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Mr Mazen Mroue has been unveiled as MTN Uganda’s new CEO, replacing Eng Themba Khumalo who was recently appointed as the MTN group Operations Executive, overseeing operations in 13 countries.     

Themba Khumalo had served as MTN Uganda CEO from 2009. Before, coming to Uganda, he was MTN Rwanda CEO.

While introducing the new CEO at Kampala Serena hotel, MTN Uganda Chairman Mr Charles Mbire said that Mazen Mroue had been ‘very carefully selected’ with the capability that will maintain MTN’s leadership in the telecommunications sector.

At the function, Hon Ruhakana Rugunda, the ICT minister said: “Themba, we thank you for your time in Uganda and hope that you will represent us well after your three years here, as our business ambassador abroad.”

He added: “I would like to warmly welcome Mr Mroue to Uganda. We hope that you will comfortably settle down and continue the work that has been done by your predecessors for the development of Uganda’s ICT sector and the country at large.”

Mr Mazen Mroue, a Lebanese comes with great experience and expertise as he has served in different positions in MTN Africa. Before his appointment to Uganda, he was the CEO of MTN Liberia. Prior to this, he had served in different capacities at MTN Ghana. Mazen joined the Ghana operation (Scancom Ltd) in 1999 as a Business Support Manager but was quickly promoted to Information Technology Manager in 2000. In 2006, he was appointed as the Chief Information Officer when MTN acquired Investcom and later its CEO.

Mazen holds a Master Degree in Engineering Intellectual Systems & Networks and completed the Executive Program for Leadership Development at Harvard Business School in 2007.

HiPipo.com Team

The Big Brother Stargame Live Eviction night was jam packed with explosive performances from talented artists who call the African continent home.

Headlining the Live Show was Uganda’s Maurice Kirya, who got to the stage with his best friend; his guitar. The talented soul artist pulled off a stunning performance that had the excited audience singing along, despite the language barrier.

Maurice’s performance showed that music definitely brings people of different cultures together in an unbelievable way. Tanzania’s DJ Fetty also had a great show that was majorly a crowd puller for the ladies in the house.

IK cooled the pressure of the Upvillers when he revealed that there will be no eviction from the classy house for the weekend.

Meanwhile, in Downville, Jessica and Junia from Namibia were to the first duo to be named for possible eviction this week!!

South Africa’s Lee and Keagan are the second couple up for Eviction this week. Remember to cast your vote. Voting lines are now open!!

Keep right here for all updates about what’s happening in Big Brother StarGame house.

Latif Designs is an innovative concept based on big dreams and a wide vision. Latif Designs makes people aware that good quality and basically fun casual wear can be designed in Uganda.

Through its products, Latif Designs encourages customers to buy from local designers and to be proud dressing “Uganda made’ fashion.

Latif Designer has been a designer to very many outstanding celebrities of Uganda and Africa like the Late Lucky Dube Philip, H.E Bobi Wine, Dr. Jose Chameleone, Judith Heard, Gen. Mega Dee, Miss Uganda contestants and winners, Maurice of Big Brother Africa, Eddy Kenzo, Segawa , Blood Brothers Band, corporate companies many more!!

PROFILE

1. Pioneer of live clothing showcase a live cloth construction performance on stage.
2. Winner and holder of PRADA (Practicing Designers Awards) of International Live Clothing Construction Competition (ILICLOCOCO) since 2007.
3. Record break of 2009 Congo Brazaville live Cloth construction from 5 minutes to 3 minutes up-todate.
4. Showcased at World Fashion show LABO Ethnik in Paris France 2008.
5. Winner of Bronze Award at FIMA- African Fashion Competition in Niamey, Niger 2007.
6. Rated the fastest designer of trendy fashions, 2008.
7. Won an Art Residence at City des Arts Residents Paris France, 2008.
8. Pursued Internship at Zully Bet Autelier., Paris France.
9. Showcased at FESTACC Mashion House in Durblin Ireland, 2007.
10. Dressed Africa’s fallen Reggea Maestro/Legend/Superstar- Lucky Dube at his last VIP Concert at Kampala Serena Hotel former Nile Hotel.
11. Showcased at M-NET, Face Of Africa’s 2009.
12. Showcased at Bayimba International Festival.
13. Organizer of  RASMAS Global Festival, of the fallen and Living, Social and Political personalities since 2008- Todate.
14. Propriator of Latif Academy Talent School.
15. Fashion tutor at Tinner International School of Beauty and Fashion Designing
16. Record breaker of Live Cloth Construction, 8 dresses in 21.25 Mins/ seconds at XENSON FASHION SHOW, Serena Hotel, 9th/Nov/2011
17. Senior Judge at Uganda’s Next Top Model, 2010

Stay logged on to www.HiPipo.com ‘ The Ultimate Social Entertainment Source’

Inexhaustible Mwooyo singer and RFI award winner Maurice Kirya will make an appearance on the Big Brother Live Eviction Stage this Sunday, 10^th June.

Uganda’s Maurice Kirya is set to perform in Big Brother eviction grounds during the Live Eviction Show.

Maurice Kirya is a multiple award winning Ugandan artist that has been in the music industry for more than 10 years. He has won both local and international awards. His music ranges from RnB, Afrobeat, pop and Mwooyo his own genre creation. Mwooyo is Luganda word that means ‘The Soul’

Known for his enormous talent and unique style of Soul music that he refers to as “Mwooyo”, Maurice Kirya released his debut album in late 2009.

The Album was an instant success selling across different platforms including the world’s most popular commercial music distribution network iTunes.  Maurice’s music is also great demanded by the youthful market of social entertainment consumers on HiPipo.com.

His first album also won him the 2010 RFI Discoveries award beating over 500 Artists across Africa.

He toured over 35 Countries and 40 Cities across Africa, Europe and America last year, establishing his international fan base. He has also been featured in media outlets including BBC, CNN, Voice of America and RFI. He holds multiple accolades including PAM Awards (Uganda), an RFI Award (France), E-World Music Award (LA), Museke Music Award (New York), KORA Award, and KISIMA Award (Kenya).

Maurice Kirya is a brother to Uganda’s outstanding entertainer and singer Vampino Elvis.

Meanwhile, Alex has Switched Beds; [Day 33: 21:10] Alex’s bed has broken, but nobody knows who did it. Perhaps Keagan and Lee have an idea, since they stand accused, but there seems to be no evidence. Alex decides to dismantle another bed, for parts. There is something fishy going on.

Keep on HiPipo 5Star for all updates about Big BrotherStargame . You can also watch the show live on Sunday at 20:00 CAT on DStv’s Channel 198.

London, 05 June 2012 – A MoneyGram and Brussels Airlines promotion that awards a return trip to Africa is closing this Sunday (10^th June 2012).

Brussels Airlines will fly the winners from UK airports including London-Heathrow, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester and Newcastle to one of 18 sub-Saharan destinations. The African destinations include among others Entebbe, Nairobi and Kigali. The promotion commenced on 16^th April 2012.

MoneyGram operates a network of agents in 196 countries that allows its customers to send and receive money worldwide. Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Belgium.

Mr Oluwaseyi M. Oke, the MoneyGram International Marketing Executive for Africa/Caribbean said that the promotion is a reward to customers around the world. 

Transferring Money, anytime, anywhere!

Mr Oke also revealed that as a way of simplifying the lives of MoneyGram clients, the group has launched an online transfer service that enables customers to send money to any destination, anytime from any Internet-connected device.  “We are always looking for ways of improving our services. We know that most of our clients are working people who may not have a lot of time. Thus, we are making it possible for our esteemed clients to send money to their loved ones or business partners anytime, anywhere. The money is usually available to collect within 10 minutes from an agent during working hours,” he said.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Apart from the new MoneyGram-Brussels airlines partnership, MoneyGram has embarked on major Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns. Mr Oke said, “We perform an important role of enabling trusted money transfer around the world. Our transactions keep families together. We are also committed to giving back to the community. As a result, we undertake a number of CSR projects around the world. For example, we recently supported clean water projects in Ghana. Furthermore, we availed medical practitioners to communities in the Caribbean. CSR is important to us because we would not be such a successful company without the custom and the good will of our global client base.”

To enter the competition, follow the link MoneyGram/Brussels Airlines.

Brussels Airlines sponsoring Ugandan UK Convention 2012

Meanwhile, Brussels Airlines will be the Platinum sponsors of the 2nd Ugandan UK Convention taking place on 15th September 2012 at the Luxury Troxy Arena 490 Commercial Road, London, E1 0HX.  The Convention, in its second year, has become a must-attend gathering for business executives, investors and professionals in the Diaspora seeking new job opportunities in Uganda and Africa.

Brussels Airlines, the Belgian flag carrier that flies to and from over 18 Afriican destinations has been confirmed as the platinum sponsor for the September 15^th Ugandan UK Convention. This comes after the organizers of the 2^nd Ugandan UK Convention agreed a deal with Brussels airlines at the end of May.  

This year’s Convention will take place on 15^th September 2012 at the luxury Troxy Arena 490 Commercial Road, London E1 0HX.

The one day event will bring together investors and entrepreneurs from United Kingdom, Europe, America and Africa who will among others issues discuss the various business opportunities in Uganda and Africa at large. Far still, there will also be key note addresses on entrepreneurship and good governance from political leaders, and businessmen.

This new partnership excited Brussels Airlines as it brings it closer to the Ugandan community at a time when the country is remaining with less than five months to celebrate her Golden Jubilee; marking 50 years since the October 9^th 1962 independence.   

Here are some of the delegates that will grace the 2^nd Ugandan UK Convention

1. Hon. Edward Ssekandi; Vice President of the Republic of Uganda
2. Hon. Daudi Migereko; Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Uganda
3. Baroness Lynda Chalker; Founder, Africa Matters Limited (AML)
4. Mr. Eric Guichard; Founder and Executive Director, Homestrings
5. Mr. Sebaggala M. Kigozi; Executive Director, Uganda Manufacturers Association
6. Dr. Andrew Ggunga Seguya; Executive Director, Uganda Wildlife Authority
7. Mr. John Musajakawa; Senior Investment Executive, Uganda Investment Authority

Get your ticket now for the 2^nd Ugandan UK convention. Also remember to fly with Brussels airlines to and from over 18 African destination including Entebbe, Kigali and Nairobi. Details about the Ugandan UK convention partnership with Brussels Airlines 

DKB and Zainab have been disqualified from StarGame for contravening the violence rule.

The Sierra Leonean model and Ghanaian comedian engaged in an argument in the afternoon which resulted in violence. The Big Brother rules state clearly that; Any Housemate who becomes physically violent will be removed from the House immediately.

Having reviewed the footage, Big Brother has come to the following decision:
“DKB – you have been disqualified from the game for contravening the violence rule. You must pack your bags immediately, and take them to Storeroom. You must say goodbye to your Housemates and then leave the house through the Storeroom. DKB, leave the Diary Room immediately, and pack your bags,” Big Brother said.

To Zainab, Big Brother said; “having reviewed the footage very carefully, Big Brother can come to no other conclusion than that your provocation of DKB contributed substantively to the incident. For this reason, Big Brother has concluded that you have also been disqualified. Once DKB has left the House, you too will pack your bags and take them to the storeroom. You will then say goodbye to your Housemates, and leave through the storeroom.”
Zainab, Big Brother will let you know when you can leave the Glass House and go upstairs to pack your bags.

Meanwhile the week’s nominations were having the two as most nominated for eviction

Recently we had to complete a service for a client who happens to be abroad but doing business through a representative in Uganda.  As providers of digital services, we found it easy to recommend that the payment for the service be made by mobile money alas the representative could not complete the transaction due to his apparent and possibly well founded “mistrust” of mobile money!  This awakened my view that as much as there has been adoption of mobile money, there are still many Ugandans that are very skeptical about mobile payments.  They need more assurance from the telecom operator that mobile payments are safe and that you can have an audit trail with mobile payments.

Many Ugandans know of MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money, Warid Pesa among other but may not be ready to embrace these payment in order to perform person to person (P2P) payment, mobile web commerce (m-commerce) and mobile contactless payments at the point of sale (POS) if it was to be availed as of today 2012.

As reported earlier MasterCard Worldwide unveiled the MasterCard Mobile Payments Readiness Index (MPRI), found that while no two nations are the same, consumer readiness is the critical success factor to drive mobile payments adoption. Kenya ranks among the top five countries globally in being ready to adopt mobile payments technology. Kenya comes after Singapore, Canada and United States. 89% of Kenyans were found to be familiar with mobile payments whereas 68% of the Kenyans were making P2P payments frequently.

The fear of our client representative is a sign that more Ugandans may not yet be ready to fully embrace mobile payment and hence the different stakeholders in the mobile payments industry need to do more to assure Uganda that they are safe trading with Mobile Payments.

Uganda’s Brian Luzinda was one of the 3 Tusker Project Fame (TPF) season 5 contestants that were sent home.   

The early exit of Brian means that Uganda remains with only two contestants in this year’s TPF competition. These are Allan Sekiranda and Sharon Nalwoga.   

TPF season 5 started today Sunday 3rd June with 6 of the 18 contestants already on probation.  At the end of the day, three proved their worth and were saved- given another opportunity to making it to the top. These were Nancy from South Sudan, Joe from Burundi and Doreen from Kenya.

Unfortunately, even with what both judges and teachers called improved performances, three contestants were sent home after just one week of in-door training. These were Diana from Rwanda, Linia from Tanzania and our very own Brian Luzinda.

This year’s TPF has six countries with Burundi being the latest entrant. The others are Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and South Sudan.

The contest that started yesterday with 18 contestants now has 15 remaining after 3 went home yesterday. Unlike the past seasons, this year’s competition has four judges. These included Juliana Kanyomozi from Uganda, Ian Mbugua from Kenya, Hermes ‘Hermy B’ Joachim from Tanzania.  With eight weeks to go, TPF is here to entertain you as it also promotes East African talent.

Keep logged here for the latest from East Africa’s Entertainment industry.

Nicholas {at} HiPipo.com

This week, Airtel National Basketball League kicked off as FUBA announced a one year deal with Airtel Uganda to sponsor the league. Airtel is one the leading Telecommunication companies in Uganda. Among other partners for the National basketball League are Rwenzori Bottling Company, Castle Lite and Daily Monitor.  The new deal will cater for the Men’s division one and the Women’s league, each consisting of 12 teams.

According to sources, each of the12 teams will get two sets of jerseys, five balls and goodies from Airtel and other partners.

Airtel’s sponsorship for the league comes after 8 year sponsors for the competition ‘MTN’ withdrew their funding.

Meanwhile, FUBA is trying to look for partners to come on board for the Men’s second and third divisions whose total is 41 teams.

To confirm this, Airtel Page administrators on Facebook posted updates and photos  that read “NO WOLOKOSO: Yes Airtel Uganda is the Official Sponsor of the FUBA League. Everything is RED and WHITE here at YMCA as MUK Sparks and KIU RANGERS sweat and break their ankles for the ultimate winner….”

The game ended MUK SPARKS 22 vs 69 KIU RANGERS.

We hope for the best of this league through this sponsorship.