——

HiPipo Team

Telecommunication giant MTN Uganda was at the end of the last week recognized as the Best Mobile Telecom provider of the year (2012).

This was during the 2013 Uganda Responsible Investment (URI) awards ceremony held at the Imperial Royal Hotel in Kampala.

MTN’s triumph as telecom of the year 2012 came at a time when the telecom continues to lead in subscribers’ base. It has close to 8 million subscribers on the about 16 million total subscribers in the country.

However the entire telecommunication sector continues to be challenged with issues relating to poor quality of service. On several occasions, subscribers suffer with blocked, dropped and unsuccessful calls. Internet connections equally go off due to damages on mainly fibre cables that deliver data from Europe, Asia and America via Mombasa to Uganda.

Uganda has seven active telecoms that provide both voice and data. These are MTN Uganda, Airtel, Warid, Orange, UTL, Smile and K2 telecom.

Full Statement from MTN Uganda following this triumph:

MTN Uganda has been awarded the Best Mobile Telecom provider of the year(2012) at the just concluded the 2013 Uganda Responsible Investment (URI) awards ceremony held at the Imperial Royal Hotel in Kampala.

According to Public Opinions the organizer of the Uganda Responsible Investment awards, 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 in their day to days operations such as; respect for internationally proclaimed rights of workers, elimination of discrimination in respect of occupation and employment, work against all forms of corruption including extortion and bribery, respect of public procurement guidelines, delivery of quality products and services, involvement in productive Corporate Social investment and environmental protection and payment of Taxes.

MTN Uganda is the largest telecom player in Uganda with close to 8million subscribers and the most robust mobile money service in Uganda with transactions in excess of 20 million per month. MTN is also the largest data provider in Uganda currently providing the fastest internet with the 42mbps, and LTE very close to going live. In a highly competitive environment, with seven network operators, MTN Uganda has maintained its leading position in subscriber numbers and market share. By year end 2012, MTN Uganda had 7.7 million subscribers and total 3.5 million Mobile Money users.

“MTN as a good corporate citizen in Uganda has vowed to invest in the country and contribute to the growth of the economy. MTN’s investment in Uganda spans over 14 years of its existence and has reached innovation, capacity building, education, health and many other national priority areas. Our products and services, too, has been growing steadily, and our efforts will continue to be just as persistent as ever at ensuring that we lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to our customers,” said Mazen Mroue, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Mroue reiterated that MTN has been providing best mobile network communication services, world class internet access, and high range of innovative products with wide footprint covering all regions and focus on giving back to the community through sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are some of the key success factors that have endeared the public to the telecom giant.

“We continue to invest in Uganda so as to make our customer’s lives even better. In 2012, we invested in excess of $80million in upgrading infrastructure and reaching areas that were hitherto uncovered. This year, we plan to invest another $70million. All this is meant to create convenience and universal access for our customers and this is not just to communication, but to other fundamental human needs,” said Mroue. 

In 2012 alone MTN Uganda paid more than UGX 360 billion shillings in taxes to the Ugandan government. With a current workforce of 1,250 staff, the continuous investment by MTN in Uganda has enabled job creation with direct and indirect support for over 500,000 Ugandans which has largely contributed to the overall economic growth.

Also, in 2012 MTN Uganda invested close to UGX1.5 billion shillings in training and development of its employees. The company is also committed to exporting talent and currently has more than 10 Ugandan employees working as expatriates for other MTN Operations in other countries holding senior positions, sharing knowledge and transferring skills across the MTN Group.

Public Opinions is a civil society organization (CSO) which was founded by the late Brig. Noble Mayombo, former permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defense at Makerere University in 2003 as a students’ forum for advocacy, research and study group on key issues of national and global concern. In partnership with Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), the CSO’s objective led to the formation of the Uganda Responsible Investment awards.

This year’s Buzz Teeniez Awards event is slated for Saturday 11th May, 2013 at Kati Kati Grounds Lugogo. To grace the event will be Lil Wayne’s official DJ *DJ 4OUR 5IVE*. Buzz Teeniez Awards 2013 is powered by *MOUNTAIN DEW UGANDA*. Below is the full nominations list; 

MUSIC CATEGORY

1. Teeniez male Artist
a. Mun G
b. Navio
c. Young Mulo
d. Maurice Kirya

2. Teeniez Female Artist
a. Cindy
b. Keko
c. Rema
d. Jackie Chandiru

3. Teeniez Hottest Group/Crew
a. Airport Taxi
b. Baboon Forest
c. Goodlyfe Crew

4. Teeniez wickedest DJ
a. Aludah
b. Shiru
c. Roger
d. Beekay

5. Teeniez gospel artist/group
a. Pastor Wilson Bugembe
b. Coopy bly
c. Levixone LALA
d. Kingsley and Philla

6. Teeniez Flyest video
a. Cant let you go – Goodlyfe
b. Let me go – Keko
c. One and only – Navio
d. Fantastic – Good lyfe

7. Teeniez hottest Riddim
a. Tebatusobola – Young Mulo
b. Ladies night – DJ Shiru and All
stars
c. Gimme Gimme – Chameleone ft
Dot star
d. Can’t let you go – Goodlyfe

8. Teeniez gospel song
a. Biriba Bitya – Pastor Wilson
Bugembe
b. Sidda mukyalo – Coopy Bly
c. Prophesy – Exodus
d. Ampade – Haawa Musa

9. Teeniez hottest Collabo
a. Zina – Viboyo ft Vampino &
Benon
b. Babandule – Larry ft Mun G
c. Take it off – Jackie Chandiru &
Urban boys
d. Missing you – Rema & Bebe Cool

10. Teeniez hottest Hip Hop song
a. Yes yes – Don MC
b. One and only – Navio
c. Tutuuse – Ruyonga
d. Toast to life – The Mith ft Lillian
Mbabazi

11. Teeniez beat maker
a. Hanz Tactic
b. Washington
c. Producer Exo
d. Ethan

12. Teeniez top hood rapper
a. Big Tril
b. Ruyonga
c. Enygma
d. Navio
e. The Mith

13. Teeniez breakout artist
a. Young Mulo
b. Gravity Omutujju
c. Maro
d. Ruyonga

14. Teeniez Rn’B artist/group
a. Maurice Kirya
b. Rema
c. Toniks
d. Lillian Mbabazi

15. Teeniez dancehall artist/group
a. Young Mulo
b. Coco Finger
c. Cindy
d. AK 47
 

RADIO CATEGORY

16. Teeniez hottest Radio personality
a. KK – X FM
b. Dj GERO – Hot 100
c. Captain DMS – Hot 100
d. Mister Deejay – Radiocity

17. Teeniez Funkiest FM station
a. Hot 100
b. Radiocity
c. X FM
 

TELEVISION CATEGORY
18. Teeniez Teen TV Show presenter
a. Vicky – NBS
b. Bridget – NBS
c. Sheila Gashumba – NTV
d. Kleith Kyatuhaire – NTV

19. Teeniez hottest TV personality
a. Robin Kisti – NTV
b. Douglas Katogo – Record TV
c. Calvin Entertainer – UBC
d. MC Kats – NTV

20. Teeniez TV Show
a. Youth Voice – NBS
b. Xposed – NTV
c. Katogo – Record TV
d. T Nation – NTV

21. Teeniez TV station
a. NTV
b. NBS
c. URBAN TV
d. WBS

ACHIEVEMENT WARDS
22. Teeniez Role Model
a. Cleopatra Koheirwe
b. Maurice Kirya
c. Patrick Bitature
d. Flavia Tumusiime
e. Humphrey Nabimanya
f. Jennifer Musisi
g. Hon. Proscovia Alengot
h. Juliana Kanyomoozi
i. Moses Kiprotich

SCHOOL CATEGORIES

23. Teeniez Male Team
a. Kitende foot ball team
b. Ssaku SSS Basketball team
c. Namilyango Rugby team
d. Hanna Mixed Rugby team

24. Teeniez Female Team
a. Gayaza High Netball team
b. Nabisunsa Basketball team
c. Kibuli ss girls’ Basket ball team
d. Buddo SSS girls’ Basketball team

25. Teeniez Male Sports personality
a. Mayambala Tonny – Kibuli ss
b. Ddamulira Jonathan – MACOS
c. Kerimundu Kevin – Hanna Mixed
d. Ochieng Collin – Lubiri SSS

26. Teeniez Female Sports personality
a. Akello Mercy – Gayaza High
School
b. Nakidde Lukia – KibuliSS
c. Lokwameri Zaina – Nabisunsa
d. Nyakende Maurine – Buddo SS

27. Teeniez Most Valuable player Basketball (male)
e. Agutu Sam – Ssaku SSS
f. Majooko John – SMACK
g. Ojo Aron – Ndejje SSS
h. Kasujja Suubi – Kibuli SSS

28. Teeniez Most Valuable player Basketball (female)
a. Lokwameri Zaina – Nabisunsa
b. Muwanguzi Racheal – Mukono Parents
c. Nyakende Maurine – Buddo SSS
d. Naigaga Angella – Kitende SSS

29. Teeniez Best Rugger
a. Kalisto Adrin – SMACK
b. Okia Solomon – Kyambogo College
c. Kerimundu Kevin (Jaguar) – Hana Mixed School
d. Masende Robert (Okudi) – Hana Mixed School

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Kampala

HajaraNakadama is the biggest prize winner yet in the exciting DStv rewards campaign. She is the recipient of the mammoth 27 million (USD 10,000) prize money that DStv announced in the on-going DStv rewards campaign in the spirit of Easter.  Her role was very simple; she just ensured that she was connected from February 5^th until April 10^th   2013 uninterrupted. Nakadama is a sales executive that has never ever won anything until now…

Nakadama said “I am extremely overwhelmed, I haven’t quite absorbed that I have won. Thank you so much to DStv. I will purchase a piece of land as well as start a boutique with my prize money”.

The trend has been 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 Marketing Manager Albert Nga says that DStv was particularly pleased by the support DStv has received and wished to express its gratitude that consumers continue to choose DStv for its diverse range of bouquets and channels. 

“We decided to consolidate all our subscriber loyalty competitions and initiatives into one portfolio called DStv Rewards. The announcement that we were doubling the cash reward came as a shock to many, but that was 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.”

He 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!

And the exciting news continues…

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?

Ends.    

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Kampala, Uganda

The Government of Uganda through the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) is going to enforce the workman’s compensation act by the end of this year, Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka has said.

Workman’s compensation is an act that provides for compensation to workers for injuries suffered and diseases incurred in the course of their employment.

She also directed Insurance Regulatory Authority to work with Uganda Revenue Authority to warrant that marine goods in transit insurance policies are purchased locally. “This will ease claim settlements to Ugandans who face challenges of claim compensation from insurance companiesoverseas.” she said

Kiwanuka was presiding over the Uganda Association of Insurance Brokers annual insurers’ award gala held at Protea hotel last Thursday.

The overall winner was Jubilee insurance brokers followed by UAP Insurance.

Kiwanuka noted that insurance market penetration is still low in the region and there is need to devise new strategies to demystify insurance and take advantage of theamendments under the insurance act to cover micro-insurance. The government is also evaluating and quantifying proposals by the insurers to insure its assets.

Kiwanuka warned the insurance brokers against holding insurance premiums instead of remitting them to insurance firms. “Holding of premiums delay future claim settlement which can be detrimental to the insurance industry,settling of claims is cardinal to successful insurance industry and this builds a good image and reputation for the industry”. She said

She appealed to the brokers to ensure compliance with premiums collection guidelines that are issued by Insurance Regulatory Authority to avoid punitive action that could be costly.

-Ends-

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Kampala, Uganda.

In way to provide a variety of wonderful fruit soda choices to their consumers, Crown Beverages Limited the bottlers of Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7UP and Mirinda, yesterday launched a brand new amazing, tasteful, fruitful Soda, “Mirinda Green Apple”. The variant comes to the market in a way to beef up Mirinda brand.

“Every two years, Crown Beverages introduces a new variant to give of customers quality and variety,” Bernadette Kizza; the Brand manager at the press launch held in Kampala.

Mirinda Green Apple comes with a real natural, sweet apple flavor that you will not find with any soda in Uganda. The soda is available in 300ml returnable glass bottles, 500ml and 1 Littre recyclable plastic bottles. The product officially went on market yesterday 28^th March, nationwide.

“Mirinda Green Apple will reinforce brand Mirinda’s position as the consumers’ favorite soda, by giving consumers more fruity choices.” Said Paddy Muramiirah, the Acting CEO.

He added “Mirinda is the leading fruit based Soda, with about 22 percent of the soda market. We are deeply convinced that the addition of another popular Green Apple flavor will create yet another irresistible reason for our consumers to free their fun side of life, with a refreshing Mirinda Green Apple taste.”

Mirinda brand was introduced in Spain in the 1950’s with Mirinda Orange as the pioneer variant. Mirinda was acquired by PepsiCo in1970. The word Mirinda means “admirable” or “wonderful” in Esperanto. Today the brand has variants such as Mirinda Fruity, Mirinda Pine Apple, Mirinda Orange, Mirinda Lemon, Mirinda Strawberry, Mirinda Raspberry and now Mirinda Green Apple, among others around the world.

 “We are convinced that our new variant will build on the great reputation Mirinda has created amongst our youthful fan-base.” Said Bernadette Kizza, Mirinda Brand Manager.

Kizza said that the new variant is being released within Mirinda’s new rallying call- Free Your Fun Side, a reminder to all Mirinda consumers about the brand’s key attributes.

Also present was Ivan Mutibwa, the Acting Head of Sales and Marketing.

Have you tasted Mirinda Green Apple? Get you bottle today and free your Fun Side as it is sweet, refreshing and energizing. Share your view about Mirinda Green Apple in the comment section below.

With MTN Uganda partnership, Inspire Africa has launched yet another Local TV reality show, ‘Sawa Ya Cash’. Sawa Ya Cash literally meaning ‘Cash hour’, is the first edition of the local reality television series in which, locally selected and trained entrepreneurship candidates compete to win 5,000,000/- worth of business start-up capital every week for a period of 15 weeks. The TV series is a Luganda show that will be aired on Bukedde TV every Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00pm – 8:30pm.

Read Full Press Release 3/26/2013

Inspire Africa began as a Human Capital Development organization with the sole goal of engineering successful entrepreneurship in Africa. After the launch of Inspire Africa Season One, the show amassed thousands of viewers in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. 

Eventually Inspire Africa realized the need of an innovative and more efficient way to teach Business and entrepreneurship. With the trends in TV viewership rising, Inspire Africa saw an opportunity in the niche market that is television and created a TV reality show.

Today Inspire Africa has launched yet another Local TV reality show, ‘Sawa Ya Cash’. Sawa Ya Cash literally meaning ‘Cash hour’, is the first edition of the local reality television series in which, locally selected and trained entrepreneurship candidates compete to win 5,000,000/- worth of business start-up capital every week for a period of 15 weeks. The TV series is a Luganda show that will be aired on Bukedde TV every Tuesday and Wednesday 8:00pm – 8:30pm.

Inspire Africa has partnered with MTN Uganda its key executive sponsor and Bank of Africa to produce the TV show. MTN Uganda, under MTN business has committed efforts to support entrepreneurship in Uganda.  

“Since we launched in Uganda 15 years ago, we have given many people a platform to start and grow in businesses by partnering with us in our sales and distribution function, MTN Mobile money as well as MTN business partnerships. To date, many people have become millionaires by working with us and we are very proud to be able to make this contribution to individual’s lives as well as to the economy, said Ernst Fonternel, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer.

“Our partnership in Sawa Ya Cash is just another demonstration of our commitment to empower our customers and make their lives better. And this is something we do through a number of initiatives. ” Fonternel further explained.
Over the years there has been a phenomenal growth particularly in the SME market and this has formed the backbone of Uganda’s economic growth. It is with this in mind that MTN has consistently supported this section of the economy. MTN has over the last two years partnered with KPMG to provide business and financial literacy training to two groups of 100 selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Sawa Ya cash will entertain, inspire and empower millions of viewers with dynamic content and a sneak peek into the lives of successful local businessmen in the country. The show will show case the success stories of extraordinary individuals that have shaped Uganda’s economy and transformed lives of people. This is all aimed at educating the viewers about the different opportunities there are in several business sectors. The specific objective is to teach business and entrepreneurship in a more local and simplified way. 

In every episode, there will be a hot and exciting business debate of 5 contestants presenting their business ideas to the panel of Senior Entrepreneurs. In this debate they will clearly illustrate how they will enter the market and sustain themselves if given a startup capital of 5,000,000/- . The winning candidate will be selected by a unanimous decision of the Judges, based upon the practicability of their business Idea. At the end of 15 weeks, a total of 75 candidates will take part in the TV reality show, 15 candidates walking away with 5 million each, to put into their business/business idea. 

The general public will have an opportunity to take part in this TV show by applying. Applications forms can be picked from any Bank of Africa Branches in Kampala. Similarly the application forms will be available online www.inspireafrica.co.ug and on social media.  Applicants can also sms the word CASH, their name and location to 8338 to participate. It should be noted that all applicants must be between 18 to 35 years of age.

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading telecommunications firm in country. Visit us atwww.mtn.co.ug and www.facebook.com/mtnug.

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 andwww.mtnfootball.com

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Kampala, Uganda

On Saturday 23rd March, 2013, MTN Uganda held a special Women’s Day Panel dialogue themed “How does she do it?” as a celebration of Ugandan women in business.

Speaking at the event, Mazen Mroué, CEO MTN Uganda said “MTN Uganda acknowledges the importance of Ugandan women in both the social and economic development of the country. This year, as the rest of the world celebrates the annual International Women’s Day, we felt it befitting to invite business women from different spheres to engage in a panel discussion and in so doing to act as motivation to the upcoming women entrepreneurs in Uganda.”

Present were leading women in business that included Allen Kagina, commissioner general Uganda Revenue Authority, Aggie Konde, Managing Director NTV Uganda, Mama Mbire, one of the pioneer business women in Uganda, Caroline Mpyisi, owner of Montessori schools and Jolly Andruvule, director Invisible children, who all shared ideas with the other women present.

Honourable Amelia Kyambadde, the Minister of Trade and Industry was the Chief Guest of the event.

Also present was Emma Oenga who is based in Nairobi, Kenya and is a leading investor in the male dominated real estate industry in East Africa. Oenga was guest speaker at the event.

Read Full Press Release Below For Details

Today’s fast paced and male oriented world presents unique challenges to the working class woman regardless of whether she is employed, aspires to start her own business or runs her own company.

Despite this, many women today have beaten the odds to emerge as successful in the corporate world as well as in business, while combining their careers with their responsibilities as mothers and wives.

MTN Uganda on Saturday 23rd March, 2013, held a special Women’s Day Panel Discussion themed “How does she do it?” as a celebration of Ugandan women in business.

“MTN Uganda acknowledges the importance of Ugandan women in both the social and economic development of the country. This year, as the rest of the world celebrates the annual International Women’s Day, we felt it befitting to invite business women from different spheres to engage in a panel discussion and in so doing to act as motivation to the upcoming women entrepreneurs in Uganda,” said Mazen Mroué, CEO MTN Uganda.

Since its inception in 1998, MTN Uganda has created a platform through its wide product range, as well as its services and coverage, which has given women the opportunity to rise and shine in business as well as in the corporate world.

Through its leadership position, MTN Uganda employs and supports in excess of 500,000 people both directly and indirectly and a large number of these are women that partner with MTN through itsDistribution Network, Mobile Money Service and MTN Business partnership.

 “This year, as the rest of the world celebrates the annual International Women’s Day, we felt it befitting to invite business women from different spheres of the business community to engage in a panel discussion and in so doing to act as motivation to the upcoming women entrepreneurs in Uganda, Mroué explained.

Leading women in business shared their ideas with the rest of the women. These included Allen Kagina, commissioner general Uganda Revenue Authority, Aggie Konde, Managing Director NTV Uganda, Mama Mbire, one of the pioneer business women in Uganda, Caroline Mpyisi, owner of Montessori schools and Jolly Andruvule, director Invisible children.

The guest speaker, Emma Oenga who is based in Nairobi, Kenya and is a leading investor in the male dominated real estate industry in East Africa.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Guest, Honourable Amelia Kyambadde, the Minister of Trade and Industry commented, “The Ugandan government is committed to providing a favourable investment climate for prospective investors, both foreign and local. I do acknowledge that, over the years, Ugandan women have and continue to play a significant role in driving the economic development of the country through the different sectors they operate in.”

She applauded MTN Uganda for being commendable partner in the drive for economic development of Uganda.  She recognized the work done over the years and in particular the contributions made towards the training of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The state of Uganda’s economy is such that SMEs have increasingly become one of the economy’s leading drivers of this country’s revenue with over 60% of revenue being generated by medium sized companies.

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/mtnuganda 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.

Do you want to make that call but you are in short of credit/airtime? MTN  Uganda has produced an answer through the newly launched product MTN Xtra Time. With MTN Xtra Time, Customers can now get an airtime loan and pay later, so even if they have run out of airtime, they can still stay in touch. To use the service “dial *146#”.

 Read FULL Press Release:

MTN Uganda provides Airtime loans through MTN Xtra time

Release date:3/21/2013

Effective today, MTN prepaid customers can keep talking with MTN Xtra Time. Customers can now get an Airtime loan and pay later, so even if they have run out of airtime, they can still stay in touch.

Customers can dial *146# to access MTN Xtra Time loans as well as to check their Airtime loan balance. In order to apply for MTN Xtra Time, a customer must have less than 240/- in their account. To access up to 1,000/- in Airtime, customers must have recharged a minimum of 10,000/- per month for the last 6 months or minimum of 15,000/- per month for the last 12 months to access 1,500/- in Airtime. The MTN Xtra Time loan attracts a 10% fee which is deducted from the Airtime loan. MTN Xtra Time loans are automatically paid back on subsequent recharges and current Airtime loans must be paid back in full before applying for subsequent Airtime loans. MTN Xtra Time loans represent normal Airtime and can be used for all MTN services although it is not transferable via Me2U.

“At MTN we would like to make communication as convenient as possible and by allowing our customers to continue talking with MTN Xtra Time, this service provides both convenience as well as support during emergency situations.” said Ernst Fonternel, MTN Chief Marketing Officer.

“So remember to dial *146# the next time you run out of airtime and continue talking with MTN Xtra Time.” Fonternel concluded.

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 ;
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, 

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Kampala

Following the 16 Percent Revenue growth by MTN Uganda, MTN Group President and CEO Sifiso Dabengwa and Group Chief Operating Executive Ahmed Farroukh visited Uganda and congratulated MTN Uganda upon their strong performance in the year 2012.

He was in the country as part of the group roadshow across the 22 MTN operations”.

Recently, MTN Uganda revealed that revenues for the year 2012 grew by 16 per cent. The growth according to the company came at the back of increasing returns from voice coupled with an ever growing data and mobile money platform usage.

“MTN Uganda delivered strong results in a competitive market with Revenue up 16% and EBITDA up 22%. Data revenue increased 86% supported by a strong performance in MTN Mobile Money,” read part of a statement from the telecommunication giant, adding: “With more than 20 million transactions each month; MTN Mobile Money now contributes meaningfully to MTN Uganda’s revenue.”

Details.