HiPipo Money

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The MTN Uganda through the MTN Uganda Foundation has today handed over ten new Police Booths constructed on different locations along the 21 kilometer Northern By-Pass to the Uganda Police Force. The booths that were constructed at a total cost of UShs. 110 million will go a long way in supporting the Uganda Police with Community Policing as well as enhancing their Emergency Response activities in the area.

Officially receiving the booths at a ceremony which took place at the Najjera Fly Over, the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura hailed MTN for this community and people centric initiative. Other locations along the Northern By-Pass include: Namboole Round About, Namugongo Fly Over, Naalya Round About, Bukoto Fly Over, Kyebando Round About, Kalerwe Round About, Namugoona Round About, Masanafu Round About and Busega Round About.

“The Uganda Police welcomes this initiative by MTN Uganda Foundation and we believe that these booths will be utilized to enhance our work in ensuring continued safety and security for the community that lives and works in the areas around the Northern By-Pass. This is one of the high traffic areas and therefore this is a much welcomed gesture,” Kayihura said.

He added that this was a timely intervention particularly in the current climate where security is of particular concern for the Government of Uganda and for all citizens alike.

MTN Uganda’s CEO Mazen Mrouè, said the idea of constructing the booths was hinged onto the relevance of Community Policing and the fact that the Northern By-pass has become a convenient route for both motorists and pedestrians, plying it even deep in the night.

He stressed MTN’s commitment to continue identifying community needs that require support; he said the MTN Uganda has always looked at supporting relevant and impactful community initiatives.

Over the last 15 years since MTN Uganda started operations in Uganda, it has partnered with the Uganda Government in matters of disaster response and now security and safety of the people. The MTN Foundation for the year 2013 has focused on 3 key priority areas which include; Education, Health and National Priority Areas. Mroue recognized the fact that security is indeed a National Priority Area for the Ugandan Government, particularly now- following some recent unfortunate events in the region that have led to a special emphasis on enhancement of safety for all citizens.

 “At MTN Uganda, we realize and understand the importance of continued support towards the communities where we operate. The Uganda Police have done a commendable job in ensuring the safety of the people of Uganda. Today, MTN Uganda is demonstrating the need for corporate citizens to join hands with the Government to support this crucial work,” said Mrouè.

He said that MTN Uganda will continue to do its part as a responsible Corporate Citizen to ensure viable and sustainable development for the people of Uganda.

Just a week ago, the MTN Uganda Foundation contributed items worth UShs. 150 million towards the rehabilitation of the Kilembe Mines Hospital in Kasese District- Western Uganda as an effort to contribute to the welfare of the people following the aftermath of flood disaster which hit the district earlier this year in May, leaving in its wake immense challenges including poor sanitation and hygiene. 

Giving a brief chronology of MTN Foundation initiatives, Mrouè said in 1999, MTN partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for displaced people the first being in Mbale and Hoima districts.  Since then, MTN Uganda has built a total of 237 homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity housing close to 1380 individuals; this is the largest number of homes funded by a corporate company.

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.

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, through the MTN Uganda Foundation has donated an assortment of items to Kilembe Mines Hospital in Kasese as an effort to contribute to the welfare of the people following the aftermath of flood disaster which hit Kasese earlier this year in May, leaving in its wake immense challenges including poor sanitation and hygiene. 

The donation which included 100 hospital beds, 100 mattresses, 100 blankets and 100 mosquito nets were handed over to the Minister of Health, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda who received them on behalf of   the hospital management at a function presided over by the Minister of Health- Honourable Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda. MTN also provided additional support by painting the Children’s ward.

At the beginning of May 2013 heavy rains caused the banks of the Nyamwamba River to burst, which resulted in flooding in Western Uganda’s Kasese district. Eight people were confirmed dead, and over 25,000 have been affected. The flooding has caused widespread destruction of houses, crops and facilities such as bridges, roads and power lines. Major infrastructures such as a hospital and sewage treatment unit were also been damaged.

A recent survey by Africa Climate Change Resilience Alliance, a regional NGO, notes; “Increased intensity of flash floods in Kasese has led to erosion of fields, both high and low lands reported the negative impact of unpredictable seasons on cropping patterns and resultant low yields leading to reduced food availability. Mosquitoes which were unheard of in the district are now common and malaria cases have become common”.

It is against that background that MTN Uganda has come up with the donation to identify with the people of Kasese.

MTN Uganda’s CEO Mazen Mrouè, underscored MTN’s commitment to continue identifying with the vulnerable communities in the country adding that the Company has always been at hand to give a helping hand whenever necessary. Over the last 15 years since MTN Uganda started operations in Uganda, it has partnered with the Uganda Government and a number of relief agencies in matters of disaster response.

 “At MTN Uganda, we realize and understand the importance of continued support towards the communities where we operate. The floods destroyed property and affected the lives of the people of Kasese. This greatly shocked the nation and the world and deeply touched us at MTN and that’s why we decided to come in and help,” said Mrouè.

“Governments all over the world are over whelmed by emergencies like these, and most times, especially in the developing world it is important for partners to answer the call and provide support for the relief efforts. As Uganda’s number one corporate citizen, we believe it’s our obligation to support government efforts in areas like these,” Mroué added.

In 1999, MTN partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for displaced people the first being in Mbale and Hoima districts.  Since then, MTN Uganda has built a total of 237 homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity housing close to 1380 individuals; this is the largest number of homes funded by a corporate company.

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.

Honourable Rugunda hailed MTN for the initiative saying that MTN, through the Foundation has proved that the company has the welfare of the country at heart.

“As government we welcome this initiative by the MTN Foundation and applaud you for partnering with us in extending the reach of much needed support to the people of Kasese. We would also like to express our most sincere gratitude to Board of the Foundation for having initiated this process and now we can finally see the benefits of their actions,” concluded Honourable Rugunda

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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Brand New Channel for DStv Mobile!

DStv Mobile has introduced a new channel to its mobile television offering.

Much acclaimed channel M-Net Africa East will be joining the DStv Mobile stable so viewers can look forward to great talk shows, local series and exciting reality shows. 

DStv Mobile is constantly looking for ways to give consumers what they want and provide them with a world of extraordinary entertainment.

“Over the years we have strived to meet the requirements of different lifestyles and channel preferences through introducing new devices and new content respectively. With the addition of M-Net Africa East we hope to reach a broader audience” says Tina Wamala, PR and Communication Manager MultiChoice Uganda.

The addition come just before the festive season hits – giving subscribers even more to keep them entertained during the holidays.

DStv Premium subscribers can access one DStv Mobile for premium subscription at no cost.  DStv Compact, Compact plus and Family subscribers can access one DStv Mobile subscription at no cost. All other subscribers can expect to pay $4 per month.

DStv Mobile coverage is available in Kampala.

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Purchase of 20 locomotives will double haulage capacity in 8 months

Regional railway operator, Rift Valley Railways has purchased 20 locomotives under an ambitious expansion programme that aims to double its locomotive and wagon fleet by June next year.

The 12-cylinder, turbocharged engines, built by American industrial conglomerate General Electric, will be delivered between March and the end of June next year.

The trains are equipped with a microprocessor control system that monitors the engine’s performance and boosts load-carrying capacity by 20 per cent by optimizing the traction between the wheels and the railway track.

“Since 2010, RVR shareholders have injected over $156 million to improve railway infrastructure and install modern, GPS-based train management technology in Kenya and Uganda. Investing in expanding our cargo haulage capacity to meet growing demand is the logical next step in our plans”, said Darlan De David, RVR’s group CEO.

RVR recently rebuilt 73kms of rail track between Nairobi and Mombasa and nine culverts between Busembatia and Jinja, helping cut cargo transit time to Uganda by 6 hours. The company recently rehabilitated and reopened the 500km Tororo-Gulu-Pakwach railway line in northern Uganda. This track will facilitate delivery of rail cargo from Gulu by road to South Sudan and eastern DRC.

“This capacity expansion will dramatically increase our rail cargo carrying ability which will be a boon to freight transporters not only in Kenya and Uganda, but across East Africa”, De David added.

When added to ongoing locomotive rehabilitation in progress in its Nairobi plant, the 20 trains will double RVR’s wagon-moving capability. The wagon refurbishment programme underway in RVR’s Nairobi and Kampala factories is expanding the fleet at the rate of 50 wagons per month, with a view to tripling the wagon operating convoy by 2015. 

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…as welcome party for evicted ‘Undercover Brothers’ excites fans in Kampala

As the sixth season of Tusker Project Fame heats up, top contestants, including Uganda’s Sitenda find themselves on the probation list that could see them exit the competition next Saturday during the live eviction show.

After a surprise double eviction which saw Angel and Jennifer leave the house this past Saturday, East Africa will be put to task to vote for their favourite contestants in the most dramatic Tusker Project Fame season yet. With each country getting one vote, the balance will be tipped by Tanzania and Burundi whose contestants are safe this week.

Yesterday during the nomination show, the pressure to steer clear of the chopping block was evident as Fess from Kenya took the stage taking on a Bruno Mars song like a seasoned pro despite Judge Ian critiquing his poor diction.

Uganda’s Daisy Ejang gave a performance of a lifetime singing ‘Price Tag’ by Jessie J. Daisy, which was a complete surprise from the usual ballads she has done since the Opening Gala. It was an epic performance that received rapturous applause from the crowd considering that she lost her voice earlier in the week.

Phionah from Rwanda was up next with Halo by Beyonce but with her poor diction the crowd was not pleased with her rendition of the ballad.  Bior sang ‘She Ain’t You’ by Chris Brown, backed by the Sarakasi dancers. Despite Bior giving his best the judges felt it was not his best performance with Judge Ian, in his usual candidness, suggesting that Bior stick to rap.

He was followed by Kenya’s Nyambura who sang Cecil’s ‘Don’t let me Cheat on My Boyfriend’ and had the crowd rocking and dancing. Principal Eric was glad Nyambura brought the right amount of fire and she gave her everything to her performance.

The ladies favourite, Hisia, performed ‘PayPhone’ by Adam Levine. Standing in a spotlight and looking dapper as always, Hisia had the crowd going wild even before he had sung a verse. Judge Juliana declared the stage as Hisia’s playground.

Back in Kampala, the Undercover Brothers were being hosted to a welcome party by Uganda Breweries Limited at Panamera Bar and the duo that has bet their money on Kojjo to win enjoyed the show with fans while giving insights on what happens behind the scenes at the Academy. They later performed for their fans showcasing their talent and skills learnt at TPF.

Uganda’s Sitenda sang ‘Bittersweets’ by Fantasia and unfortunately didn’t wow the judges getting negative comments with all judges unanimously assenting that it wasn’t her best performance. Uganda’s only male contestant Derrick Kojjo sang ‘There Goes My Baby’ by Usher. Kojjo gave a performance that drew him out of his shell receiving a great applause from the audience and the guest Judge Atemi who remarked that Kojjo did great, and his falsetto was amazing.

The dynamic Kenyan duet Amos and Josh who are coming out as top prize contenders did a superb rendition of ‘Tell me how come” by Morgan Heritage and had the crowd singing along to the famous reggae song.

The big voice from Hope came out last and performed ‘Let Me Love You’ by Ne-Yo. Dressed in a bowler hat, waist coat, shirt and jeans, Hope had the crowd on their feet dancing with him as soon as he hit the chorus. Hope received a one minute standing ovation from the crowd, something unseen since the beginning of the competition and had the stern Judge Ian say that Hope’s performance made his evening.

In the end, Bior from South Sudan, Patrick from Rwanda, Sitenda from Uganda and Nyambura from Kenya landed in the probation list and are up for possible eviction next Saturday although the judges’ decision was not necessarily shared by the audience.

East Africa will now have to vote to save the favourite contestant. Ugandans can vote for the favourite contestants by sending an SMS with the word TUSKER followed by the contestants’ number to 8338. Voting ends on Saturday.

Contestants’ voting numbers:

Bior – Tusker 3,

Patrick- Tusker 9,

Sitenda- Tusker 11,

Nyambura – Tusker 10

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His top team selection earns him336 points and the monthly title 

On Thursday 31^st of October, GUINNESS FOOTBALL MANAGER exclusively announced their second Manager of the Month. In September, Bernard Semujju from Kampala topped the monthly leader board and has shown that he has the football knowledge to take on the likes of Roberto Di Matteo as a world class football manager.

September’s Manager of the Month picked a dynamic and balanced team comprising of top, middle and lower tier players in the English Premier League earning him 336 points. As a reward for his great performance, Bernard, an avid Arsenal fan has won UGX 1.5million and a DSTV Walka 7.

Phoebe Nakabazzi from GUINNESS said: “Congratulations to Bernard, our GUINNESS FOOTBALL MANAGER ‘Manager of the Month’!  It’s a great accolade to win the Manager of the Month title and Bernard really showed that he had the confidence to make bold decisions with his fantasy team.  He chose a line up of players who scored him top points from their performance this month.”

The weekly winners of the Guinness Football Manager for the respective weeks in September were also awarded with a DSTV Walka 3.5 each and a crate of Guinness to share with friends. The September weekly winners are Prince David Akiiki, Mathew Kasewi, Joab Kankiriho and Isa Sebagala.

Prizes for are available for the Manager of the Week, Manager of the Month and the grand prize, the Guinness Football Manager of the Season worth UGX 5million. As well as the Manager of the Month and Manager of the week, Guinness will also be rewarding fans with big prizes including t-shirts, caps and Guinness to enjoy with friends.

“At GUINNESS, we are dedicated to bringing football lovers across Uganda a deeper, richer football experience and know that GUINNESS is the beer of choice for football fans up and down the country. With GUINNESS FOOTBALL MANAGER, we are giving lovers of the beautiful game an interactive way to get involved with the game,” said Phoebe Nakabazzi.

GUINNESS FOOTBALL MANAGER was launched in August by Italian footballer and Champion League winning manager, Roberto Di Matteo, when he visited Uganda.  Each week, Di Matteo will select his very own ‘Player Made of More’ – the player he believes has made the most significant contribution in that week’s matches and any managers with that player in their fantasy team, will be awarded extra points. This week’s ‘Player made of More’ was Fernando Torres who had a good weekend on the field. His all-round display, in which he set up the first goal for Chelsea and was capped off by a well-deserved last-minute winner, silenced his critics after struggling with his form recently. 

Choose your team and get involved!  All you need to do to play GUINNESS FOOTBALL MANAGER is sign up to GUINNESS VIP at m.guinnessvip.com, follow the instructions to select your team and show Uganda what you are made of!  It is free to get involved.

This brand new, fantasy football game is widely available for football fans to play on all mobile phones, from basic text handsets to smartphones and feature phones as well as on a computer.  It gives fans the chance to step up to the challenge of being the boss – you pick the team, you call the shots and you get the glory.  You get to select players your own fantasy team of players and manage them throughout the season to win great prizes.

Please drink responsibly, strictly 18/21+.