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Airtel Uganda Slashes Money Transfer Rates

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As the festive season draws closer, Airtel Uganda has announced a slash in the Person to person money transfer charges in a bid to enable its customers send money affordably throughout the festive season. Money transfer charges have been reduced to as low as UGX 180 – currently one of the lowest rates in the Uganda telecommunications industry.

Person to person money transfer also known as P2P is a transaction type where one mobile phone subscriber sends money to another directly using their mobile device.

According to Mr. Anwar Soussa, the Airtel Uganda Managing Director, the charges have been reduced not only to enable Ugandans send money to their friends and families throughout the festive season but also to enable them increase the profitability of their businesses by carrying out more affordable transactions.

“Airtel Uganda will continue to provide more affordable solutions to Ugandans as a way to show our appreciation to our customers for their support over the years. This festive season, we encourage whoever is not a part of the Smartphone network to join and take advantage of these new transaction charges,” he said.

“All our subscribers have to do is dial *185# and be able to send money for as low as UGX180,” he added.

To use Airtel Money, Airtel Uganda subscribers simply dial *185#. Subscribers can also download the Airtel money app from the Apple store or Google play store.

Below is a breakdown of the before and the revised Airtel Money charges.

Band Current charge New  Charge
500 – 2,500 500 180
2,501 – 5,000 500 350
5,001 – 15000 1000 600
15,001 – 30,000 1000 800
30,001 – 45,000 1100 1000

Uganda tourism Gains Good Publicity at WTM UK

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Uganda’s tourism sector got a large publicity in UK’s top media coverage that led to increased inquiries at the just-concluded three-day event World Travel Market (WTM) expo in London. At this annual even Uganda was showcased its great advantages! Uganda is a competetetive tourism destination and some of the reasons why you must visit Uganda is its great weather that is condusive all year round, wildlife, culture, heritage and unique location. These features make it the ultimate safari destination in East Africa.

Another potential is the investment opportunities that are available for business travelers who would like to trade or invest in this lovely country.

Uganda’s tourism was featured on a full page spread in the travel section of the UK’ leading newspapers that inlclude The Financial Times (FT), fondly referred to as FT or the Pinky, because of its distinctive pink colour, prizes itself.

FT.com has 4.5 million registered users and over 285,000 digital subscribers, as well as 600,000 paying users. FT Chinese has more than 1.7 million registered users.

“For Uganda to appear in the FT is very good publicity especially that it was featured on a full page as the lead story on the eve of the WTM is mark of honor, visibility and recognition for us as a country,” says UTB Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Asiimwe.

Led by the Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and hosted by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Uganda exhibiting at the Excel international Convention Centre located on the northern quay of the Royal Victoria Dock in London Docklands, between Canary Wharf and London City Airport.

The three-day event was attended also by 20 private sector exhibitors who also included hoteliers and accommodation property owners. “In 2015 and 2016, Uganda had 18 private sector players. This is the largest contingent of private sector players and we are very hopeful there will be an increase in numbers,” Stephen Asiimwe, the CEO of the UTB said yesterday.

UTB also provided promotional materials, meals, entertainment, media, speaking engagements and coordinated meetings with different players.

Uganda’s government delegation also included the state minister of tourism, Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda, the shadow tourism minister and MP for Kasese, Hon Robert Centenary, and the outgoing Tourism Permanent Secretary Amb. Patrick Mugoya. Mr. Mugoya has been transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Others are the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the High Commission in London led by Amb. Joyce Kikafunda.

“We are here to aggressively market Uganda in all its facets,” Prof. Kamuntu said at a media briefing at the Uganda Stand. “President Yoweri Museveni has promised us more support and we are determined to push Uganda to a middle income economy by 2031 and tourism will be one of the cash cows in this endeavor,” he added.

“The hiring of a public relations and marketing firm for the UK market has been a big boost in bringing business contacts, appointments and securing good deals for our tour operators,” Asiimwe said.

Kamageo group was responsible for the increased publicity, visibility and interest in Uganda. Kamageo has been running a “Discover Your Uganda” campaign under the Pearl of Africa brand. This has led to writers flying into Uganda and writing and covering travel experiences from Bwindi Impenetrable forests to Kidepo National Park and covered in top media houses like National Geographic, The Sun Newspaper, The Daily Star, The Independent, Rough Guides, among others.

At the WTM Uganda featured in a travel trade center-spread magazine, the TTG@WTM with a readership of 50,000 readers in print and on-line.

In May 2016, Uganda hired three PR and Marketing companies for North America, German Speaking and English speaking countries. The UK firm, which was contracted, Kamageo, has been very instrumental in engaging mainly UK travel trade and media companies to highlight travel experiences to Uganda. The event which was launched by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe has seen over six groups from top Media and Travel companies do familiarization trips to Uganda.

Northern Ugandans “Don’t Understand” Ongwen and Kwoyelo trials

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Kwoyelo Trial

Courts are currently trying two former child soldiers from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Meanwhile, many from the war-affected communities are still waiting for true justice – through truth telling and reconciliation.

Two former child soldiers of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) are currently being tried for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Dominic Ongwen is facing the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands, while Thomas Kwoyelo is facing the International Crimes Division (ICD) in Uganda.

As the two cases progress, technicalities are arising which include issues around witness representation and the legality of presiding judges. Meanwhile, many in northern Uganda are voicing a larger concern: the need for alternative justice mechanisms.

Reactions to the proceedings

Lucy Alum, a vendor at Gulu’s main market, believes that the two defendants are victims and should not be prosecuted. Instead the Ugandan government should have protected them in the first place. “They were abducted and forced to kill on orders from their commanders and if they had not obeyed, they would have been killed themselves,” said Alum.

Alum wants the courts to acquit them and instead consider traditional justice mechanisms or a larger amnesty for those affected – as was part of Agenda Item No. 3 on the Juba Peace Agreement that was signed by the LRA and the Ugandan government.

Calling it “selective justice”, Alum says prosecuting certain ranks in the LRA, while leaving the rest, will discourage those still in captivity from returning home. She urges the court to seek for alternative forms of justice such as fostering forgiveness through truth telling. Only then can there be lasting reconciliation.

John Muto-Ono Paljur, a writer in Gulu, agrees and said, “The paradox will not end until the regime changes.”

What went wrong?

Douglas Peter Okao is the Local Government Chairman V for Omoro district. He has been following Kwoyelo’s case from the beginning and has reservations about the witnesses being produced. He says witnesses are needed from both sides of the conflict, and particularly from those communities where these crimes are alleged to have been committed.

The chairman also says the trials are not in line with the Acholi belief in traditional justice mechanisms involving reconciliation, forgiveness, truth telling and cleansing. He questions the extent that the authorities have explored these options. He also urges all stakeholders in the conflict, including those that were involved in the peace process, be consulted.

“We need to advocate for traditional justice while pursuing this case in line with what was resolved in the amnesty act,” said Okao. “And to what extent is the court engaging traditional institutions, religious leaders and those who were instrumental in the Juba Peace Talks?’’

According to Okao, court cases mostly just focus on a few atrocities committed on a few individuals or groups while leaving the bulk of victims without justice. He appeals to the lawyers and the courts to explore all available justice mechanisms.

Many other political, religious and traditional leaders in Acholi also continue to advocate for the use of traditional justice mechanisms as a means to foster justice and accountability. They believe a truth telling and reconciliation process – similar to what was successfully applied in countries such as South Africa and Rwanda – can also work in Acholi.

Candano Jacob, a concerned citizen, also speaks of “selective justice”. He sees it as unfair that these two junior LRA officers are being prosecuted, while senior LRA officers such as Brigadier Kenneth Banya, Brigadier Okunga Adek, former LRA spokesperson Sam Kolo and Major General Caesar Acellam got benefit from the amnesty.

“And what will happen when some evidence begins implicating the high ranking officers who have been given amnesty and are walking freely?” wonders Jacob. “Will they also be brought before court to answer charges?”

We do not understand the working of the courts

According to Okao, local leaders were consulted in the initial stages of establishing the ICD. However, key stakeholders and local government leaders are no longer being consulted – and therefore the court is losing its relevance for the local communities most affected by war.

“At the moment we don’t understand the proceedings because Kwoyelo was already at one time arrested and acquitted. We also don’t understand the charges levelled against him because of several irregularities and the inability to understand the court language which should be localised,” added Okao.

For the court to be relevant to the local people Okao proposes that information on what is happening in the courts should be disseminated to the communities in the region through established networks and forums, such as the Northern Region chapter of the Uganda Local Government Association, the Joint Acholi Leaders Forum, the Women’s Advocacy Network, traditional storytelling around the fireplace known as wang-oo, the various victims associations and the media.

Question of reparations

The victims of atrocities alleged to have been committed by Thomas Kwoyelo and Dominic Ongwen expect reparations and compensation. But do these two former low-ranking soldiers actually have the capacity to pay?

And what about reparations for the victims who are still missing, the relatives of the undocumented dead, those living with bullets in their bodies and all those who are still traumatised?

Despite several government and donor rehabilitation programs such as Peace Recovery and Development Program, Northern Uganda Social Action Fund, Northern Uganda Rehabilitation Emergency Plan and many others, the impact of such initiatives among the affected communities remains to be felt.

MTN Reduces Mobile Money Sending Rates

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MTN Uganda announced that it has reduced mobile money sending charges for tiered amounts between 500 and 45,000/-. The promotion is part of MTN’s festive season offers and will go on at least until end of the year. The reduced charges apply to MTN Mobile Money customers sending money to other mobile money registered customers.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the MTN Service Centre Towers at Forest Mall, Lugogo.
MTN’s General Manager for Financial Services Phrase Lubega said the offer is in line with MTN’s commitment to driving financial inclusion in Uganda while delivering easier and more affordable services to customers.

“We are excited to deliver the first festive season offer, making sending even more affordable for customers on MTN Mobile Money,” he said.

“MTN Mobile Money has always been a simple and convenient service to use with transactions being completed in only a matter of seconds. We are happy to offer customers even more reason to use this product as we head into the festive season,” he noted.

MTN’s Chief Executive Officer Wim Vanhelleputte added; “To be able to accelerate the financial inclusion that mobile money is at the fore front of supporting, affordability is key. This is why we have taken a decision to reduce the mobile money rates for sending money in the transaction ranges that the majority of our customers transact. We are making it more affordable for the customer to send money using MTN Mobile Money.”

MTN also revealed that MoKash, the savings and loans product has now registered more than 1 million customers, since its launch 70 days ago.
Commenting on the milestone, the Chief Executive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte said, “MoKash has experienced tremendous success so far, processing thousands of loans per day and more than 1million customers having registered within the first 70 days.”

SK Mbuga Accused of Tax Evasion on Imported Ferrari Car

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SK Mbuga

Businessman Sulaiman Kabandwa Mbuga commonly referred to as SK Mbuga is today expected to defend himself against charges of tax evasion before Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) officials.

Officials at the national tax body say they summoned him last week after his suspected falsification of information about a Ferrari car he imported last week.

URA officials say although the model of the Ferrari Mr Mbuga imported is a 2011 one, Mr Mbuga claimed it was manufactured in 2012.

By falsifying the car model, URA officials say, Mr Mbuga would dodge paying a 35 per cent environment levy on the vehicle.

A 2011 Ferrari with a mileage of up to 30, 000 kilometres costs $106, 999 (Shs366.9 million), according to www.cargurus.com.

A 35 per cent levy on such a vehicle would mean the importer would have to pay $37, 499.65 (Shs128.6 million) tax.

URA’s deputy spokesperson Ian Rumanyika confirmed on Sunday that they have summoned Mr Mbuga to defend himself.

“So we told him to come and meet the Commissioner General Ms Doris Akol on Monday [today] so that we can show him the facts,” Mr Rumanyika said.

However, Mr Mbuga on Sunday said he was not aware of today’s meeting with URA.

“I have not heard from URA,” Mr Mbuga said. “I paid URA Shs160 million for the car.”

Mr Mbuga said when URA officials first verified the particulars of the car; they established the car is a 2012 model.

Along the way, Mr Mbuga claims, another URA official who wanted a Shs30 million kickback to clear the vehicle from a car bond in Kampala, claimed it was a 2011 model because Mr Mbuga had refused to pay the Shs30 million bribe.

He said he is ready to go to URA’s to meet Ms Akol, the commissioner general, because in any case, he has always been going there.

Mr Mbuga is no stranger to run-ins with the tax collector.

According to URA, the businessman has another outstanding Shs118.4 million uncleared tax bill from another fraudulently cleared vehicle.

Maj. Gen. Julius Oketta passes on

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Major Julius Oketta

The UPDF Spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda has confirmed the death of Maj. Gen. Dr. Julius Oketa (60), who has been the deputy chief coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).

Oketta passed away at Kadic Hospital, Bukoto, Kampala of heart failure. He was rushed on Friday night to the hospital and passed away on Saturday morning.

“It is true, the news is sad,” Ankunda said. “It is a big loss for the country. He was a very reliable officer. He once told me he would never betray his country,” Ankunda added.

Oketta was an Army representative for the 9th Parliament 2006-2011. Thereafter President Yoweri Museveni appointed him to work in OWC.

Operation Wealth Creation was set up in 2013 by Museveni to eradicate poverty in the country with the assistance of the army and it is headed by Gen. Salim Saleh.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah described Oketta as an officer and a gentleman.

“Every time I met him in the corridors of Parliament, he would say let me salute to civilian authority. He did a lot of work in Parliament,” Oulanyah said.

Oketta led the Regional Reserve Forces Command when the Uganda People’s Defence Force helped in combating the Ebola epidemic in Northern Uganda.

He was the director of the National Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre in the Office of the Prime Minister, 2007-2011. He acquired over 9 years of experience in the field of civil-military humanitarian response.

He was head of procurement and disposal unit Ministry of Defence 2004, Uganda Liaison Officer Sudan 2003, chief of logistics and engineering UPDF 2001-2003, Division Commander 6th Division NRA/UPDF 1989-1993.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration and attended Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC). In 2015 he was a Member of the Advisory Board of the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF).

Kagonyera installed as first Kabale University Chancellor

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President Yoweri Museveni has today installed his longtime confidant Prof. Mondo Kagonyera as the First Chancellor of Kabale University at Kirigime hill, Kabale Municipality, almost six months after his appointment was approved.

Prof Kagonyera has officially appointed vice chancellors and other administrators as mandated by the law.

“Am ready to serve at Kabale University in a cool climate conducive for teaching and learning,” Prof Kagonyera said.

Kabale University Council chaired by former privatization Minister Mr Manzi Tumubwine early this year seconded Prof Kagonyera because of his wide knowledge in handling university matters.
He served as Chancellor Makerere University for eight years before being replaced by former finance minister Ezra Suruma.

The Kigezi based institution has been a hive of turbulence this year. Police last month fired teargas to contain students who had staged a strike over lack of lectures.

The students wanted the Academic registrar to explain why they have not had lectures since they reported for a new semester on September 15, 2016.

The strike came at a time when lecturers at the same university are protesting the failure by the administration to pay them salaries for the last 8 months.

The students also wanted to raid the office of the vice chancellor Professor Joy Kwesiga saying he is not fit to be in office.

The university was started in 2002 by a group of individuals including retired Justice Prof George Kanyeihamba, Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, and director National Teachers College Mr Benjamin Turyahikayo.

Kabale District Local Government donated 52 acres of land and all the buildings housing the university. Prof. Kanyeihamba has been the chancellor of Kabale University since its inception. It was gazzeted a public university in 2015 on request of local leadership and founders.

Uganda to scrap VAT off all Tourism Related Services

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Garuga Country Resort

The Ministry of Finance in Uganda has been directed to scrap Value Added Tax (VAT) on all tourism-related services so that to boost the sector earnings and increase employment.

President Yoweri Museveni who also announced plans to create a tourism fund to support youth tourism groups in the country made these remarks while speaking during the Private Investors Round Table (PIRT).

Eli Arkhis Scoops Award in the Pearl International film festival

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Eli Arkhis walks away with Best sound score award after being nominated twice in the same category.
Eli Arkhis aka the Beat guru has successfully walked away with a prestigious accolade of the best Sound score at the Pearl International film festival.

The Guru does a lot ranging from generating ideas for a project, song selection and sessions for musicians, suggesting changes to a song, voice coaching of the musicians in the studio to mention but not all.
Prior to his success, he was nominated twice in the same category. He sang and produced soundtracks for two blockbuster movies which are Only Son and Sigabana.

These were amazing tracks that propelled him to success in the category, taking home a gorgeous award.

The Beat Guru is also quite famous for his popular songs he has produced that have set the trend music and broken records on billboards including Sembera By Irene Ntale, Mwana Wabandi By Radio and Weasel, Only you By Lillian Mbabazi ft Orezi, Banana By Radio and Weasel to mention but a few.

Check out Eli Arkhis Muzik on Facebook for more Beat Guru related awesomeness.

Muhame becomes new Online Media Publishers President

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Giles Muhame

The Online Media Publishers Association-Uganda (OMPA) has elected its leadership.
OMPA is a nonprofit membership organization for digital journalists and publishers— connecting cutting-edge journalism, latest technology tools and innovation.

The organisation’s mission is to inspire innovation, investigative and professional journalism; and excellence among journalists and publishers to better serve the public.
Membership includes journalists, technologists, executives and publishers in Uganda who produce news for and support digital delivery systems.

The association will host an annual Online News Association conference and administer Online Journalism Awards.

ChimpReports’ Managing Editor Giles Muhame was elected President of the Association and will be deputized by Eagle Online publisher Richard Wanambwa. Muhame has an extensive experience in war reporting and co-founded news-breaking site, ChimpReports while Wanambwa served on Daily Monitor’s Investigation’s Desk.
Wanambwa broke the widely-publicized ‘Temangalo’ scandal and the leaked security paper that marked the beginning of the powerful Intelligence Chief Gen David Sejusa’s exit from the command of Uganda’s military.

Members at their general meeting further elected the youthful Campus Bee editor and founder, Emmy Omongin as the association’s secretary.
Omongin will be deputized by Showbiz co-founder, Denise Nankunda.
Showbiz, Xclusive, Big Eye, Matooke Republic, She Spell and Campus Bee are the top entertainment sites in the country.

Dixon Kagurusi Ampumuza, who possesses strong networks in the international community and co-founder of The Ugandan website, will serve as the association’s treasurer.

Kawoowo Sports founder and IT expert, Joseph Owino will serve as the Deputy Treasurer.
Owino has deep links in international social media networks especially Twitter which have benefitted many organisations and high profile individuals.

CEO Online boss, Muhereza Kyamutetera was elected Chief Whip. Kyamutetera also owns Corporate Image, an excelling branding house in Kampala.
He worked as a senior business reporter with Daily Monitor before quitting to start the CEO Magazine.

Kyamutetera will be deputized by Uganda’s finest crime reporter Stanley Ndawula.
Ndawula co-founded the Investigator website which has won praise for exclusive crime and political stories.

Trumpet News co-founder and reputable public relations specialist, Steven Douglas Baryevuga will serve the association as Chief Mobiliser. Baryevuga edited CEO Magazine and took leading roles in branding operations of Heineken and Africell. He will be deputized by Nicholas Mwesigwa, a seasoned political reporter.

The newly elected association president Giles Muhame was upbeat about the association’s launch. “I believe an association like this that brings industry players together for a common goal is a game changer. I believe the leadership team headed by myself will steer the team to greater heights,” he said. Muhame called for an improvement in the integrity of the content on websites; and unity to build an enduring institution.

Earlier, Kyamutetera noted in a presentation that the association’s websites attract 5,292,828 monthly visitors (2,596,412 unique), more than the combined traffic of Uganda’s leading newspapers which have 3,909,700 visitors.

“With a Combined social media reach of 1,414,125- Facebook (1,215,430) and Twitter (198,295), we have the largest reach on social media,” said Kyamutetera.
The association has since called on government to urgently look into a policy that requires government agencies to consider online channels for their communications across board- including statutory notices.

It also urged government to relax and or change of government PPDA-focused media buying protocols as a way of earning government better returns on investment.
The association will spearhead efforts in training and skills enhancement of government and private sector communicators, to allow them appreciate and leverage the power of the internet.

Why Work with us

Internet is the fastest growing media- 25 percent with 2nd biggest reach after radio with 14,564,660 users = 40 percent penetration). The growing impact of mobile internet-7,461,035 subscriptions, presents an opportunity for real-time communications and engagement. 85% of active internet users are between 15-44 years (42 percent of population) and the most economically active.

We offer perhaps the highest reach online- a combined 7,132,278 on social media and website platforms.
We are flexible, non-aligned and offer partnerships that include endorsements, live event activations etc.

The association offers lowest cost per 1,000 with additional support e.g PR Coverage, Social media engagement, crisis management etc.

Unlike other traditional platforms, the internet offers a unique opportunity to promote Uganda locally, regionally and internationally, thus contributing to national goals such as tourism and investment promotion.

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