HiPipo Money

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• GOtv has expanded its operations to cover four of  five of Uganda’s sub regions  
• GOtv is enhancing a smooth transition from analogue to digital migration for every Ugandan
• Customers will access amazing digital sound and picture quality at affordable prices, monthly subscription for as little as UGX 18,000.

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MTN Uganda has responded to a call for action against the silent but serious problem of malnutrition among school going children. This is on the backdrop of the rising state of malnutrition in the country. The Bushenyi Nutrition Marathon attracted participants from the Western region including a number of Secondary School students from the region.

MTN Uganda sponsored 1000 participants in the 10km and 5km races. This is in line with MTN’s commitment to partner with the Government of Uganda in developmental projects.

This is an initiative by the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mary Karooro Okurut who is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Bushenyi. She aims to use this platform to raise funds and awareness about health and nutrition not only in Bushenyi but also in surrounding districts and in Uganda as a whole.

The Chief Runner for the Bushenyi Nutrition Marathon that was held on Saturday 30^th November 2013, was the 2012 London Olympics gold medalist Stephen Kiprotich; the race kicked off from Ishaka Kizinda stadium in Bushenyi.

The marathon attracted a number well-wishers as well as MTN sponsored students from ten secondary schools. The sponsorship from MTN Uganda was to the tune of UShs 15 million.

MTN Uganda’s  General Manager Corporate Services, Anthony Katamba said MTN made a commitment  to pay for 1000 student runners from schools around the area, including; Bweranyangi Girls, Kyeizooba, St Kaggwa Secondary school, Ruyonza, Kampala International University, Valley College, Ngyeya,  Rwentuuha Day and Boarding, Kyamuhunga Secondary School and Uganda Technical College.

Katamba said its part of MTN’s cherished practice to respond to initiatives that impact positively on the lives of the community and the country at large.

 “We are proud to be part of this initiative which I believe will draw attention to the need to fight malnutrition, in the country starting with Bushenyi district. We have in the past responded to requests to support National Priority Areas through the MTN Foundation”.

The Bushenyi Marathon also attracted other Corporate participants including; Movit, Igara Tea, Crane FM, Hunter FM, Spring/USAID and Kizinda. Other sponsors of the Bushenyi Marathon include Ministry of Health, Movit Industries, Bank of Uganda, Fresh Dairy, Uganda Communications Commission, and Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development, Mwanamugimu, and UNICEF and World Vision among others.

The best male and female participants in the 5km and 10km races were awarded with prizes including heifers, television sets, bicycles and mattresses to mention a few. This is the first edition of the Bushenyi Nutrition Marathon.

The MTN Uganda CEO, Mazen Mroué said, “This comes at a time when we have just concluded a phenomenal 2013 MTN Kampala Marathon that attracted over 20,000 participants to raise funds to take safe and clean water to the people of Karamoja”.

So far over 120,000 entrants have run the MTN Kampala Marathon over the last ten years and have raised close to UShs. 1.4 billion which includes UShs. 400 million that has been earmarked in the 2013 edition of the Marathon. This year, all the proceeds will go towards taking clean and safe water to the people of Karamoja through WaterAid Uganda as the implementing partner.

This donation was made through the MTN Uganda Foundation. The MTN Uganda Foundation is a not-for-profit legal entity that was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its’ Corporate Social Investments (CSI). The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life in communities where MTN Uganda operates in a sustainable way. Over the past five years since its launch, the MTN Foundation has supported a number of initiatives in the areas of Education, Health, Arts and Culture, Environment, Community Development and Low cost housing.

“From 2013 going forward, the MTN Uganda Foundation will focus on three programme areas to guide its interventions. These include Education, Health and National Priority Areas,” Mroué concluded.

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. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtn.com www.mtnmmo.com  and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com

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MTN Uganda, the leading Mobile Money network, has partnered with Interswitch Uganda to further increase their ATM Cash out footprint by allowing customers to cash out at all Interswitch’s ATMs across the country. Interswitch Uganda, is one of East Africa’s leading integrated payments companies.

MTN Mobile Money customers can now generate a four digit TIN by dialling *165# from their mobile phone which can then be used at any Interswitch ATM across Uganda on a 24/7 basis to access their money.

Speaking at the launch at Serena Hotel, MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ernst Fonternel, underscored MTN’s mission of making the lives of its customers a whole lot brighter through convenient and cost effective solutions such as access to MTN Mobile Money through ATM platforms.

 “MTN Uganda’s market leadership continues to be driven by our investment in extensive coverage coupled by superior quality on Voice and Data, while offering innovative Value Added Services and putting customers first”.

Fonternel welcomed the partnership with Interswitch:  “We are very pleased to be entering into this partnership with Interswitch which will give our customers significantly improved access to their money on a fast growing network of ATMs across Uganda.”

Interswitch Chief Executive Officer Muyiwa Asagba said, “We are delighted to be working with MTN Uganda to provide their customers with even greater access to their money via the MTN Mobile Money platform. At Interswitch we are firmly committed to rolling out our electronic payment and transactions services across Uganda. This agreement is the latest step in our mission to improve convenience, financial inclusion and encourage even faster economic growth across the continent.”

He added that the agreement forms part of Interswitch’s African expansion plans. Interswitch is committed to providing solutions that address local challenges by providing convenient and cutting-edge electronic payment and transaction services.

According to the Central Bank, Mobile Money transactions totaled Ushs 11.7 trillion in 2012, which was a 211% increase since 2011. MTN continues to lead Mobile Money in Uganda with almost 5 million registered users since their launch in 2009.

MTN Uganda has enjoyed unprecedented success since it was launched 4 years ago, now recording in excess of 25 million transactions each month.

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.

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. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtn.com www.mtnmmo.com  and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com

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The 2013 MTN Kampala Marathon has received varied accolades from participants for the impeccable planning and seamless organization of the event. Specifically sited was the good security and the organisation of the flag off of runners in the different categories that resulted to less confusion and stampede at the flag off points compared to subsequent Marathons.

This year 18,887 individuals officially registered for the MTN Kampala Marathon but the overall number of actual runners far exceeded 20,000. The MTN Kampala Marathon has become the largest event on both the sporting and social calendars of Uganda. This has been the largest number of participants since its inception 10 years ago.

Participants also acknowledged the fact that there was enough water for all of them and a few added their gratitude for snacks like popcorn to snack on after the race. Others were appreciative of the great parking arrangement and tight security put in place for the safety of the runners particularly at a time when security has been of great concern for all.

MTN CEO Mazen Mroué extended appreciation to all participants in the 2013 MTN Kampala Marathon saying that their zeal to run for a good cause has demonstrated commitment among the human race to make life better for the less privileged people of Karamoja who are the beneficiaries of this year’s MTN Kampala Marathon proceeds.

He particularly thanked the partners in this year’s Marathon which included Huawei, New Vision, Stanbic Bank and Rwenzori Mineral Water. He also applauded the Uganda Police, the various Security Agencies, the Uganda Red Cross and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for their endorsement of the event and their respective roles in ensuring the success of this year’s Marathon. Last but not least he thanked the Uganda Athletics Federation for their partnership in this year’s Marathon as well as during the last 10 editions.

Mroué said that the function was such a success because of the particular dedication from the committed MTN Staff that worked through a dedicated Project Team to ensure that every aspect of the event was covered.

MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ernst Fonternel said, “We take pride in the fact that the MTN Kampala Marathon is now Uganda’s largest sporting event however we are more pleased that every participant paid attention to the more significant fact that we can join hands to give back to societies we live and work in and change the lives of thousands of Ugandans.

He added that MTN Uganda is committed to ensure that the MTN Kampala Marathon continues to grow and to attract runners from both Uganda and the region. He noted that it is fulfilling to know that the event is used to collect proceeds that go to noble and sustainable causes that positively impact the people in the communities where MTN operates.

“We have dedicated ourselves to ensuring that we support the cause of improving the society we live in by harnessing the passion that we as Ugandans have within ourselves. MTN Uganda is committed to remain a responsible citizen through a number of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and the MTN Kampala Marathon is my personal favourite”.

Participation in the MTN Kampala Marathon is a personal achievement for the runners and continues to attract great numbers not only from within Uganda but as the event grows, the number of international participants also grows.

So far over 120,000 entrants have run the MTN Kampala Marathon over the last ten years and have raised close to UShs. 1.4 billion which includes UShs. 400 million that has been earmarked in the 2013 edition of the Marathon. This year, all the proceeds will go towards taking clean and safe water to the people of Karamoja through WaterAid Uganda as the implementing partner.

“All the participants of MTN Kampala Marathon are heroes because they run, and they run knowing that there is a benefit for others” Mroué concluded.

Notable figures in this year’s Marathon included the Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura who flagged off the 42km and 21 km races and also participated in the 10km race. The Olympic Gold Medalist Stephen Kiprotich also attended the event and flagged off the 10km race. They both commended MTN Uganda and its partners for this great and noble cause.

The details of the final winners of the 10^th Edition of the MTN Kampala Marathon are as below:

Men 42km

1. D. Kimwetic (Kenya) won Ushs. 14 million
2. P. Matheka (Kenya) won Ushs. 7 million
3. P. Cherotwo (Uganda) won Ushs. 3.5 million

Women 42 km

1. G. Chepchirchir (Kenya) won Ushs. 14 million
2. R. Kiboino (Kenya) won Ushs. 7 million
3. S. Jemutai (Kenya) won Ushs. 3.5 million

Men 21km

1. D. Rotich (Uganda)
2. M.Kibet (Uganda)
3. E. Chepkorom (Uganda)

Women 21km

1. L. Toroitich (Uganda)
2. A. Chebet (Uganda)
3. D. Chesang (Uganda)

Men 10km

1. P. Kipyeko (Uganda)
2. S. Mande (Uganda)
3. B. Somikwo (Uganda)

Women 10km

1. N . Cheptegei (Uganda)
2. R. Chebet (Uganda)
3. P. Chekwemoi (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. Visit. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtn.com www.mtnmmo.com  and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com

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The fifth and final Blankets and Wine Festival scheduled for Sunday 8^th December, 2013 at the Museum Grounds is set to be a thrilling display of musical prowess as Zimbabwean guitarist, vocalist, performer and composer, Oliver Mtukudzi takes the stage for the third time in Uganda.

Oliver, who is one of the few people in the world to have a beat named after him, ‘tuku’ which comes from a blend of Zimbabwean ‘Mbira’ with the faster Zulu township ‘Mbaqanga’ beats will perform alongside Uganda’s best afro-pop musicians, Maurice Kirya, Naava Grey and Milege Band.

Tusker Lite, which has been at the forefront in promoting Afro-fusion music, will again bring the finest talent to Uganda during December’s Blankets and Wine, which is the premier Afro-based music festival in East Africa designed to showcase genres of Afro-fusion music. 

Described as a the most recognized voice to emerge from Zimbabwe, Oliver Mtukudzi first recorded in the 1970’s when Zimbabwe was still known as Rhodesia with the Wagon Wheels Band. He later started his own group, Black Spirits, with whom he still plays and has released over 30 full-length albums and several compilations.

With his husky voice, the songwriter and guitarist, that is well-known for his graceful onstage dance moves has become an icon in Africa and the international scene.

Speaking during his unveiling, Tusker Lite Brand Manager, Harry Mwanje said that Oliver Mtukudzi is a legendary musician and it’s the reason they are bringing him to Uganda.

Added Harry, “One thing that makes Oliver Mtukudzi stand out is his music background with a his unique beat that he uses frequently to tackles social issues, particularly poverty and the AIDS epidemic that is responsible for so much misery in Africa”.

A quarterly, picnic style music festival, Blankets and Wine is sponsored by Tusker Lite and it provides a platform for Tusker Lite to show appreciation to consumers by showing casing the Afro fusion genre of music and in LIVE performances by a wide array of artists.

“This is a new concept for Afro-fusion music lovers in Uganda where they are always encouraged to drive down to the venue with a Maasai shuka, blanket or kikoys, a picnic chair, some Tusker Lite, a picnic basket and their preferred company then proceed to share in this music and lifestyle experience”, said Harry Mwanje.

The fifth edition of Blankets and Wine Kampala will be held on Sunday, 8^th December 2013 at the Uganda Museum Grounds starting at 1:00pm. Advance tickets for the event will be selling at UGX 50 000. On the event day, revelers will pay with UGX 70,000 at the gate. Tickets are available at all Uganda Wines and Spirits Distributors retail stores and The Hub Oasis Mall.

In line with its support for responsible drinking, Tusker Lite will be maintaining a strict ‘over 18 only’ policy for sale of alcohol.

About Oliver Mtukudzi

liver started out as a professional musician when he joined the Wagon Wheels in 1977. Now, along with his own band The Black Spirits, his appealing voice, captivating guitar rhythms and superb dance moves make his live performances really fantastic to experience. Mtukudzi sings in Shona interspersed with a bit of English, and the lyrics often have special or hidden messages. Many of his songs give advice on life.

Oliver sings accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, without his band, because of the tragic deaths of his brother, keyboard player Robert, guitarist Job Muteswa, and drummer Sam Mutowa and he dedicates his earlier albums to them.  As well as performing and recording music Mtukudzi has starred in 2 major Zimbabwean movies, Jit (1990) and Neria (1991) and there are soundtrack CDs of both of these. He has also written a musical about Zimbabwe’s street children. Over the last 5 years Tuku’s music has deservedly made a significant impact on the world-wide music scene.

He has won numerous awards and has featured in many TV programmes and prestigious magazines, for example Time Africa’s article entitled ‘The People’s Voice’ together with his picture on the front cover. In the 2003 Kora Awards Tuku won not only the Best Male Artist: Southern Africa Award but also the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Geisha Religious Places Activations: Miracle Centre Rubaga and Wandegeya Mosque