HiPipo Money

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…contestants of past and present came together in the grand finale…

Tusker Project Fame is nearly over for another year, but on the upside that means we still have the final to watch!

It was a family affair in the final week of Tusker Project Fame. As the excitement of final evictions approached some of the exhilaration of the penultimate night was tempered by the death of former South African president Nelson Mandela. Mindful of the tremendous legacy left by President Mandela the show began with a tribute performance by Kavi Pratt (niece of sitting Kenyan President H.E Uhuru Kenyatta) with the first family there to cheer her on from the VIP marquee along with Mburu Karanja son of former EABL MD Michael Karanja- the Master Brewer who’s signature is on the bottle of Tusker Malt.

Some top flight performances on Sunday left the judges with a tough decision about which final 4 contestants would make the cut. As Hisia, Daisy, Hope and duo Amos and Josh prepare for the grand finale; it was the end of the road for Patrick and Nyambura when they were voted out of the show on Saturday.

Having impressed the judges enough to make it through to the final Daisy (Uganda), Hisia (Tanzania), Hope, Josh and Amos (Kenya) still have their work cut out for them battling it out for the title of Project Fame Winner 2013.

The excitement in the Dome was palpable as former academy contestants came back to support the finalists performing original singles were recent evictees Nyambura who sang “African Party” written and produced by Eric Musyoka and Patrick with his single “Moving On” penned by Chris Adwar.  With the Project Fame family back together the stage was set for a thrilling finale.

In the ultimate show of the season the finalists each took the stage with fellow Project Famers from their respective countries. Waving the flag for Tanzania, finalist Hisia and Mesechu received a standing ovation from the crowd for their electrifying performance of African Legend Fela Kuti’s “She Go Say” and a stirring rendition of Marvin Gaye classic “Let’s Get It On”.

Having impressed with her powerful voice over the weeks, Daisy (the sole remaining female finalist) graced the Dome Stage next lending her voice to Tabu Ley’s “Mzina” alongside Davis. The vivacious songstress wowed the audience with a commanding but controlled performance of showing why she was the last woman left standing in the competition.

Not to be outdone Amos and Josh came out at full throttle singing “Twende, Twene” by Eric Wainana accompanied by Patricia Kihoro. Taking the performance into Outkasts “Hey Ya” the effervescent duo had the crowd in the Dome going wild exiting the stage with fans of the Kenyan duo screaming for more.

The final reunion pair to sing was Hope with Ruth who gave a strong performance though Hope’s vocals stood mountains above Ruth illustrating why he’s been a front runner for the title throughout the season.

A singing battle royale and some show-stopping performance to boot – what more could you possibly want? Fighting for the ultimate crown the final four were ready to take the stage for the final time this season with what could be their debut single.

With a track produced by Eric Musyoka called “Just For You” Hisia ignited the stage, clearly ‘in it to win it’ the young Tanzanian sang like he’s never sung before on the show displaying the vocal development he has nurtured since joining the academy.

Crowd favorite Hope was next up with an original song by Eric Wainina called “Honey”. Performing with the ease of a seasoned professional Hope, gave all l he had, right down to the last note leaving the audience standing in what was one of the best performances of the season.

Dynamic Duo Amos and Josh came next bringing Aoron Rimbui’s “I Love You Baby” to life with an upbeat and energetic performance. Dancing throughout the performance the duo was in their element and did not miss a single beat vocally or rhythmically.

Last on the Project Fame stage was the last woman in the completion Daisy. Belting out the aptly titled song “Lady” the song written by Tim Rimbui, Daisy showed supreme confidence and poise on the stage. Definitely a force to be reckoned with the Ugandan songstress went the extra mile to produce a stellar final performance. 

With the contestants performances over the moment we have all been waiting for arrived. Eager anticipation filled the Dome and as the crowd waited for the final results to be tallied and the winner of Tusker Project Fame season 7 announced, Sauti Sol took the stage performing their mega hits “Money Lover” and “Still the One”. After (number) of weeks of performances East Africa has finally chosen its Project Fame Winner for 2013. Every single body in the Dome erupted into thunderous applause on finale night at the announcement that Hope was the winner of Project Fame season 6.

The popular Burundian Hope, was crowned the Project Fame season 7 winner over some tough competition from Hisia, Daisy, and duo Amos and Josh but ultimately rose above the rest with his captivating personality, engaging performances and blistering vocals.

The future for these young stars looks bright and as we come to the end of the season there’s definitely more for fans to look forward to as we watch the new crop of Project Famers and newly crowned winner Hope take on the world.

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The much anticipated commencement of construction of Karuma Dam by Sinohydro, a Chinese Firm contracted by the government of Uganda to construct the 600 Megawatts dam on Karuma has begun.

A team of financiers from the Exim Bank of China which is expected to provide funding of the dam were on Wednesday taken on assessment tour at the dam as negations for funding draws to a conclusion.

The Exim Bank team is today expected to meet Finance Minister Maria Kiwanuka for the final deal closing.

Talking to journalists at the site, Mr. Song Yi Jun, Sinohydro Project Manager said his firm has so far spent several million dollars in the preliminary excavations which includes clearing the grounds, digging of a tunnel and paving the roads to the site.

According to Song Yi Jun, much of the necessary arrangements for the construction of the dam have been made, expressing optimisms that with the provision of the funds by Exim Bank, full scale activities will resume in the next few weeks.

 “As you can see, we have started assembling equipment and soon full scale construction will be under way” he said.

Song Yi Jun added that the firm has lined up 500 Chinese Experts to provide for the task which will see 3000 locals directly employed at the peak period. Song said under the agreement, his firm will raise 85% of the construction costs while the government of Uganda will raise the 15%. Under the arrangement, government was to handle community resettlement which Song confirmed is under way.

“It is a policy of Sinohydro that we have to work on this project within the framework of Uganda laws. To that effect, we are confident to embark on full scale construction since the environmental Impact assessment was done and approved”.

Engineer Henry Bidasala Igaga, The Assistant Commissioner Electrical Power who was on site with the team said the Karuma project was a much welcomed venture which is anticipated to ease the increasing demand for power in the country.

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Smirnoff vodka a few weeks ago took its signature nightlife experience – “The Night” – to Entebbe, entertaining revellers at the Spennah Beach with a party unlike any other. With fantastic deejays and dancers, a stunning stage and bright lights, dazzling ambience and charged crowd, nothing could match up to this. It was the first time ‘The Night’ was being held in at the beach in Entebbe making it arguably the lakeside town’s biggest party this year.

Spennah beach came alive with a glow-in-dark theme amplified by ultra-violet lights and loud sound, creating a party atmosphere that reflected Smirnoff’s brand promise to consumers: quality, memorable experiences and extraordinary nights. Since it was Smirnoff’s first beach event ever and just coming before the main Smirnofff Night schedules for 20^th December at the Garden City Rooftop, the organizers did not disappoint.

The brand’s Brand Manager Paul Niinsima says the Smirnoff Nightlife experience is intended to share and improve the party experience across Uganda.

The deejay was set up on an elevated stage as they entertained party-goers with a mix of music ranging from house and techno to hip hop, dancehall and old school hits. Topping up the experience were colourfully outfitted dancers, Smirnoff ambassadors in their glow-in-the-dark costumes, glow-in-the-dark merchandise and off course, the Smirnoff signature cocktails, Black Swagger and Moscow Mule.

“This experience was about bringing the best of international nightlife to Entebbe, and we believe we did that,” said Paul. Another event was held on 20^th December, 2013 at the Garden City Rooftop!”

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MTN Uganda hosted the end of year Mug of Mugs at Kampala Golf Club. This was an all-day golfing event in which the MTN staff and other corporate companies participated. During the MTN Business Golf Day a few weeks ago a number of items were handed over to the Golf Club management including a caddy kit that consists shirt, cap, shorts and bib, a range protective kit that includes leg guards, shin guards, helmets and ball pickers, ball washers and ball buckets

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony, MTN CEO Mazen Mroue expressed pride in what MTN Uganda has done to bridge the gap between business and sports reaffirming that the game of golf would have MTN’s continued support. He also said this was a chance for golf members to experience what MTN as a brand has to offer.

“For the last 5 years MTN Uganda has continued to commit significant resources to the MTN Monthly Mug which runs throughout the annual golf calendar. Over time, this property has evolved and today the Uganda Golf Club now fully runs and manages the Monthly Mug events”, he said.

In addition to this, MTN Uganda has over that last three years sponsored one of Uganda’s leading golf talents and upcoming pro-golfers, Deo Akope, to the tune to the tune of UShs. 174 million with an annual sponsorship of UShs. 58 million. Akope has participated in a number of international golf tournaments under the MTN sponsorship and has flown not only the MTN flag high, but the Ugandan flag as well.

MTN Uganda has consistently supported the sporting fraternity in Uganda and aside from golf; it has assisted many sports over the years including football, rugby, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and golf amongst others. Through the MTN Arena in Lugogo, which was refurbished by MTN in 2010 to be the largest and most modern indoor stadium in Uganda and the region, we are leaving a legacy for Ugandans to benefit from. The MTN Kampala Marathon now in its 10th year has supported many noble causes over the years and remains the flagship event on the Uganda Sports and Social Calendar.

The MTN Mug of Mugs is the last mug in a series of 12 monthly mugs and 4 quarterly mugs sponsored by MTN Uganda.

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 30 September 2013, MTN Uganda recorded 8.4 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. More info on www.mtn.com

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In a bid to improve energy and telecommunications access for Ugandans who lack reliable electricity, MTN Uganda and Fenix International have developed an ultra-affordable Pay As You Go energy solution designed to bring safe lighting, phone charging and more to those living off-grid across the country.

The new product known as the ReadyPay Power System, is available on a Pay As You Go basis using MTN Mobile Money and works like a phone top-up to enable the user to make affordable and flexible payments according to their budget.

ReadyPay kits start from Ush 40,000, including 7 days of power. The customer then makes top up payments from Ush 1,000 per day to unlock the power until their kit is paid off.  After that, owners get power for free. 

“The amount one pays determines how long one can access the power. For example, on the most affordable kit, a payment of 1,000 UGX will provide power for a day, whilst a larger payment of 30,000 UGX will provide power for a month”, said MTN Chief Marketing Officer Ernst Fonternel.

Fonternel added that the product was initially launched in Lira on November 18^th with great success and is set to roll out nationwide early next year.

Talking about the key benefits of the product, Fonternel said:  “The ReadyPay Power System provides bright, safe, reliable lighting without the risk of using kerosene lamps, and secure phone charging without leaving your own home. It’s easy to set-up, no technician is needed, and comes with an 18 month warranty. This is all thanks to MTN Mobile Money which means customers can make small, affordable payments until they own the system.”

ReadyPay is a multifunctional Solar Power System which includes a solar panel, battery pack featuring 2 USB ports & 2 car lighter adapter ports plus a range of lights and phone charging accessories. Larger kits include radio or TV accessories and additional accessories like hair clippers or torches are sold separately.

For orders call 0800 202 933 Free of charge.

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 30 September 2013, MTN Uganda recorded 8.4 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit us at www.mtn.com.

About Fenix International

Fenix International produces ultra-affordable power generation and smart energy storage solutions to empower more than 1.3 billion people living off-grid. Fenix is a for-profit corporation based in San Francisco, California with customers across multiple markets and core expertise in power electronics, product design and base-of-the-pyramid marketing. Fenix has been prominently featured in the New York Times, Fast Company, Popular Mechanics, CNET, VentureBeat, and has won several awards and honours since it was founded in 2009. 

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Saturday 7^th December 2013 was intense as the MTN Play gamers raced against each other to the finish line in attempts to win the grand prize of one million shillings worth of MTN Mobile Money in the MTN Uganda organized tournament at Faze 2, a Kampala eatery.

With 27 slots for competitors, the stakes were high as each of the lined up players carefully navigated against competition, to scoop the top prize.

Ibrahim Kizito emerged overall winner, snatching the coveted prize of one million shilling of Mobile Money along with a Samsung Galaxy tablet. David Ojok, the runner up won Mobile Money prize of 500,000 and a Samsung tablet as well.
2^nd runner up Lucky Jude won 250,000 worth of Mobile Money and a gift hamper of MTN goodies.

The games played at the tournament were all from MTN Play the MTN online portal www.mtnplay.co.ug/games and the tournament was aimed at giving customers a chance to engage with games available on the portal 

Unlike other competitions, the tournament capitalized on mobile gaming with all the games played on mobile devices (Tablet PC), which demonstrated to customers the fun side of engaging customers on mobile games.

The participants that included Comedian Daniel Omara played a total of nine games with all of them advancing to the second round and as the stakes were raised, supporters enthusiastically cheered their teams.

Speaking at the event, MTN Chief Marketing Officer Ernst Fonternel appreciated audience participation and the video game knowledge of players.

 “I am happy that many people turned up to play and others to support. It’s clear that the products we have on MTN Play resonate well with our customers and we thank the people who came on Saturday to try their skills at the various games.”

Ernst added that the MTN Play portal is the continuation of MTN’s efforts to provide customers with more options in content.

 “We will continue to deliver products that keep our customers engaged and entertained”.

The competitions where spiced up with entertainment from various dance groups, musicians Navio and Young Mulo.

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 30 September 2013, MTN Uganda recorded 8.4 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 million subscribers