HiPipo Money

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In a post that he made on his official Facebook account, elect Hon. Karubanga David in one line politely with clear intention asked and advised Trump to take care of America’s problems before he starts making noise about Uganda and other African leaders.

This follows the bickering that the popularity seeking republican candidate has been involved in, regarding various African leaders just to attract cheap popularity.

Karubanga said, “Why not to sort out America first?” And added saying, “According to me, leadership is not enjoyment. It’s about sacrificing time and resources; and walking the talk as opposed to cheap verbal antics.”

Hon. Karubanga joins president Museveni and other leaders that have suggested the same to Trump.

Let’s watch the space.

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MTN Uganda Consolidated Revenue increased by 4.9 percent.

MTN Uganda telecommunications revenue increased by 2.8 percent.

This was supported by a 17.4 percent increase in data revenue that contributed 28.3 percent to the telco revenue.

Total subscriber base decreased by 14.1% to 8.9mil

Mobile Money recorded a 6.7 percent year-on-year increase in active Mobile Financial Service (MFS) subscribers

Mobile Money recorded a 23.4 percent year-on-year increase in revenues driven by a wider mobile financial services product range.

MTN Group yesterday released the Group Performance Report that highlighted achievements of the MTN Group and MTN Uganda results for the year ended 2015.

The results reflect headline revenue growth of 2.8 percent for telco Revenues despite a challenging operating environment driven by the depreciation of the Uganda Shilling, subscriber disconnection as well as the effect of the One Network Area. The ongoing investment in network and system infrastructure has positioned MTN Uganda as the leading network operator. This has enabled the company to report good growth in key strategic areas.

MTN Uganda’s subscriber base decreased by a net 1.47 million year-on-year (YOY) subscribers notwithstanding the disconnection 3,7mil subscribers in the last quarter to meet the compliance requirements of the Regulation of Interception Communications Act (RICA). This resulted in a decrease in the subscriber base by 14.1% to 8.9mil at year end. There has already been a significant return of these customers with 1mil net new connections being achieved in the first two months of the year. This is an increase of 11.1% from the closing base at year end.

MTN reported a 17.4 percent increase in total data revenue, which contributed 28.3 percent to telco revenue.

Mobile Data subscriber penetration reached an average of 40% of the total MTN Subscriber Base; which represents a base of 3.3m subscribers, and a growth of 26% in 3G subscribers YOY. Notably, the company reported 88% growth YOY in Mobile Data revenue, driven by a very high growth in data usage that was propelled by the rollout of MTN’s 4G LTE network.

Leading Financial Services (MFS) Provider

MTN Mobile Money recorded a 6.7 percent YOY increase in active subscribers to 3.45million, and a 23% increase in revenue. The active Mobile Financial Services subscribers constitute 52.4 percent of our registered MFS base.  

Mobile Money contributed 17.2 percent of all 2015 revenues, representing an increase of 14.3 percent from 2014. This continued contribution reflects the strength of the financial services offering that has been provided The total registered mobile money based was 6.5million at year end.

Mobile Money usage was stimulated by a wider mobile financial services product range

LTE Network Investment

“Our network rollout and investment plan during 2015 led to a steady growth in network sites, to a cumulative total of 1,567 sites on the network. This was attributed to 163 (2G)), 100 (3G) and 80 (4G LTE) sites,” the CEO revealed.

While MTN’s 2G network covers 89 percent of Uganda total area geographically, 3G coverage is reported at 57 percent penetration of Uganda’s total addressable population.

CAPEX in the year ended 31 Dec 2015 amounted to UGX 240bn and was spent largely on improving quality and capacity of the network. A total of 163 new 2G sites and 100 co-located 3G sites were rolled out.  As a result, MTN Uganda’s quality of service continued to improve further from the last report published by the UCC in July of 2014 which already indicated that MTN had the best quality network in Uganda.

Financial Performance.

Consolidated revenue grew by 4.9percent YOY with Telco revenue growing by 2.8 percent year-on-year. EBITDA margin decreased by 4.7 percentage points to 34.5 percent. This decrease in EBITDA margin is a reflection of the challenging operating environment associated with the shilling depreciation and impact of One Network Area to name a few

Commenting on the performance, MTN CEO Brian Gouldie said; “Despite the challenging operating environment last year, our leadership position and revenue growth was secured by our continued investment in network and infrastructure, our wider product range on Mobile Money, increased Data penetration propelled by a push for 3G devices on the network, coupled with attractive Data products and serves. This has been a significant effort that is defined by the ongoing commitment that the MTN team has displayed on delivery on our strategic objectives”, he said.

“MTN has now been in Uganda for 18 years continuously. We remain one of the biggest capital investors in the country. This is again reflected in our investment plan for 2016 where UGX 238bn has been committed. Our network footprint covers the whole of Uganda and has not only been limited to the urban areas. Our innovation and execution of Mobile Financial services remains our flagship and we are very proud of the very positive impact that is being made on the economy by driving financial inclusion. Our customers remain at the center of our focus and the delivery of more value adding products remains our priority. We are very proud of the legacy already created and are working very hard to bring the digital world to all Ugandan’s” he added.

MTN Group Results (Summary):

·         The new operating structure, together with the strong platform, positions MTN Group well to take advantage of the next phase of evolution in the mobile telecoms sector.

·         Notwithstanding the challenging operating environment, MTN continued to benefit from its significant scale and footprint.

The Group’s subscriber base increased by 4, 1% to 232,5 million, despite the disconnection of 10,4 million subscribers to ensure compliance with subscriber regulatory registration requirements in Nigeria and Uganda.

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• The fourth edition of Women in Business Awards will recognize and award the efforts of outstanding women in Uganda.
• This year’s theme will be: “Women in Business: Using Technology to manage their businesses.”

MTN today announced the launch of the 2016 edition of MTN Women in Business (WiB), a series of events through which MTN recognizes and celebrates outstanding female business leaders.

Over the years, MTN Uganda has been at the forefront of supporting Business communities in Uganda through its extensive Enterprise business offering as well as the MTN Business training programs for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The initiative has helped equip business owners with the relevant ICT tools and expertise to not only start up new business ventures but to also grow and enhance their current business to ensure optimum output, increased efficiency and improved profitability. This program has over the last three years extended to Women in Business (WiB) in particular, in an effort to accelerate the role of women in driving enterprise development and job creation.

“The MTN Women in Business Awards recognize and celebrate the spirit of excellence that is demonstrated by those outstanding women that have harnessed technology/ICT and  talent to grow their businesses and consequently have stood out as drivers of positive change in our communities,” said MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mapula Bodibe.

“MTN Uganda has created a platform for women who desire to support the drive for women empowerment by reaching out and collaborate with other women who are passionate about driving positive change in communities throughout Uganda. I am personally delighted to take part in the now annual property that continues to transform society,” she added.

The MTN WiB awards will be held on Friday March 18^th, 2016. The event will be preceded by a panel discussion under the theme; Women in Business: Using Technology to manage their businesses, which will feature prominent business leaders including TradeMark EastAfrica’s Allen Asiimwe, Google Uganda’s Susan Kitariko to mention but a few

The Awards winners will be selected by a panel of judges and will fall under three main categories of Excellence in ICT Award, Excellence in Financial Services Award and the CEO of the Year Award. Additionally, there will be a Customer’s Choice Award category, which has been set up to encourage participation by MTN’s customers.

MTN Women in Business Expo

This year, MTN Uganda will host a full-day business EXPO where its leading female strategic partners and business associates will showcase their brands, products and services to visitors attending the business expo. This in an effort to not only recognize these women, but to also give them an opportunity to profile their businesses to the market.

The MTN WiB Expo will be held at Kampala Serena Hotel and will also feature all innovative SME solutions and business-support services offered by MTN Business.

For details and to find out about the MTN WiB Awards, please visit the MTN website at http://mtn.co.ug/.

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As we draw closer to the Intentional Women’s day that is celebrated every 8^th of March, the Native Travel Festival an NGO that gives a voice to the voiceless and promotes women who are mistreated by going to communities has organized the first ever celebration of the womanhood festival under the theme Women for Women.

Sarah Nsigaye a journalist and founding director of the Native Travel Festival told the media gathering about the series of events that are scheduled to start with a boat cruise on 5^th February 2016 to Ngamba and Myende Islands. This will include lots of performances from artistes and poets who will entertain the audience.

This will be followed with the awards night on 7^th March, Monday at Hotel Africana. The awards are aimed at recognizing people who have done tremendous work or committed their services to help the women in different aspects of life. The awards have a panel of judges who helped in the selection of the nominees and these include Rukundo Eunice an editor of the Full Woman magazine, Munyirwa Florence and Hilda Twogeirwe the Executive Director of Fermite.

The following are the various award categories and nominees:-

1.Victoria Sekitoleko Award

• Julian Omara
• Amina Hesa:
• Uganda Farmers Associate

2.Rebacca Kadaga Awards

• Gen. Muntu
• Gen Aronda (RIP)
• H.E Magufuli

3.Yvonne Namaganda Award

• Betty Chemiso, the Traffic officer who stayed in the rain for the cause of her work
• Joan Kagezi,
• David Busulwa.

4.Wangari Maathai

• Ngamba Chimpanzee Group, for taking orphaned chimpanzees to Ngamba islands with a view that
• Mzee Amooti Yona
• Tumwesigye

5.       Rebecca Mulira Award

• Anglican Church, this is for appointing Bishop Libby as the first woman Bishop after 50 Centuries of refusal of women becoming Bishops
• MIFUMI,
• Episcopal Church

6.Mama Sadia Award

• Allen Kagina,
• Amina Hasa:
• Uganda Farmers Associate

7.Sarah Ntiro Award

• Susan Kigula
• Sheila Bagaine
• Rose Nanyonga

8.Namirembe Young Wives Award

• MFUMI
• WAKISA Ministries

9.Joan Kagezi Award

• Bear Foot Lawyers (provided online legal services)
• Legal Aid Project
• David Mayinja

10.Angelique Kijo Award

• Jamal
• Juliana Kanyomozi
• Margie Kayima

11.Miria Matembe Award

• Rwakafuzi Ladislus
• Zaina Fatuma
• Abdullai Fatuma

12.   Abdullai Fatuma Award

• NTV (the Program)
• UWMA
• FEMRITE

13.Betty Bogombe Award

• Peter Mayinga
• Johnson L
• UPDF

14.Fizel Malal Award

• Makerere University Foundation for female Education
• Waje Vivian
• Faith Luwagi

15.Lilly Ajolova Award

• Case clinic
• Rev. Bakalubye
• Victorious

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When he moved from his home in Kasangati to apparently go to church and pray, many didn’t know that opposition leader, Dr. Kiiza Besigye had an evil plan in mind. According to some of his Kanyama’s who confessed their sins and revealed disturbing secrets, the FDC party leader had planned to cause a lot of fracas in town on Sunday 28th under the guise of going to Nakasero cathedral to pray.

“We had fellow Bondyas, local youth groups and we were paid by opposition to walk with him towards Nakasero yesterday along with other groups to make sure that we cause chaos in town, undress women, burn tyres, loot, destroy property and vandalize government installations. We were even instructed to attack petrol stations along the way so that the situation gets out of control,” Said One Bondya Lubega (not real name for security reasons revealed.

According to Lubega, Dr. Besigye and his team had put together several groups who were to come from areas of Rubaga and Kawempe. They were assembled at Pope Paul memorial Centre in Rubaga where they were briefed by their leaders on their next step. “While we were at the meeting point, we were told why we had been gathered and promised money. First they said 200,000shs and then they said 100,000shs. This was at about 11.30 in the morning.

They moved us in three coasters towards Nakasero to join the team that was supposed to be coming from Kasangati side,” he adds. Trouble came when they were told that doctor had been intercepted and that Police was in charge of his movement around the city. “Shortly before we left Rubaga we got to know that Police had blocked the group that was coming from Kasangati and we were told to keep the 100k that they had given us, move on and wait for the next mission which would be soon.”

It is at this point that some of the Bondyas realized that they were being used and could end up in trouble. They demanded for what they had been promised only to be ignored. “When I looked at all this fracas that we were planning for our peaceful city with all the anger of not getting my money because police had failed the plan, I decided to confess and denounce the planned violence and mission.

I just can’t risk my life for 200,000shs which is even given to me in halves let alone destroy the entire city for some people’s selfish interests,” Lubega told us in confidence. According to him, when everyone realized that they had hit a dead end, the rowdy group then dispersed cursing their leaders who had brought them together.

BR,

Corridor Talk team.

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TechRadar, Expert Reviews, Know Your Mobile, Trusted Reviews and Computer Bild All Recognize Huawei

Following the HUAWEI MateBook’s highly successful global launch on Sunday, media outlets have been quick to recognize the device. Specifically pointing out its amazing design and thinness, high performance and power, outstanding screen and exciting array of accessories, the MateBook has already received five awards from media during the first two days of Mobile World Congress.

Here are the awards the HUAWEI MateBook has received:

Alphr.com named the HUAWEI MateBook a “Best of MWC 2016” device, awarding it “Best 2-in-1” product of the show. The editors said the MateBook won the award because of the device’s thinness and light weight (especially compared to the Surface Pro and iPad Pro), the long battery life, and how the device was designed through Huawei’s past experience with making amazing mobile phones. Alphr.com is a consumer technology outlet based in the UK that reports on news, reviews, innovators and leaders who are doing amazing things and changing the way people work and live.

Expert Reviews awarded the HUAWEI MateBook a “Best of MWC 2016” award for “Best Hybrid”. The editors said the MateBook won the award because of the device’s light weight, its sleek design, great accessories and fingerprint scanner. Expert Reviews serves as a technology buying guide for consumers eager to get their hands on the latest technology. It also has a massive database of product reviews that is updated on a daily basis.

Trusted Reviews has awarded the HUAWEI MateBook a “Best in Show”. The editors said the MateBook won the award because of its beautiful design, amazing screen, and array of accessories. Trusted Reviews is a global media outlet that publishes expert reviews, user reviews and news about consumer tech products.

Computer Bild awarded the HUAWEI MateBook a “Best Product: Tablet”! The editors said the MateBook won the award because of the great MatePen, great power and wonderful design that is typical from Huawei. Computer Bild is Germany’s most popular computer technology magazine and website and is aimed at PC users, specifically people who operate on Microsoft Windows.

Know Your Mobile awarded the HUAWEI MateBook a “Best of MWC 2016”award for “Best Hybrid.” Know Your Mobile is a UK-based mobile phone website that reports on the best and most relevant smart and feature phones, tablets and mobile networks.

This recognition shows the excitement that people have about the HUAWEI MateBook, which will soon be available in several global markets.

About Huawei Consumer BG

Huawei’s products and services are available in more than 170 countries, and are used by a third of the world’s population, ranking third in the world in mobile phone shipments in 2014. Sixteen R&D centers have been set up in the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India, and China. Huawei Consumer BG is one of Huawei’s three business units and covers smartphones, mobile broadband devices, home devices and cloud services. Huawei’s global network is built on 20 years of expertise in the telecom industry and is dedicated to delivering the latest technological advances to consumers around the world.

For more information, please visit: http://consumer.Huawei.com/

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Valentines is just a few days from now and we are all running up and down preparing for it. I am sure you have brainstormed with your circles on the ideal place to celebrate from 14th February. I guess some have even gone digital by goggling the best spots to celebrate Valentine’s day and if I am to take a wild guess you have not found a spot or if you have spotted one they are either very far or very expensive to afford.

Hold on, I know a place that I think will answer all your questions and save you the hustle. Last year I and my Valentine Mary went to Sheraton Kampala Hotel to celebrate our new love and we really loved it. My Valentine Mary was blown away by how Sheraton made her feel and if you asked me what made Sheraton perfect for her was nothing farfetched but the lovely ambience, the delicious dinner and of course not forgetting that she was with a perfect gentleman by her side who knows how to treat lady. Every lady definitely loves to be pampered and treated like a princess and yes, I did that seamlessly to her. Just to paint the picture for you to understand what I mean, I simply replayed some soap opera scenes on that day; opened the car door for her, held her waist and generally behaved like Valentino… (Laughs)

You may be wondering why I chose Sheraton and not any other spot but the trick was very easy, it’s because it was pocket friendly. Let me break it down, it did not require me to travel far, I didn’t spend a lot on the sumptuous dinner and to make things even easier I bought my bouquet of roses at Sheraton and surprised my Valentine Mary shortly after our arrival.

“This is the best Valentine’s Day in my life.  I love the décor, the music, the flowers, the candles, the wine…oh my God everything is just perfect. “Mary commented with a smile ear to ear as she looked around then straight back into my eyes.

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LAGOS, NIGERIA – Budding Ugandan entrepreneurs and others across Africa can now apply to join the second annual Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) for start-up businesses based in Africa.

The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme application portal opened for entries on January 1, 2016 and will accept applications until Midnight WAT on March 1, 2016.  To apply, entrepreneurs must complete the online application form on the web portal: http://bit.ly/ApplyForTEEP2016

Successful applicants who complete the programme will receive the local currency equivalent of Naira 850,000 (USD4300) as non-returnable seed capital, and are eligible for a further Naira 850,000 in the form of either debt or equity, depending on business need and other criteria.

Selected entrepreneurs will join the existing cohort of 1,000 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs, from 51 countries, who formed the inaugural 2015 cycle of the programme and have thus far, received considerable benefits from their participation, including:

· Training: 12 weeks of training on how to set up and manage businesses with mentoring and financial support offered by The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

 Accelerated Growth: Over 90% of Tony Elumelu entrepreneurs, with existing businesses, have reported increased growth in the past year.

Access to Further Funding: A significant portion of our entrepreneurs have accessed additional external funding through the platform provided by Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Networking Opportunities: A flourishing alumni network has developed, providing personal linkages and business opportunities across the Continent.

Founder, serial entrepreneur and United Bank for Africa chairman Tony O. Elumelu said:

“I believe in empowerment that can change the face of Africa as we know it. African entrepreneurs are our future leaders and I am passionate about giving them the opportunity to succeed.

‎The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme is a major, deliberate effort on my part, to institutionalise luck and provide seed capital funding, mentoring, business training, pan-African networking and springboard that our aspiring Entrepreneurs need to leap from.”

CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Parminder Vir OBE, made a call for an even broader participation in TEEP this year, saying,

“We encourage women and men with business ideas from all sectors, from every region, city, town and village across Africa, to apply. This is your programme and if you can demonstrate your passion and commitment, then this wonderful opportunity to become a Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur could be yours for the taking.”

The Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme is open to citizens and legal residents of all 54 African countries.  Applications for 2016 open on 1 January and can be made by any for-profit business based in Africa, including new business ideas which have been in existence for less than three years.