HiPipo Money

———————————

Business Owners receive training in enterprise solutions.

Airtel Uganda has today hosted an Enterprise Expo in Mbarara district, Western Uganda, as part of efforts to provide practical and modern business solutions to its High Value Customers. The Enterprise Expo took place at the Mbarara Lake View Hotel with Airtel’s customers and other business owners receiving training to support their organizations’ communication needs.

Already a market leader in Enterprise Business Telecommunication Solutions, Airtel Enterprise Business supports Businesses, Enterprises and Organisations with telecommunication solutions that are customised to meet the ever increasing demand for Information Technology.

Speaking at the expo, Mr. Tom Gutjahr, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director noted that the Telecom Company provides a host of business-oriented services which, “…we believe, have enabled our customers to fully realize the potential of their enterprises.”

“Our office package is made up of several high-end products and services that are both data and product based,” Gutjahr added.

Speaking at the same function, the Enterprise Director, Airtel Uganda, Mr. Oladapo P. Sorinolu said “We provideinternet solutions that for instance, allow our customers to communicate via email and make Voice over Protocol calls. This is in addition to offering Leased Lines,Hosting or Co-location services, E1 Voice and PABX Services as well as APN (Access Point Name) Solutions for our clients whose needs consume less data.”

He went on to point out the wide range of customers for these services who include, Government institutions, financial service providers, NGOs, manufacturing and energy institutions. Oladapo also praised Airtel’s countrywide and global presence whichallows clients to access the business solutions from anywhere in the country and in any of Airtel’s operative countries world-wide.“This makes it easy to work on the move and access data and information remotely.”

Oladapo concluded by reiterating Airtel Uganda’s commitment to creating innovative products and services that serve the needs of the modern client.

The Airtel Uganda Enterprise Expo will be held in other locationsacross the country where the Company will continue to showcase its product range.  

————————————

Dual SIM Nokia X2 now available for Kshs 13,500

Microsoft has announced that the Nokia X2 is now available for purchase in Kenya. The Nokia X2 delivers upgraded specifications, more popular Microsoft services and a smoother, easier user experience at an affordable price.

“The Nokia X2 was designed to help the next billion people connect to the mobile Internet and cloud services, affordably,” said Kingori Gitahi, Product Manager, Microsoft. “Following on from the great reception we saw to the first Nokia X device, we’re pleased to offer the next step in the line-up with the affordable Nokia X2.”

The Nokia X2 boasts a larger 4.3” Clear Black display, a 5MP rear-facing, autofocus camera with flash, as well as a front-facing VGA camera. The smartphone also benefits from a Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 200 processor featuring a dual core 1.2 GHz CPU and 1GB of RAM, to make switching between favourite apps even more fluid.

Out of the box, people can enjoy Microsoft services like Outlook.com, Skype and 15GB of free OneDrive cloud storage, while new apps like OneNote and Yammer are now available to download for free from the Nokia Store.

The Nokia X2’s seamless mono body and exchangeable back covers with the ‘inner glow’ design beautifully complement major enhancements to the user interface. These include a new ‘home’ button and a choice of screens to make navigation a breeze:

• A colourful, tile-based ‘home’ screen with resizable, live tiles
• The unique Fast lane feature for accessing most recent apps and future appointments
• A Lumia-inspired apps list, from which people can pin items to the home screen
• Visual multitasking screen is accessed by long-pressing the ‘back’ button
• The pull-down notification centre shows connectivity, app and system alerts

The Nokia X2 is available in black and white.

Availability and product specifications

The dual SIM Nokia X2 is now available in Kenya starting at Kshs 13,500

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About Microsoft Devices

The Microsoft Devices Group includes award-winning hardware used by over a billion people around the world, including Lumia smartphones and tablets, Nokia mobile phones, Xbox hardware, Surface, Perceptive Pixel products, and accessories.

———————————

Looking for a unique edge in a competitive soft drink market, Crown Beverages Limitedhas launched a new soda onto the Ugandan market, Mountain Dew Voltage, a cousin of Mountain Dew original that was introduced in November 2008.

Mountain Dew Voltage has an exhilarating taste of DEW, charged with ginseng and raspberry citrus flavour.

“This is a first-of-its-kind drink in Uganda,” Mr Timothy Luzinda, the brand manager Mountain Dew said. “Its unique taste will be a new experience for the Ugandan consumer.”

“We are confident that the launch of this unique Mountain Dew variant will expand the flavoured beverages segment in the countryand complement Crown Beverages’ existing product portfolio,”Mr Luzinda added.

The launch of Mountain Dew Voltage is a continuation of a tradition behind Mountain Dew that is currently running under the thematic campaign Experience Xtreme that calls upon its consumers to be daring, bold, and adventurous.

Mountain Dew has earned a reputation for interacting with consumers to create new products. As one of the brands that is at the forefront of a new trend, Mountain Dew has actively involved consumers in all stages of new product development and marketing.

The carbonate soft drink brand is being launched in “traditional” and “modern” trade channels in 500ml PET bottles only at 1,500 shillings.

He reveals that ground activations shall include continued sponsorship of motocross and other extreme sports, just like Mountain Dew original has been undertaking.

—————————

Emirates, a global connector of people and places, is offering Ugandan travelers up to 25 percent discount on Business Class and Economy Class fares to a range of exciting destinations around the world.

Those wanting to visit some of the world’s most exciting destinations, whether for business, leisure or to visit family and friends, can now do so with discounts of up to 25 percent. Economy Class tickets for Ugandan travelers from Entebbe to the selected destinations USD 644 to London, USD 950 to Beijing, USD 1,197 to New York, USD 477 to Dubai, USD 498 to Mumbai, USD 1,197 to Washington, USD 837 to Bangkok, USD 1,489 to Kuala Lumpur, USD 852 to Guangzhou and USD 1,197 to Shanghai.

Business Class fares to start from USD 2,293 to London, USD 2,866 to Beijing, USD 3,480 to New York, USD1,682 to Dubai, USD 1,690 to Mumbai, USD 3,480 to Washington, USD 2,059 to Bangkok, USD 3,712 to Kuala Lumpur, USD 3,539 to Guangzhou and USD 3,339 to Shanghai.

To take advantage of this limited period offer, customers must purchase their tickets between 27 August and 6 September 2014, and travel between 27 August and 3 December 2014. Tickets are for valid for return travel only, with a minimum stay of three days and a maximum stay of one month. Blackout dates from 11-30 October 2014 apply for travel to Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

According to Thani Alansari, the Emirates Country Manager for Uganda, “Emirates’ everyday-value fares to destinations across the various world cities are proving popular with Ugandan travelers – destinations include Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Washington D.C. London, Beijing, Dubai, Mumbai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Guangzhou and Shanghai.” “Weappreciate the loyalty of our Ugandan travelers and this offer is just one of the ways that we are giving back to them,” he added.

EK 729 departs Dubai International Airport every day at 0835hrs and arrives at the Entebbe International Airport at 1245hrs. The return flight, EK730, leaves Entebbe at 1535hrs and lands in Dubai at 2155hrs. Customers on board the aircraft can experience Emirates’ famous hospitality and service from its multi-national cabin crew, enjoy more than 1600 channels of on-demand audio and visual entertainment on its ice entertainment system, gourmet cuisine and generous baggage allowances. Economy Class customers get 30 kg, Business Class get 40 kg and First Class customer 50kg.

Emirates flies to more than 140 destinations in 81 countries across six continents, and it’s the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft. 

—————————

His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched a fundraising drive for the re-development of the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo. The shrine is a center of convergence for thousands of devout Christians from across the world that makes the annual pilgrimage to celebrate the lives of the martyrs.

During the event, Airtel Uganda committed to the noble cause through the use of its Airtel Money platform where its millions of subscribers can take the opportunity to easily and conveniently contribute to shrines refurbishment.

 To contribute to the restoration of the Namugongo Shrines, subscribers to the Airtel network can;

1. Dial  *185#
2. Select paybill,
3. Choose Option 9
4. Type 193000 in the space for business number

Airtel Uganda has in the past, used its Airtel Money platform to support other charitable causes including, the Kabaka Birthday Run and a partnership with the Kingdom of Buganda to launch a Mobile Money fundraising platform where the kingdom’s subjects and well-wishers contribute funds to support Kabaka’s various development initiatives.

——————————-

MTN Uganda the leading Mobile Money network has partnered with Centenary Bank Uganda to advance their ATM Cash out footprint by allowing customers to cash out at all Centenary bank  ATMs across the country.

“At MTN we listen to our customers’ needs and wants and with this background we continuously strive to exploit opportunities that make the life of our customers smooth and simplified, and our partnership with Centenary back is absolutely another opportunity to reach out to customers all over the country with this new proposition” said MTN’s acting Chief Marketing Officer Kenneth Kiddu.

Centenary bank’s 147 ATMs that are strategically located at all the 62 branches in the country will be utilized by millions of customers from   centenary bank and MTN Mobile Money.

“We are constantly looking for opportunities to simplify banking; and continuously employing the latest and best technology available to make banking more convenient. In MTN Mobile Money, we have found a strong, reputable and reliable partner we can work with to deliver our promise to our customers and improve their experience’’, commented FabianKasi the Managing Director Centenary Bank.

According to the central bank, Mobile Money transactions totalled UGX11.7 trillion in 2012, which was a 211% increase since 2011. MTN continues to lead Mobile Money in Uganda with over 6.2 million registered users since their launch in 2009.

“MTN is proud of the Mobile Money product because it has ably contributed to the country’s financial sector by improving on customers’ micro savings culture, money transfer activities, withdrawals and bill payments to mention but a few.

We are partnering with banks like Centenary bank so that our customers can seamlessly withdraw cash off their Mobile Money accounts using ATMs. The service is available to all MTN as well as Centenary bank customers who are registered on Mobile Money” Mr Kiddu added.

He welcomed the partnership with Centenary Bank, saying that it was yet another milestone to the success of MTN Mobile Money in Uganda.

Centenary Bank has been very successful in bringing a large number of rural non-banking populations into the banking conventional, rendering basic banking within their reach through expanded delivery channels, boosting their confidence, attracting them with a wide variety of affordable services and setting higher standards for customer service.
MTN and Centenary Bank are very assured that with the launch of the Mobile Money ATM cash out service, another new 24/7 service will be available to the millions of masses who are registered customers      of     MTN  Mobile         Money.

MTN Mobile Money has enjoyed unprecedented success since it was launched 5 years ago, now registering in excess of 30 million transactions each month. As per the GSMA 2012 Global Mobile Money adoption survey, MTN Uganda ranks 2nd in terms of number of active Mobile Money customer accounts in the world.

To access the ATM cash out service, a customer performs an easy two part process. On the phone, the customer dial *165#, Selects Financial services, ATM Cash out, then ATM withdrawals. The customer then selects 1 to generate a TIN code (4 digit number), and then enters their mobile money pin. A TIN code will then be issued to the customer to use    the   ATM.

The customer then turns to the ATM machine, selects Mobile Money, and then MTN Mobile Money, enters their phone number, the amount they wish to withdraw, and their TIN code. The ATM then dispenses their cash and a transaction receipt. It’s that simple.
To join the New World of Better Money, Register for an MTN Mobile Money account today.

———————————-

• Airtel Money Digital Impact Awards Africa (DIAA) Best Digital Financial Service of the year.

Airtel Uganda was voted the Best Digital Financial Service of the year at the Digital Impact Awards Africa held on the Thursday 21st August at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel. The award ceremony was organized by Cyberplc, HiPipo and Global Networks Limited in partnership with Nita-Uganda.

With Airtel Money, customers now get a wider access through nationwide agents and transact with one single code *185# to send and receive money across networks at the lowest rates and enjoy more services on Airtel Money.

The extensive proficiency of Airtel’s partners in their respective fields has allowed the company to collaborate with some of the best and most respected businesses to bring consumers in the mobile services space a secure environment. Airtel Money customers can experience newer and more innovative services and ways to send money to their loved ones.

The platform provides instant services when using your Airtel Money to transfer money at your convenience. The services include;

• Send money across networks at the most affordable rates as low as 450/=
• Top up airtime, for both self and other Airtel customers and get bonuses
• Pay bills (UMEME, NWSC, Multiplex, URA & all pay TVs – DStv/GoTv, TVNext, StarTimes, ZukuTv, MoTv) instantly and more conveniently.
• Withdraw money the easiest & most convenient way, either at an agent point or ATM (Equity Bank, GTB, Interswitch). The agent spread is now wider for your reach.
• Mobile Banking – access your bank account now with Equity Bank.

All this comes with a new friend, guide and confidant that will help you with all your money transfer solutions and that is MR. MONEY.

About DIAA

The 1^st Digital Impact Awards, a research driven project with conference and awards events are the brainchild of Cyberplc Limited and HiPipo (U) Limited with the mission to promote innovations and best practices that will deliver maximum digital dividends.  The project covers products, services and platforms including web, mobile, social and financial services that will fuel further uptake of Internet, telecommunications and computer networks. Through research, conference and awards, the project will bring to light innovations and best practices ranging from user interface design to cybersecurity in Uganda, the East African Community and Africa at large.

About Bharti Airtel  

Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 4 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers. In India, the company’s product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers. In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 269 million customers across its operations at the end of April 2014. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com

———————————

Kamplala, August 22, 2014:  The inaugural, Digital Impact Awards Africa (DIAA) in partnership with National Information and Technology Authority of Uganda (NITA-U), CyberPlc Limited,  HiPipo (U) Limited and Global Networks Limited  held a very successful awards event on Thursday 21st August at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

The Governor, Bank of Uganda – Professor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile who officiated the event as Guest of Honour was represented by Mr. Richard Mayebo, Executive Director of Information Technology (IT), Bank of Uganda.   In his remarks on the theme “Regulatory Challenges in the use of ICTs to promote Financial  Inclusion “ the Governor noted  Bank of Uganda looks forward to innovations that  will promote financial inclusion, as well as the efficiency and safety  of financial transactions.  Download the Governor’s Speech at Digital Impact Awards Africa

In his speech at Digital Impact Awards Africa #DIAA, Mr James Saaka Executive Director NITA-U represented by Mr Julius Torach, Director E-Government, Mr Saaka noted that NITA-U is committed to supporting ICT Research and Innovation initiatives to provide a common national ICT research & innovation platform aimed at integrating and giving direction to many on-going but fragmented ICT research and development efforts throughout the country.

Winners – 1st Digital Impact Awards Africa
1. Digital Brand of the Year: MTN UGANDA
2. Best Corporate Brand on Social Media: MTN Uganda
3. Best Digital Financial Services: AIRTEL MONEY
4. Most Promising Digital Brand: CENTENARY BANK
5. Best Corporate Website: NSSF and SMILE TELECOM (Runner Up)
6. Best Digital Marketing Campaign: MTN EGG HUNT
7. Best E-Commerce-Website: HELLOFOOD and CHEKI.CO.UG (Runner Up)
8. Fastest Growing Corporate Brand on Social Media: NBS TELEVISION and HUAWEI UGANDA (Runner Up)
9. Best Government Agency on Social media: KCCA
10. People’s Choice Video Commercial of the Year on YouTube: MTN OH, THE THINGS YOU’LL LEARN
11. Best Mobile App: THE PEARL GUIDE – EXPERIENCE PREMIUM UGANDA
12. Best E-Services: URA E-TAX
13. Best Corporate Cybersecurity Practice: STANDARD CHARTERED BANK UGANDA
14. Best Digital Financial Service Innovation: JPESA AND LIFE CARE INSURANCE MTN MOBILE MONEY, AON AND JUBILEE (RUNNER UP)
15. Best Radio Station on Social Media: GALAXY FM 100.2
 

—————————-

Zimbabwe’s TongoonaCharamba, was at the weekend, the winner of the annual SiphiweNyanda Golf Tournament held at Swazi Royal Golf Course that concluded after 54 holes on 23^rd August 2014 in Ezulwini.

Charamba, who is fondly known as ‘TC’, carded a score of 70 in the third and final round to come out on top on eight-under-par 208, pocketing E27 000 at the Royal Swazi Spa Golf Course at Ezulwini yesterday.

The celebrated event played in honour of South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) stalwart, SiphiweNyanda, featured a field of 75 professional golfers from Southern African countries that included Zimbabwe, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia.

“It’s my first time to compete in the event but I think the experience of playing in the same course in previous Sunshine Tour tournaments has come in handy,”  the champion said. “I did not play well in the first and last round but managed to win. I still feel I should have done better. I now turn my efforts to the upcoming Uganda Open in East Africa.”

FarahiChitengwa, another of the Uganda Open registered players carded 67 73 70 six-under to finish second, two shots behind TC. Both players arrive in the country on 1st September 2014. 

—————————-

…10 consumers to be rewarded with brand new Toyota Premios

Unilever Uganda will in the next three months embark on a country wide promotion to reward ten lucky consumers with Toyota Premios.

Dubbed Collect and Win, the promotion that runs from 11^th August to 16^th November, 2014will give Ugandans an opportunity to participate and win up to 10 Toyota Premios.

Making the announcement, Peter Muchiri, Unilever Uganda Country Director said that the promotion aims to reward Unilever Uganda consumers for their loyalty over the years.

“Unilever Uganda has been a partner in the enhancement of Ugandan homes and businesses for over sixty years. It is more than a manufacturer of products, it is part of Ugandan families, Ugandan heritage and an enabler of better and easier living and will continue to do so,” added, Peter Muchiri.

To participate in the Collect and Win promotion, customers have to collect omo fast action wrappers and put them in an envelope with individual details of their name and telephone contact and drop them to the nearest collection point country wide. Below are the quantities to collect;

• 45gm:  15gpacks=1 entry
• 500gm: 2packs=1 entry
• 1kg: 1pack=1entry

Thehighest collector will win, therefore the more wrappers an individual collects, the more chances of winning.” Peter Muchiri said.

The promotionfollows the launch OMO Fast Action, the fastest stain removal formulation in Uganda, Unilever Uganda has embarked on a drive to reward its consumers across the country in addition to other activities such as mall activations, in-home sampling, washing bay sampling and hospital sampling. The activities are aimed at demonstrating to Ugandans the superiority of OMO Fast Action, engaging and educating them on how best to use it while giving them a chance to win various prizes.

OMO Fast Action is a great formulation that removes stains even faster, has a longer lasting fragrance, protects clothes from colour fading and is gentle on hands. It delivers a significantly better washing experience with even better results. We believe OMO Fast Action has completely transformed the washing experiences of our consumers as evidenced through the People’s Choice Quality Awards where Omo was awarded the best washing detergent in Uganda.

The draws for other prizes such as washing machines, shopping vouchers, flat irons, duvets and ironing boardswill be carried out on a monthly basis and winners will be notified by a Unilever phone number 0312226200.

The draws for the Grand Prize of 10 Toyota premios will commence in November with regional winners and climax with the grand draw in Kampala.

Peter added that the campaign is meant to give ten lucky Ugandans the opportunity of a lifetime to win a Toyota premio courtesy of Omo Fast Action. In addition to this, consumers also have the chance to win other prizes like washing machines, shopping vouchers, flat irons, duvets and ironing boards.

Launched on the backdrop of meticulous research and trials, OMO Fast Action is set to revolutionize the washing experience for Ugandans and has so far delivered maximum consumer satisfaction to all consumers sampled.