HiPipo Money

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Microsoft today announced that three new Lumia devices: the Lumia 530, Lumia 630 and the Lumia 930, are now available in Uganda. All of the new arrivals are powered by Microsoft’s latest version of its mobile operating system, Windows Phone 8.1.

Windows Phone 8.1 smartphones are even more personal, with new features including Action Centre, which shows new activities and notifications at a glance; and Senses, a suite of features that takes the work out of managing data use, storage space and battery life. Windows Phone 8.1 also makes it easier for IT professionals to manage devices, and for professionals to connect to essential business apps and services.

These new elements integrate beautifully with Windows Phone signature features like Live Tiles, which have been improved to add the possibility of a third row of tiles, as well as transparency, giving even more personalization with unique backgrounds. Extensive on device search, a reworked calendar, improved People Hub with direct app integration and the new Word Flow keyboard make Windows Phone 8.1 an extensive update.

Lumia 530

Locally available as a dual SIM 3G variant, the Lumia 530 will expand the reach of Windows Phone, allowing more people to enjoy innovations and Microsoft services found in high-end Lumia smartphones. These include:

• A powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor delivering a fast user experience forfavourite apps, gaming and internet browsing on the 4-inch display
• Seamless integration with Microsoft services such as Skype and Microsoft Office
• Popular social apps such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Viber and WeChat
• asy switching between two SIM cards, helping people manage their data costs
• Voice-guided selfies with the 5MP rear camera
• More content and apps with 4GB of on-board memory, expandable via aSD cards up to 128GB

An additional 15GB of free cloud storage on Microsoft OneDrive that lets people sync, store, access and share files between Lumia 530 and computers, laptops and tablets.

Lumia 630

The first Windows Phone 8.1 smartphone to hit the market is the Lumia 630. “We hit a sweet spot with the Lumia 520, and together with our partners ended up with a real hit. With the Lumia 630, we set a new standard for affordable smartphones. The device combines Windows Phone 8.1 with quad core processing and uncompromised cloud-connected experiences from Microsoft,” said Kingori Gitahi, Product Manager, Microsoft Mobile Devices.

With a vibrant design with changeable covers, the Lumia 630’s quad-core Snapdragon processor provides a faster social experience on leading social apps like WhatsApp and WeChat.Benefiting from high-end Lumia apps such as Nokia Camera, maps and navigation from HERE the device brings people a premium experience at an excellent price. The Lumia 630 also boasts a 4.5-inch Clear Black screen, which makes games, apps and entertainment look fantastic.

Lumia 930

At the high-end, the Lumia 930 maintains a language of innovation while combining the very best of Microsoft and Lumia. A powerful 2.2GHz Snapdragon quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM ensure the Lumia 930 delivers superb performance.

With a 20MP Pure View camera, ZEISS optics and optical image stabilization, the Lumia 930 also comes with unparalleled HD video and four high-performance microphones that enhance the clarity of your subjects and block out unwanted noise. Integrated Dolby Surround Sound also makes for a similarly rich audio experience when watching movies or listening to music. The five-inch, 1080p Full HD, Clear Black screen display provides a deeply detailed viewing experience and Nokia Rich Recording delivers a flawless video experience. LTE-ready and with a 2420 mAh battery, the Lumia 930 will efficiently keep going all day (and longer) while built-in wireless charging adds to the convenience.

All new Windows Phone 8.1 smartphones come with the strong suite of fully integrated Microsoft services. These include full mobile version of Office, with favourites like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and OneDrive – which now offers 15GB of cloud storage completely free. Windows Phones are also the only smartphones with Xbox built-in, meaning your gaming experience travelling from phone, to PC, to Xbox.

Windows Phone 8.1 is now available to download to existing Windows Phone 8 devices.

Special launch offer

Customers can enjoy a one week (8^th September – 12^th September) offer of the three devices from Midcom stores along Kampala Road and Acacia Avenue for: 

• Lumia 530 – UGX 350,000
• Lumia 630 – UGX 480,000
• Lumia 930 – UGX 1,800,000

After the offer, the devices will also be available from Simba Telecom, Daj Communications, Go Phones, Airtel stores, MTN stores, Midcom stores for:

• Lumia 530 – UGX 370,000
• Lumia 630 – UGX 520,000
• Lumia 930 – UGX 1,900,000 

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This month’s Lamudi Social media challenge featured Mr. Andrew Mukiibi, the President of the Association of Real Estate Agents of Uganda, and Mr. Simon Kaheru, Head of SMS MEDIA as chief guests.

On Thursday September 4th Lamudi Uganda once again held the prize giving for their social media challenge at their offices. The event featured a brief presentation from AREA Uganda (Association of Real Estate Agents) and SMS media about the IT industry and real estate. The winner of the challenge, David Nalwebe, and the two runners up were presented with their winnings of 300,000 UGX and gift hampers respectively by the guests of Honor, the president of the Association of Real Estate Agents of Uganda Andrew Mukiibi and SMS media head Simon Kaheru.

This also presented an opportunity to announce the upcoming East African Real estate investment conference in November, which Lamudi will participate in. Due to the current and potential utility of Lamudi’s growing database, they expect to be integral to the conference. Companies in attendance will be looking to Lamudi for insight into where to invest and into current and future market trends.

Shakib Nsubuga, Country Manager of Lamudi Uganda said that “we’re excited about the prospects of working with AREA and welcome areas initiative in embracing technological advancement to enhance productivity and reduce cost in the Real Estate business. Our social media challenge is growing by the day and we’re happy to see the general public embrace our brand and dive in to this challenge. We have produced incredible works of art that tell the fascinating tale of the regular Ugandan experience through the eyes of our users.”

The affiliation with AREA is just another step in Lamudi’s plans to become an integral part of the real estate landscape. By serving as a hub of information and a marketplace simultaneously, they offer the kind of comprehensive service that both buyers and sellers can support.

ABOUT LAMUDI

Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 600,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online.

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M-NET’S POWERFUL NEW EAST AFRICAN CHANNEL NOW AVAILABLE ON DStv IN UGANDA          

The colours, the patterns and the undeniable artistry of East Africa’s beautiful fabrics have always told a unique story of their own – one of imagination, expression and creativity.  Taking its inspiration from this most authentic of sources, a few days ago M-Net revealed the brand new logo for its customised East African TV channel Maisha Magic (DStv channel 161).   Tonight (Wednesday September 3) the powerful Maisha Magic channel and its standout statement logo took pride of place as guests converged at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel in Kampala to welcome the newest addition to the MultiChoice family of channels.

“Today is a phenomenal day for M-Net. It is hugely pleasing to see our company’s long investment into talent and skills development in East Africa transform into an entire channel, one which offers our audiences another relevant, entertainment choice. Of course, our viewers and our content partners are the heroes of this moment because it is their passion for their beloved home, this incredible part of Africa, which drove this channels’ creation and will drive its success. And just like the fabrics of East Africa which were so much our inspiration in creating the channel branding, Maisha Magic will weave its own stories, creating its own strength, its own unique canvas, with its own personality.” 

These were the words of M-Net East Africa Regional Director Michael Ndetei who spoke at the event which was attended by special Guest of Honour Executive Director, Uganda Communications Commission Eng Godfrey Mutabazi,Chairman Multichoice Uganda Steven Musoke as well as film and TV industry stakeholders.

Addressing the guests, Eng Mutabazi, emphasised that as the country draws closer to achieving Uganda’s digital migration process with the switch off of the analogue television broadcast signal for a smooth transition to digital broadcasting, the importance and relevance of investing in the creative and production industries cannot be overstated. 

 “As the régulator we  are keen and aware of our role in creating an enabling environment for the industry to thrive by puting in place incentives , plus the legal and policy framework needed to regulate the industry effectively”, he added.

Mr. Charles Hamya, General Manager Multichoice Uganda, confirmed that M-Net has been building steadily on its investment in the East African market,  “Maisha Magic is a channel we are very excited about and have been planning to launch for quite a while as part of our commitment towards promoting the development of quality programming across the continent. The programming will be specifically dedicated to showcasing the best East Africa has to offer in terms of film production, music videos, series and entertainment –  a fantastic avenue for us as Ugandans to tell our story across the region’ he stated.

Available 24/7 to DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact subscribers, Maisha Magic was created very specifically to meet East African tastes, and as such includes a wealth of East African programming, along with telenovelas from Latin America as well as other carefully selected commissioned and acquired content.

Highlights on Maisha Magic in September include –

·         Lifestyle: Maisha Magic also now becomes home to Mashariki Mix, where Sarah Hassan and Nick Mutuma explore the worlds of fashion, food and fun, in two versions of the show – one Swahili, the other English. And as the show’s tagline says, ‘If it’s happening in East Africa, then it’s happening on Mashariki Mix.”

·         Drama: Another major highlight for Maisha Magic is a second screening of the prime time drama Kona, a sensational show that pits an up and coming boxer against a series of unexpected competitors, inside and outside the ring. For viewers who missed Kona the first time round, it’s a must-watch odyssey into the concepts of family, faith and fight. The show propelled Brenda Wairimu, Nini Wacera and Lwanda Jawar to continental fame and, alongside a talented cast, the trio shine.

With a huge variety of genres, programs, stars and stories Maisha Magic has definitely announced its arrival onto the Kenyan film and TV landscape in style. Now, all that’s left to say is – DStv channel 161, go!  Fans of the channel can also engage with Maisha Magic on Facebook and Twitter.

MNET launches New East African Channel on DStv

MultiChoice Uganda celebrated the Launch of a new East African Channel “Maisha Magic”, the East African focused TV brand revealed by M-Net, Will be specifically tailored to meet local DStv subscriber viewing needs. The channel will be screened 24/7 to DStv Premium, Compact Plus and Compact subscribers on channel 161. 

Speaking at the Launch Charles Hamya the General Manager MultChioce Uganda said the programming on Maisha Magic will be specifically dedicated to showcasing the best East Africa has to offer in terms of film production, music videos, series and entertainment, we are confident the new channel will be a hit given the amount of raw talent available across the region, richness and diversity in cultures which are the basic ingredients required for very exciting television.

To shed more light on the new channel that is yet to become home to many Ugandan movies, Mr. Michael Ndetei, M-Net East Africa Regional Director, said “M-Net has been building steadily on its investment in the East African Market, and whilst the Africa Magic brand has come to represent a powerful philosophy about pan-African cohesion, we recognized that there was great potential for a customized East African television brand, as such M-Net put in place a detailed project a few years ago to carefully build its technical, staffing and content capacity to bring  Maisha Magic to life”. He went on to say “we have always believed that East African talent, and East African stories are as vital and as compelling as those found elsewhere in Africa. This is a fact proven by the success of East African content at the first two Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards”.

“Maisha Magic will highlight our very own local content from all East African regions and all daily highlight programs from Big Brother Africa 9, including the live Sunday eviction shows” Mr. Ndetei added. He thanked the East African filmmakers and producers for their strong support and corporation towards the realization of the new East African channel Maisha Magic.

Commissioning the new East African Channel, The Executive Director Uganda Communications Commission Mr. Mr Godfrey Mutabazicommended MultiChoice Uganda for their commitment and corporation towards boosting local content on both their platforms DStv and GOtv. Such content not only enriches our population with information and knowledge relevant to them but also grows our film industry and gives a platform to discover and exhibit our local talents. He congratulated MultiChoice on achieving this tremendous milestone and thanked them for taking a keen interest in investing in the local sector which lesson he encouraged the rest of the business community to partake.

Among the interesting programs to catch on Maisha Magic will be, sitcoms, telenovelas, reality, drama and music. Highlighting our very own Comedy Club Uganda hosted by Ann Kansiime; the dramas Rush and The Tendo Sisters.

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• Music fete set to host the first ever Congolese musician “Charmat”
• Uganda’s Jazz ace Brian Mugenyi and Hip Hop sensation Ruyonga to feature
• Kenya’s “Just A Band” to thrill revelers at the Museum

The seventh edition of Blankets and Wine Kampala is set to step out of the norm when its present’s a mix of jazz, hip hop, afro-pop, disco and electronica music with the headlining acts being Kenya’s best house, funk, and disco band called “Just a Band” and Congo’s “Charmat” on Sunday, 14^th September, 2014.

Just a Band’smusic has explored various musical directions such as, but not limited to jazz, hip-hop, disco and electronica and is going to provide a good mix for Uganda’s predominantly afro-fusion lovers that have attended previous events at the Uganda Museum.

They will performing alongside Uganda’s latest jazz sensation, Brian Mugenyiwho has continued to impress many music lovers with his mastery of the saxophone and the always tantalizing hip hoper Ruyonga of the ‘Tutuuse’ fame.

The seventh edition of Blankets and Wine Kampala, the premier Afro-based musical festival sponsored by Tusker Malt Lager will be held at its proverbial home the Uganda Museum with stellar performances by impeccable African talent.This time round, Tusker Malt Lager is promising to raise the bar by delivering a unique, and unforgettable experience.

“Just a Band’s music has continued to dominate the Kenyan and international airwaves since 2003, when the band was formed and having them at Blankets and Wine is a great platform for Tusker Malt Lager to show appreciation to our consumers by giving them the best,” says Tusker Malt Lager Brand Manager, Phoebe Nakabazzi.

Just a Band are renowned for their second single ‘Ha-He’ released on 17^thMarch 2010, accompanied by a music video featuring a character known as Makmendewhich was subsequently described as Kenya’s first viral internet meme by the Wall Street Journal, CNN and Fast Company.The group, that consists of Bill, Jim and Dan is known to write, record and engineer their own music.

The event kicks off at 1:00pm on Sunday14^th September, 2014. Online advance tickets are now on sale via www.easyticket.co.ug and are selling at UGX 35,000; week prior to eventwill be atUGX 40,000. On the event day, revelers will pay with UGX 60,000 at the gate. Tickets are available at all Uganda Wines and Spirits Distributors retail stores.

Blankets and Wine is a quarterly, picnic style music festival that started two years ago and has grown steadily to one of the most eagerly awaited for music events in Kampala. It is an opportunity to come discover a rare but yet very unique intriguing music environment.

‘Afro-fusion music lovers in Uganda are always encouraged to pack their picnic baskets, carry a blanket or kikoy, Maasaishuka or picnic chair, some wine and drive down to the venue with their friends and family and come share this music and lifestyle experience’ added Phoebe

In line with its support for responsible drinking, Tusker Malt Lager will be maintaining a strict ‘over 18 only’ policy for sale of alcohol.

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AtukwaseCleophus completed an Association of Business Executives (ABE) Level 6 Diploma course in Business Management through the Management and Accountancy Training Company (MAT) in Uganda, where he was registered with ABE as a self-study student. Today, Atukwase uses his qualification in his role as Chief Executive Officer and Head of Secretariat at youth project BARESO -The Lord’s Vessel.  

Here he explains how his ABE qualification has helped him achieve his career goals and make a success of his role as CEO.

The ABE qualification has proved invaluable in supporting my work as Chief Executive Officer at ‘BARESO – The Lord’s Vessel’, a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to improve the prospects of the youth in the four districts of the Kabale Diocese.

With head offices in Kabale, south-western Uganda, BARESO is governed by an independent board of directors and managed by a Secretariat – which I head.  The role of a CEO is obviously demanding and covers several areas of responsibility, everything from human resources to financial management. At BARESO, everything must be linked back to the mission and vision of the organisation. Each module of the Level 6 Diploma in Business Management helped me meet all my objectives and carry out my duties effectively. 

ABE qualifications are recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations (Ofqual) in the UK and by the equivalent bodies worldwide. These qualifications are also recognised by colleges, universities, employers and governments around the world, making them ideal for academic and professional development.

Challenge

After I finished my Bachelor’s Degree, I found myself lacking the managerial knowledge and skills I needed to progress in my career. In a drive to remedy this, I enrolled myself hastily on two postgraduate courses, without first identifying the skills I needed to acquire. Eventually, after undertaking some research, I realised that what I really needed was an ABE qualification. So I dropped both my original choice courses and started the ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management.

Implementation

The purpose of my job as CEO at BARESO is to provide leadership for the company by promoting the vision, mission, strategies and programmes in the target communities, as well as to the general public. In my other role as Head of BARESO Secretariat, the management arm of BARESO, I have five main areas of responsibility and each area was becoming a huge challenge, mainly due to the lack of professional skills management gained from my Bachelor’s Degree.

The ABE Level 6 Diploma in Business Management was the ultimate course for me because it had all the elements necessary to develop my professional skills in all of the five key areas.

The Corporate Strategy and Planning section of the course helped me to lead in strategy development for the organisation, development of goals, objectives and operational plans, overseeing preparation of the annual budget and other financial documents and setting policies in line with BARESO’s mission.

The Managing in Organisations module helped me with all my leadership and management responsibilities, including in human resources and performance. The Corporate Finance module helped me with financial management, an area where I oversaw financial and investment activities for the organisation.

Strategic Marketing Management was an important module and was integral in helping me plan and execute my duties for public relations and advocacy.  This part of my role involved the development and execution of a strategic marketing plan and engaging positively and effectively with the media.

The International Business module helped with all my responsibilities associated with programme development and implementation from a global perspective. The module also helped me to ensure that the goals and objectives were aligned with BARASO’s overall strategic plan, as well as the monitoring of all BARESO’s programmes.

It took me a year to complete the Level 6 Diploma and I am now studying the ABE Level 7 Diploma in Business Management and the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) qualification.

Conclusion

The ABE qualification has undoubtedly supported my work as Chief Executive Officer and helped me deal with the challenges of my role. After completing the Level 6 Diploma, I became particularly proficient in strategic planning and drafting manuals and, as a result of this, the Board recommended me for a lecturing job at a university.

I’m in no doubt that these qualifications are worthwhile and have opened up many doors for me. 

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The 2014 Tusker Malt Uganda Open officially teed off this morning at the Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.

The Uganda Open Golf Championship 2014 has commenced this morning on the luscious grounds of the Uganda Golf Club.The tournament’s official practice session was conducted on Monday while the Pro-Am teed off on Tuesday.

Speaking at the tee off, Charles Ireland, the Group Managing Director, East African Breweries Limited (EABL) said that the efforts put into popularizing the game are paying off as shown by the calibre and size of the field at this year’s edition.

“Golf is fast becoming a lifestyle preference for a considerable number of Ugandans. As East African Breweries Limited and Tusker Malt, we are honored to be partnering with the Uganda Golf Union. The four editions that we have sponsored, have allowed us to support the development of the game, as well as connect with our customers by sharing in their passion and interests,” he said.

A raft of professional golfers, including those who turn out on the respected Sunshine Tour in South Africa are featuring in the par 71 tournament. TC Charamba, Teboho Sefatsa, Alan Michell and Farayi Chitengwa participated in the Pro-Am on Tuesday to acquaint themselves with the course.

After their rounds, the golfers were impressed with the level of preparation and the state of the course, promising to put up a spirited fight against the home based professionals.

Charles Ireland added that the presence of the Sunshine tour players at this year’s Open shows the stature that Uganda’s golf has attained over the years.

“When we first sponsored the Uganda Open three years ago, the game of golf was not as popular as it is today. The entries were not high either. Today, we have over 400 participants. That points to something; good leadership at the Golf Union as well as good relationships with regionals unions,” he explained.

The 2014 Tusker Malt Uganda Open has had the largest entry and has received the highest sponsorship of any tournament held in the country.

The professionals will play for a share of the UGX 100million that has been staked for their category.

The event which is the biggest on the Uganda Golf Union Calendar will have an art exhibition from Thursday to the closing day on Saturday.

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So much has been said about the 2014 Tusker Malt Uganda Open, but now, it is down to work as the amateurs and professionals take to the Uganda Golf Club.

The quartet from the Sunshine Tour, TC Chramba, Teboho Sefatsa, Alan Michell and Farayi Chitengwa arrived today ahead of the tournament that tees off tomorrow (Wednesday).The four immediately got down to business, taking to the course in the PRO-AM event on Tuesday to acquaint themselves with the course.

“The Sunshine tour players arrived and I believe that the golfing fraternity and fans will witness some of the best golfing action. This year is special because we have a high caliber field,” Herbert Rwamibazi, the Tournament Director said.

He added that the crunch ties in the four rounds planned for the open will make the tournament that has so far dwarfed any other hosted in the country not only bigger but also better.

Nyimpindi Mabunda, the Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited says that the partnership between the union and the brewery will continue to flourish just as the popularity that the game has gained.

“We know that golf in Uganda is growing as shown by the interest the youth are showing in the game. The defending champions are prime examples. As Uganda Breweries Limited and Tusker Malt, this is an incentive to give the game a befitting platform to flourish,” he stated. 

At just 27 years, Chitengwa also referred to as Ferrari by his peers, is the youngest of the Sunshine Tour Players who will be taking part in this year’s Tusker Malt Uganda Open. He is just fresh from claiming his maiden Zambezi Tour Title with a one shot victory at the 2014 Open Classic at Chapman Golf Club.

The son of Lweis Muridzo, a renowned Zimbabwean golf coach, Chitengwa has set his sights on more silverware and a shot at the prestigious Sunshine Tour.TC Charamba, another Zimbabwean looking at winning the Tusker Malt Open became only the third black golfer to win on the Sunshine Tour when he claimed the SAA Pro-Am Invitational in 2006. In 2008, he won the MTC Namibia PGA Championship and finished a career best 27th on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit.

He is the Winner of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit for three consecutive years from 2000 – 2002. Charamba was awarded player of the year in 2001 and 2002.Barely two weeks ago, Charamba underlined his intentions by claiming the annual Siphiwe Nyanda golf tournament that was held at the Swazi Royal Golf Course in Swaziland.

The other two players, South Africans, Alan Michell and Teboho Sefatsa will also give the Ugandan professionals good competition as they prepare to level up against internationally seeded golfers.

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Kampala, Uganda – By Financing 70% of the Church House project, Equity Bank was looking at a unique model that would enable the Church of Uganda share in the revenue that would be realized from the property while the loan is being repaid, Dr. James Mwangi, the CEO and Managing Director of Equity Bank has said.

“What is so special about this project is that the church is also participating not just in offering land that it has held for 50 years, but by contributing 30%. If it was 100% financed by the bank on a loan, the sense of ownership would be weak,” he said.

To raise the 30% financing, the dioceses under the Province of the Church of Uganda began selling their unutilized land in Kampala and in their Dioceses and bought shares in the Church House.

“The way this project was designed is that if we complete in December and in January we have tenants, we’ll be sharing almost equally the rental income. The Church will be taking about 45% of the income and Equity Bank takes the rest. This will be for only a period of 10 years then the Church takes over,” Mwangi explained.

The loan from Equity Bank had a two-year grace period, during which time the Church of Uganda paid only the interest on the loan. The balance of the loan will be repaid over a ten-year period using income received from tenants. 

Dr. Mwangi was speaking during the opening of the 22^nd Provincial Assembly of the Church of Uganda at the Uganda Christian University, Mukono recently.

He told the gathering of Bishops that there had been various challenges during construction process but that these hiccups have brought forth invaluable knowledge that will be vital going forward.

Having commenced construction of Church House in December 2010, the project temporarily stalled during 2013 due to a conflict between two parties involved in the construction. The conflict was successfully resolved and construction was re-started in July 2014.

“I know there has been a lot of anxiety; when are completing the project, how are we managing the project. In the words of Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, ‘This was a dream that the church had cherished for nearly 50 years.’  I am glad that in just four years, this dream is becoming a reality,” he explained. 

Mwangi concluded his speech by extending an invitation to the rest of dioceses to choose Equity Bank’s model of development so as to enable their followers lead a better livelihood.

“If we can actualize a dream of $16m together, why can’t we help our followers and our members in our parishes also realize their dreams? Remember villages are a creation of the aggregate of the villagers’ achievements.

“We can choose to make our church great by helping our followers achieve their personal dreams.    Their dreams may not be as big as Church House, but may be as simple as getting a better education for their children. I want to appeal to you; you may not be bankers, that is why we are here. If you raised your hands to the Lord, then we will win in empowering your followers,” he noted.

In response, Bishop Stanley Ntagali, the Archbishop Church of Uganda told the gathering that they had already received inquiries from several persons interested in occupying the building.

“There is a growing list of quality tenants who are interested in renting space in Church House.I am happy that Equity Bank will be the first tenant,” he said amidst cheers from the Assembly of Bishops. 

The Church House project estimated to cost $16m will house commercial banks, shops and offices, to generate money for the church. With Equity Bank financing 70% of the project through a syndicated loan and the church financing 30%, the building next to Crane Chambers is expected to be completed early next year.

Plans for Church House as a commercial real estate enterprise were first drawn up by the Provincial Assembly in 1966 but stalled for various reasons for the next 45 years. However, it is expected that by 2015, Church House will be fully operational at 16 levels.

The original proposed site for Church House was on Shimoni Road. Since, the Bank of Uganda, however, proposed to take over the Shimoni Road site, that property was exchanged for Plot 34 on Kampala Road in 1972. Church House Company was registered in 1971 as a Private Limited Company.

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On Thursday 28th August, Airtel Uganda announced their active sponsorship and participation in the Uganda Rotary Cancer run 2014 taking place on Sunday 31^st August 2014

The Cancer Run, an initiative of Rotarians in Uganda, is meant to raise funds for the construction of the second phase of the Cancer Ward at St. Francis Hospital, Nsambya, located in Kampala. The 32-bed capacity ward is estimated to cost shs1.1 billion and will help to supplement the current limited facilities in the country, in prevention and treatment of cancers.

According to Ms. Charity Rwabutomize, the CSR manager at Airtel Uganda, “We at Airtel realize that there are very many people all over Uganda affected by cancer hence the need to support the construction of a specialist center that will provide vital early detection and cure but also provide pre and post treatment. We believe that the money that will be got from this Cancer run will most importantly save many lives being lost needlessly”.

Many high profile personalities in Uganda have joined the cause and they will be led by the Former President of Tanzania H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi who is the chief Runner.

Airtel Uganda has, in the past, partnered with different private and government organizations to carry out various Corporate Social Responsibility projects. Some of these include;

·         Child Count +; a health program that ensures quality and accessible treatment for expectant mothers and their children at the Clinical health units Mbarara.

·         Shared Solar; A Solar Energy program through which people in the villages can use Airtel airtime on a prepaid system of payment for solar energy and thus keep their businesses and homes lit up with solar power.

·         Connect to learn; An Education program in which Airtel Uganda offers data to 5 secondary schools to enable both teachers and students connect with students all over the world to share knowledge and learning experiences