In what is clearly a ‘boiling battle’ for the internet market sub sectors, Telecoms are doing everything in their means to retain current data users but also woo news ones.
The latest development in the sector is for MTN Uganda’cutting its data prices by about 100 per cent, just weeks after Airtel Uganda did the same.
Below is the full statement.
MTN Uganda has revised data rates to continue the drive towards ensuring offering affordable internet to Ugandans. The reduction in data is expected to drive further internet connectivity, facilitate business growth and enable communication through internet-based channels. The rate reduction, according to Wim Vanhelleputte the MTN Uganda CEO is an indication that as uptake and internet usage continues to grow, the internet rates will also continue to fall.
“What we are currently witnessing is data revolution coming into full swing. The reduction in pricing is by over 100%, indicating our commitment towards internet connectivity and affordability for all,” he said.
The revised data bundles are not just price based but also include increased volumes for a lower price. For instance, the lower data bundle threshold has been increased to 15MBs from 10MB at a price of Shs250. For Shs5000, a customer would get 325MB. With the new rates, a customer get 1GB for that price. This is more value for the customer at the same price.
For Shs100,000, you can now get Shs30GB for a month. In the old rates, a customer had to pay Shs285,000 to get 30GB.
“It is important that our customers not only get lower rates, but also experience a good quality network – where we are keen to continuously invest; everywhere. MTN Uganda over a two year period of 2017 and 2018 has budgeted over Ugshs 400 Billion invested in network upgrades in order to improve customer experience. This will increase our 3G sites and 4G/LTE sites to deliver a bold digital world to our customers,” he added.
Olivier Prentout the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer (center) is flanked by other dignitaries and MTN Uganda staff soon after receiving the Digital Brand of the Year award that MTN Uganda won at the Digital Impact Awards Africa (DIAA) 2017 awards night held at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The award was presented to him by the DIAA Patron, Hon. Karubanga David, State Minister for Public Service. MTN Uganda took home four other awards which cemented their position as the number one telecommunications company in Uganda.
According to Wim, MTN Uganda’s planned investment will upgrade the network in order to ensuring quality, good coverage and better experience. Further investment in the network also means the internet speeds continue to improve, which will facilitate business growth and innovation.
“In the world right now, the internet is driving innovation to unprecedented levels. We are seeing this in our numbers and data continues to be one of the fastest growing sources of revenue and subscriptions for MTN Uganda. We expect this trend to continue,” Wim pointed out.
MTN Uganda at the end of December 2017 had approximately 12 million subscribers. The ambition is to have at least two thirds of all MTN subscribers connected to the internet. This will happen with more affordable data, reliable network and affordable internet-enabled handsets.
Mr Lino Criel Icila, the secretary general of the Uganda Clearing Industry and Forwarding Association (UCIFA) has come out and assured trade stakeholders that the adoption and usage of the Uganda Electronic Single Window as a cargo clearance tool will not impact on jobs in the sector.
Launched in November 2016, the Uganda Electronic Single Window is a paperless platform that leverages technology to facilitate international trade through allowing for electronic submission of information, documentations and processing of import, export & transit related trade documents and requests.
Mr Lino’s position came at the back of some stakeholders fighting the electronic platform as they see it as a tool that may lead to underemployment and eventually unemployment for them.
But in a recent interview, Mr Lino was quick to note that debating electronic clearance vs jobs in the sector is a wrong perspective as even with the presence of this automated system, there is still physical work to be done.
“That is not a correct perceptive. Single Window doesn’t real have a direct impact on the jobs. It is a system of operation. Of course, it is true that with any automation, some processes are cut down thus the necessity to reduce staff. But it won’t be a very big impact. Because, even with the electronic system, there are still several things that still require man power. Electronic only does document logging, reading and accessing information and getting releases. Our staff still do physical verification, cargo delivery and supervision among others,” he explained.
He noted that since its launch, the single window has reduced both time and costs involved in cargo clearance in addition to ensuring that clearing and forwarding agents are paid promptly.
“Clearing Agents are paid when goods are delivered so when you deliver on time, you are paid immediately and when you delay, your payment also delays. In all the system is facilitating trade and benefiting all stakeholders,” he revealed.
Nonetheless, he challenged the government and her trade partners to work on the challenges that are currently affecting this system.
“There are three things that need to be addressed. Network issues need to be fixed because the system is internet enabled, have all trade agencies on board and massive sensitization so that all stakeholders move in the same direction.” he concluded.
Busia Traders, Customs Agents, URA, KRA, KenTrade and Uganda Single Window Team.
In Uganda, the National Electronic Single Window was rolled in November 2016 while in Kenya, KenTrade – National Electronic Single Window System was launched in 2014. The Rwanda Single Window was launched August 2016. In all these three countries, the single window systems are implemented by the sitting governments, supported by TradeMark East Africa, DANIDA, UNCTAD and other development partners.
The Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), through its chairman Everest Kayondo, has asked the government and her development partners to ensure that there is both faster and reliable internet at the border posts as this will guarantee seamless electronic cargo clearance.
In an interview at the start of 2018, Mr Kayondo noted that while electronic cargo clearance platforms such as the Uganda Electronic Single Window (UESW) were facilitating trade through reducing both time and money spent in cargo clearance, unreliable internet would undo the progress made so far.
“ There is a challenge of internet because some time, internet goes off and once it is off, all this science we are talking about including goods tracking and data capturing will fail. Once there is internet breakdown, there is a total mess,” My Kayondo highlighted, adding;
“At one time loaded trucks were at the border of Malaba and they were stretching to about 20kms. All these couldn’t be cleared because internet was down. So there must be a backup force to ensure that internet does not break down and when it does there is an immediate solution.”
KACITA’s position is further supported by trade stakeholders at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP).
Eric Onyango, a Ugandan Customs Agent at the Busia OSBP recently noted that just like any other new system, the Electronic Single Window still has some ‘teething issues’, key on the list being internet connectivity.
“One of the major challenge is connectivity and network instability. It is very hard to convince a trader used to going to customs desk to process documents that there is no network so they can’t be served. The other issue is systems interfaces. Since all these related organizations have been merged in to one window, sometimes you find a challenge that one agency is hanging. This one agency will hold you until when that problem is sorted,” Onyango stated, adding;
“There is also an issue of correspondence. Under this new arrangement, we are not supposed to have eye to eye contact with the traders. But we still have that culture whereby sometimes you can send an email and no one responds to it. You realize that at the end of the day, if you don’t call that person and talk to them, then nothing will proceed.”
The Uganda Electronic Single Window (UESW) is a paperless platform that leverages technology to facilitate private sector trade. The system allows for electronic submission of information, documentations and processing of import, export & transit related trade documents and requests.
In Uganda, the National Electronic Single Window was rolled in November 2016 while in Kenya, KenTrade – National Electronic Single Window System was launched in 2014. In both countries, the single window systems are implemented by the sitting governments, supported by TradeMark East Africa, DANIDA, UNCTAD and other development partners.
Kampala, Uganda. December 7, 2017:- Britam Insurance Company (Uganda) Ltd has today unveiled their new offices located in the prestigious Nakasero suburb in Kampala.
The offices, which were acquired from AIG, will host both Britam Insurance Company (Uganda) Ltd- the insurance arm of Britam Holdings Limited and Britam Asset Managers Company (Uganda) Ltd.
Britam Asset Managers (Uganda) offers investment management and advisory services to pension funds, insurance companies, corporates, government owned entities and retail investors. The company was launched on 27th July, 2017.
Speaking during the official unveiling of the offices at Britam offices, Nakasero Kampala, Mr. Allan Mafabi, the Chief Executive Officer, Britam Insurance- Uganda, said; “We are excited about our new spacious offices, which gives us an opportunity to serve our customers better and offer the full range of diversified financial services to our customers under one roof,”
Mr. Allan Mafabi, the CEO, Britam Insurance (Uganda) said the investment in the new offices was a reflection of the group’s commitment to the Uganda market, and was meant to offer convenience and comfort to the customers.
“Uganda is a key strategic region for the group as it expands its product offerings in the region. We will continue to strengthen our operations in the country in a bid to generate more employment opportunities for the benefit of the citizens,” Dr. Benson Wairegi said.
He said that Britam, which entered the Uganda’s insurance market in November 2010, has since grown to become the number three biggest insurer by premiums out of the 21 insurance companies operating in Uganda.
Dr. Benson Wairegi, the Group Managing Director, said Britam would continue to further invest in the Uganda market because of its great potential made possible by a conducive business operating environment.
“Over and above our recent opening of an asset management company in Uganda, we are considering opening a property division as well in order to bridge the property and real estate gap in the country,” he said.
He noted that Britam had continued to attract global investors, among them the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the investment arm of the World Bank, and AfricInvest, one of the largest private equity funds in the world. The investments, he said, demonstrated confidence in the long-term future of the company.
Dr.Benson Wairegi also thanked the Uganda government, and the relevant industry regulators for fostering a favourable business operating environment that had enabled private business from Kenya to thrive in the country in the true spirit of East African Co-operation.
He further lauded the Ministry of Financial Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) and Bank of Uganda (BoU), for launching The National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) 2017-2022 that among other things was focused on reducing financial exclusion and barriers to accessing financial services, whilst deepening and broadening formal savings, investments and insurance use.
About Britam Holdings Plc.
Britam is a leading diversified financial services group listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The group has presence in seven countries in Africa namely: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique and Malawi.
The group offers a wide range of financial solutions in Life Assurance, General Insurance, Health Insurance, Retirement Planning, Asset Management, Property and Banking. These solutions enable our customers to protect and grow their wealth and achieve their financial goals every step of the way.
Cross-Border Traders from both Uganda and Kenya have applauded both their governments for implementing the Electronic Single Window; a paperless platform that leverages technology to facilitate private sector trade through allowing for electronic submission of information, documentations and processing of import, export & transit related trade documents and requests.
Speaking during a November trade visit to traders, customs agents and trade facilitating agents at the Busia One Stop Border Post (OSBP), Charles Achieng, the chairperson Cross-Border Traders’ Association noted that prior to the introduction of the electronic single window, traders encountered lengthy, costly and time-consuming processes of moving from one agency to another looking for permits, chasing documents verifications and approvals.
“Because of the many agencies involved, definitely it took long time to clear goods and therefore, there existed congestion at the borders and ports. Ultimately this would end up pushing up the cost of doing business and compromise the competitiveness of the country. Manual systems also encouraged and facilitated environmental degradation because of the many papers and file bags used. Plus, some people also benefited from these lengthy processes through corruption,” Mr Achieng said.
Trading made easy.
Achieng noted that since its roll-out, the electronic single window has improved trade processes, strengthened accountability, tackled revenue leakages, reduced costs of doing business, eliminated bureaucracies, reduced corruption and adopted genuine players in to the trade process.
He said: “Single Window is faster, cheaper, paperless, convenient and very efficient. It has intelligence to disseminate information to all agencies that process, verify and approve trade documents. It coordinates cargo clearance, insurance issues and enables cargo tracking. Importantly, the single window is at this point facilitating the integration of the East African Community, taking in to account that the many agencies involved now have a podium to interact and exchange ideas, and compare data.”
These sentiments were supported by other trade participants.
Eric Onyango, a Ugandan Customs Agent at the Busia OSBP noted that the Uganda Electronic Single Window system is good, has simplified trade procedures and very advantageous to all stakeholders involved.
“I urge the government to fast track the system roll-out to all agencies involved and also educate traders and customs agents on how this system works,” Mr Onyango said.
Busia Traders, Customs Agents, URA, KRA, KenTrade and Uganda Single Window Team.
Clearance time reduced
Middy Amule, a Trade Information Desk Officer at the Busia Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) office noted that the Single Window is improving trade and also giving her office more room and time to facilitate small scale traders.
“Prior to adoption of the single window, the documentation was so much and several bureaucracies were involved. But with the single window, the work load for traders, trade officers and customs agents has reduced. But this doesn’t mean that we no longer have work to do. At my desk, we continue to facilitate traders through issuing simplified certificates of origin for small traders who handle goods (exports and exports) worth USD 2000 and below. URA has authorized the information desk team as the only issuing institution for these certificates to small traders. We operate hand in hand with our partners in Kenya under the same roof of One Single Border Post,” Amule said.
Emerging Issues.
Nonetheless, Onyango noted that just like any other new system, the Electronic Single Window still has some ‘teething issues’ that ought to be urgently addressed by the project leaders.
“One of the major challenge is connectivity and network instability. It is very hard to convince a trader used to going to customs desk to process documents that there is no network so they can’t be served. The other issue is systems interfaces. Since all these related organizations have been merged in to one window, some times you find a challenge that one agency is hanging. This one agency will hold you until when that problem is sorted,” Onyango stated, adding;
“There is also an issue of correspondence. Under this new arrangement, we are not supposed to have eye to eye contact with the traders. But we still have that culture whereby sometimes you can send an email and no one responds to it. You realise that at the end of the day, if you don’t call that person and talk to them, then nothing will proceed.”
Gilbert Juma, a clearing agent at the Busia OSBP, Kenya said noted that several traders are also not aware of this platform thus never understand when you tell them that there delays on the system.
“In our daily work, the biggest challenge we experience with some traders is that they are not aware of this system. So, at times you tell them that there is a delay caused by system instability, they will never understand how this system affects their trade. All they know is that once they have paid their taxes, they should be allowed to go with their goods. They don’t know that we are no longer moving from one office to another but rather doing everything online,” Gilbert Juma said.
David Wanga, a Trade Information Desk Officer at the Busia, Kenya Revenue Authority noted that the Single Window system is simple and easy to use but advised that all the other stakeholders need to be sensitized, mainly clearing agents and trade information desk officers so that they can effectively support the traders.
In Uganda, the National Electronic Single Window was rolled in November 2016 while in Kenya, KenTrade – National Electronic Single Window System was launched in 2014. In both countries, the single window systems are implemented by the sitting governments, supported by TradeMark East Africa, DANIDA, UNCTAD and other development partners.
Annual coffee exports registered a 31.89 per cent and 59.16 per cent increase in quantity and cash value respectively, the latest Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) report has revealed.
The UCDA monthly report for August 2017 indicates that “Coffee Exports for 12 months – September 2016 to August 2017 totalled to 4.47 million bags valued at USD 530 million (about UGX 1.908 trillion) compared to the 3.39 million bags worth USD 333 million (about UGX 1.199 trillion) exported in the corresponding period the previous year.”
The growth was supported by a strong performance of Robusta coffee, whose exports increased by 56.21 per cent. Arabica coffee exports on the other hand declined by 22.43 per cent.
This recent boom came at the back of deliberate government investments into the plantation of more coffee seeds coupled with among others Trade Facilitation initiatives such as the 2016 roll-out of the Uganda Electronic Single Window (UESW), a paperless platform that leverages technology to facilitate private sector trade. The system allows for electronic submission of information, documentations and processing of import, export & transit related trade documents and requests.
In an email exchange recently, Laura Walusimbi, the UCDA corporate communications manager noted that the increase in coffee export is as a result of government’s intervention slightly over three years ago to plant more coffee seedlings and facilitation of coffee trade.
“The 57.4 million coffee seedlings planted in 2013/14 are now starting to yield. This was almost triple the 19.6 million seedlings that were planted in 2012/13,” she noted.
Further still, the recent introduction of the UESW has fostered compliance and facilitated the sector.
Coffee is the most important Cash Crop in Uganda.
The latest UESW Performance Report, released in the first week of October 2017, during the Project Implementation Team (PIT) meeting convened by the Ministry of Trade at Imperial Golf View Hotel, Entebbe showed that by end of August 2017, the electronic single window portal had already processed and cleared more than 12,000 Coffee Export Permits through the system.
Addressing other partners at the PIT meeting, Mutebi Tobias William, the UESW Acting Project Manager stated that since the deployment and integration of the electronic single window with UCDA systems, a lot of progress has been made, highlighted by thousands of coffee export permits issued.
“Coffee Export permits after being approved by UCDA are being exchanged electronically with other regulatory agencies such as URA through the UESW. Coffee exporters now use the system for application for the of certificates which are being issued electronically by UCDA through the single window. In practice when an exporter is issued with the certificate, the system automatically submits a copy to the UESW system and the Customs system for export declaration processing of the declaration without necessarily waiting for submission of the same by the exporter. Note that when a declaration is made, the certificate is written off automatically by the UESW,” Mr Mutebi noted, adding;
“13,279 certificates have so far been received by URA successfully through the Single Window. 12,121 certificates have been cleared through customs and written off by export declaration.”
This development was further supported by Doreen Rose Rweihangwe, the UCDA Quality Assurance Manager who during this same PIT meeting noted that although the electronic single window portal is new, document processing has been made faster and captures more trade data at record speeds. She further encouraged other institutions who are not yet in the system to get integrated into the system, plus calling upon the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives to expedite rollout of the electronic single window to other regulatory institutions
“With the manual system, a trader usually spends about four days chasing after clearances from different offices including UCDA, clearing agent and customs unit. However, with the electronic single window, this process is now completed within one day.”
Damali Ssali, the Senior Programme Manager at TradeMark East Africa noted that the Uganda Electronic Single Window, funded by Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) through TradeMark East Africa, is coordinated by Ministry of Trade and implemented by Uganda Revenue Authority. It brings together more than 20 government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) involved directly and indirectly in International Trade including those involved in the import and export document process of goods and services.
“The electronic single window has already started to benefit Ugandan coffee exporters through the reduction in transaction costs and time. We expect the same benefits to accrue to everyone in the trading community as we get more agencies integrated onto the electronic single window system,” Damali Ssali said.
So far, URA, UNBS, NDA, UCDA, UEPB, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Energy are already using this online portal while development of related interfaces for rollout to others continue to be undertaken by the PIT in coordination by MTIC
The system guarantees faster clearance of cargo, less transaction costs, no paperwork, limited physical interactions thus reduced bribery and convenient E-tracking of goods.
This was emphasised by the theme of the PIT meeting “BIG BUSINESS ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES”. With this theme, Francis Kolou, the UESW Coordinator in the trade ministry assured the meeting of government support to trade facilitation initiatives and commitment to roll out the electronic single window to other institutions. He further called upon the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities that the platform provides.
“The Ministry is confident that the electronic single window system is fundamental in implementation of other related projects jointly implemented by TradeMark East Africa and the Government of Uganda such as the One Stop Border Posts at Busia, Mutukula, Mirama Hills, the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, the Authorised Economic Operators Initiative, and the Non-Tariff Barriers Reporting System among others.”
