturday.

Having impressed the judges enough to make it through to the final Daisy (Uganda), Hisia (Tanzania), Hope, Josh and Amos (Kenya) still have their work cut out for them battling it out for the title of Project Fame Winner 2013.

The excitement in the Dome was palpable as former academy contestants came back to support the finalists performing original singles were recent evictees Nyambura who sang “African Party” written and produced by Eric Musyoka and Patrick with his single “Moving On” penned by Chris Adwar.  With the Project Fame family back together the stage was set for a thrilling finale.

In the ultimate show of the season the finalists each took the stage with fellow Project Famers from their respective countries. Waving the flag for Tanzania, finalist Hisia and Mesechu received a standing ovation from the crowd for their electrifying performance of African Legend Fela Kuti’s “She Go Say” and a stirring rendition of Marvin Gaye classic “Let’s Get It On”.

Having impressed with her powerful voice over the weeks, Daisy (the sole remaining female finalist) graced the Dome Stage next lending her voice to Tabu Ley’s “Mzina” alongside Davis. The vivacious songstress wowed the audience with a commanding but controlled performance of showing why she was the last woman left standing in the competition.

Not to be outdone Amos and Josh came out at full throttle singing “Twende, Twene” by Eric Wainana accompanied by Patricia Kihoro. Taking the performance into Outkasts “Hey Ya” the effervescent duo had the crowd in the Dome going wild exiting the stage with fans of the Kenyan duo screaming for more.

The final reunion pair to sing was Hope with Ruth who gave a strong performance though Hope’s vocals stood mountains above Ruth illustrating why he’s been a front runner for the title throughout the season.

A singing battle royale and some show-stopping performance to boot – what more could you possibly want? Fighting for the ultimate crown the final four were ready to take the stage for the final time this season with what could be their debut single.

With a track produced by Eric Musyoka called “Just For You” Hisia ignited the stage, clearly ‘in it to win it’ the young Tanzanian sang like he’s never sung before on the show displaying the vocal development he has nurtured since joining the academy.

Crowd favorite Hope was next up with an original song by Eric Wainina called “Honey”. Performing with the ease of a seasoned professional Hope, gave all l he had, right down to the last note leaving the audience standing in what was one of the best performances of the season.

Dynamic Duo Amos and Josh came next bringing Aoron Rimbui’s “I Love You Baby” to life with an upbeat and energetic performance. Dancing throughout the performance the duo was in their element and did not miss a single beat vocally or rhythmically.

Last on the Project Fame stage was the last woman in the completion Daisy. Belting out the aptly titled song “Lady” the song written by Tim Rimbui, Daisy showed supreme confidence and poise on the stage. Definitely a force to be reckoned with the Ugandan songstress went the extra mile to produce a stellar final performance. 

With the contestants performances over the moment we have all been waiting for arrived. Eager anticipation filled the Dome and as the crowd waited for the final results to be tallied and the winner of Tusker Project Fame season 7 announced, Sauti Sol took the stage performing their mega hits “Money Lover” and “Still the One”. After (number) of weeks of performances East Africa has finally chosen its Project Fame Winner for 2013. Every single body in the Dome erupted into thunderous applause on finale night at the announcement that Hope was the winner of Project Fame season 6.

The popular Burundian Hope, was crowned the Project Fame season 7 winner over some tough competition from Hisia, Daisy, and duo Amos and Josh but ultimately rose above the rest with his captivating personality, engaging performances and blistering vocals.

The future for these young stars looks bright and as we come to the end of the season there’s definitely more for fans to look forward to as we watch the new crop of Project Famers and newly crowned winner Hope take on the world.

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The much anticipated commencement of construction of Karuma Dam by Sinohydro, a Chinese Firm contracted by the government of Uganda to construct the 600 Megawatts dam on Karuma has begun.

A team of financiers from the Exim Bank of China which is expected to provide funding of the dam were on Wednesday taken on assessment tour at the dam as negations for funding draws to a conclusion.

The Exim Bank team is today expected to meet Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka for the final deal closing.

Talking to journalists at the site, Mr. Song Yi Jun, Sinohydro Project Manager said his firm has so far spent several million dollars in the preliminary excavations which includes clearing the grounds, digging of a tunnel and paving the roads to the site.

According to Song Yi Jun, much of the necessary arrangements for the construction of the dam have been made, expressing optimisms that with the provision of the funds by Exim Bank, full scale activities will resume in the next few weeks.

 “As you can see, we have started assembling equipment and soon full scale construction will be under way” he said.

Song Yi Jun added that the firm has lined up 500 Chinese Experts to provide for the task which will see 3000 locals directly employed at the peak period. Song said under the agreement, his firm will raise 85% of the construction costs while the government of Uganda will raise the 15%. Under the arrangement, government was to handle community resettlement which Song confirmed is under way.

“It is a policy of Sinohydro that we have to work on this project within the framework of Uganda laws. To that effect, we are confident to embark on full scale construction since the environmental Impact assessment was done and approved”.

Engineer Henry Bidasala Igaga, The Assistant Commissioner Electrical Power who was on site with the team said the Karuma project was a much welcomed venture which is anticipated to ease the increasing demand for power in the country.