HiPipo Money

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Africa Magic, in association with MultiChoice and proud sponsors Amstel Malta, is announcing the call to entry for the 2015 edition of the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), the prestigious initiative that honours film and TV talent across the continent. A special announcement will be screened on all Africa Magic channels on Wednesday 3 September at 20:00 CAT, when entry for the awards will be officially opened.

The AMVCAs were created to celebrate the contribution of African filmmakers, actors and technicians in the success of the continent’s film and television industry and with the success of the 2013 and 2014 editions, preparations are in top gear for the 2015 edition.

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Regional Director for M-Net (West), said: “We are pleased to announce the call to entry for the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. The African movie and television industry is brimming with exciting talent, and at Africa Magic we contribute to the industry by not only giving these talents the platform to showcase their art and celebrating their achievements, we also encourage them to keep honing their craft.”

This year, a number of awards in different categories will be presented ranging from acting and directing to scriptwriting and cinematography. Other categories will include: editing, make-up, sound, and lighting amongst others.

John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, expressed his delight at the growing success of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, saying: “There have been two editions of the AMVCAs and so far, the improvement that this award has brought to African film production cannot be ignored. For us as MultiChoice, the success of these awards further showcases our commitment to recognising the amazing skills that exist in this ever-growing industry. Furthermore, our continued investment demonstrates our dedication in helping unearth and celebrate talent in the whole continent. I have much confidence that the next edition in 2015 will leave an even bigger impact on the African film production industry than the previous two.”

Also expressing her excitement for being part of the AMVCAs, Brand Manager, Amstel Malta, Miss Hannatu Ageni-Yusuf said: “As the number one premium Malt brand in Nigeria, Amstel Malta is again pleased to be part of this year’s Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards. It is truly a unique platform which aligns perfectly with the brand’s essence, encouraging and also rewarding young ambitious Africans. Last year on this platform, Amstel Malta launched its new campaign, tagged ‘the journey’. This year, the brand is set to allow consumers to witness the joys of being focused on their goals and even beating their best, while on their journey to success.”

The first edition of the AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards ceremony took place in Lagos in March, 2013, and was broadcast live to DStv and GOtv audiences across the continent. The event drew big names from across the continent’s TV and film industry and saw the Best Actor and Best Actress in a Drama awards going to Nigerian OC Ukeje and Ghanaian Jackie Appiah, in the respective categories.

In the 2014 edition, multi-award winning actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim, took home the award for best while Ghanaian film producer/director, Shirley Frimpong-Manso’s movie The Contract won in several categories. The 2014 AMVCAs also saw renowned film and TV veteran, Pete Edochie, clinching the prestigious lifetime achievement award.

Entry for the AMVCAs is free and the closing date for submissions is the 31 October, 2014. Entries should be sent t to: AfricaMagic Viewers’ Choice Awards, PO Box 2963, Pinegowrie, 2123, South Africa, with attention to the Manager, Local Productions Africa. They can also log on to www.africamagic.tv  for more details on the submission procedure and requirements.

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The awarding of contract to upgrade and expand Uganda’s railway network to standard gauge, to a Chinese firm China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) has taken new twist with some government officials who have been lobbying for the other firm, state-owned China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)refusing to take defeat lying down.

On Friday, CHEC announced they have embarked on work on the railway line to try and catch up with Kenya who is already progressing work.

Reliable information on the other hand indicates that powerful government officials who have been lobbying for CCECC have refused to take the decision in good faith.It has emerged that government over turned CCECC because of the suspected corruption and the integrity of its agents and lobbyists. One of them, a powerful Minister together with his son-in-law one Albert, took CCECC officials to see the president, a move sources intimate rubbed the President the wrong way.   According to inside sources, the President does not want these people involved in the project because of their suspected corruption history in Uganda.

CCECC had earlier in 2012 been given the deal, estimated to be worth $8b (about sh20trillion) which was later cancelled by the Government.

Recently, upon instruction from President Museveni to investigate the delays in choosing the right firm for the deal, AmamaMbabazi said he had asked the IGG to probe the possible Bribery allegation by government officials who had interest in CCECC taking the deal.  Media reports had quoted the President as saying that somebody stole minutes of his meeting with CHEC group, a sign of something fishy.

On Wednesday, Eng. John Byabagambi the state minister for works and representatives of the CHEC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which in principle gives the deal to the firm with Byabagambi saying there would be no further delays in the construction of the standard gauge railway (SGR) from Malaba to Kampala and Bukasa port.

However, given the incessant efforts by CCECC and their lobbyists, it remains un clear if CHEC’s contract will proceed with no hindrances.

According to the agreement, CHEC will work closely with the UPDF Engineering Brigade and also construct a polytechnic school in Uganda for continuous training of army officers in technical and engineering skills.

A statement issued by CHEC’s representatives also expressed commitment to the above MoU singling out that the Government of South Sudan has also selected the company to upgrade her railway line.

It has also emerged that government preferred working with CHEC because of their commitment to train UPDF according to the Chinese model to manage strategic infrastructure.

The East African Community member states have set March 2018 as the target for the upgrading of the regional railway network to standard gauge system.

CHEC officials have said as part of the partnership with UPDF, the company has embarked on preparations to build a pioneering UPDF Corps of Engineers by training army officers in infrastructure development.

Works Ministry official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the awarding of the deal to CHEC technically puts to an end the fight between the two Chinese companies that had put government in a fix and also sucked in ministers.

CHEC is a 13 billion dollar company, 100 percent Chinese government owned and one of the biggest building Company in China.

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The Republic of Tanzania’s former president Ali Hassan Mwinyi arrived in the country on Friday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s Rotary Cancer Run for which he is the chief runner.

Mr Mwinyi came with a group of 10 rotarians from Tanzania, according to Ms Enid Nambuya, the chairperson of the mobilisation committee for the Run, and is staying at Kampala Serena Hotel.

“Ex-President Ali Hassan Mwinyi arrived today, two days ahead of the Run and he will tour the Rotary Centenary Cancer ward at Nsambya Hospital tomorrow (Saturday) at 10am,” Nambuya said.

The Pepsi and Centenary Bank-sponsored Rotary Cancer Run, now in its third year, seeks to raise money to complete a 36-bed capacity cancer ward. It is estimated to cost Shs1.3 billion and is currently in its final stages.

The run is expected to attract at least 30,000 runners in the 21km, 10km and 5km categories and the flag-off ceremony will be at the Kololo Ceremonial grounds at 7am.

Registration for the run is at Shs10,000 at Centenary Bank (Mapeera House), Rotary Uganda Office on NIC Building, Bridge Credit Finance, and all Capital Shoppers supermarket outlets.

More than 15 corporate companies and thousands of individuals have already registered for the run that will also have parallel runs in Kyenjojo, Masaka, and Mbarara on Sunday.

Last year’s Rotary Cancer Run attracted 10,000 participants and raised over Shs90 million for the Ward. The first Rotary Cancer Run was held in 2012 and, with the support of sponsors and well-wishers, managed to raise more than Shs300 million.

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MTN Uganda has in partnership with SMS2betlaunched a new exciting lottery game namedMTN Kaja where customers who subscribe will be entered into a daily draw to win up to Ugx 40 million or several other attractive prizes including airtime.

Launching the promotion in an exciting event at Wandegeya Taxi park yard, MTN’s acting Chief Marketing Officer Kenneth Kiddu said the brand has staked millions of shillings for customers to win on daily a basis.

Talking about the mechanics to enter the promotion, Kiddu said all customers need to do is dial *178# and select subscribe and they will be entered in the daily draws which will be charged at a minimal rate of Ugx 220 per day.

“MTN is committed to continue providing the best services on the market andthis promotion is yet another innovation that we have created to edify the lives of our customers by enabling them win life changing prizes”, he said.

According to Kiddu, the promotion is open to all subscribers who hold MTN lines and everyone is eligible to winning the grand prize of 40 million shillings in cash.

Draws will be conducted daily to determine the winning numbers and one MTN number will randomly be drawn from the entire MTN active base. Any subscribed entrant whose mobile number constitutes 8 digits of the drawn number reading sequentially from left to right will win the grand prize of 40 million shillings.

All other subscribers whose number constitutes 7 to 2 digits of the drawn number reading from left to right sequentially will also win other great cash and airtime prizes.  All winners will be notified by SMS and big winners will be called using telephone number 0776 986 178.

“We are very excited to launch this campaign to our customers because at MTN we take pride in the loyalty of our customers to the brand and we are doing this as a thank you for their unmatched support to our growth. MTN is also celebrating the 10 million subscriber base and we don’t take this for granted but hold this achievement close to our hearts. We also believe this promotion will transform the lives of lucky customers winning Ugx 40 million and many other cash prizes like 10 million and 20 million shillings cash”,Kiddu concluded..

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As part of its initiative and dedication to promote scientific and technical education among the people of Uganda, Muljibhai Madhvani Foundation has offered over 150scholarships worth 650 Uganda Million Shillings to both graduate and under graduate students in various scientific disciplines.

A selection process that spanned a period of three months,hasfinally seen 152 students rejoice after passing the interviews and being awarded the 2014/2015 Madhvani Foundation scholarships.

In a statement issued by the Foundation, Mr. Anthony Butele the Chairman Scholarship Committee said the foundation has always looked to bring hope to the economically challenged but academically talented students of Ugandaand the commitment these students show to their education in light of their challenges, gives us great pleasure to give a helping hand towardstheir academicstruggle. He advised the successful candidates to come with proof of identification at the Madhvani Foundation Offices, Industrial Area to collect their Scholarship Award letters after 10^th September 2014 from 9AM to 4 PM

Commenting on this year’s scholarship analysis, Mr. Iyengar the Corporate Secretary Madhvani Group noted that “The Eastern region has for the second year running dominated the scholarship awards with the Male applicants beating their female counterparts with68% of the total scholarships. Makerere University on the other hand will absorb the highest number of beneficiaries while Engineering and Medicine topped the courses”. Mr. Iyengar went on to advise bright economically challenged students from across the country to take advantage of this opportunity that is provided annually by the Madhvani Foundationseeing that the Foundation has established a nationwide footprint that has supported students from all over the country going as far as Northern Uganda in Gulu University.

The Madhvani Foundation scholarship programme is aimed at benefiting Ugandans pursuing either undergraduate or graduate studies at University level in Uganda and has been in operation since the 2003/04 academic year.The Foundation is a two time winner (2011 and 2012) of the prestigious Patrice Lumumba award by the Ugandan Universities Union of Guild Parliaments. 

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.