HiPipo Money

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South Africa scoops three highly prestigious IMEX 2015 Awards that ‘elevate South Africa’s standing as a global Business Events destination of choice.

IN A HISTORIC first for South Africa, the destination has bagged three globally prestigious and coveted awards at the world’s biggest business event trade show, IMEX 2015. More than 14 700 delegates from 150 destinations attended three intensive days of business.

IMEX 2015 took place from May 19 to 21, 2015 in Frankfurt, Germany.

South Africans bring home the following IMEX 2015 Awards: the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum International University Challenge; the Destination Marketing Humanitarian Award; and the PCMA Global Meetings Executive of the Year Award.

The South African winners at IMEX 2015:

·           Anzelle Vorstman, a tourism and hospitality student at North West University, won first place in the internationally acclaimed IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum International University Challenge. She attended IMEX 2015 after winning the South Africa university challenge hosted at South African Tourism’s Meetings Africa in February, 2015;

·           Joburg Tourism won the Destination Marketing Humanitarian Award that recognises the destination marketing organisation that best demonstrates leadership and community support; and

·           Pieter Swart Conference Consultancy South Africa (CCSA), won the PCMA Global Meetings Executive of the Year Award. This award honours a meeting planner who demonstrates vision, commitment and passion for the advancement and education of the global meetings industry.

“The IMEX Awards distinguish you and your destination as a global leader and bench setter,” says South African Tourism Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thulani Nzima. “We heartily congratulate each of the winners, and thank them for flying South Africa’s flag high. One needs to be a consistent performer to win one of these awards. The accolades are a reward for uncompromising dedication to excellence. The recipients have been recognised by the world for the standards they set, and that other destinations and people aspire to.

“As important,” he adds, “the awards send a strong message to the global Business Events market that South Africa is home to people and organisations that are Business Events pioneers, and that hold significant intellectual capacity and practical know-how in the profession. The accolades work to elevate South Africa’s standing as a Business Events destination of choice globally.”

The IMEX win comes days after the International Congress and Convention Associations (ICCA) 2014 rankings announcement that saw South Africa climb two places up the rankings (from 34th place to 32nd) making it the number one Business Events destination in Africa and the Middle East. The City of Johannesburg shot 35 places up the ICCA rankings (from 136th spot in 2013, to 101st spot last year) to make it one of the fastest ascending cities in the world for Business Events hosting.

The IMEX accolades also follow the appointment of South Africa National Convention Bureau Business Events Ambassador, Professor Douglas Oliver, to the board of the BestCities Customer Advisory Board. The BestCities Global Alliance is a global collaboration comprising the convention bureaus of twelve cities: Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver.

“South African Tourism’s SANCB has been working hard to roll out a strategy that will attract more Business Events to South Africa. Key to this is demonstrating that we have people on the ground who are passionate and knowledgeable. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to them for advancing South Africa’s success as a Business Events and meetings destination,” Mr Nzima says.

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The Rotary Club of Kampala North has installed Rotarian Eric Byenkya PHF as its 28th President to lead the club for the Rotary Year 2015-2016 effective 1st July 2015. Rtn. Byenkya takes the mantle from Rtn. Jayne Frances Nakato who has served in the same capacity for the Rotary Year 2014-2015.

The installation took place at a colorful event held at the Pearl Restaurant Nommo Gallery in Nakasero on 25^th May 2015. The event was presided over as Guest of Honor by Mrs. Thereza Mbire. Rtn.

 Byenkya will lead the club under the 2015-2016 Rotary Theme “Be a Gift to the World”, an inspirational flagship theme aimed at energizing Rotarians worldwide to give unconditionally of their time, expertise and resources to make the world a better place.

In his inaugural speech, Rtn, Bwenkya pledged to start a poor youth project known as Vijana Poor project aimed at helping the you people step out of poverty.

Bwenky further pledged to rally Rotary Club members of Kampala North to continue with mentorship and sponsorship as ways of helping members of the community to excel.

“We are going to continue to serve the Rotary Foundation by stretching our yearly target beyond US $ 30,000. With this year’s theme being “Be a gift to the world”, I urge all Rotarians to endeavor to transform the lives of the underprivileged”, he added.

Speaking after bestowing the instruments of power to Bwenkya, Mrs. Mbire hailed Rotary Clubs for their humanitarian activities which she said are lighting the world with good deeds aimed at helping other excel.

She encouraged Ugandans to emulate the work of Rotarians in their day to day lives to make the country a better place for all to live in.

The Rotary Club of Kampala North is a member club of Rotary International chartered on August 06, 1988. The Club is one of the leading Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 9211, having been involved in a number of successful projects targeting the neediest communities in Uganda and having executed projects portfolio worth over USD 3 Million covering Health, Humanity, Hunger and other Rotary focus areas.

Most recently, the Rotary Club of Kampala North has partnered with the Rotary Foundation to sponsor lifesaving heart surgeries worth over USD 71,000 for over 20 children at Mulago Hospital in partnership with the Uganda Heart Institute, partnered with the NSSF, Makerere College of Health Sciences & other partners to provide free dental services the dental camps held in the last 3 years, and completed an ‘Adopt a Village Project’ worth over USD 114,ooo to provide intervention in Water and Sanitation, Basic Education and Literacy, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Maternal and Child Health, Economic and Community Development in Nkondo Village in Buyende District. In 2005, the Rotary Club of Kampala North in partnership with other international Rotary Clubs and the Rotary Foundation donated dental equipment worth over USD 1M to the then Mulago Dental School.

 Rotary International is a volunteer Organization made up of over 1.2 million business and professional leaders in 34,000 clubs in more than 200 countries worldwide, who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world.  Rotary is involved in a number of humanitarian activities, health being one of the key interventions supported.

Rotarians are neighbors, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in their communities and around the world.

Their differing occupations, cultures, and countries give them a unique perspective and their shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable.

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From events managers to artist promoters, managers, musicians, actors, masters of ceremonies and comedians, everyone in the entertainment industry would like to keep a firm grip on their finances without the hustle and bustle if traditional banking.

This explains why entertainers are already reaping the benefits of a new MTN Mobile Money innovation that lets customers deposit and withdraw money from bank accounts; an innovation that comes with effective, convenient, efficient and time saving financial control.

In March this year, MTN Uganda launched a service dubbed “Bank Push and Pull” that enable customers combine their Mobile Money transactions with their bank accounts.

MTN Mobile Money subscribers, after registering with partner banks – currently Stanbic, DFCU, Pride Microfinance and Centenary – are able to “pull” money from their bank accounts to mobile money accounts; and then “push” it to any other accounts of their choice.

This therefore means that a musician doesn’t have to cancel a studio session, just so that they can go make a bank deposit of withdraw. All that can be done on their phone.

“A client can now pay me through mobile money and I will not have to run to the bank to make a deposit. I just make deposits to my bank account using my mobile money account. I can also make payments from my bank account using my phone, without going to the bank. That is super convenient and time saving”- says M.C Meddie, an actor and master of ceremonies

MTN Uganda CEO Brian Gouldie had also noted at the point of the launch of “Push and Pull” that Mobile Money’s next step is driving financial inclusion.

“One of the biggest benefits of Mobile Money to Uganda continues to be the increase of access to financial services to customers across the country,” he said.

“This new solution further enhances that benefit by reducing the cost of banking while delivering convenience that we believe ultimately leads to increased productivity.”

The cost element is significant. Most of the unbanked people in Uganda still point to the cost of banking as the major barrier, as Economist and PHD student Rukundo Nshakira notes.

“Banking services are expensive and costly to many people. Monthly charges and in some cases transaction charges make it prohibitive. These make people prefer to have their money with themselves rather than in banks, and this is the benefit that mobile money offers,” he said.

“Sending remittances is becoming easier as international remittance services such as Western Union and Money gram can now deliver money on someone’s Mobile Money account. This makes the flow of capital very easy and of course has positive benefits on improving livelihoods in many ways,” Nshakira added.

Artists and Entertainers now have an easy way of keeping their financial books in their hands; a thing that gives them super financial control, yet without having to put on hold a rehearsal or video shoot just to go to the bank.

“I can now pay a video producer, choreographer and dancers from my bank account, right here on my phone. That therefore means that I can still transact even in the heart of a video shoot rehearsal. I find that very convenient”- says Reggae artists Juju of Kwagala fame.

With an excess of 30 million transactions each month, MTN Mobile Money has enjoyed unmatched success since it was launched in 2009 and 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.

The deposit and withdrawal feature can be accessed through the MTN Mobile Money menu under the “Financial Services” option, but is only available for users who have registered with the banks.

While only four banks are currently supported, MTN says it is working on expanding the service to cover all banks operating in the country.

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New Mobile Money innovation lets customers deposit and withdraw money from bank accounts.

As the world today grapples with the need to extend financial services to the unbanked, mobile money, an innovation that’s less than a decade old continues to offer the first realistic solution.

Over 28 years of economic stability in Uganda have led to under five million bank accounts, the largest player having less than 500,000 accounts.

Mobile Money on the other hand has already attracted tens of millions of users, with the MTN Uganda alone having over 7million. That is tangible evidence of the service’s potential. The question that remains, therefore, is what is its next milestone?

In March this year, MTN Uganda launched a service dubbed “Bank Push and Pull” that enable customers combine their Mobile Money transactions with their bank accounts.

MTN Mobile Money subscribers, after registering with partner banks – currently Stanbic, DFCU, Pride Microfinance and Centenary – are able to “pull” money from their bank accounts to mobile money accounts; and then “push” it to any other accounts of their choice.

It is in line with the prediction Bill and Melinda Gates made in their 2015 Annual Letter earlier this year:

“By 2030, two billion people [around the world] who don’t have a bank account today will be storing money and making payment with their phones. And by then, mobile money providers will be offering the full range of financial services, from interest-bearing savings accounts to credit to insurance,” noted world’s richest couple.

MTN Uganda CEO Brian Gouldie had also noted at the point of the launch of “Push and Pull” that Mobile Money’s next step is driving financial inclusion.

“One of the biggest benefits Mobile Money to Uganda continues to be the increase of access to financial services to customers across the country,” he said.

“This new solution further enhances that benefit by reducing the cost of banking while delivering convenience that we believe ultimately leads to increased productivity.”

The cost element is significant. Most of the unbanked people in Uganda still point to the cost of banking as the major barrier, as Economist and PHD student Rukundo Nshakira notes.

“Banking services are expensive and costly to many people. Monthly charges and in some cases transaction charges make it prohibitive. These make people prefer to have their money with themselves rather than in banks, and this is the benefit that mobile money offers,” he said.

“Sending remittances is becoming easier as international remittance services such as Western Union and Money gram can now deliver money on someone’s Mobile Money account. This makes the flow of capital very easy and of course has positive benefits on improving livelihoods in many ways,” Nshakira added.

With an excess of 30 million transactions each month, MTN Mobile Money has enjoyed unmatched success since it was launched in 2009 and 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.

The deposit and withdrawal feature can be accessed through the MTN Mobile Money menu under the “Financial Services” option, but is only available for users who have registered with the banks.

While only four banks are currently supported, MTN says it is working on expanding the service to cover all banks operating in the country.

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Digital Impact Awards Africa (DIAA), the index of digital effectiveness awards organisations that use their websites, mobile and social channels, apps and digital finance to support their business and social objectives.

“Now in its second year, DIAA draws on detailed analysis of innovation and best practice that are painstakingly researched and compiled throughout the year under three theme areas; Digital Inclusion, Financial Inclusion and Cybersecurity”, says Innocent Kawooya, Cyberplc Partner and CEO HiPipo.  Through the published DIAA research reports, DIAA aims to show what should be done (and what should not be done) to make digital as effective as possible, added Innocent.

Digital impact Awards Africa (DIAA) has 9 categories to research and award innovation and excellence in the deployment of digital (web, mobile and social media). These categories are:

1.     Best Government Agency on Social Media

2.     Best Corporate Brand on Social Media

3.     Best E-Commerce Classifieds/Marketplace

4.     Best E-Commerce Store/Service

5.     Best E-Service

6.     Best Mobile App

7.     Best Digital Marketing Campaign

8.     Best Digital Customer Service

9.     Best Corporate Website

Given the impact of mobile on the advancement of digital inclusion, DIAA has introduced a category to award the best mobile devices brand.

10.  Best Mobile Devices Brand

DIAA has introduced 3 categories to research and award innovation and excellence in the deployment of digital financial services to improve financial inclusion. These categories are:

11.  Best Payments/Transfers Service

12.  Best Online/Mobile Banking Service

13.  Best Mobile Money Service

For sustainable use of digital, there has to be trust in the digital systems. Due to this necessity the DIAA category for Best Cybersecurity Practice will review how well organisation are adopting best cybersecurity practices.

14.  Best Cybersecurity Practice

Overall DIAA category is Digital Brand of the Year.  This combines effective use of web, mobile, social, digital finance and cybersecurity.

15.  Digital Brand of the Year

DIAA awards entry is open. The awards will be held on 13^th August 2015 at Serena Hotel Kampala. Nomination will be release on 5^th June 2015.

DIAA is proudly presented by Cyberplc and HiPipo, supported by NITA-U and leading organisations in the digital space.

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Suburbs in the capital go head-to-head for the cost of real estate

Are you on the hunt for real estate in Uganda, but cannot decide where to buy? From the most affluent districts to more affordable locations, different areas of the capital cater to different budgets.

To help house-hunters choose the best location to suit their needs – and their wallet – leading property portal Lamudi Uganda has compiled a guide to the city’s real estate price trends. This battle of the suburbs reveals which suburbs offer the best value for money – and which are more suited for those looking for a more luxurious lifestyle.

Lamudi Uganda’s Country Manager Shakib Nsubuga said: “The biggest thing right now for a house-hunter is to get a good location that is worth the investment. The prices say it all about the area. For example, the price of an apartment in Najeera will not be the same as that in Kololo. This difference is usually attributed to a number of factors such as what amenities can be found in a location and its accessibility.”

Kololo vs Naalya

Kololo is the most expensive location in Kampala by far, with land going for as much as $1,500,000 for an acre, houses for sale going for as much as $56,000 and rentals for $2,500 per month. The fact that this is a highly sought-after residential area with good access to malls, schools, hospitals, offices and other amenities has pushed up prices in the suburb. This neighborhood is also home to embassies and residences for dignitaries, which makes it a high security area.

At the opposite end of the scale, Naalya is just outside the city center but, with the construction of the Kampala Northern bypass, travelling to and from this area has become easier and more convenient for people who live here. Buying and renting in this area is cheaper than Kololo because there are many apartments and more are being constructed, meaning prices are competitive. Naalya is an up-and-coming suburb with various schools and other amenities. An apartment in this area can go for as low as $350.

Naguru vs Bweyogerere

Behind Kololo, Naguru is the second most expensive suburb in the city. The area is sought-after by many investors and property-buyers because it is accessible and also has good connections to other areas.  An apartment in this area can be rented for $2,500.

Bweyogerere, another location that just outside the city center, has some of the cheapest properties in Kampala. A plot of land in this suburb can be bought for as low as $500, while a rental can go as low as $200. The fact that this suburb is approximately 20 minutes from the city center without traffic means it is more affordable than  Naguru, which has the advantage of being nearer to the center.