HiPipo Money

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Kampala

The former business manager and head of public access at telecommunications giant MTN Uganda has been charged with embezzlement and remanded to Luzira prison until the 29^th April.

Richard Mwami who is accused of stealing over Shs5bn was charged yesterday and remanded to Luzira prison by the Anti-corruption Chief Magistrate Irene Akankwasa.

“Given the large sums of money involved, bail is hereby denied,” Akankwasa said.  He was jointly charged with; Joan Nabugwawo a former cashier, Brian Okurut a former revenue assurance analyst, Angella Ayo an assistant revenue assurance analyst, Eriya Baryamwijuka also revenue assurance analyst, Edrisa Serunkuuma and Sauda Nakimbugwe.

The group was charged with three counts of embezzling over Shs5.5bn, corrupt neglect of duty and conspiracy to defraud MTN of the said sum. Mwami tried to apply for bail, but Akankwasa declined granting it.

The offences were committed between June and December 2011 at MTN offices in Kampala. His lawyers David Mpanga and Macdosman Kabega had presented three sureties including Sam Mutambo a sergion at Case clinic, Robert Kisubi and Joseph Bagabo the head of human resource at Barclays Bank Uganda Ltd and head of Cricket fraternity.

The prosecutor Paul Lakid asked court to impose stringent terms on him including depositing his passport. He had objected to the bail application on grounds that the sums of money involved were big and could easily be used to jeopardize police investigation and Akankwasa agreed with him.

The same court also committed nine people including a cleaner, accused of stealing mobile money, to the high court.

Serunkuuma Edrisa, Matovu Henry, Seguja Daniel Magombe Joseph, Nasejje Mary, Irene Kawuma, Kulaba Josua, Peter Ayebare and Jerome Okecho Jackcher were committed to high court after the prosecution found enough evidence against them. Mwami’s case was adjourned to April 29 for mention and criminal summons were issued against Nakimbugwe.

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Africa

Airtel signs definitive agreement to fully acquire Warid Uganda

Will combine the strengths of two entities to serve over 7.4 million customers in Uganda with world-class and affordable services

Customers to enjoy wider network coverage and distribution reach as well as innovative products & services.

Existing Warid Uganda customers will join over 269 million customers on Airtel’s global network across 20 countries and enjoy the benefits of a superior network, international roaming, and high quality 3G speed as well as Airtel Money services.

Airtel to consolidate its position in the Ugandan market with its first ever in-market acquisition.

New Delhi/Kampala, April 23rd , 2013: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), a leading global telecommunications services provider with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, today said that it has entered into a definitive agreement with the Warid Group (“Warid”) to fully acquire Warid Telecom Uganda. With this, Airtel will further consolidate its position as the second largest mobile operator in Uganda with a combined customer base of over 7.4 million and market share of over 39%. The agreement is subject to regulatory and statutory approvals.

The agreement aims to bring together the strengths of Airtel and Warid in Uganda and offer benefits to customers in the form of a superior and wider network, affordable voice and data services, and superior customer care. Airtel currently has 4.6 million customers in Uganda. The existing 2.8 million Warid customers in Uganda will join Airtel’s global network that serves over 269 million customers. They enjoy, amongst other things, benefits of the ‘One Airtel’ network with lower roaming rates across Africa and South Asia, an exciting bouquet of innovative services and access to exclusive Premier Club services for High Value Customers.

Speaking on the agreement, Mr. Manoj Kohli, MD and CEO (International), Bharti Airtel said, “We are delighted at this agreement with Warid, which also happens to be the first in-market acquisition in Bharti Airtel’s history. We believe this market consolidation offers great synergies by bringing together the best of Airtel and Warid to better serve customers in Uganda and drive forward our vision of offering affordable best in-class services in Africa. This development will translate to a healthier telecom sector in Uganda which will be ready to invest & grow in wireless broadband & mCommerce services”.

Speaking on the agreement Mohammed Nahayan, Board Member, Warid Uganda said “We are extremely pleased with this development, which offers Warid consumers added benefits like wider network coverage, most extensive 3G network and world class products and services from one of the world’s largest mobile services provider. This is a win-win for Warid customers who will now benefit from being part of a 7.4 million combined user base in Uganda. »

With presence across 17 African countries, Airtel is the largest telecom service provider across the Continent in terms of geographical reach and had over 62 million customers at the end of quarter ended December 31, 2012. Globally, Airtel is ranked as the 4th largest mobile services provider in terms of customer base.

About Bharti Airtel        

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 4 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company’s product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 269 million customers across its operations at the end of March 2013. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com

For more information contact:

Michael Okwiri

Vice President, Corporate Communications,

Airtel Africa

Email:  Michael.Okwiri@africa.airtel.com

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Kampala

On Friday 19th April, Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN)-Uganda organised The MTN chief marketing officer (CMO) Meet n Greet Media Party to specially thank the media for their continued support.

The party was held at Kampala based lavish party place Club Guvnor.

Organised under coordination of Metropolitan Republic; the PR and Advertising firm that handles the MTN Uganda account. The party was a great success that left smiles to the faces of all that attended.

From 7:00 PM, Guvnor was an open bar for all invited guests that included media personalities, analysts and top administrators from media houses.

Attending guests were treated to great dinner, unlimited drinks plus gifts and goodies from MTN Uganda.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ernst Fonternel, the MTN Uganda CMO thanked the media and MTN customers for their support that has kept MTN Uganda as the number one mobile telecommunications service provider in the country.

He talked about the fast growth of MTN’s products such as the 42 MPS broadband internet and mobile money among others.

Awards winning actors also media members Abby Mukiibi and Patricko Mujuuka (both from CBS FM) hosted the event.

There was also entertainment by the booming Goodlyfe crew boys; Moses Radio and Weasel TV.

MTN has 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.

Long Term Evolution technology (LTE) is the latest technology in the world with the fastest internet speeds of up to 100Mbps, giving customers the most seamless experience in data services. 
Popularly known as 4G, LTE is a ‘standard for wireless communication of high-speed data for data terminals and mobile phones.’ 4G LTE Data Networks provide mobile ultra-broadband internet access.

“We are happy to claim another first in Uganda with this momentous announcement as MTN Uganda successfully launches its 4GLTE network offering World-class internet services to our customers. What is even more pleasing is that we’ve done this ahead of many other advanced economies around the world,” said Ernst Fonternel, MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer.

The launch of LTE represents a major stride in mobile connectivity capabilities in Uganda. The service offers almost triple the speed of any existing mobile connection available commercially in Uganda and in the region.
“This launch further emphasizes MTN’s commitment in not just transforming its own network but also the businesses of its Corporate and SME customers while contributing positively to the overall development of the ICT sector in Uganda,”  Fonternel added. 

For the customer this means you can download large files in no time, stream music videos and HD movies without buffering and upload pictures without delay. These services will significantly transform the way you interact with the world.

“The higher LTE speeds will give our customers lower latency which translates into a much more stable user experience. The technology’s impressive speeds create endless possibilities for the user including instantaneous music and picture downloads,” said Fonternel.

 “Our challenge isn’t keeping ahead of the other operators.  It’s keeping ahead of the tidal wave of data demand both in our country and in the region. Last year we launched our 21.6Mbps Data Network and last month we rolled out our 42Mbps Data Network and now LTE. In all these innovations, we have been the first, and our intention is to continue pushing boundaries so that our customers enjoy World-class internet.”

MTN’s LTE service will initially be available in greater Kampala, with other towns to follow in the very near future. There are currently 20 locations fully integrated onto the LTE network. Furthermore LTE capable dongles will be on sale at selected MTN outlets.

Fonternel said that the commercial launch of LTE is part of a bigger network transformation plan that MTN has been undertaking over the past few years in order to give its customers World-class services.
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.

MTN Uganda launched the first Mobile Money service in Uganda with tremendous success and was recently ranked 2nd in the world-wide sample for the number of active Mobile Money accounts as per GSM Association’s 2012 Survey.

MTN Uganda was also recently named Uganda Number 1 Leading Superbrand and was voted as the Best Mobile Telephone Service provider of the year in the Uganda Responsible Investment Awards 2013. MTN was voted for by the people of Uganda in appreciation and recognition of its contribution towards the promotion of international best practices and standards.

“MTN’s vision is to lead the delivery of a bold, new Digital World to our customers. MTN Uganda is embracing this vision through constant enhancements to our Data Network to deliver World-class Internet and make our customers’ lives a whole lot brighter,” added Fonternel.

Since MTN was launched in Uganda in 1998, it has made major investments in the country. In 2012 alone, its CAPEX investments exceeded USD 80 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. MTN Uganda plans to invest an additional USD 70 million in 2013 towards further infrastructure development. 

“In terms of Network Infrastructure, MTN Uganda has 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 400km of Fibre is currently under deployment between Mutundwe in Kampala and Kyenjojo district in Western Uganda and should be completed within the coming months,” said Rami Farah, MTN Uganda Chief Technical Officer.

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.

MTN Uganda has over the last 6 months rolled out approximately 100 new Base Transmission Sites to new coverage areas while commissioning another batch of capacity sites to enhance the quality of network services. MTN Uganda currently has more than 1,100 network sites across all regions in 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.

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Mbale

Smirnoff, the world’s number one vodka, painted Mbale red and white on Friday, 13^th April, 2013 in an exquisite display of good music, bright lights, massive sound and above all, the Smirnoff Night Life Experience.

Dubbed ‘The Night’, the Smirnoff party created what is by far the most ecstatic and memorable night life experience that has rocked Mbale Town in a long time. Held at ‘The Thatch’, the Smirnoff Night delivered not just a good party, but a great experience.

Smirnoff, which has taken the nightlife experience in Uganda to greater heights through its ‘Smirnoff Night Experiences’, treated Mbale revelers to a taste of their signature cocktail called “Black Swagger” in addition to good music and an exhilarating dance off that saw a lucky winner dance his way to 300,000 UGX prize money.

Smirnoff is about extraordinary drinks and extraordinary nights; it’s about enjoying life and having the best night of your life, while remembering that the best nights are the ones you remember. This is exactly what Mbale revelers got at the Smirnoff Night Life Party.

And with mixology gaining popularity in Uganda and more consumers seeking knowledge and skills in cocktail mixing, the party created the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the easy and quick mixability of Smirnoff Vodka.

MTN Uganda has been named Uganda’s leading Super brand following a detailed research process overseen by London based organization ‘The Centre for Brand Analysis’ (TCBA) who were appointed by Superbrands East Africa to independently manage the selection process.

MTN Uganda was also recognized in the Telecommunications, Internet, Computers and Technology category while MTN Mobile Money came in at 38th position under the Financial category ranking closely to some banks and other financial institutions.

In terms of methodology and selection criteria, a number of survey questions are asked about people’s perception of brands across a range of sectors. 1,800 consumers were contacted across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with face-to-face interviews conducted in the main cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza and Kampala, Mbarara and Jinja. MTN Uganda emerged the best overall in Uganda followed by Panadol and National Insurance Corporation.

Commenting on this win, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, Ernst Fonternel said, “MTN Uganda is committed to remaining relevant to its customers especially in this highly competitive Ugandan market. We continue to distinguish ourselves through innovation and commitment to quality, reliability and a distinctive products and services portfolio”.

According to the study’s definition, a Superbrand is a one that represents high quality, reliability and distinction. In addition, Super brands are considered to have established the finest reputation in their field; they offer customers significant emotional and tangible advantages over other brands. 

Superbrands, the largest independent arbiter on branding currently identifies and pays tribute to exceptional brands in over 88 countries globally. 

This announcement comes a few weeks after MTN Group launched its new Brand Mision – ‘To make our customers’ lives a whole lot brighter’. This we’ll achieve through our Vision ‘To lead the delivery of a bold, new Digital World to our customers’. 
“This will mean even more focus on creating a distinct customer experience and driving sustainable growth while transforming our operational model to meet the ever changing needs of our customers. Our new Vision and Mission will further differentiate MTN in this highly competitive environment”, Ernst explained.

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In Picture: (Left – Right)  Kawempe Mosque Imam, Sheik Maarji Bivanju ,  MTN CEO Mazen Mroué hands over, Kawempe Mosque Chairman Construction Committee Semakula Yakubu.

MTN Uganda through MTN Foundation has donated UGX 10 million towards the re-development of Kawempe Mosque project. Kawempe ku TTano Mosque was first built in 1923, it is located at Kawempe Muslim primary school in Kawempe Town Centre.

“As MTN Uganda, we realise and understand the importance of continued support towards the communities where we operate. The re-development of the mosque will help in accommodating more people during prayers,” said Mazen Mrouè, CEO, MTN Uganda.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, chairman of the Mosque, Mr. Semakula Yakub thanked MTN Uganda Foundation saying “MTN contribution came at a time when the redevelopment had stalled due to financial wrangles and added that work would resume immediately.”

MTN Uganda has in the past given back to the community through education, health, and sports initiatives like;

• Infrastructural development; building and renovating classrooms, pit-latrines and water tanks in schools.
• Providing furniture foodstuff, computers, text books and even low-cost bandwidth.

In the area of health MTN has actively supported a number of local health awareness causes, inclusive of HIV/AIDS:

• Uganda Child Cancer Foundation
• Hospice Africa Uganda
• Malaria Consortium
• The Red Cross for flood victims
• Red Cross, the proceeds from the MTN Kampala International Marathon

Read full press release for details below

MTN Foundation has handed over a donation of UShs. 10 million towards the re-development of Kawempe Mosque project.

The Kawempe ku TTano Mosque originally built in 1923 is located at Kawempe Muslim primary school in Kawempe Town Centre and is one of the main mosques in the area.

“As MTN Uganda, we realise and understand the importance of continued support towards the communities where we operate. The re-development of the mosque will help in accommodating more people during prayers,” said Mazen Mrouè, CEO, and MTN Uganda.

The re-development project was initiated in 2010 and the plan includes the demolishing of the old mosque to pave way for a 1.5 billion shilling school development plan that will include a health center, a Quran school and a mega mosque.

The chairman of the Mosque, Mr. Semakula Yakub said that MTN contribution came at a time when the redevelopment had stalled due to financial wrangles and added that work would resume immediately.

He thanked the MTN Uganda Foundation for their support towards this project.

“We believe that through this contribution, Kawempe mosque redevelopment will be completed and will be able to accommodate more people during Friday prayers,” Mroué said.

The MTN Uganda Foundation is a not-for-profit legal entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN U implements its’ Corporate Social Investments (CSI). The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life in communities where MTN Uganda operates in a sustainable way. Over the past five years since its launch, the MTN Foundation has supported a number of initiatives in the areas of Education, Health, Arts and Culture, Environment, Community Development and Low cost housing.

The MTN Uganda Foundation partners with both public and non-profit credible organizations to execute sustainable projects in each of the chosen focus areas. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that the selection and approval of its projects are conducted in a manner that is transparent, systematic, efficient, and effective while promoting its mission.

In 2013 and onwards, the MTN Foundation will focus on three key areas so as to leverage scale to achieve significant development impact. The three sectors will be Education, Health and National Priority Areas.

Also in attendance at the handover of the cheque was the Imam of Kawempe Mosque, Haji Divanju Maliki.

-Ends-

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading telecommunications firm in country with more than 7.7 million customers as of 31 December 2012.

Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug; www.youtube.com/mtnug; www.facebook.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 31 December 2012, MTN recorded almost 190 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 and www.mtnfootball.com.

BBC Reports: Samsung has unveiled the biggest smartphone to date – the Galaxy Mega, which features a 6.3in (16cm) screen.

The firm suggested its size made it ideal for watching videos or running two apps alongside each other.

Samsung helped popularise the so-called “phablet” category – in which phones approach tablet dimensions – with its original 5.3in Galaxy Note in 2011.

That proved more popular than many expected, but one analyst suggested the latest device might be a step too far.

Samsung is marketing the Android-powered handset as having a high-definition screen – however, a spokesman was unable to confirm whether it supported 720p or the “full HD” 1080p resolution.

The DStv Rewards campaign continues to transform lives of DStv customers. The latest celebrant and winner of the massive prize money is Duncan Aturinda, General Manager of African Queen Limited a distribution company. He is the 8^th winner in the campaign that was launched in February 2013 aimed at appreciating customer loyalty and support. Customers who remain connected from February 5^th until April 10^th   2013 enter a draw and one customer wins UGX 13,500,000 million per week. 

Aturinda said “I was in shock; I have never won anything in my life. When I got the information I had won 13.5 million I couldn’t believe it but I am so grateful to DStv for this cash prize. I intend to use part of the money towards the construction of my house”. 

The trend continues for DStv customers to win USD 5 000 in cash for simply staying connected to DStv’s exciting world of sport, movies, music, news, kids, documentary and lifestyle entertainment week on week in the eight week campaign.  MultiChoice Africa has also announced that all its DStv subscribers in Uganda are eligible to win cash prizes, regardless of the bouquet they subscribe to. 

MultiChoice Uganda Public Relations Manager Tina Wamala says that this has been an incredible campaign that has demonstrated the brands appreciation for customer support. We look forward to rewarding more winners in this campaign as we draw nearer to the conclusion of the campaign. 

“We decided to consolidate all our subscriber loyalty competitions and initiatives into one portfolio called DStv Rewards, as a result of demonstrating our sincere gratitude for all the customers who have embraced our campaign and more specifically our world class product DStv. The entertainment and gratitude never stops with DStv.”

She continues, “With the exciting game show THE MONEY DROP currently on AfricaMagic, we decided that the time was right for significant cash give-away. So you can watch people win on TV and you can win at home! We definitely intend for DStv Rewards to become a major part of our brand’s overall identity in future. DStv Rewards may include cash prizes, trip give-aways, luxury gifting, channel promotions and more. And we will move between markets so while a country may not be included in one promotion, it will be included in others.”

But that’s not all… winners walking away with cash prizes will be filmed for inserts that will be screened during the hit game show THE MONEY DROP on AfricaMagic and AfricaMagic Entertainment. So not only could you win, but you could also be on TV!

In addition, DStv audiences can win a full year’s subscription to their current bouquet, just by watching their favourite shows.  Tune in and when you see a blue DStv Rewards Box pop up on screen, make sure you SMS/TEXT the competition hotline (details onscreen and at www.dstv.com) with your name. It’s that easy to win!

 DStv has also confirmed that there will definitely be winners from Uganda because it will be drawing winners from all its key markets. One word of advice – make sure your contact details are updated on your DStv account so that if you win, you will get the good news quickly.

The latest initiatives come just a few short months after DStv launched its attention-grabbing 10% discount campaign, also part of the DStv Rewards initiative, which knocks 10% off the subscription price for those consumers who pay on time and who enjoy unbroken service.  So make sure you pay before you are disconnected and you will earn this discount. With 2013 getting off to a fantastic start for DStv subscribers, the question is…what would you do with your cash winnings?

British Airways’ first A380 double-decker superjumbo has emerged from the largest paint hangar in the world after gaining the airline’s famous red, white and blue livery.

The double-deck A380 is the world’s largest commercial aircraft flying today, with capacity to carry 525 passengers in a comfortable three class configuration, and up to 853 in a single-class configuration that provides wider seats than its competitor. The A380 two decks offer 50% more floor surface than any other high-capacity aircraft.

At Airbus’ Hamburg hangar, 24 painters spent two weeks on eight movable platforms up to 98ft (30m) from the ground applying five coats of red, white and blue gloss paint to the huge aircraft.  The work was conducted by hand using spray guns, traditional paint rollers and small paint brushes.

The specialists, who spent three years training to learn how to paint an A380, used 2,300 litres of paint to cover an area of 37,674sq ft (3,500m²).  Although the total weight of the five layers of paint covering the aircraft weighs around 650kg, the paint applied is no thicker than a human hair.

One of the most challenging aspects for the Airbus team was painting the 10,000 black and white dots on the tailfin of the aircraft.  Christoph Hettwer, senior manager Airbus A380 paint shop, said: “This was a difficult task – you can imagine someone had to peel off the thousands of little dots from a stencil – but now it’s finished it looks great.”

The A380 now has all of its cabins installed and will be flown to Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, where it will begin its final stage of checks before being handed over to British Airways in July.

The superjumbo will become the largest aircraft in the British Airways fleet, with 469 seats across four cabins.  The First cabin is situated at the front of the main deck and can accommodate 14 customers.  Club World (business class) customers can choose to sit in one of the 44 seats on the main deck, or the 53 seats on the upper deck.  British Airways’ designers have introduced a new 2:3:2 configuration on the upper deck.  Those who choose to travel in one of the 55 seats in the World Traveller Plus (premium economy) cabin will sit on the upper deck, while World Traveller (economy) cabins are located on both the main and upper deck.

The aircraft’s innovative design makes it much quieter during take-off and landing and more fuel efficient than its predecessors.  British Airways has ordered 12 for delivery by 2016 as part of a £5bn (US$7.7bn) investment in new aircraft, smarter cabins, elegant lounges, and new technologies to make life more comfortable in the air and on the ground.