HiPipo Money

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In a bid to improve energy and telecommunications access for Ugandans who lack reliable electricity, MTN Uganda and Fenix International have developed an ultra-affordable Pay As You Go energy solution designed to bring safe lighting, phone charging and more to those living off-grid across the country.

The new product known as the ReadyPay Power System, is available on a Pay As You Go basis using MTN Mobile Money and works like a phone top-up to enable the user to make affordable and flexible payments according to their budget.

ReadyPay kits start from Ush 40,000, including 7 days of power. The customer then makes top up payments from Ush 1,000 per day to unlock the power until their kit is paid off.  After that, owners get power for free. 

“The amount one pays determines how long one can access the power. For example, on the most affordable kit, a payment of 1,000 UGX will provide power for a day, whilst a larger payment of 30,000 UGX will provide power for a month”, said MTN Chief Marketing Officer Ernst Fonternel.

Fonternel added that the product was initially launched in Lira on November 18^th with great success and is set to roll out nationwide early next year.

Talking about the key benefits of the product, Fonternel said:  “The ReadyPay Power System provides bright, safe, reliable lighting without the risk of using kerosene lamps, and secure phone charging without leaving your own home. It’s easy to set-up, no technician is needed, and comes with an 18 month warranty. This is all thanks to MTN Mobile Money which means customers can make small, affordable payments until they own the system.”

ReadyPay is a multifunctional Solar Power System which includes a solar panel, battery pack featuring 2 USB ports & 2 car lighter adapter ports plus a range of lights and phone charging accessories. Larger kits include radio or TV accessories and additional accessories like hair clippers or torches are sold separately.

For orders call 0800 202 933 Free of charge.

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 us at www.mtn.com.

About Fenix International

Fenix International produces ultra-affordable power generation and smart energy storage solutions to empower more than 1.3 billion people living off-grid. Fenix is a for-profit corporation based in San Francisco, California with customers across multiple markets and core expertise in power electronics, product design and base-of-the-pyramid marketing. Fenix has been prominently featured in the New York Times, Fast Company, Popular Mechanics, CNET, VentureBeat, and has won several awards and honours since it was founded in 2009. 

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Saturday 7^th December 2013 was intense as the MTN Play gamers raced against each other to the finish line in attempts to win the grand prize of one million shillings worth of MTN Mobile Money in the MTN Uganda organized tournament at Faze 2, a Kampala eatery.

With 27 slots for competitors, the stakes were high as each of the lined up players carefully navigated against competition, to scoop the top prize.

Ibrahim Kizito emerged overall winner, snatching the coveted prize of one million shilling of Mobile Money along with a Samsung Galaxy tablet. David Ojok, the runner up won Mobile Money prize of 500,000 and a Samsung tablet as well.
2^nd runner up Lucky Jude won 250,000 worth of Mobile Money and a gift hamper of MTN goodies.

The games played at the tournament were all from MTN Play the MTN online portal www.mtnplay.co.ug/games and the tournament was aimed at giving customers a chance to engage with games available on the portal 

Unlike other competitions, the tournament capitalized on mobile gaming with all the games played on mobile devices (Tablet PC), which demonstrated to customers the fun side of engaging customers on mobile games.

The participants that included Comedian Daniel Omara played a total of nine games with all of them advancing to the second round and as the stakes were raised, supporters enthusiastically cheered their teams.

Speaking at the event, MTN Chief Marketing Officer Ernst Fonternel appreciated audience participation and the video game knowledge of players.

 “I am happy that many people turned up to play and others to support. It’s clear that the products we have on MTN Play resonate well with our customers and we thank the people who came on Saturday to try their skills at the various games.”

Ernst added that the MTN Play portal is the continuation of MTN’s efforts to provide customers with more options in content.

 “We will continue to deliver products that keep our customers engaged and entertained”.

The competitions where spiced up with entertainment from various dance groups, musicians Navio and Young Mulo.

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 

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MTN Uganda is with no doubt serving  and following thier theme to the delievery of a bold new digital network. Today, Sunday 15th December 2013, MTN Uganda Facebook page has hit 200,000 likes.

It should be remembered that MTN was the first brand to hit 100k likes in Uganda. It is now less than one year since they hosted a massive 100k fans party and i guess they will be having fun with the likers again.

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The Captain of Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA), an MTN sponsored Golfer Mr. Deo Akope has called on Government through National Counsel of Sports (NCS) to support the game of Golf, stating that whenever Ugandan professional Golfers play at international level, they represent the country.

Recently, during the MTN Business Golf Day, MTN Uganda’s CEO Mazen Mroué, handed over golf equipment to the Uganda Golf Club Captain, Charles Katarikawe. The items included caddy range gear comprising shorts, shirts, bibs, leg guards, shin guards and helmets as well as ball picker equipment. These are part of a total package worth UShs.90million that will go a long way in supporting the club’s activities. For the last 5 years MTN Uganda has sponsored the MTN Monthly Mug which runs throughout the annual golf calendar. Over time, this property has evolved and today the Uganda Golf Club now fully runs and manages the Monthly Mug events.

The MTN Uganda GM Corporate Services, Anthony Katamba said, “MTN Uganda has sponsored one of Uganda’s leading golf talents and upcoming pro-golfers, Deo Akope.  Since 2010 we have supported him to the tune of UShs. 174 million with an annual sponsorship package of UShs. 58 million (USD. 23,000). Akope has participated in a number of international golf tournaments under the MTN sponsorship and has flown not only the MTN flag high, but the Ugandan flag as well”.

Katamba said that MTN Uganda has consistently supported the sporting fraternity in Uganda and aside from golf, it has assisted many sports over the years including football, rugby, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and golf amongst others. Through the MTN Arena in Lugogo, which was refurbished by MTN in 2010 to be the largest and most modern indoor stadium in Uganda and the region, we are leaving a legacy for Ugandans to benefit from. The MTN Kampala Marathon now in its 10th year has supported many noble causes over the years and remains the flagship event on the Uganda Sports and Social Calendar.

Akope who spoke at an exclusive interview at the Kampala Golf Club on Friday called himself lucky to be enjoying MTN Uganda Sponsorship a move he said, has exposed him to the international Golf tournaments as well as helping him better his skills at the game.

“I am proud to be associated with MTN and I have no doubt that this sponsorship has gone a long way in exposing me to international golf tournaments including overseas where I have been representing the country”.

Talking about his achievements since the MTN sponsorship commenced in 2010, Akope said he has been able to lift countless trophies at the local scene while at the regional scene he has twice won the KCB series; once in Arusha in 2010 and in Kampala in 2011. He also attained his second cut in the Zambian Tournament within the same year.

“The game of Golf in Uganda is growing at a very fast rate. We are now able to export more players to international Golf Tournaments, unfortunately most players lack sponsorship. This notwithstanding, our national team is getting better by the year. Companies such as MTN Uganda have been our pioneer sponsors”, he said.

Akope also decried the state of the different Golf courses in the country, adding that they are not up to international standard compared to other courses across the world. He further appealed to the goodwill of other Corporate Companies to develop a pool for sponsorship of Golf to help improve the standard at the local level.

He said the MTN Annual sponsorship package has helped open many doors for him, including his recent excursion in the Dubai Tournament. Okope’s next focus is now on the forthcoming Mena Tour in the Middle East as well as tournaments in Zambia and the Zimbabwe. He is also eying the Nigerian Tour all happening in 2014.

 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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Demonstrating its commitment to offering its employees the opportunity to grow and experience new challenges, Emirates has announced several management changes in its commercial operations team within Africa.

The new appointments will enable five former graduates of Emirates’ dedicated UAE National Management Programme to take on new challenges across the region.

”These moves reinforce our commitment to the long term career development of our employees” said Hubert Frach, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Commercial Operations West. “Market dynamics vary in every one of our destinations creating a unique working environment and offering our Country Managers the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of the aviation industry.”

Africa is a market that is constantly evolving with over 150 flights operating across the continent each week. The region continues to grow exponentially each year and Emirates is well placed to capitalise on this growth with a 24 destinations across the continent.

The management changes for Emirates’ commercial operations in Africa include:

Khalid Al Zarouni, new Country Manager Tanzania. Khalid started his career with Emirates in 2006 as part of the airline’s successful UAE National Commercial Management Programme. He completed his outstation training in Singapore and was posted as Manager Cyprus in 2009 and Country Manager for Uganda in 2011. Before joining Emirates, Khalid worked in the banking sector for three years. 

Husain Al Safi, new Country Manager Zambia. Alsafi holds bachelor degree in Engineering Management from the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE. In 2007, Al Safi joined Emirates as a Commercial Trainee and was appointed Country Manager for Bangladesh in 2009 and a year later for Yemen. Al Safi‘s recent position was Country Manager for Algeria for nearly a year.

Thani Abdulla Al Ansari, new Country Manager Uganda. Thani joined Emirates in 2011 as a Commercial Trainee where he took on various roles as Commercial Manager in the UAE, Bombay and London. He holds bachelor degree in Business Administration from the American University in Texas, USA.  

Abdulaziz Al Hai, new Country Manager Sudan.  Abdulaziz started his career with Emirates in 2003 as part of the airline’s UAE National Management Programme. In 2006, he took on the role of Airport Manager in various markets: Damascus, Kuwait and three years later in Cairo. Abdulaziz moved from airport services to commercial operations and was appointed as Country Manager for Tanzania in 2011 for two years.

Tariq Obaid, new Country Manager Algeria. Tariq started his career with the Emirates Group in 2007 as a college work placement trainee in the Flight Operations Center, where he handled various aircraft and quality audit responsibilities.  He progressed to join the Emirates Group’s commercial management program and took on various roles as Sales Manager in both Libya and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Dammam station, and Country Manager for Sudan.

The new appointed Country Managers for Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda will report directly to Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations for Latin America, Central and Southern Africa, whereas the Country Managers for Sudan and Algeria will be part of the commercial team that falls under Adil Al Ghaith, Vice President Commercial Operations for Northern and Western Africa. 

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The MTN WhoCalled short code has changed following a directive from Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The short code has changed from 190 to *160*12# effective immediately.

MTN WhoCalled service notifies you via SMS about the different people that tried to call you while you were unreachable or when your phone was switched off. The service notifies you the number of times each caller tried to reach you and at what time of the day. You are also automatically notified about the availability of a number you previously tried to call which was unreachable.

Dial *160*12# to activate MTN WhoCalled. This service is available to all MTN customers.

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 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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Go to www.giveusaname.net  and make your suggestion

The telecom industry in Uganda and other countries in East Africa is bolstered by the announcement of the entry of a new mobile operator – an innovative, socially responsible and maverick telecom like no other, launching without a name.

With its underlining promise being to raise the bar for subscribers, the new telecom launched simultaneously in Uganda, Tanzania and Burundi with a creative online and SMS campaign dubbed “Give Us a Name” giving East Africa the opportunity to nominate and vote for the best name.

No company across the world has ever launched without a name setting the stage for what will be an exciting campaign with people allowed to propose and vote for what they think would be the best name for the company. 

The first phase of the “Give us a Name” campaign will run up to the 12thof December 2013,on-line, via SMS and on Facebook. In this phase, East Africa is being asked to propose names they would like the new telecom that is a real catalyst of change, a partner of the people and invest in communities to better their lives, to be called.

You can make your proposal by logging on to www.giveusaname.net or logging on to www.facebook.com/giveusanameafrica and participate.

In phase two of the campaign from 12th to 22nd December, a shortlist of names from phase one will be submitted to the population to vote for the most unique and creative name.

At the end of the campaign, a token of gratitude will be given to 45 of those who proposed the most liked names, and to those who voted for the first name.  This will range from the most recent mobile devices to unlimited products and services for a whole year.

This new mobile network operator will be investing as a priority to improve lives in the community and countries in which it operates, and ensuring that people are empowered to be the driver of their destiny.

It is a true African and believes in actively participating to build an Africa where people are more positive and optimistic about theirs and their country’s tomorrow, an Africa where people wake up every day feeling in control of their destiny.  That`s why it invests as much of its profits as possible, to support a winning, and winner`s attitude, in every person who leaves in the communities and countries where it operates.  And Uganda will not be different.

“You are passionate about a strong Africa and prosperous Africans, you are optimistic about Africa, you share in this new wave of Africa as the new place to be, you dream being the driver of your life, and you are confident that all these are possible, then you are one of us!  Because, Yes you can, Yes we will, and Yes you can make the difference!  We will be there to support your creativity and ensure you also have fun while making those big hairy dreams of yours come true!“

So come join us…and we want you to tell us how we should be called to really reflect this positive and empowering attitude.  It`s about you and it is you first, so:

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South Africa’s most loved citizen and the father of our democracy, former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, passed away peacefully last night, 5th December 2013.

Nelson Mandela single-handedly put South Africa on the map for billions of people around the world.

Travel anywhere and say you are from South Africa and without a doubt the first word people will utter is ‘Mandela’. This is because he is not only a hero for all South Africans, forever changing the course of our combined history, but also because his incredible leadership ability, compassion and vision made him a hero for the whole world, earning him iconic status in every country on earth.

Mandela opened up our beautiful country, once a pariah state, to the rest of the world and his name alone has attracted millions of tourists to South Africa every year, wanting to walk in his footsteps.

 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.

 His legacy has transformed the tourism landscape in South Africa. Robben Island, where he was imprisoned for 27 years, is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s biggest tourism attractions. The street in which he lived in Soweto, Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have been home to two Nobel Peace Prize Winners – Mr Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, has been the catalyst for Soweto’s thriving tourism industry. Other important sites in Mandela’s story, Liliesleaf Farm, once the headquarters of Umkhonto we Sizwe and the site of Mandela’s arrest near Howick, have both been developed into tourism attractions.

The Apartheid Museum, Freedom Park and the Hector Pieterson Museum are just some of the other tourism sites that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year thanks to the inspiration of Nelson Mandela.

 Nelson Mandela will be sorely missed forever by every South African. We are however heartened that South Africans and the rest of the world can continue to be inspired and touched by him by visiting the places where he walked, talked, planned, dreamed, laughed, cried and ultimately changed the course of South Africa and the world’s history.

In the next few days and going forward, we will remain true to the authentic soul of this nation: a warmly welcoming and hospitable people who now, in great sadness – but with immense gratitude for the life of this great man – welcome people from near and far who arrive to mourn Madiba’s loss with us.

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Johannesburg – The MTN Group conveys its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family, and the people of South Africa and the world on the passing away of former President Nelson Mandela yesterday.

“Former President Mandela leaves behind a rich legacy of reconciliation, world peace and the triumph of the human spirit over all adversity. He embodied the spirit of human rights and dignity in the way he lived his own life,” says Sifiso Dabengwa, MTN Group President and CEO.

“His 50-year fight, including 27 years in jail, helped bring democracy and freedom to our country. Even after 27 years of prison and hardship, only one thing counted for Madiba, as Mandela was affectionately called by his clan name: creating a democratic, prosperous future for all the people of the new South Africa. This combination of humanity and unique statesmanship made his true greatness manifest for the entire world,” says Dabengwa.

Dabengwa said the dawn of South Africa’s democracy in 1994 coincided with the founding of MTN and today, MTN operates in 22 markets across Africa and the Middle East, with more than 200 million customers and still growing.

The MTN Group President and CEO said the founding democratic leader achieved so much, touched so many people and showed much leadership and courage.

“He never lost his compassion, humility and common humanity. He’s an inspiration to us all.  He taught us to love ourselves, to love one another and to love our country. So, as we celebrate his selfless efforts on behalf of human dignity, it also represents an enduring challenge for us all,” adds Dabengwa.

Issued by MTN Group Corporate Affairs

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 on www.mtn.com