Huawei is set to release its Envision Video Platform in Africa during Africacom to be held on 7- 9 November in Cape Town, aiming to assist carriers in developing and optimising video as a fundamental service with the best user experience.
The cloudification architecture platform will support the latest 4K/Ultra High Definition, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality; these technologies will improve the users experience with high quality video and enable user interaction. This platform can also optimize video streaming services based on network conditions.
“By releasing this platform during Africacom, we want to deliver a message to operators and our partners, that in this golden era for video business, especially 4K video, we are ready and capable of helping them shape their video strategies to drive new revenue,” says David Chen, Director of Marketing & Solution Sales of Huawei Southern Africa Region.
Africacom is the premier Pan-African technology, telecoms and media event which takes place in Cape Town, South Africa annually. Celebrating its 20th anniversay this year, the event promises to showcase cutting edge ICT innovations and host high level discussions on Accelerating Africa’s digital revolution. Over 400 exhibitors and 11 thousand delegates are expeted to attend.
As a key particpant, Huawei’s theme for AfricaCom 2017 is ROADS to New Growth, with a focus on working together with operators and industry partners to explore ways to build a successful ecosytem that will speed up return on investment (ROI) and achieve value-driven new growth.
Huawei kicks off AfricaCom with the highly anticipated local launch of its flagship smart phone the Mate 10 series which is powered by the AI Kirin 970 chip featuring a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU).
South Africa will be among the first countries to have the Mate Series devices in country, with the HUAWEI Mate 10 Pro and the PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI Mate 10.
“We are delighted to bring the Mate 10 Pro and the Porsche Design Mate 10 to South Africa as we believe these devices will cater for the South African consumer needs as we enter the age of AI,” said Likun Zhao, GM, Huawei Consumer Business Group SA.
• PRICE DECREASE on DStv Premium by 2.52%, DStv Compact Plus by 5.61%, DStv Compact by 5.43%, DStv Family by 10.11% and DStv Access by 13.16%
MULTICHOICE Uganda has announced downward adjustments on its DStv subscription prices across all bouquets, effective on 01 November as the pay TV continues its commitment to ensure DStv customers get the best international and local channels at affordable prices.
The move is part of the company’s strategy to deliver more value to its customers in addition to its recent initiative in providing La Liga games to the DStv Family package as well as added great lifestyle and kiddies programming. In addition, SuperSport recently secured the rights to broadcast WWE programming live for the first time ever across sub-Saharan Africa over and above the great coverage we offer of international Football leagues.
While addressing journalists at a press conference to announce the price reduction, Charles Hamya, General Manager MultiChoice Uganda said, “We recognise that our customers are living in tough economic times and want to reward them for their ongoing loyalty and support by providing the best local and international entertainment. We want to do our part by adjusting the price of our DStv packages through making them more affordable while adding more value at the same time.” Charles Hamya (R) General Manager MultiChoice Uganda and Phoebe Nakabazzi (L) DStv Marketing Manager unveil the new pricing for DStv packages which take effect 1 (2)
He continued, “The majority of our input costs are in US dollars and we hope we won’t experience any further currency devaluations or other unexpected increases in costs for the remainder of the year. We will continue to review pricing from time to time, taking into account the economic conditions of our operations.”
The new pricing is stated as below:
Package Current Price New Price % drop
Premium UGX 287 250 UGX 280 000 2.52%
Compact Plus UGX 190 700 UGX 180 000 5.61%
Compact UGX 121 600 UGX 115 000 5.43%
Family UGX 66 750 UGX 60 000 10.11%
Access UGX 38 000 UGX 33 000 13.16%
Over the last two years, MultiChoice has executed its customer promise by providing best entertainment – combining both quality and variety – at a reduced rate to ensure access to great family entertainment.
• In February 2016, we brought two of the world’s best football leagues, the English Premier League (EPL) and La Liga to DStv Compact customers. Plus, we added seven entertainment channels and opened up Box Office and DStv Catch Up.
• In April 2016, we introduced a “no price increase” to provide relief to our customers in the current tough economic conditions.
• Then in October 2016, we reduced our prices in some countries and added another six great entertainment channels to the Compact Plus bouquet.
• Earlier this month, August 2017 we brought all the Spanish La Liga games to DStv Family and added 3 new international channels (BBC Lifestyle, Food Network and Cbeebies). All countries – excluding Nigeria and Ghana – will also get Africa Magic Epic on DStv Access while Trace Mziki will be available in East African markets.
“These downwards adjustments to DStv packages reinforces our commitment to ensuring that our customers receive the best possible access to great entertainment and outstanding value, said Hamya. “Entertainment is a powerful way to tell stories that open our minds, bring people together around shared passions, and connect us to new realities. It makes us laugh and cry. It informs, it educates and it inspires. As a Video Entertainment company our role is to enrich lives of our customers across the various territories we operate in,” said Hamya.
In addition to that DStv has announced its festive offer for customers dubbed Blue Christmas. The promotion will see numerous customers of DStv who either purchase the full kit at UGX 132,500 or re-subscribe to compact, compact plus and premium win themselves exciting prizes ranging from weekend getaway trips for 2, subscription and branded items. Additionally customers of DStv Compact or DStv Compact Plus who pay on time will view all Sport channels available on DStv Premium for a week after 31st December 2017. Whereas DStv Access and DStv Family customers who pay on time will view all Sports channels available to DStv Compact for a week after 31st December 2017’ said Phoebe Nakabazzi, Marketing Manager DStv.
The price drop takes effect from 1st November 2017.
In a bid to reach out to more Primary schools as part of its schools’ program, Fresh Dairy is visiting several schools and donating products, to encourage consumption of dairy products to boost health and nutrition. The schools so far visited include; Kirinya Catholic Primary School, Bweyogerere, Nakasero Primary School, Lower Nsooba Primary School, Kirinya Central Primary School and Hill Side Primary School, among others.
Over 200 litres of milk were donated to Primary Seven candidates of Hill Side Primary School, 504 liters of milk were donated to Nakasero Primary School, Lower Nsooba Primary School received 108 litres of milk while the other schools the other schools each received several boxes of Fresh Dairy yoghurt or milk.
Speaking during the donation exercise held at Nakasero Primary School on 25th October 2017, Monica Kulabako, Marketing Executive Fresh Dairy explained that the product donations to the schools are in line with Fresh Dairy’s school’s program launched on 2nd July 2017 to help children learn more about the benefits of having a balanced diet, and more especially including dairy products to their daily meals.
The other schools visited included Kalinabiri Primary School, Tripple H Primary, St. Martin Mulago, Bright Primary, Ntinda Primary, Hormisdallen Primary, Police Children School, Murchison Bay Primary and Tripple P Primary, among others across Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono districts.
Kulabako concluded by noting that Fresh Dairy will continue visiting schools all throughout this third term, because a healthy diet goes hand in hand with good performance in class.
Waneloba John (3L), Representative Health and Nutrition, Fresh Dairy hands over milk to Ms. Khainza Miriam (R), Deputy Head Teacher, Hillside Primary School Naalya on 22nd October 2017. Fresh Dairy donated 200 litres of milk to Hillside Naalya with an aim of encouraging milk dairy consumption to boost health and nutrition.
Monica Kulabako, Marketing Executive Fresh Dairy hands out milk to Primary Seven pupils of Lower Nsooba Primary School on 25th October 2017. Fresh Dairy donated 108 litres of milk to the school in a bid to encourage dairy consumption of to boost health and nutrition
Waneloba John (L), Representative Health and Nutrition, Fresh Dairy poses with pupils of Kirinya Catholic Primary School on 20th October 2017. Fresh Dairy donated boxes of yoghurt to the school with an aim of encouraging the pupils to consume yoghurt as a healthy and nutritious snack.
Monica Kulabako, Marketing Executive Fresh Dairy (inset) hands out milk to pupils of Nakasero Primary School on 25th October 2017. Fresh Dairy donated over 500 litres of milk to the school in a bid to encourage dairy consumption to boost health and nutrition
(L-R) Ms. Arinatwe Mary, Deputy Head Teacher Nakasero Primary School, Mr. Abura Richard, Deputy Head Teacher Nakasero Primary School receive milk from Monica Kulabako, Marketing Executive Fresh Dairy on 25th October 2017 at the school. Fresh Dairy donated 504 litres of milk to the school in a bid to encourage dairy consumption to boost health and nutrition
Vodafone has launched a fresh, attractive and exciting offer, the Zaga ReMix.
The new offer provides a chance for many to enjoy worry free browsing as they set and catch up with the current trends. Vodafone is giving the customer a free S.W.I.F.T bundle which empowers one to do the things they love on social media without worrying about using up their data meant for other browsing purposes.
The Zaga ReMix is a revamped model of the previous ZagaMix Mi-Fi that was launched early this year. The Zaga ReMix offer has been designed to empower customers to do more with their businesses, lifestyle and education through the internet.
Announcing Zaga ReMix at the Vodafone Head offices in Kololo, Roy Tumwizere, Head of Segments said, “As Vodafone, we envision success through technology and are ever evolving alongside our customers’ needs and trends. As a dynamic brand, we decided to develop a product that allows our customers to enjoy bigger exciting deals at the same price.”
Customers who buy the Vodafone Mi-Fi will access 4GB free data valid for 30 days and a 2GB S.W.I.F.T bundle (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) also valid for 30 days. The customer will also receive a 1GB weekly bonus bundle for 3 months as long as they have a running monthly bundle.
Vodafone is providing extra value to customers with this offer since they get to enjoy guaranteed benefits for a whole quarter in a year. To top this, Vodafone has introduced an exciting member get member offer for customers dubbed “My data threesome.” Any customer that has been with Vodafone for at least four months is privileged to get 1GB free immediately the three people they have recommended get on board. Either by buying the Zaga ReMix Mi-Fi or Vodafone SME router. In addition to that, they also get a 40% bonus every time each of the three friends top up for the next 6 months.
Vodafone has taken a deliberate initiative to interact with its customers through social media, customer surveys, through market storms among others. It is through such interaction that Vodafone gets feedback from customers, which is then used to design the needed products and promotions. The Zaga ReMix is one such offer ensuing from this initiative.
This is not the last amazing offer to be launched this year as Vodafone plans to release even bigger offers on the market as the festive season approaches so keep on the watch.
We have reliably learnt that Richard Byarugaba has been re-appointed as NSSF Uganda Managing Director on a five year contract with effect from 1st December 2017.
Richard Wejuli Wabwire has also had his contract as the Fund’s Corporation Secretary renewed for 5 years running from 30th October 2017.
Meanwhile, Patrick Ayota, the fund’s chief finance officer has been appointed the new deputy MD, replacing the exiting Geraldine Ssali Busulwa’s whose contract has been left to run out. Her last day as NSSF deputy MD will be Saturday 29th October 2017.
Geraldine Ssali (41) has been NSSF’s deputy MD since March 2011, when she was appointed to the position by then Minister of Finance Syda Bbumba.
Below is the official communication from NSSF.
NSSF letter confirming re-appointment of Richard Byarugaba .
With an adrenaline-charged performance by guest DJ, Trace Urban Turntables King, VocalTeknix, the UG Mix Maestro sailed into the record book of success. Hundreds of deejay fans danced the night away at the Golf Course Hotel as the three-month campaign came to a close.
Excited supporters took advantage of every opportunity the event had to offer, jumping onto the stage to steal selfie moments with the night’s big winners DJs Nimrod, Easy Samuel, Selector Jay, Slick Stuart and Roja, Moustey and new kids on the block, ZXYL and Shan 256.
The night’s big sponsor, Uganda Waragi was on hand to provide the tastiest cocktails, which were on offer from the beginning of the evening till dawn.
DJ XZYL enjoying her turntable moment.
The UG Mix Maestro competition that began in July 2017, was held by Uganda Waragi in collaboration with the DJ Association of Uganda to recognize and celebrate outstanding deejay talent in Uganda. The competition featured regional tours that provided local talent with a platform to audition and showcase their individual talent in the battle for regional titles.
The grand finale which doubled as an awards ceremony, began a few minutes after 8pm with battles between the female and male regional winners. The contestants were DJs Suzy Beats from West Nile, Lolah from Fort Portal, Nelly Raxy from the eastern region, XZYL and Cathy, both from the central region; while the male battle was between DJs Titi Norid from the northern region, Ranks from the eastern region, Andy Mix from western region, Shan 256 and Denno from the central region. The final two winners were DJ XZYL who walked away as Best Female DJ of the Year 2017 and DJ Shan 256 who was crowned Best Male DJ of the Year 2017. Both winners walked home with brand new DJ mixing sets.
The other exceptional big winners of the night were:
Best Radio DJ of the Year 2017 – DJ Nimrod
Best TV DJ of the Year 2017 – Selector Jay
Events DJ of the Year 2017 – DJ Moustey
Best Nightlife DJ of the Year 2017 – DJs Slick Stuart and Roja
Best Gospel DJ of the Year 2017 – DJ Easy Samuel
The deejays who had for two months rallied their fans to vote for them on the DJ Association of Uganda website were selected by a nine-member committee, each of whom voted to select the winners per category.
The UG Mix Maestro grand finale also honored Charlie Lubega for mentoring deejays in Uganda. Mr. Lubega received the Most Outstanding Achievement Award for his tremendous contribution towards the deejay and music industry in the country.
