HiPipo Money

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Kampala

Understanding of Valentine’s Day differs among people, societies, cultures and state of living. Whereas so many believe that valentine is all about sharing love with the many you care about, majority of the world people think valentine’s day is all about sharing love with those you romantically and sexually care about.

Medi Kimbugwe, the creative director of HiPipo.com yesterday posted on his wall, “Kale bambi with this weather…………..I see many getting pregnant on Valentine’s Day!!!!”

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, Our Valentine’s Day, YOU and YOUR loved one(s). I unfortunately did nothing much about the day, I just spent a little time off to send someone a message, and tell her that she is amazingly gorgeous, special , beautiful and a true friend that I found in my life.

She replied in a sweeter way, with praises, and making me feel like I am a doctor that cures her most hurting wounds, the teachers that writes readable text on a white board using white chalk, or perhaps that musician whose voice makes rhythms without help of any instrument.

In Kampala, a number of events took place with Mampi’s Africana concert as the headliner. Unlike the past Valentine days in this city, yesterday, I hardly saw anyone or a pair of lovers putting on red and black!

Social media was yesterday and days prior attacked by millions of heart breakers and hunters of love all in the name of sharing their love to those they care about! On Facebook and twitter the words #love #valentine #roses were largely used.

This and more reasons make me believe that Valentine’s Day is a romantic affair and nothing else! Why would one be chucked for failure to deliver a rose flower on Valentine’s Day? What do you think Valentine’s Day is all about?? Share your views in the comments section below.

Back Ground

Valentine’s Day, is observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries around the world, although it is not a public holiday in most of them.

St. Valentine’s Day began as a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. The most popular martyrology associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire; during his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius.

Legend states that before his execution he wrote her a letter “from your Valentine” as a farewell. Today, Saint Valentine’s Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church.

The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine’s Day, albeit on July 6th and July 30th, the former date in honor of the Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and the latter date in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni).

The day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”. Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.

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Kampala

Centenary Bank has unveiled CenteMobile, a full banking service, which enables its customers to carry out financial transactions and access banking information using their mobile phones, at anytime and anywhere.

Speaking at the launch of the service at Mapeera House, Allen Ayebare, the Chief Manager Corporate Affairs and Communications said; CenteMobile allows customers to transfer funds from their Centenary Bank accounts to other accounts, monitor and check their account balances, request for mini-statements, purchase airtime and pay utility bills like; electricity and water.

“The launch of CenteMobile means that Centenary Bank’s 1.3 million customers, and mobile user in Uganda can now access and enjoy affordable financial services wherever a mobile telecommunications network exists. All they have to do is sign up for the service to enjoy the benefits. CenteMobile is here to complement our robust network of 59 branches and over 130 ATMs countrywide.”

Ayebare added that CenteMobile has been designed with a variety of services and features to ease the lives of the bank’s customers in a fast paced world.

“Just like many Centenary Bank products and services, CenteMobile comes with affordable and competitive rates. This means that customers are going to save a lot of money and time when it comes to transacting with us.”

Edith Kababure, the chief manager E-Banking, Centenary Bank, noted that CenteMobile is designed to suit the needs of individuals, sole proprietors and companies with capacity of making individualized transactions. “The service will enable customers pay for the goods at Hardware stores, Taxis, pharmacies, boda boda, kiosks, retailers, transporters, contractors, you name it. All one has to do is to open an account with Centenary Bank and ask your supplier or buyer to open an account in the bank.”

Kababure added that the service is very convenient and allows one to transact using any type of phone, whether a simple phone or a smart phone. CenteMobile can be accessed on mobile networks including; MTN, Airtel, Warid, Orange and Uganda Telecom and it allows one to transact using both simple phone and smart phones.

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Nigeria 

Barely two days after she returned to Lagos after attending the Grammys in the United States of America, Nigeria’s version of Lady Gaga, Susan Oluwabimpe Harvey, popularly known as Goldie, is dead. “It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you all that Goldie passed on this night shortly after arriving Lagos from LA. May her soul rest in the eternal peace of the Lord,” message posted by the administrator of the late’s page. RIP GOLDIE.

Kennis Music; the label the former BBA Star was signed to has released statement confirming Goldie Harvey’s death. Below is the full statement

“With a deep sense of loss, we announce the shocking death of our darling music star, Goldie Harvey.” Goldie, 31, died on Thursday after she complained of a severe headache shortly after her arrival from the United States where she went to witness the Grammy Award. She was rushed from her Park View, Ikoyi, Lagos residence to her official hospital, Reddington, Victoria Island, Lagos where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival at exactly 7:30pm in the evening.

“We consider this period a gloomy moment for us and the entire Nigerian music industry in view of the circumstance in which she passed away; the abundance of talent she exhibited in her short but eventful music career and the various opportunities her trip to the United States of America would have availed her.

“She is survived by her father, step- mother, brothers and sisters.

“We deeply sympathise with her family and fans all over the world and very grateful to all and sundry, especially, the vibrant Nigerian media for their concern and prompt reportage. We shall keep everybody informed as events unfold as we are devastated by the sudden loss.

“Meanwhile, the remains of Goldie who hails from Ekiti State has been deposited at the mortuary of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos” the statement concludes.

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Kampala

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Kampala 

MTN Uganda celebrates another major milestone: Successful commissioning of MTN Fibre Network at Katuna Border-.

MTN Uganda on Friday 8^th February commissioned its Fibre network at Katuna Border in Kabale district.

Since its launch in Uganda in 1998, MTN Uganda has made major investments in Uganda. In 2012 alone, its CAPEX investments exceeded USD 80 million by December. This investment was mainly towards the expansion of network infrastructure, establishment of ultra-modern Switching and Data Centre, as well as rollout of fibre infrastructure to boost the quality of voice and data services

In terms of Network infrastructure, last year MTN Uganda rolled out an additional 600km of fibre backbone closing the year with over 2,800km of fibre system providing the capacity for high speed data connectivity and wider national coverage of 3G mobile data services that extend internet access to the rural areas of Uganda.

MTN Uganda has over the last 6 months completed the installation of another 81 new Network Coverage Sites and also added another batch of capacity sites to enhance the quality of network services across Uganda. MTN has a total of 1,100 sites at the end of 2012 providing Network Coverage and communication services to millions of Ugandans across the country.

In 2009 MTN Uganda launched the first mobile money service with tremendous success. MTN Uganda Mobile Money ranks 2nd in the world in terms of absolute number of active customer accounts added during 2012 as per GSMA research completed recently.

Over the past couple of years MTN has also installed backhaul systems providing connectivity to the submarine cables landed at Mombasa. This has enabled secured and reliable connectivity with the rest of the world while providing quality voice and data services and high level redundancy.

MTN has an extensive list of new innovations that will be gradually announced during the year. MTN Uganda announced recently about the plan to deploy Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in Uganda during the coming months, which will enable MTN Customers to access world class internet with bandwidth speed up to 100Mbps. Today, more than 7.5 Million Ugandan enjoys country wide the Yellow revolution providing best network, fastest growing Mobile Money services, widest coverage and world class internet.

MTN CEO Mazen Mroué said, “The launch of the new fibre system at Katuna is a major development which we are confident will have a positive impact on the future of Uganda’s ICT Roadmap and will substantially improve the connectivity with neighbouring countries by connecting them to the East African submarine cables at Mombasa and to the rest of the world. This is in line with MTN commitment of leading innovation in the market and in the region as a whole.

Over the past couple of years MTN has also made backhaul links expansion and enhancements to the Mombasa submarine cables (EASSY and TEAMS). This has enabled connectivity with the rest of the world while providing better connectivity and high level redundancy for voice and data services.

Commenting on MTN Uganda’s plans for LTE deployment in Uganda, the Mroué said, “MTN remains committed to development of the ICT sector and the Ugandan economy. LTE becomes the new standard determining the level of Technology development and offering substantially faster data speed than other technologies”.

The event held at the Katuna border post was graced by the Minister of ICT-Honourable Ruhakana Rugunda, the Executive Director of UCC- Engineer Godfrey Mutabazi as well as the MTN Uganda Chairman- Mr. Charles Mbire.

Speaking at the event the Minister of ICT- Honourable Ruhakana Rugunda said, “We at the Ministry would like to commend MTN Uganda for this investment that further confirms its commitment to provide support for this crucial sector of Uganda’s economy and further positions Uganda as a leader in ICT. The extension of the MTN Uganda fibre will act as a catalyst for economic development and will support the Ugandan government to further leverage on the existent regional partnerships in the areas of trade and industry”.

This landmark development is the first terrestrial link to Rwanda, and will greatly lower cost and significantly improve quality of communications services in the region. 

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Kampala

New and Affordable BlackBerry Service Plans Provide More Choice and Flexibility for MTN Customers

Kampala, Uganda January, 2013 – MTN Uganda today announced three new BlackBerry® service plans to give customers more choices on BlackBerry smartphones that are tailored to their needs and wallets. The BlackBerry® Social, BlackBerry® Complete, and BlackBerry® Absolute plans are designed to suit the different requirements of MTN customers, whether it’s for instant messaging, social networking, browsing, email, apps, or all of the above, and are available in daily, weekly, and monthly offerings.

For customers looking to stay connected on social networks, the BlackBerry Social Plan is only 1,000/- per day. It enables MTN customers to easily stay connected on Facebook®, Twitter® and other social networks. Customers also get access to BBM™ (BlackBerry® Messenger), one BlackBerry® Email account (username@mtninternet.blackberry.com) and Internet access. The plan also allows customers to search, discover and download mobile apps for their BlackBerry® smartphone on the BlackBerry® World™ storefront.

The BlackBerry Complete Plan, at 1,500/- per day, is designed for Internet access, email and social connectivity. In addition to the benefits included in the BlackBerry Social Plan, it also includes access to one third party email account (e.g. Yahoo!, Hotmail or Gmail).

The BlackBerry® Absolute Plan (previously known as the BlackBerry® Internet Service Plan), gives customers unlimited access to BlackBerry data services from their BlackBerry smartphones. This includes access to the Internet, BBM, social networking sites, BlackBerry World and up to 10 supported corporate and personal email accounts. It also includes BlackBerry® Protect™, a free application designed to help find your lost BlackBerry smartphone, and keep the information on it secure.

“As the leading network in Uganda, MTN has tailor made these packages to ensure that customers get just want they need, and nothing that they don’t,” said Ernst Fonternel, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer. “In addition to the choice of BlackBerry service plans, MTN customers also have a choice of daily, weekly and monthly smart plans, which further reinforces our belief in offering customers choice, while delivering on our long term commitment of making Internet access more affordable.

“We know our BlackBerry customers like to stay informed and connected while on-the-go, to keep in touch with their contacts be it family or business through email and chat services like BlackBerry Messenger and other social media channels. Our new BlackBerry service plans will provide our customers with more options for accessing data services, while allowing them to be completely in control of their budget and monthly data usage.”

The new plans are available for both MTN postpaid and prepaid customers. Prepaid customers can activate and check their status by dialling *150*4#. Postpaid customers can activate by contacting their Account Manager or dialling 121 or 0313 121 121.

Prices for the new BlackBerry service plans

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Kampala

At MTN, we are committed to constantly giving and demonstrating value to our customers through simple and innovative promotions; from “MTN overload” to the most recently concluded “Win airtime for a Year” promotion.

Today, MTN is launching Free Weekend Calls. In this campaign, MTN prepaid customers simply need to dial *188# once to activate and thereafter, load a minimum of 2,000/- worth of airtime during the week from Monday to Friday to receive Free Weekend Calls.

Customers will automatically receive 10 Free MTN weekend minutes to use on Saturdays and Sundays.

“At MTN we value our customers and we continuously look at innovative ways to make their lives a whole lot brighter. We would like to give them an opportunity to stay in touch with their loved ones as they wind down and enjoy their weekends ”, says Ernst Fonternel, MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer.

This campaign will run for three months starting 7^th February to 5^th May 2013.

For more details about this promotion including Terms & Conditions, please visit http://www.mtn.co.ug/Help/Legal/Free-weekend-Calling-Promo.aspx

The HMA Nominees

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Kampala

You have heard of so much but I trust you have not seen something like Tots & Teens Magazine and Newspaper in the Ugandan market.

Tots and Teens Magazine and Newspaper is a brand new innovative publication that is aimed at creating educative, engaging and creative content for kids especially in schools around Uganda, presenting different issues, situations and life experiences, with lots of entertainment buzz!!

The idea and presentation of this magazine is only comparable to world class teens’ magazines such as M Magazine, Teen Ink, Discovery Girls, J-14, Popstar! , Girl’s Life, Twist, American Cheerleader, Seventeen and Teen Vogue among others.

Speaking to Rose Busingye the Managing Director Tots and Teens, she expressed excitement for the good reception the publication is receiving just after 3 releases.

She said, “People have shown interest in our publications, recently one Minister called us to secure monthly supply for copies of our monthly magazine to his family and school.”

Tots and Teens publications are targeted for schools and families. The Bi-weekly newspaper goes for UGX 1,500 and the Monthly Magazine costs UGX 5,000 per copy.

Back ground:

Tots & Teens Newspaper, “the children’s voice” is located at plot No 3, 8thstreet Industrial area Kampala. It is registered to produce literature for Children through a Magazine and Newspaper. 

It is designed to avail to Children a reading material that is Educational, aiming at grooming them to be better citizens.

Tots and teens news paper has professional staff who are deployed to produce the best material for children.

Objectives

• Providing a community forum for children’s issues and an advocacy to enhance child care and protection.
• To provide information, education and a communication reading material for children and expose them to the right reading materials. 
• Providing partners and advertisers with a high- readership newspaper material that will generate high return in relation to their missions. 
• Providing a ‘voice’ for the children where they will express their opinions, views and creativity to enhance their participation in the social- economic development of their country.

Our Vision Statement.

Children empowered, protected, grow in wisdom, awareness and good life through children’s voice newspaper.

Mission Statement.

Producing the most accurate and interesting source of news for children that will adhere to high ethical, moral standardads and advocate for children’s rights, their responsibilities and participation.

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Kampala