HiPipo Money

_____________________________________

Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd has reiterated its commitment to small and medium size enterprises and corporate business’s with its foray into the A3 multifunction printer segment in East Africa. Designed specifically to meet the needs of enterprise and SMBs, the MultiXpress series comes fully loaded with features such as ergonomic design, compact size, advanced controls, high reliability, duplex printing and ease of operation. With this new series, the company is confident about strengthening its position in these sectors and has developed an aggressive go-to-market strategy for tapping the market across top cities in the country. With the entry into the A3 printer segment, Samsung enterprise business aims to contribute to 10% of Samsung East Africa total turnover over the next few years

“As organizations rapidly expand their businesses, we want to empower them with innovative technology that helps them to evolve and grow their business with a competitive edge. We today offer a suite of innovative, high-quality and reliable smart enterprise devices and solutions that address all business needs across education, healthcare, hospitality, retail and financial sectors. Our entry into the A3 printer segment of the market is a confirmation of our commitment to offering new dimensions in printing solutions to both enterprise and SMBs,” said Mr. Jung Hyun Park, President Samsung East Africa.

“We will continue to introduce printing solutions that are customized for regional and user environments, thereby providing perfect products that satisfy local customer needs. Over the next fiscal year, we plan to become a leading player in the A3 MFP market. Keeping in line with this aim, we will be focusing on establishing and consolidating our regional distribution channel by partnering with Copy Cat Ltd as our direct distributors for A3 printers and Solutions.” Mr. Park added.

 “We understand that all businesses are cost conscious, as they look for ways to maximize their profits. This range of printers come with – longer lasting toner capacity which, combined with other features such as the polymerized toner that contributes to reduced power consumption, offers users a competitive total cost of ownership,” Mr. Park concluded.

Officiating as the Guest of Honour representing the Minister of state for ICT the director of information and broadcasting in the ministry Eng. John Mayanja lauded Samsung and copycat for launching the printer copier in Uganda “As Government we support your initiative in bringing the latest and most advanced products onto the Ugandan Market I am certain this printer will be very popular among Ugandan businesses as the overall cost of operations, is of great concern for small and big businesses alike, these printers will go a long way towards improving many companies bottom line”.

The global electronics company has partnered with The Copy Cat Uganda Ltd. in offering managed printer solutions. This service will enable corporates to acquire the Samsung printers without incurring much expense by leasing from The Copy Cat (U) Ltd. Users can choose from a laser black & white or coloured printer.

“For users who want to purchase the printers, we are offering all these great Samsung products at competitive prices compared to what is available in the market,” said Mr. Sahil Patel, Country Head, The Copy Cat (U) Ltd. 

_________________________________

• Last of three KPI set by the Governments of Kenya and Uganda is achieved
• Improved reliability and performance bring renewed confidence in the Kenya – Uganda railway
• Speed restrictions lifted on most sections result in reduced transit times

RVR the concessionaire for the Kenya Uganda Railway has achieved the 1737 (in Kenya) and 250 (in Uganda) MM. Net Ton per Kilometer NTK targets set by the Governments of Kenya and Uganda under the revised terms agreed upon in the first quarter of 2014 that gave the company 9 months to increase its freight volume numbers.

Attaining the targets means the company has reached the last of three Key Performance Indicators that were set under the amended concession agreement signed by RVR and the two Governments when the new shareholders of RVR came on board in 2011. The other indicators included clearing of outstanding concession fees accumulated by the previous management, making timely payments of the current concession fees and making investments into the railway of at least 40 million dollars in the first five years in infrastructure and rolling stock. (This figure was achieved in the first 9 months under the new shareholders and now stands at over 150 million dollars).

Making the announcement in a press statement today the GCEO of RVR Mr. Carlos Andrade said “achieving this milestone is a very important because it proves the railway is tangibly turning around as a result of investments made by the shareholders. When they took over the railway concession 4 years ago no significant investments had been made in the railway in almost 25 years, since then RVR has replaced over 140 of Km of tracks, acquired 34 locomotives to increase haulage capacity and introduced automated systems that have improved commercial processes. This has resulted in improved reliability and performance which have brought renewed confidence in the Kenya Uganda railway as a viable means of transportation this is the prime reason why our freight figures have increased”.

Roofings , Uganda Baati, Mukwano, Shell (Vivo energy), Mogas and Hass petroleum are just a few of the multinational companies who have signed major deals with RVR and are now moving a significant amount of their heavy freight via rail helping to reduce pressure on East Africa’s already overburdened road infrastructure.

Talking about some of the other achievements registered in addition to the improved freight figures Mr. Andrade noted that that RVR has reduced the areas of railway track under temporary speed restrictions to only 25% of the track in Kenya as of the 31^st January 2015 which was below the 26% target set by the regulator meant to be achieved by June 30^th 2015. “Our reliability  has gone up and so have our average speeds the transit time between Mombasa and Kampala is now only 4 days which down from 12 four years ago when we took over this is a notable improvement” he added “if bureaucratic processes were reduced we are confident we can bring this down to just two days”.

Commending RVR upon receiving news about the improved NTK figures the acting Managing Director of Uganda Railway Corporation Eng. Charles Kateeba congratulated RVR for reaching the target and wished them the best for the future.

____________________________________

Encouraging results achieved over the past year, including investments at key ports have resulted in reduced cargo transit times on East Africa’s main transport corridors, and accelerated implementation of the EAC’s Single Customs Territory. Harmonisation of product standards has expanded the EAC trade basket says TMEA Annual Report.

Investments in trade infrastructure as well as the dismantling of bureaucratic and procedural barriers to economic integration, is positioning the EAC region as the destination of choice for doing business, TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) said today as they launched their annual report covering the period 2013/2014.

TMEA further stated that its partnership with the East African Governments has resulted to great progress in delivering 7 key One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) across East Africa this year to increase physical access to markets for both formal and informal traders. Pilot operations at the Kobero/Kabanga between Tanzania and Burundi borders already indicate a two day reduction in transit times at Kabanga for cargo trucks, as well as reduction in tedious formalities for traders which have had adverse impact on time and costs of business in the past.

This announcement was made during the presentation of the organization’s annual report for 2014, which was held at The Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. The event was officiated by Uganda’s Minister of Works and Transport Hon. John Byabagambi.

In his remarks, Hon. Byabagambi expressed appreciation of TMEA work in East Africa;

“We are very pleased with our partnership with TMEA who have supported some of the ministry’s trade programs including construction of Ntungamo-Mirama Hills Road between Uganda and Rwanda which is expected to facilitate improved access to goods and passenger transport services and reduce transport costs along the Kampala-Kigali route. TMEA is also supporting construction of key One Stop Border Posts between Uganda and her neighbours Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.”

The Annual Report details TMEA’s vision of enhancing interconnectedness in the region through trade by highlighting some of the successful projects they have supported. Notable among these is the recent signing of the Mombasa Port Community Charter, witnessed by Kenya’s President, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, by 25 government and private sector agencies who committed to support initiatives that will increase  efficiency at the Mombasa Port and the Northern corridor.

Giving his remarks, TMEA Chief Executive Officer Frank Matsaert reported that some of the key results included:  a reduction of average time to clear goods at Mombasa port and transport them to Kampala to 4 days, reduction in the number of customs declarations by 90% leading to an increase in trade volumes, an example of fuel imports into Uganda which have increased from 32.1million litres to 108 million litres.

He added, “The results presented in this Annual Report point to an ever improving trade environment which is expected to spur investments and ultimately benefit the citizens of East Africa. TMEA is playing an important role as a catalyst in mobilizing around US$600 million at Dar es Salaam Port to improve its performance through better infrastructure and port operations. Our partnerships at both Mombasa and Dar ports involve an innovative approach mixing both hardware and software solutions.”

More importantly, TMEA has made strides to support informal trade across borders, which is often the lifeline of most rural livelihoods. Since these traders do not use available formal systems and structures for their transactions, it is difficult for regional trade policy initiatives to have any significant impact on their lives. There is therefore a continued effort to ensure these economically disadvantaged populations have access to markets. One of the ways in which TMEA has done this is by facilitating the formation of cooperatives for informal women traders which have enabled them educate their members, access finance as a group, and engage formally with border officials.

Permanent Secretary for the Uganda Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Edith Mwanje reiterated,

“ I am glad that TMEA has focused on women informal traders who are responsible for up to 60% of all intra-East African trade.  Through initiatives such as The East Africa initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI), TMEA has intervened to provide informal women traders increased access to valuable information and to nurture women associations and lobby groups to advocate for a better trading environment for them”.

The Annual Report indicates the challenges that the organization faced in the last year especially from external factors such as increased threat of violence and terrorism.  However they hope to see a 10 % increase in the total value of exports from the EAC region and a 25% increase in intra-regional trade exports when compared to total exports in the region by 2016.

___________________________________

• Ferry is the second delivery as per KIS agreement with the government
• Crossings will be free of charge
• New ferry to increase crossing times

Kalangala Infrastructure Services Ltd (KIS) the company that Government of Uganda contracted to develop infrastructure projects on Bugala Island through a PPP has officially commissioned the seconds ferry the MV Ssese to operate the route between Bukakata and Luku on Bugala Island.

The new ferry is the second delivery by KIS as stipulated in an agreement with the government of Uganda to replace Bukakata ferry with two new modern ferries to ease and improve transport between mainland and the Island.

While addressing the congregation at the event, Mr. John Opiro the Managing Director KIS said, “commissioning of the new ferry is yet another milestone KIS has achieved since it signed an agreement with the government of Uganda to develop modern infrastructure and transport services in Kalangala. KIS has shown its capability to deliver on its promise to provide two ferries for Bugala Island to uplift infrastructure which will pave way for development, so far evident since the arrival of the first ferry.  We expect that with the MV Ssese’s arrival, there will be a surge in the rate of development.”

He continued, “KIS was contracted by the government to work on four components which include marine services, water supply which has been provided in the areas of Kasekulo, Mulabana, a 66km road rehabilitation from the landing site in Luku through the town council at Mulabana and power now supplied for 24 hours throughout kalangala. We have made significant progress in all projects and will soon launch them officially. These projects are expected to change the face of Kalangala economically by encouraging tourists and investors due to improved infrastructure.”  

While officiating the event, the Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. John Byabagambi commended KIS for their progress in bringing the project to life. He said, “Am happy to see that KIS has progressed rapidly in this project. This project has been possible through a PPP, a highly effective initiative in effecting fast development. Normally they are characterized by an agreement between the government and the investor. In this case the investor injects money into the projects while the public pays for the services.”

John noted, “The new ferry operations will not be any different from the MV Pearl. Crossing from island to main land in just 20 minutes, the services will be free of charge for the habitats, but catered for by the government. It has the capacity to move 180 people and 20 vehicles for each trip it makes.  

“The two ferries will operate 16 times a day crossing each other, thus lessening the burden of traffic for the people crossing between Bugala Island   and Bukakata.” John concluded.

The Ferry service is part of a larger PPP infrastructure project KIS and the Government set out to develop on Bugala Island. KIS has also constructed a solar thermal Hybrid power Station, upgraded the main island road to a class B gravel road and built safe drinking water system for the Islands inhabitants.  

______________________________

The public have applauded MTN Uganda, Jubilee Insurance and AON for introducing the Life Care Insurance policy which they say has come in handy to help in the difficult situation when they lose their loved ones.

sharing at a media briefing session at MTN Service Center on Kyagwe Road, Ashabahebwa Musa who is one of the beneficiaries of the policy from western Uganda said he urged his late mother to take up the policy as a joke but it turned out like it was the hand of God that compelled him to because the payout came at a time when he did not have money on him to meet the funeral expenses when his mother unfortunately passed on recently.

“A few years ago I did not know what insurance is all about. No one explained to me the benefits and so I paid no particular attention to it. Fortunately MTN has made it simple for me and my people to take up an insurance policy and today I stand before you as a beneficiary”, Ashabahebwa said.

Another beneficiary, Kanyana Samuel who recently travelled all the way from Mbale to MTN towers, paid tribute for the timely payout when he lost his wife. Kanyana said it was his late wife who also convinced him to take up the policy with his risky and low paying job as a Boda boda rider in mind. Unfortunately his wife passed on before him during delivery and Kanyana promptly received a payout of Ushs 5 million to meet the burial expenses.

Speaking at the Media briefing session, MTN Uganda Senior Manager for Mobile Money Andrew Rugamba said ‘MTN LifeCare’ is the most affordable life insurance ever launched in Uganda. Unlike others, this insurance policy is affordable and has been uniquely designed to be easily accessed on the phone by MTN customers using Mobile Money. By doing so, MTN Uganda continues to lead innovation by becoming the first company in Uganda to offer affordable life insurance services paid through Mobile Money in partnership with AON Uganda & Jubilee Insurance.

Last year, MTN Uganda in partnership with AON and Jubilee Insurance launched “MTN Life Care”, a life insurance policy, which MTN customers can subscribe to through MTN Mobile Money services.  In the policy, Ugandans can buy MTN LifeCare for UShs 8,500/- to 24,500/- per year which will provide death benefits of UShs 1,000,000 to UShs 5,000,000 respectively.

Explaining the registration procedure, Rugamba said that a customer can simply dial *221# to get insured. They currently offer three cover options each with   different pay out values upon death of the insured MTN customer. According to Bodibe.

“MTN LifeCare customers are entitled to choose one beneficiary per package. This beneficiary can be changed at any time during the cover period. However, one can only take out one insurance policy per year. For one to qualify as a beneficiary they must be an MTN customer. Non-registered MTN Mobile Money customers can also register for ‘MTN LifeCare’, and their loved ones can pay on their behalf via Mobile Money.” said Rugamba.

On his part, the AON Director Large Clients/Business Development, Jeremy Kirkland said the insurance cover provides trusted security that is designed to meet the real needs of Ugandans at a price they can afford. Complicated processes like medical checkups or application forms for one to register for this insurance policy, subscribers simply enroll via their phone and the cover is immediately effective upon payment of the premium by the Mobile Money customer. The premium is a one off lump sum payment which covers 12 months upon which the customer can choose to renew it.

Patrick Kimathi, Manager Life and Bank Assurance at Jubilee Insurance, Uganda’s largest Insurer said “The claims process is very simple. Cash payout upon death of the insured is processed via Mobile Money within 48 hours upon receipt of the complete claim documents by Jubilee Insurance. Claim forms are available in all MTN Service Centres or Dealer outlets. The forms can be downloaded from the Jubilee website www.jubileeinsurance.com or MTN website www.mtn.co.ug/mobilemoney. Filled claim forms can either be delivered physically to the Jubilee Insurance head office or emailed directly to life@jubileeuganda.com

————————————–

The 2015 edition of MTN Women in Business Awards have seen Mrs. Barbara Ofwono, the proprietor of Victorious Schools scoop the overall Award of MTN Women in Business SME CEO of the year, applause for outstanding use of MTN Business’s overall service /prepositions to grow her business from one small outfit to the current chain of Victorius schools.

Other winners, who walked away with accolades at a dinner held at Serena Hotel Saturday night, were Lindsay Handler, the owner of Fenix International who took the MTN Women in Business Award for Excellence in Financial Services Award. The award recognizes the Company’s outstanding use of MTN’s Financial services (Mobile Money) proposition to grow her business to greater heights.

The third Award went to Kembambazi Sabiiti the proprietor of Amadeus Travel Company in the Category of MTN Business Excellence in ICT.  Amadeus Travel Company was recognized for its outstanding use of MTN Business ICT proposition to grow her business to greater heights.

The winners received a work trip to South Africa to meet the biggest SME and learn from them, MTN office Wi-Fi for six months, $10,000 from the Y’ello Rose program, CUG activation and free subscription for six months, five MTN Fixed lines ,and one year hosting at Mutundwe data center from MTN Uganda, they also received advertising space of up to 20million for three months on NTV, free business advisory services from Uganda Development Bank and free strategic plan review for sustainable growth and 50% discount on adverts in Summit Business Magazine.

MTN Uganda has been at the forefront of supporting Business communities in Uganda particularly through its MTN Business training programs for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) aimed at providing them with the right expertise to not only start up new business ventures but to also grow and sustain their current business to ensure optimum output and profitability. This program has over the years extended to Women in Business (WiB) as well.

Addressing the guests that comprised of over 300 professional and Women in Business at the dinner, MTN Uganda CEO Brian Gouldie encouraged Women in Business to take advantage of the MTN’s wide range of digital products, as well as its robust network coverage which MTN has invested in to support its customers’ personal and business needs.

“This consistent investment has created the best customer experience in the sector, reflected in the increased use of MTN’s products, especially data services as well as growth of the customer base to well over 10.4 million subscribers. MTN Uganda continues to focus on Customer Experience, Superior Quality and its Employer of Choice proposition with improved long-term Shareholder returns” Gouldie said.

Gouldie announced the launch of a new program initiated by MTN, called “Y’ello Rose” which he referred to as a vessel to connect influential woman in Uganda to the rest of the Ugandan Women by giving them the platform to inspire, coach and make a life-long difference.

According to Gouldie, every year in March, the MTN “Y’ello Rose” Committee will choose 15 women who will each be awarded with $10,000 & be challenged to use as investment to make a social difference in any way that they see fit in 12 months from receiving the Award.

The CEO  said since MTN embarked on the SME training program, over 1000 SMEs across the region have been empowered and most of the time, the program have had an estimated 40% turn up from Women (participants). He added that MTN’s vision for 2015 is to add value in the lives of its customers through its segmented offerings, a task MTN is committed to continue implementing alongside many other programs.

Gouldie added: “Over the years we have endeavored to lead the way as a catalyst of change in the lives of our customers.  The awards tonight, are testimony to the fact that MTN Uganda is championing the upliftment and empowerment of Women using technology. We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to making positive and lasting change in the lives of women.

The dinner was also spiced up by distinguished women and men who have excelled in different rights. Agnes Konde, Managing Director NTV Uganda, Partricia Adongo Ojangole, Managing Director Uganda Development Bank, Mustapha B Mugisa, President, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Uganda Chapter, Dr. Maggie Kigozi, President, Business and professional Women (BPW) Kampala, Uganda and Joseph Baliddawa, President, Institute of Corporate Governance of Uganda were among the distinguished women also helped us select women who have excelled in innovating and using technology to enable success in SME since thus year’s theme for the awards is “Innovation and technology enabling success in SME”

Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour Hon. Maria Kiwanuka applauded MTN for creating 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 adding that the dinner and the awards served as demonstration that MTN Uganda acknowledges the importance of Ugandan women in both the social and economic development of the country.
 

Kiwanuka applauded the business sector and particularly the women entrepreneurs for driving the growth of the economy. She highlighted the fact that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have over the years, continued to support the phenomenal growth of business in Uganda and have therefore formed the backbone of Uganda’s economic growth with over 60% of revenue being generated by medium sized companies.

—————————-

(13th- 19th March, 2015; issue no. 359)

MTN Uganda wishes to address the inaccurate and deliberately false story entitled “Inside MTN Mobile Money Saga” published in “The Independent” Magazine of 13^th-19^th March, 2015- issue 359. This story is not only misleading, but is also a breach of the sub judice rule as this matter is the subject of criminal proceedings in the case of Uganda vs. Richard Mwami and others at the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court.

The article alleges that MTN created fictitious money to the value of 21 billion on its Mobile Money platform, and transferred it to its MTN Mobile Money shops. The publication further alleges that MTN created an entity called MTN Corporate Liquidity Fund as a super-agent for transactions which were a form of illegal overdrawing of its e-accounts.

We wish to clarify that Mobile money platforms do not generate money and to that extent no fake money can be created. All Mobile money platforms generate “electronic value” that corresponds to the value of a customer’s deposit with an Operator’ agent. For instance if a customer deposits physical cash of 10,000/= this amount is collected by the agent and deposited in the Bank on an escrow account. The system then credits his mobile money account with 10,000/=  The total sums of money deposited in the escrow account must always correspond to the total sums of money on the Mobile money platform The electronic value created is similar to prepaid airtime and prepaid electricity or water units to mention but a few.

The fraud that is the subject of the above prosecution occurred in 2011.  No MTN Mobile Money customer lost money as MTN Uganda automatically tops up any shortfall between the Escrow account held by the Bank and the transaction value on the Mobile Money platform. Bank regulations require that if there is any short fall, the Operator has to use its own funds to immediately top up, on reconciliation of the escrow account held by the bank.

MTN Mobile Money which was launched in March 2009 and currently has 7 million users with over 3.2 million active users. MTN Mobile Money has directly created 39,000 new businesses operated by Ugandans (the Agent network), employing over 160,000 people. To date, more than 85% of the mobile bill payment collections in Uganda are made through the MTN Mobile Money platform which has led to a significant increase in financial inclusion of the unbanked public.

It remains the fastest growing product in Uganda growing at an average of 39% bringing more businesses and people into the formal economy. The service has been transformative in easing commerce, money transfers, utility bill payments and merchant transactions.

Mobile Money has become a global product used in all the 22 countries in which MTN operates and has been transformative in Africa especially in the East African region by enhancing financial inclusion and lowering the cost of doing business especially for bulk collections and distribution of cash. Its regulation is currently done through mandatory partnerships with banks that are regulated by the Bank of Uganda. It is therefore not true that the service is not regulated.

MTN Uganda is part of the MTN Group which is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and as such it operates with an emphasis on regulatory compliance and international best practice. MTN is committed to a policy of zero tolerance for fraud and corruption.

MTN Uganda has over the years been recognized as the leading investor in Uganda, the Most Respected Company, the largest tax payer, the Employer of Choice and a recognized leader in corporate social responsibility.

———————————–

Qalaa Holdings, an African leader in infrastructure and industry, is sponsoring the 4^th annual Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt’s ancient capital-Luxor. The event has attracted participants from 41 countries and will include directing and scriptwriting workshops headed by leading African filmmakers.

Qalaa Holdings is sponsoring an award for the best short film and a special workshop (the STEP Program) for long feature films as  part of the company’s commitment to Africa and developing the communities in which it does business.

“Making a positive social impact in the communities in which we invest has always been a core value at Qalaa Holdings. By lending our support to the Luxor African Film festival we will be helping develop both talent and opportunities for hundreds of young African filmmakers,” said Qalaa Holdings Managing Director, Karim Sadek.

The Luxor African Film Festival(LAFF) running for the fourth edition now, from the  16^th to 21^st March 2015,  is a homegrown idea born by Sayed Fouad a prominent writer to bring to the fore front African films in Egypt and encourage African film productions and partnerships among the African countries through strengthening the humanitarian and political ties between the peoples of Africa in general and African artists in particular.

The festival will feature competing countries including Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Tunisia, Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Morroco, Sudan and Rwanda in a 3 category award : the Long Narratives Competition; the Long Documentaries Competition; and the Short Films Competition with three prizes each category ranging from $3000 to $1000 , a certificate of appreciation and Masks of Tutankhamen

Lined up under the Short Films are 17 movies of which the 19 minutes “Watch Over Me” is Ugandan, directed by Kennedy Kihire. The sad family story features Christie getting to know that she was adopted during her childhood, she runs away from home feeling that her so-called parents have been lying to her for a long time. While her guardian family starts to look for her, Christie goes into too many troubles.

Some of the other short movies are “City Drop out” –Rwanda; “Malakia Job”-Sudan; “Warda”- Tunisia; “Moment” -Egypt; “forbidden Fruit”-Morocco; “Motherland”-Senegal; “Matanga”-Congo; “Fish of the Land”-Tanzania.

Qalaa Holdings’ sponsorship follows a responsible investing approach that is governed by “The Double Bottom Line,” meaning the company prioritizes positive social impact and human capital development as key pillars. Qalaa Holdings holds Africa’s future in high regard and endeavors to invest in young talent and education, it runs Egypt’s largest private sector scholarship program through the Qalaa Holdings Scholarship Foundation, which has thus far awarded over 100 students with scholarships to pursue graduate studies in some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Scholarship recipients have studied a wide variety of disciplines including filmmaking, anthropology, art and human rights.

———————————-

MultiChoice Africa is partnering with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa to launch an exciting new BET channel on the DStv Premium bouquet from Thursday 2 April AT 17:30 CAT.

Designed to reflect, respect and elevate the rich variety and positive values of African and African-American culture, BET will be VIMN Africa’s second BET channel and will be available on DStv Channel 129. The channel will co-exist alongside sister channel BET2 (formerly BET), currently available on DStv channel 135 on the DStv platform and on GOtv channel 23 (where available).

The new 24-hour channel will provide an uplifting blend of international and African programming from a variety of genres, including drama, family-friendly sitcoms, stand-up comedy, documentaries, talk shows, awards specials, reality series, gospel music, and more.

“The new BET channel on the DStv platform will not only enrich our Premium subscribers’ television viewing experience with more current, world-class entertainment but the channel’s inclusion of African productions is in line with MultiChoice’s commitment to showcase African talent,” said  MultiChoice Africa CEO Nico Meyer.

Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, commented: “VIMN Africa is delighted to announce the launch of this new BET channel that will connect viewers with international trends, talent and thought leaders, whilst simultaneously celebrating Africa’s talent and creativity.  This evolution for the BET brand on the continent significantly broadens our general entertainment offering and provides a dynamic and compelling new destination for viewers.”

DStv Premium subscribers can look forward to the first African produced show on the channel, a brand new reality series, Top Actor, and new seasons of original drama Being Mary Jane (starring Gabrielle Union) and Kevin Hart’s spoof reality hit Real Husbands of Hollywood.

Another new face on the channel will be Martin Lawrence, entertaining viewers with his hilarious stand-up comedy series The 1st Amendment Stand-Up.  In addition, epic entertainment for the Easter weekend will be provided in the form of gripping Biblical drama, A.D. (sequel to The Bible), premiering on BET at 20:55 CAT on Monday 6 April.

DStv viewers will also be the first to view favourite BET franchises such as The Wendy Williams Show, hosted by the chat show queen, comedy drama The Game and high octane music specials such as Black Girls Rock, the BET Awards, The BET Honors and the BET Hip Hop Awards.  Gospel plays a prominent role on the channel in the shape of music and praise from Bobby Jones Gospel, and reality series Sunday Best, SWV Reunited and Mary Mary.

———————————————-

Telecom Company donates 500 MAMA kits to mothers in Eastern Uganda

Bugiri, Uganda – Airtel Uganda extended its Happiness Campaign to Eastern Uganda by donating MAMA kits to pregnant women in Bugiri district and surrounding areas. The handover of the kits was presided over by the Member of Parliament for Bukoli North Constituency, Honorable Baka Stephen Mugabi.

Also in attendance were community leaders, Bugiri residents and Airtel Uganda employees.

The telecommunications company partnered with the World Health Organisation, Maristopes clinics and local health centers to ensure that the 500 MAMA kits donated would be distributed to those pregnant women in need, free of charge.

Addressing guests at the handover ceremony, Airtel Uganda’s Human Resources’ Director, Mrs. Flavia Ntambi Lwanga, Human Resources Director said the Company was honored to play its part in the advocacy for safe motherhood and family health care.

“2015 is the year in which Airtel Uganda is actively seeking ways to promote the happiness of our customers, countrywide. We want to help our subscribers meet their needs, whatever they may be. These kits will help 500 mothers in Bugiri district with both their personal and family and health needs,” she said.

“In a country with a maternal mortality rate estimated at 505/100,000 live births, we have a responsibility to bring change in our areas of operation and eventually, reduce the deaths of mothers by ensuring clean and safe birthing conditions,” Ntambi added.

Ntambi also thanked the partners for their contribution to the initiative. “We are honored to be working with credible and efficient partners; the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Maristopes Clinic; both of whom are dedicated to ensuring an improvement in the health sector of Ugandans countrywide,” she said.

The Guest of Honor, Honorable Baka Mugabi commended Airtel Uganda and its partners for what he called “…a noble and worthwhile cause.”

“We cannot think of a better way to approach the celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day in Bugiri district. Airtel Uganda has today given hope to 500 mothers and essentially, stopped them from becoming part of the sad statistics,”
he said.

This initiative comes only a few weeks after Airtel Uganda held a community health fair in Arua district in Northern Uganda where medical services were extended to over 1000 people.

Bugiri district is a rapidly growing metropolitan area in Eastern Uganda located approximately 77 kilometers by road, east of Jinja, on the highway between Jinja and Tororo. It lies on the main highway between Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and the border towns of Malaba and Busia. In 2012 the population of Bugiri District was estimated at approximately 426,800 persons.