HiPipo Money

——————————-

·         Transmission and distribution grid to serve all principle settlements on Bugala Island

Residents on Bugala Island can now officially enjoy unlimited power supply following the launch of a solar thermal power plant constructed by Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS), a company contracted by the government of Uganda through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to develop infrastructure on the Island. 

The 1.6MW plant that uses a solar thermal hybrid system to generate, transmit and distribute power throughout Bugala Island was officially launched by President Yoweri Museveni at Bukuzindu, Mugoye sub-county, Kalangala district.  

In his speech, President Museveni commended KIS for spearheading and developing infrastructure on Bugala Island. He noted the power plant was part of a quadruple project that started about 10 years ago, earmarked at $50 million dollars to improve infrastructure on the island to provide more opportunities for economic – social development.   

Speaking at the ceremony, John Opiro the Managing Director KIS noted that the company had delivered on all the four components of infrastructure development agreed upon with the government of Uganda. “The ferry service which consists of the MV Ssese and the MV Pearl was delivered, the water project is up and running, the road works making considerable progress and soon to be completed, and now we are launching the power project which was completed early this year.”  

He continued, “The power plant, one of the most crucial projects has so far brought about change on Bugala Island. We are witnessing industrial development through the various companies that have been scouting for apt locations to favour their factories on the Island and Kalangala as a whole. We are confident that with the capacity to produce 1.6MWs, the power plant can accommodate these factories and even more different business ventures which will consequently lead to more benefits such as job opportunities, an increase in tourism, eventually putting Bugala Island on a wider scope of recognition.”   

The $50 million Project was only made possible through a mix of debt and equity funding from:

InfraCo UK ( PIDG facility largely funded by DFID)

Uganda Development Corporation (UDC)

Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa

Nedbank

Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF)

USAID

GuarantCo

The President urged the people of Bugala Island especially the local and large business community to take advantage of the new infrastructure the government has put in place to yield economic growth.   He confirmed that the road will be upgraded further to tarmac immediately.

Construction of the hybrid power plant is among the four components KIS undertook under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Government of Uganda to develop infrastructure on Bugala Island. KIS has so delivered on the four components with power installation, ferry services and water supply complete, expansion and upgrade of the main road on Bugala Island now at 90% completion.

————————————

In yet another exciting development in mobile money innovation, MTN Uganda announced the launch of cross-border mobile money transfer services between Rwanda and Uganda.

This new Mobile Money service will allow customers in both countries to transact via Mobile Money without having to change currencies.

The service enables an MTN customer in Rwanda to send money in Rwandese Francs to a recipient in Uganda who will receive it in Uganda Shillings. The recipient has to be a customer of MTN Uganda to receive the transfer.

Currently, the service only allows customers in Uganda to receive money from Rwanda.

“Technology is helping us eliminate national borders, enabling a unified digital and mobile financial services world. We are delighted to offer a solution that further enhances this agenda. We also trust that our customers will find it easy, fast and a more convenient means of transferring funds internationally,” said Mr. Phrase Lubega, MTN Uganda’s General Manager in charge of Mobile Financial Services.

This year, the MTN Mobile Money ecosystem has expanded extensively, with the launch of a number of innovative solutions that integrate Mobile Money into the fabric of our society, making it an integral part of our customer’s lives.

They include the payment of fees and taxes to the Kampala Capital City Authority, payment of fuel to Shell petrol stations nationwide to the transfer of bank transactions from one’s bank account to the mobile money wallet as well as online purchases, through the ‘Hellofood’ and ‘Jumia’ online shops. Mobile Money is changing the day-to-day lives of MTN customers for the better.

By June 30th 2015, MTN Uganda had recorded a 12.8 percent increase in Mobile Money subscribers, from 7.3 million (at the end of 2014) to 8.2 million.

———————————-

New mobile app for both smart and feature phones offers new way to use mobile money and other MTN services

MTN Uganda today launched a new mobile app for all smartphone users. MyMTN has been designed to work on most smartphones in the market, including Android, Blackberry, iPhone and Windows phone. The MyMTN mobile app has been designed to offer a better user experience to high value customers who already enjoy a seamless user experience across various service applications

Smartphone users can download the MyMTN App free of charge from all major App stores, including Google Play, Blackberry, Windows Phone Store and iOS App Store. The good news is that users do not need to have an active data bundle to use the app.

The MyMTN app is yet another step in MTN’s journey to enable world class digital innovations to its customers to offer a seamless customer experience.

The MyMTN app supports two major service categories; MTN Mobile Money and MySelfService which gives users absolute control to manage all their MTN services. Through the app, MTN customers can buy airtime, data bundles, check their balances and access various promotional offers currently accessed via USSD. With an improved experience offered through the MyMTN app, customers no longer need to remember a wide range of USSD codes to use MTN services.

“The upsurge in data consumption and Internet usage across all customer segments has necessitated a substantial investment in our network infrastructure to guarantee that our subscribers enjoy a consistent network experience across the country”.

“We understand that the customers’ needs are varied and wide ranging, and that is one of the key reasons we are always coming up with innovations that meet the customers’ needs.” said Chief Marketing Officer, Mapula Bodibe.

We are confident and pleased that our subscribers will reap the full benefits. We encourage both new and existing MTN customers to download the MyMTN app and we’re confident that our customers will enjoy the benefits of managing their services. We have no doubt that our world class infrastructure will ensure an improved experience for our customers; what better way to enjoy access to the internet than on MTN’s a World-Class Network”.

Access to either Mobile Money or MySelfService requires the user to input a password, guaranteeing security for both service subscriptions, airtime purchases and mobile money transactions.

——————————

PHOTO: MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mapula Bodibe (1st Left), MTN’s Chief Executive officer Brian Gouldie (2nd Right) and Vivo Energy’s Managing Director Hans Paulsen (3rd Right) address media at the launch of the new payment service of Vivo Energy Services using MTN Mobile Money. This happened at Shell Bukoto on 26th August 2015.

Mobile Money will be used to transact at Shell service stations across Uganda, starting with 51 stations.  

“The Mobile Money experience is simple, easy to use, secure and reliable, affording MTN and Shell customers’ the convenience of paying for their fuel or purchases, without having to worry about carrying enough cash. Our vision for Mobile Money is for a solution that drives efficiency, productivity and enhances the lifestyles of our customers through a cashless way of living” said MTN’s General Manager for Mobile Financial Services, Phrase Lubega.

By June 30^th 2015, MTN had recorded a 12.8 percent increase in Mobile Money subscribers, from 7.3 million (at the end of 2014) to 8.2 million.

“Vivo Energy is currently running 120 services stations in Uganda and operates across 16 African markets, distributing and marketing Shell branded products. This alliance with MTN affirms Vivo Energy’s commitment to continuously bring innovative solutions to our growing number of customers,” noted Hans Paulsen, the Managing Director, Vivo Energy Uganda.

To use the service, a customer will simply have to talk to a Shell attendant, who will the guide the customer through the steps to complete the transaction.

Currently Supported Stations

1.       Shell Bukoto

2.       Shell Gulu

3.       Shell Kasese

4.       Shell Kyambogo

5.       Shell Rock

6.       Shell Ankole

7.       Shell Bugolobi

8.       Shell Capital

9.       Shell Ndeeba

10.    Shell Clock Tower

11.    Shell Jinja Road

12.    Shell Kajjansi

13.    Shell Kawempe

14.    Shell Makindye Mobutu road

15.    Shell Malindi Mbarara

16.    Shell Mulago

17.    Shell Nalya

18.    Shell Namirembe road

19.    Shell Namugongo

20.    Shell Rukungiri

21.    Shell Viral

22.    Shell Kireka

23.    Shell Gayaza

24.    Shell Kiboga service station

25.    Shell Ibanda

26.    Shell Ishaka

27.    Shell Malindi Lukaya

28.    Shell Kitovu

29.    Shell Buddu

30.    Shell Malindi Lubowa

31.    Shell Kyotera

32.    Shell Kalisizo

33.    Shell Fortportal

34.    Shell Kabarole

35.    Shell Lugogo

36.    Shell Busega

37.    Shell Mukono

38.    Shell Kira road

39.    Shell Wobulenzi

40.    Shell Old Kampala

41.    Shell Kagoma

42.    Shell Bunga

43.    Shell Kabalagala

44.    Shell Bombo road

45.    Shell Mubende Highway

46.    Shell Mubende

47.    Shell Kakumiro road

48.    Shell Kibuye

49.    Shell Nakivubo

50.    Shell Najjera

51.    Shell Bushenyi

———————————-

MultiChoice Africa is delighted to announce that after launching with a splash earlier this month in Kenya, KTN Newschannel will now also be available to all DSTV and GOtv subscribers in the East African region.

Subscribers of DStv and GOtv in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Djibouti, Burundi, Sudan, Somalia andthe Seychelles will now have access to the newly-launched 24 hour news channel owned by the Standard Group in Kenya, which promises to keep its audiences engaged and up to date.

The launch of KTN News into the other East Africa countries forms part of MultiChoice’s commitment to providing viewers with local channels and content that is relevant to local audiences.

KTN News’ primary focus is news, current affairs and information with content ranging from live debates, human interest stories, features, current affairs and documentaries. The channel also incorporates showbiz news, talk shows and live broadcasts.

The scope of the station is coverage from around Kenya, focusing on matters affecting the residents, business opportunities, their social scene, and some political news driven by the governor’s agendas among other issues.

KTN News will be available on all packages on DStv channel 274 and GOtv channel 94 and will be live from 11:00 EAT on 30 July 2015.

———————————-

London and Kampala, 24^th 07 2015, Prof. Maggie Kigozi, President, Business and Professional Women (BPW) Kampala will deliver the Keynote address at the Second Digital Impact Awards Africa; Maximising the Digital Dividend, on Thursday 13^th August at Serena Kampala Hotel.

Digital + Investment

Digital Impact Awards Africa is one of the most anticipated events of the year and guarantees excitement and invaluable networking opportunities with some of the top corporate professionals on the continent. To attend the awards, please book at https://www.digital-impact-awards.com/#awards-dinner

Profile

Prof. Dr. Maggie Kigozi is a Fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative of the Aspen Institute. A Medical Doctor by training, she has diversified into business where she and her partners manufacture the Pepsi line of Beverages. After 11 years as the CEO at Uganda Investment Authority Prof. Maggie has great experience in investment promotion, investment Facilitation and advocacy. She has wide networks in government, business and academia. Prof. Maggie plants trees and has recently diversified into farming and food processing.
She sits on a number of boards in the private sector and civil society.
As a motivational speaker and role model, Prof. Maggie focuses on Entrepreneurship and economic empowerment of women and youth.
She is the Chief Scout of Uganda.

—————————-

The 2015/16 football season is upon us and SuperSport gearing up to bring an unforgettable and unmatched football season to fans across the continent.

DStv subscribers are in for a bumper soccer season on The World of Champions as Barcelona prime themselves for another wave of world domination,  while Manchester United get ready to reclaim their throne as the kings of England and Jose Mourinho aims for top-dog status for Chelsea. Meanwhile in the rest of Europe, it will be Spain’s top priority to go three on the trot at Euro 2016.

SuperSport viewers will be treated to front-row seats of all the action, including the English Premier League and Championship, Spanish La Liga, Uefa Champions and Europa League, Fifa international friendlies and Club World Cup, German Cup, Copa Del Rey, the FA Cup and more.

Throughout the season, the World of Champions will showcase over 900 live international matches, an offering unmatched anywhere on the continent. DStv Compact Plus subscribers will get to enjoy over 450 selected live matches while DStv Premium subscribers will be rewarded with all live matches across all the SuperSport channels.

From this season onwards, the drama of the English Premier League will unfold on SuperSport 5 (SS5) channel available on the Premium bouquet. SS5 will now become Africa’s new 24-hour home of the EPL with up to three live matches on any given Saturday and Sunday. Complementing the live football is a variety of informative magazine shows and live programming which include PLTV Kick Off, Match Day Live, Fan Zone, Saturday/Sunday Review, Football Today, Classic Matches, Netbusters and Match of the Week.

The flair of La Liga will light up SuperSport 3 (SS3) as the channel becomes the go-to channel for all the Spanish football league action with up to three live matches on any given Saturday and Sunday. DStv Premium and Compact Plus subscribers will also have access to English Championship football matches which will also now be showcased on SS3 alongside one EPL Saturday afternoon fixture, an alternative live match to the one airing on SS5 plus all Monday night fixtures with studio build-up and wrap.

Supporting the live sporting action on SS3 will be highlights packages and magazine shows, La Liga World, La Liga highlight and preview shows and the Football League show. All cup football, the Uefa Champions and Europa League, FA Cup, Copa Del Rey, German Cup, Euro 2016 and international friendlies will also continue to be available on SS3.

————————————-

MTN Uganda in conjunction with National Lottery have handed over a cheque of Ugx 206,000,000 to a jack pot winner, Ddamulira Lawrence. Ddamulira who emerges as the most recent winner in the ongoing lottery game known as MTN Kaja expressed joy and gratitude to God for winning the jack pot. He said he had dedicated time and resources, by investing Ush 5000 each day for the game that garnered him in excess of 55enteries. He thanked MTN and National Lottery for initiating a game that has changed his life for the better.

MTN Manager- Mobile Money Products Christopher Ssali said MTN is committed to continue investing in initiatives that positively change the lives of its customers. “As MTN, We feel proud to see that our engagements are changing the lives of our customers. Witnessing Ddamulira receive the jack pot of over 200 million is testimony to that commitment” he said.

National Lottery Board Chairman Hon. Manzi Tumubwine congratulated Ddamulira upon the win and urged him to invest the money carefully to also impact other lives. Tumubwine commended MTN and National Lottery for being honest to their promise to the public in as far as the jack pot is concerned. He announced that the next jack pot is now Ugx 1 billion.

———————————-

New service aims to bridge gap between online and offline property-seekers

Global property portal Lamudi is rolling out a real estate hotline to bridge the gap between offline and online house-hunters in the emerging markets.

The Dial For Home hotline, which is being progressively launched in more than 30 countries across the Lamudi network, is tailored to property-seekers without Internet access.

The service allows house-hunters to call a toll-free hotline and explain their requirements to a customer service representative. They then receive a text message with details about available properties to buy or rent, including a link to the online listing.

Lamudi Global’s Co-Founder, Kian Moini, said: “In many of our countries, the Internet penetration is rising fast but remains quite low. Often the key decision-makers when it comes to real estate are in an older age bracket and are not always early adopters of new technologies.

The Dial For Home hotline gives these offline property-seekers access to the thousands of properties listed on the Lamudi website. For those without a steady Internet connection, this means their dream home is now just a phone call away.”

In Uganda, Dial for Home was launched on 10th March 2015.

Lamudi has developed dedicated software to streamline the process and allow customer service staff to easily cross-reference the caller’s requirements with the company’s database of more than 800,000 listings. At the same time, developers and real estate agents receive an SMS with the caller’s details so they can contact the property-seeker.

Additionally, a quality control team later follows up with each caller and sends through details about further available properties if the house-hunter did not secure their first choice.

In Bangladesh, where the hotline was first launched last year, the Lamudi team is now receiving more than 450 calls per month and sending out more than 3400 SMS leads to developers. In total, nearly 35,000 SMS leads have been sent to developers in Bangladesh over the last 10 months.

Rajesh Grover, Managing Director of Lamudi Bangladesh, said: “Dial For Home was introduced to target housing decision makers, who are not always well represented among Lamudi users. The service sees us become a one-stop property portal for both offline and online house-hunters.

The hotline has also helped draw traffic to our website, with a significant increase in total page views since the inception of Dial for Home. In fact, we have seen a massive four-fold increase in the number of paying clients since the launch of the service.”

Dial for Home is now available in all Lamudi countries in Asia and parts of Africa, with the global roll out to be complete in the coming weeks.

————————————-

As a way of showing solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters in the country, upon completion of the holy month of Ramadan, MTN Uganda donated an assortment of goodies to Muslim inmates at the Luzira prison.

While handing over the assorted goodies which included sacks of sugar, cooking oil, rice and other foodstuff at the Murchison’s Bay Prison in Luzira, MTN representative Bashir Jingo Kasujja said over the years, MTN has consistently maintained initiative and activities that uplift, rehabilitate and support deserving communities across Uganda through financial, physical or emotional contributions.

“Our presence here today, is a reaffirmation of MTN’s commitment to continue identifying with the Muslim community as they conclude the important season of Ramadan. It is also a testimony to our pledge to continue making a difference in the lives of our customers and especially now, in the lives of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Luzira prison”, Bashir said.