By Reporter

Singer Eddy Kenzo who is currently locked out of the country due to quarantine and airport lockdown yesterday joked about selling his car to sustain life in Western Africa where the COVID 19 situation got him. Many of his fans did not take it lightly as they thought a singer hia statute should habe saved enough to take him through a long period evwn if he did not work.

That feedback has had him return to Facebook to clarify that it was a joke and that he would not sell property because he cannot work for a few month. In a long post he says, he is not doing so bad and that he is fine living expensively but he will handle.

He said “Mbaramusizako bantu bange yesterday nakoze post saying anti ani ayina western union muwe emotoka yange mbambi nabadde nsaga.

Bulijo ndaba abantu nga basaga wano ku Facebook saying ani ayina akawunga muwe tv yange nga just comedy.

Naye joke yange abantu bakitute serious I wasn’t serious at all that was ajoke. Ekifananyi kyenakoze seza kyabadde sad but it doesn’t mean that I was sad no.

As you can see these other pictures below I took yesterday I’m not happy to be on a foreign land and I spend alot but still siyinza kusaba bantu sente ku Facebook and I’m not doing that bad.

I’m sorry eri mwena bekyayisiza obuubi. But was joking thank you and God bless you all mbagara nyo era mbasabira nyo. Nsigadde nga Yenze musuuza eddy eno mu ivory coast.

Kakati nze mbuza nti mbawe kumawurire agafa eno!!! Oba ntuleko wansi tebabuza ebibuze munju ate nebekwasa nze”

The post I am not trading my car for anything – Eddy Kenzo speaks out appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Uganda’s leading beer manufacturer Nile Breweries will not let her clientele lack the satisfaction of their favorite beer because they are locked up in the COVID-19 quarantine and so have launched an e-commerce website that will make it easier for you to order and purchase beer brands from the nearby stockist by using the home delivery option to deliver great customer satisfaction beyond the Lockdown. 

The 69 year old brewery’s platform will enable clients above 18 years of age make orders online and have their drinks delivered to their comfort before 1PM. You can now get Castle Lite, Eagle, Club Pilsner, Nile Special Stout, and Nile Special when you order on www.beernow.ugHow “Beer Now” works

One has to punch in www.beernow.ug in their browser so as to access the “Beer Now” platform and be able to place their order(s) for their brand of choice. 

Keeping in mind that “Alcohol is not for consumption for persons under the age of 18”, NBL wants to make sure you are legal and are over eighteen to be consuming; the website therefore requests a user to fill in their date of birth to check for legality. 

Having passed through this stage, you are officially in and can now place your order; but first, you are to fill out your location details in terms of district, town and suburb; and are only available for people who reside in the areas of Kampala and Wakiso Districts for the meantime. 

You are then requested to choose your beer you wish to have; either Nile Special Stout, Club Pilsner, Nile Special, or Castle Lite; whichever tickles your thirst buds. You are then taken to the “Shop” section of the platform where you are shown the price of each, and are at liberty to choose whether you wish to order a crate, just a couple of bottles as the minimum has to be 6. You are then free to “check out” (finalize with your order) and that’s about it. Billing options are then availed to you; whether you wish to pay via Mobile Money or pay cash on delivery (C.O.D). 

Delivery happens within 60 minutes of placing an order or even less; depending on your location. Orders and deliveries however are to stop by 1Pm; in line with the government’s guidelines on movement. 

Note: Once delivery is made, you are to give back an equivalent of the number of beers bottles you will have ordered in the form of “empties”. For example, if I ordered 8 Castle Lite(s), once delivery is made to my doorstep, I have to give the delivery person 8 empty bottles to replace those I will have taken. In case you do not have empty bottles on you, it’ll cost you an extra cost of Ugx. 600/= per bottle as compensation for each. 

www.beernow.ug is a stress free, fast, efficient, and affordable beer delivery service.

The post Nile Breweries Launches “Beer Now” Platform For Product Order & Delivery Services appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

WhatsApp has more than a billion active monthly users. It is the most common messaging app service and the reason for its popularity is that it is available on all major mobile platforms. Whether you have an Android, iOS, java, Nokia or Blackberry, you can use WhatsApp on your mobile.

You only need an active internet connection to do a lot of actions that include sending or receiving written and audio messages, videos, documents, location, and many others. So, it acts as a mirror. Some important facts about WhatsApp web are:

·         The official announcement by WhatsApp included that it would work only on Google Chrome. However, over the years other platforms are also supporting WhatsApp on Web on their browsers.

·         If you are running an older version, you need to update it from the store on your mobile. Once the app is updated on your mobile, you will see the option in your app.

·         On the upper right corner of your screen, you will see three dots. Click on them and a check will be open. Search for the option of “WhatsApp Web” on it and click on it.

·         Once you click on the button, your phone camera will get opened asking you to sync any bar code through it.

·         You need to open web.whatsapp.com on your PC and a QR code will appear.

·         Scan this QR through the camera and after a wait of some seconds, WhatsApp will get opened in your PC.

Remember that once you sync the QR code, the session will be saved in your PC and you will access WhatsApp directly next time without a need to sync the code.

Is the web version secure?

WhatsApp https://heatfeed.com/whatsapp-web/ applies to end encryption on your standard messages on the mobile app. It let no other person see your messages than the sender and the receiver. Many people have the confusion that whether the PC version is also as safe as the mobile version?

Well, you are connected to the Web version from your mobile. Some tips will help you ensure your security on the web version.

·         Go to the menu in the app and logout WhatsApp Web any time you wish.

·         Uncheck the “keep me signed in” option whenever you are on a shared PC.

·         Nothing is stored on your PC, which means no one can attempt to hack it.

 ·         People loved the new web version of the WhatsApp. The reason is that:

·         It gives them great options. You can type a lot faster on your PC keyboard than you can on a mobile pad. Many people loved the web version because of typing convenience.

·         It is secure and you can logout any time.

·         The images, documents, videos, audios can be downloaded and sent directly from your web version. Thus, eliminating the use of the mobile app.

Conclusion

It was very common on mobile, but people had to install quick programs like Blue stacks that were very slow to use it on PC. It was in 2015 when WhatsApp officially launched the Web version of their app. 

The post Facts you need to know about WhatsApp web appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

At the usually busy Nakawa market, it is not business as usual. The often busy market bursting with crowds of shoppers and loud chatters as vendors beacon customers, looks desolate.

“Business is generally slow. There are few clients but we are still managing because food is a necessity and we also need to survive” says Lucy Ninsiima, a vegetable stall operator in the market.

Ninsiima has not left the market since the lockdown started early last week, following President Museveni’s directive for workers, such as market vendors to stay in or near the markets during this time to prevent the transmissions of the deadly novel Corona virus.

Back home, Ninsiima, has a family to support, not to mention her parents back in the village that she has to send up keep money regularly.

However, this is the least of her worries.

“I have been sending my people money for upkeep using MTN mobile money. I am so happy that it is free. In such hard times, any extra shilling saved is very important and means a lot,” says Ninsiima, a smile playing about her weary face.

Ninsiima says that the free person to person mobile money transactions have come in handy for her business since people are not moving.

“All I do is send mobile money using my MTN phone to my suppliers and the produce is delivered to my stall,” says Ninsiima, the single mother of four.

Additionally, some of her customers are finding it convenient to send her money for their groceries that she sends to their homes by boda boda motorcycles.

“I think you can see how these free mobile money transactions have helped us during these hard times,” Ninsiima says as she packs an assortment of vegetables to be delivered to yet another one of her other clients who sent mobile money.

Like Ninsiima, all MTN Mobile Money customers have been sending any amount of Mobile Money every day to other MTN Mobile Money customers free of charge since the offer was made, two weeks ago.

The offer was designed to reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus by avoiding physical exchange of currency notes.

Apart from avoiding the physical exchange of currency notes, this offer is helping MTN customers to take care of their families, friends and loved ones through sending them Mobile Money at no cost during these times of restricted movement amid the covid19 pandemic.

Edward Masaba, a public servant has nothing but praises for this move to zero rate the sending of Mobile Money.

“As soon as I got my salary, I was able to send money to all my dependents upcountry for free. I saved a lot of money since I had many people to send money to. Now I know my people have something to eat,” Masaba says.

Solome Nakimbugwe, a shop keeper in Kyaliwajjala, a Kampala suburb admits that it is much safer to receive payments on mobile money rather than take physical cash from people since that could transmit the dreaded novel corona virus.

“MTN did well to consider our safety,” Nakimbugwe says. “The fact that people can pay for their goods using MTN Mobile Money for free means that they are safeguarding us from exposure to the virus and it shows that they care for people like us who are always handling cash that has gone through so many hands.”

As reiterated by Nakimbugwe, the offer is meant to reduce the risk of transmission of the lethal corona virus that has paralyzed day to day life across the world

While communicating the offer to the public, MTN CEO, Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte described this season as an extraordinary time when MTN needed to stand up and be counted on to do the right thing.

To facilitate the flow of information, MTN Uganda has zero rated Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) websites so the public can access information about the virus at no charge. They include www.who.int, www.health.go.ug and www.covid.gou.go.ug

While the country is contending with this imminent catastrophe, MTN has come out as a dependable partner and is committed to continue working with government, to reduce the impact and disruption that the covid19 pandemic is having on the lives of Ugandans.

The post Families and businesses benefit from free mobile money transaction during the covid19 lockdown. appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Airtel Uganda MD, V.G. Somasekhar

By Our Reporter

Airtel Uganda has announced that it has reached a milestone of 2,000 network masts across the country.

This announcement comes almost a year after the telco announced the availability of countrywide 4G LTE connectivity following complete modernization of their network.

The announcement is just another step in Airtel’s journey to provide excellent telecommunications services across Uganda. Besides the 2,000 masts, the Airtel Uganda network also consists of over 3,900 kilometers of fiber across Uganda covering 95.9% population, making it possible for subscribers around the country to enjoy an improved experience in internet-based activities.

Speaking during the online launch on Wednesday, Airtel Uganda Managing Director Mr. V.G. Somasekhar noted that Airtel has played a fundamental role in preparing Ugandans for a fully digital Uganda and this has never been more relevant than today when the majority of Ugandans are staying at home and relying on the internet for work and entertainment.

“We have made a firm commitment to ensuring 100% access to our superior network in Uganda. Today, we are happy to announce that people across Uganda will be able to improve their lives through trade, education and commerce and enjoy the full offerings of Airtel Uganda’s reliable network whether on 2G, 3G or 4G,” he noted.

“With the availability of our countrywide network, we are mitigating other factors such as affordability of voice and data bundles, quality smartphones and Airtel Money transaction rates,” he added.

Eng. Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, the Ag. Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission congratulated Airtel upon another accomplishment in their journey to provide superior network in Uganda.

“In order to transform the Ugandan society, we are ready to collaborate with the private sector and organizations like Airtel Uganda are playing an important role in ensuring reliable, affordable and always-on communication across Uganda. As the regulator, we are committed to developing a modern communications Infrastructure in Uganda, in conformity with the operationalization of the Telecommunications Policy. Congratulations Airtel,” she noted.

The post Airtel Uganda hits 2,000 masts milestone appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Mr Mumba Kalifungwa, the Managing Director for Absa Bank Uganda.

By Our Reporter

As Uganda and the rest of the world confront the public health, financial and economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, Absa Bank Uganda is rolling out an extensive payment relief programme for eligible customers that have been directly or indirectly impacted.

Under the programme, customers in sectors that have been directly or indirectly affected by the disruption presented by COVID-19 will be offered payment relief to ease their financial burden.

“While we appreciate the measures put in place globally to curb the spread of this pandemic, we are also cognizant of the effects they have had on individuals and the business community. Currently, some of the sectors that have been adversely impacted include hotels and restaurants, tourism and hospitality, wholesale and retail trade, transport and logistics, among others. In light of this, we are therefore aware that some of our customers will experience difficulty meeting their financial obligations and we have introduced a comprehensive customer, business and corporate relief programme to help them navigate this difficult time,” said Mumba Kalifungwa, Managing Director of Absa Bank Uganda.

Customers will be offered payment holidays of up to 6 months, with needs being determined on a case-by-case basis and solutions tailored on individual circumstances; through proactive engagement with our customers.

“Support for corporate and business banking clients will entail solutions based on their unique requirements and operations. Businesses and corporates are encouraged to contact their relationship managers for further details,” Mr Kalifungwa added.

In the case of salaried customers, the bank will proactively engage with the employers through the Relationship Managers or directly to determine the support to be offered.

These measures will be implemented with immediate effect. Additionally, eligible customers who are in need of relief can apply and qualify at no additional administration fees.

“The unprecedented nature of the pandemic means that we are all adapting to the situation as it changes. We reiterate our commitment to our customers and to Uganda to ensure that our livelihoods are secure with minimal disruption. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our relief programme where necessary.” Mr Kalifungwa concluded.

The post Absa Bank Uganda introduces COVID-19 customer payment relief solutions appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

FUFA President Moses Magogo, 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha, 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi together with the CEO Edgar Watson hand over aid to Minister Mary Karoro Okurut  

The Uganda Football governing board FUFA has today handed over 12.5tones of rice to the National Covid-19 Task Force to be distributed to the communities during this period of the lock down as a result of the pandemic that broke out around the world.

‘FUFA has responded to the call by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni  who is a great supporter of football at all levels by donating 12.5tones of rice to the National Task force through the Office of the Prime Minister for onward distribution’ said FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo.

‘The donation will also cater  for over  2000 football players and officials in the Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League, FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite League country wide who are no longer earning without football being played due to the current lock down’ added Magogo.

The National Task force Covid-19 was represented by Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut.

‘We welcome the donation and this will help us add to what we have already received. We encourage everyone to remain fit during this period’ noted Hon. Karooro.

Leilah Nankya, Events manager FUFA

The Minister of State for Sports Hon. Hamson Denis Obua attended the brief function held at Prime Minister’s office in Kampala.

Hon. Hamson Denis Obua

‘On behalf of the sports sub sector of Uganda, i would like to salute FUFA through this humble donation of rice to the National task force of Covid-19. We are optimistic as a country  in response to the call by H.E. the President of Uganda, the sports subsector although has been greatly affected together with tourism through FUFA we are able to make this humble contribution. I call upon all the sports loving members of the society who can make a contribution just like FUFA has done to follow suit but there is also a provision in the Bible in the Acts of Apostles Chapter 20 verse 35 that says; there is more blessing in giving than receiving. So i call upon you, all the sports fans of Uganda if you have the ability to provide, the timeb is now’

The post FUFA extends aid towards COVID-19 fight, donates 12.5 tones of rice to over 2000 football players appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Letshego Uganda CEO Giles Aijukwe hands over their donation of assorted items to AIGP Asan Kasingye.

By Our Reporter

Letshego Holdings Ltd, under its subsidiary Letshego Uganda has handed over a consignment worth USD10,000 (38,000,000UGX) to the Uganda Police Force as a compliment to their efforts in sustaining the rule of law as well as guiding the population in adherence to guidelines from Ministry of Health and the president’s office in fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Letshego Uganda’s Ag Chief Executive Giles Aijukwe presented their donation to AIGP Asan Kasingye at Letshego offices in Kololo on Thursday. Comprising of water, sanitizers and food rations, Letshego Uganda’s retrospection is premised on the robust, agile and supportive role that the Police continues in and around the country.

“The role of the Uganda Police Force can never be understated. If anything, it is their diligence, round-the-clock supervision that has enabled adherence to the lockdown procedures, maintaining peace and sanity in the country. We are therefore cognizant of their work and we appreciate and encourage them to keep doing their best as we fight to eliminate the deadly Corona virus,” acting chief executive Giles Aijukwe amplified.

“We have purchased sanitizers, safe drinking water and food rations (Sugar, cooking oil and rice) to assist the Police forces. Our contribution as Letshego Uganda is part of Letshego Group overall commitment of investing more than 251,538,63USD as a group wide intervention across its 11 markets,” he added.

Mr Aijukwe went on to state that collective efforts by the private sector to support the government to stem the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic will go a long way in enabling us humble this deadly disease.

“As a company, we firmly believe in safety of our staff and the citizenry within which we operate, so it is this obligation and duty that has enabled our participation.” He concluded.

According to a Johns Hopkins University tally,  more than 2 million cases have been reported around the globe with over 130,000 already succumbing to the disease. To date, as per reports from the ministry of Health, Uganda has 55 confirmed cases of Corona virus.

“I’m grateful for this generosity from Letshego Uganda. As frontline response officers in the fight against Covid-19, this offer will go a long way in assisting the men and women in Police” AIGP Asan Kasingye remarked.

The post Letshego donates Ugx 38 million to Uganda Police to boost their capacity in fight against COVID-19 appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Charles N. Lambert

So far it has been estimated that the world has lost over $ 9 trillion dollars already since the global lockdown from the threat of Corona Virus began. In the US, over 6 million people have asked the government to begin paying their bills by filling unemployment. In the UK, request for government benefits have soared to record highs. US government is practically giving away $2.2 Trillion dollars to help their citizens and the economy. The UK government is paying 80% of wages for a significant number of people and countless more envious information reaching the African shores as palliatives for these Westerners.  So What about Africans?

The Black Wall Street- The World’s only capital risk free investment platform.

Sample of the 25 high tech companies bringing the returns to investors.

Aid and welfare are some of the worst things in the world yet most people especially in Africa do not know that. The West provides Aid to Africa and investments in their nations. America as a nation is built on anti-welfare mentality and philosophy and they are the richest country in the world. One of their greatest leaders Abraham Lincoln took a very negative position to welfare saying that “You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves”. Black American Thomas Sowell had this to say about welfare “The welfare State has always been judged by its good intentions rather than its POOR RESULTS”. The summary is that welfare does not work; it is not sustainable and does not lead to progressive development of the person. So how will African middle class recover from the Covid 19 Pandemic economically?

The Covid 19 economic hardship came from disruption in only ONE of the factors of production-labour. The virus does not attack money! This means Capital as a factor of production is immune to Covid 19 pandemic and can continue to work with technology to bring financial returns even in the worst of the epidemic. This is the only reason why the stocks and shares of Amazon( online retail company) is soaring through the roof as Westerners are busy investing their capital RIGHT NOW in the technology centered corporations which has little or no need for human gathering to produce. The value of the online business meeting company Zoom just added a further $2 billion dollars in this same period, the owner of Twitter gladly gave away $1 billion dollars to fight Covid 19 knowing his time to profit immensely is here and while Facebook is now totally jammed with traffic. The internet and those who invested in it have won!

Covid 19 upap platform where you receive and withdraw your investment returns plus receive corporate updates.

The Black Wall Street has created a pragmatic economic relief path for Africa’s middle class through a derivative of UPAP known as “Covid 19 UPAP”. This highly compassionate investment program is designed to help the middle class avoid the coming devastating economic impact of the COVID 19 pandemic lockdowns. Instead of paying $500 for the UPAP slot, you pay $50 and use your returns to pay off the cost of the UPAP, receive the computer tablet shipped to your door and continue to enjoy the $100 per month for another 18 months and at which point, you should have recovered from the Covid 19 economic downturn. (This UPAP derivative also offers no cash out value and limited to 10,000 slots).

The No Dropout 10 inch computer tablet you purchase to own a upap slot.

Speak to a Financial Administrator for the Black Wall Street today. contact@developmentchannel.tv

The post How do you recover economically from COVID 19 lockdown? appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Mr. Gary Corbit (R), the CEO Sanlam General Insurance Uganda and Mr. Nicholas Lutakome (L), Acting CEO, Sanlam Life Insurance Uganda handover a dummy cheque of shs285 million to Dr. Diana Atwiine, Permanent Secretary (C), Ministry of Health as Sanlam Uganda’s contribution to the COVID-19 National Response Fund.

By Our Reporter

Sanlam Uganda, a provider of insurance and financial services in Uganda, has donated Ushs. 285 million (US$75,000) to the COVID-19 National Response Fund to help combat the global pandemic and its effects on the country.

The financial contribution, which was donated as part of their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, will go towards the purchase of protective wear for frontline health workers, including face masks, face shields and PVC aprons.

Speaking during the handover, Mr. Gary Corbit, CEO of Sanlam General Insurance Uganda said Sanlam as a Group is proud of and appreciates the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Uganda to combat the spread and contraction of coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Sanlam made CSI worldwide a business mandate with a conscious decision to be a virtuous corporate citizen in the countries in which we operate,” Corbit said. “We are therefore pleased to stand with Uganda in this time of great need by extending Ushs. 285 million (US$75,000) to the National Response Fund to help combat COVID-19 and its impact on the economy and our people.”

Dr. Diana Atwiine, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Uganda extended the government’s appreciation of the solidarity and support extended to facilitate the safe working conditions of health workers at the frontline.

She observed that health workers are the heroes in this fight and that many of them were putting their own lives and those of their families at risk for the sake of this country.

“The protective gear to be purchased would be a great opportunity for us to minimise the risk of health workers getting infected, and to provide the much needed safety in these uncertain times,” she noted, adding that each time a symptomatic person goes to a health center, whether or not it’s COVID-19, the health workers attending to them do so not because they are fearless, but because they are making a sacrifice for the country – something they will be able to continue to do thanks to this donation.

Mr. Nicholas Lutakome, Acting CEO of Sanlam Life Insurance Uganda thanked His Excellence Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda and the COVID-19 National Task Force for the tremendous work they have done in fighting and preventing the spread of the pandemic among Ugandans.

“Life is the most precious gift to mankind and preserving it is everyone’s duty, given the opportunity,” Lutakome said adding that the virus is a threat to this gift and as a business, Sanlam Uganda commits to joining hands with every Ugandan and the Government of Uganda to ensure the country and its citizens live beyond this pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to impact countries globally, in various proportions, with over 2 million people infected and about 140,000 dead. However, Uganda in particular has so far registered 55 positive cases, with 4 recoveries and no deaths.

The post Sanlam Uganda contributes Ugx 285 Million towards fight against COVID-19 appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Events promoter Suudi Lukwago aka Suudiman has put his boredom to provocative ways starting a verbal war with comedian Alex Muhangi confessing he wants to date the comedian’s wife Prim Asiimwe.

The battle started on Suudiman’s Facebook page when he put up a post that was praising Prim Asiimwe’s the former Beauty Queen and Galaxy FM Radio presenter.

“I love this woman she’s so beautiful Anyone knows if she’s single or married “- He captioned  on his Facebook.

This forced Alex Muhangi to come out in the comment section to defend his property, the two got into a bitter exchange of words.

His Facebook following has not received the post quite well withvmost comments bashing the promoter for being insensitive and daring a married woman. Here are aome of the comments on his page.

The post Fans bury Suudiman as he starts whooper war with Alex Muhangi appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

MTN has been awarded the most valuable telecom brand in Africa in a recent annual report by Brand Finance, a leading independent brand valuation consultancy.

The report stated that MTN’s brand value was boosted by a solid overall performance for the year, despite challenging economic conditions and regulatory challenges in some markets.

Brand finance also recognised MTN for its focus on customers and providing a high-quality service across all its markets.

“Amid these unprecedented times in fighting a global pandemic, MTN Group is humbled by the Brand Finance recognition and our progress in rising up through the ranks of this year’s Telecoms 150 report” said MTN President and Group CEO, Rob Shuter.

Brand Finance CEO, David Haigh commented: “MTN is to be commended for its performance in its home market as well as further afield. They are increasingly recognised throughout Africa by their customers as providing high quality service, because their brand image is deeply rooted on more than just marketing campaigns.”

Brand Finance acknowledged MTN’s BRIGHT strategy to grow revenues through data and digital, while also focusing on growing its subscriber base. It upgraded MTN’s brand strength rating from AAA- to AAA, in recognition of an increasingly strong leadership position in telecommunication services throughout Africa and the other markets within which it operates, as well as increasingly resilient network investments.

The report noted a negative global impact on the brand value of the world’s biggest telecom companies which are set to be impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak.

“We have built a sound, robust and resilient organisation that can and will weather the storm before us. As a Group, we are taking the decisive steps required to persevere in our MTN spirit of togetherness and a positive, can-do attitude,” concluded Shuter.

The post MTN named most valuable telecom brand in Africa appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Stuart G-Khast

Singer and celebrated pastor Wilson Bugembe in his service today has praised fellow singer Jose Chameleone for doing a gospel song and adding to the gospel music collection of the gospel music.

Pastor Bugembe in his first lines of service said “I am a big fan of Jose Chameleone and I want to thank him for doing a good gospel song.” He further said, “I thank King Saha too.”

Pastor Wilson Bugembe every Sunday has a televised service during this quarantine period. If you love him and God, endeavor to always catch him.

Watch Bolingo Wa Zambe here

The post Pastor Bugembe praises Jose Chameleone’s gospel song appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Ian Ortega

As the world becomes more visual, as Facebook gets optimized for videos, there’s also a growing community of Ugandan Youtube Vloggers. This time round, sharing stories not with their words, but with video. Today, we follow up on some of the channels in no order.

1.       I’m Shyla (1.86K Subscribers, 56 Videos)

This lifestyle blogger is one of the most active in the game. She describes her channel as charming, witty and friendly. She’s taken us on Easter celebrations during lockdown. It’s content everyone will relate to, the highs and lows of living alone, and her other life routines such as shopping. She’s been vlogging since 2018.

Visit her channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOHqE84qjiPmidzZeCtBygw/featured

2.       Amito Mitra (8.76K Subscribers, 111 Videos)

Amito has put in the time, she’s taken the vlogging serious. Another lifestyle blogger describing her channel as full of life, and ready to explore Uganda and the world. Her two biggest addictions; Café Javas and Nigeria. Her videos have registered a combined 627K views, impressive. She’s walked us through the Nyege Nyege scenes and various Kampala concerts.

Visit her channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhf9xsHJ9Mcz-y8gF3k6Gw/featured

3.       B and T Life Lane (6.79K Subscribers, 209 Videos)

This duo promises to take us through their love for fashion and other inspirations. But I must say, it’s their new angle to sharing real estate in Uganda that’s getting many hooked. If you’re looking for cool furnished apartment deals, this duo is a must to keep on your tabs. If you want to hang out with friends and throw a cool party over a weekend, why not book out one of these apartments going for as low as USD 35. The duo boasts of 526K views on their channel. Great job from Betty Benson and Christine Aguti.

Visit their channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDrNbyFUtHmn1bOp2lYjUbQ

4.       Denis Duke Uganda (41.9K Subscribers, 567 Videos)

For many, you’ve seen Denis Duke on your television screens, but did you know, he runs a super Vlog on Youtube. He takes you on a journey of entertainment, lugambo and politics or call it, general affairs. With 3.4 million views, he is evidence of compounded hard work over the years. And in a world of vlogging that’s dominated by ladies in Uganda, he’s proving to be the one holding fort for the men.

Visit his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI82EetZ1SRV-52es7tnTqg/videos

5.       Namuli (1.18K Subscribers, 214 Videos)

Another lifestyle blogger that should take your interest is Namuli. You want to travel Uganda, then travel it through her vlogs, watch her reviews, let her indulge you in some food and hair. You feel like it’s a visual conversation with her, stories of her fighting with a conductor, like all of us have… At 85K views, the sky is the limit for this girl whose totem is a monkey.

Visit her channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCz9W_mecE_WbyHHDPKNmg/featured

6.       Sheila Basajja (1.44K Subscribers, 35 Videos)

You want to experience Kuala Lumpar or you want a feel of the Ugandan wedding. Sheila got you covered. You will enjoy her travel moments with her girls, perhaps to Bali or to Zanzibar. At 63K Views, an awesome fairing for a Ugandan vlogger.

Visit her channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPfCQdaN9GNlghwRVfmkWKQ/featured

7.       Itsmayabee (714 Subscribers, 119 Videos)

From lifestyle to fashion to beauty, she lets you experience everything in the life of a millennial mother. Wait a minute? Yes, you read it right, millennials are having kids. If you want some product recommendations, be it makeup or fashion, you must be at her youtube door. She stands at 26K views and growing.

Visit her channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnHb4M73VYyD9llCKmNuiLA/featured

8.       Nabz Arah (3.43k Subscribers, 144 Videos)  

Don’t be deceived, it’s none other than Aswirah Nabuuma. Her niche is travel and tour. She’s as authentic as they come, sharing experiences of having to shift to a cheaper area, to adjust to life. If you want that and more of these real conversations, Arah is the deal. At 129K Views, there’s pretty good believability.

Visit her channel here : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTKZT31HLJuR7Qn0–Tut7Q

9.       Mr. Musinguzi (58.6K Subscribers, 50 Videos)

It’s an experiential Vlog covering Musinguzi’s life moments in Uganda. A few minutes on his channel and you feel like you want to go out and see more of Uganda. He stands at a combined 85K for his content.

Visit his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21CacZiFEvmdzkD79-EnQg/featured

So I have broken the rules and stuck to 9 Vloggers. For those wondering what criteria I used to arrive at this names, it’s activity. Recency was a key factor, when the last video was created and the time in between the videos. I also looked at volume of content and somehow at subscribers (but this didn’t matter much). It’s about the time that people put in to create videos. But in case I had to do 10 Vloggers, then I must give Jessica Zziwa’s channel a mention. 

The post Meet Uganda’s New Generation of Youtube Vloggers appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

Companies to combine innovative technologies to develop an adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine

Candidate vaccine expected to enter clinical trials in the second half of 2020 and, if successful, to be available in the second half of 2021

Sanofi and GSK today announce that they have signed a letter of intent to develop an adjuvanted vaccine for COVID-19, using innovative technology from both companies, to help address the ongoing pandemic.

Sanofi will contribute its S-protein COVID-19 antigen, which is based on recombinant DNA technology. This technology has produced an exact genetic match to proteins found on the surface of the virus, and the DNA sequence encoding this antigen has been combined into the DNA of the baculovirus expression platform, the basis of Sanofi’s licensed recombinant influenza product in the US.

GSK will contribute its proven pandemic adjuvant technology. The use of an adjuvant can be of particular importance in a pandemic situation since it may reduce the amount of vaccine protein required per dose, allowing more vaccine doses to be produced and therefore contributing to protect more people. 

“As the world faces this unprecedented global health crisis, it is clear that no one company can go it alone.” says Paul Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, Sanofi. “That is why Sanofi is continuing to complement its expertise and resources with our peers, such as GSK, with the goal to create and supply sufficient quantities of vaccines that will help stop this virus.”

“This collaboration brings together two of the world’s largest vaccines companies.” says Emma Walmsley, Chief Executive Officer, GSK. “By combining our scientific expertise, technologies and capabilities, we believe that we can help accelerate the global effort to develop a vaccine to protect as many people as possible from Covid-19.”

The combination of a protein-based antigen together with an adjuvant is well-established and used in a number of vaccines available today. An adjuvant is added to some vaccines to enhance the immune response and has been shown to create a stronger and longer- lasting immunity against infections than the vaccine alone. It can also improve the likelihood of delivering an effective vaccine that can be manufactured at scale. 

The companies plan to initiate phase I clinical trials in the second half of 2020 and, if successful, subject to regulatory considerations, aim to complete the development required for availability by the second half of 2021. 

As previously announced by Sanofi, development of the recombinant-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate is being supported through funding and a collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The companies plan to discuss funding support with other governments and global institutions prioritising global access.

“Strategic alliances among vaccine industry leaders are essential to make a coronavirus vaccine available as soon as possible,” says BARDA Director, Rick A. Bright, Ph.D. “Development of the adjuvanted recombinant-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate holds the potential to lower the vaccine dose to provide vaccine to a greater number of people to end this pandemic, and help the world become better prepared or even prevent future coronavirus outbreaks.”

The companies have set up a Joint Task Force, co-chaired by David Loew, Global Head of Vaccines, Sanofi and Roger Connor, President Vaccines, GSK. The taskforce will seek to mobilize resources from both companies to look for every opportunity to accelerate the development of the candidate vaccine.

Considering the extraordinary humanitarian and financial challenge of the pandemic, both companies believe that global access to COVID-19 vaccines is a priority and are committed to making any vaccine that is developed through the collaboration affordable to the public and through mechanisms that offer fair access for people in all countries.

These efforts mark a significant milestone in Sanofi’s and GSK’s ongoing contributions to help fight COVID-19. The companies have entered into a Material Transfer Agreement to enable them to start working together immediately.  Definitive terms of the collaboration are expected to be finalised over the next few weeks.

The post Sanofi and GSK to join forces in unprecedented vaccine collaboration to fight COVID-19 appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

Fortebet has joined the rest of Uganda in offering the much needed support to the Covid-19 task force with a huge boost. Fortebet made its donation under the umbrella association of betting companies.

This donation was handed over to the government of Uganda and received by Minister Mary Carol Okurut. 23 tonnes of maize and beans were donated.

Explaining why Fortebet came up, the company executive manager, Bernard Rwakihembo said that, “We feel so sorry for everyone in Uganda and across the world. We are aware that Covid-19 has ravaged every component of life and therefore many people need a lot of financial and psycho-social support. This is the reason we have joined in helping feed Ugandans.”

The post Fortebet gives COVID-19 task force huge boost appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

To relax the lockdown or to extend it? These were the questions on the majority of Ugandans’ minds as they awaited President Museveni’s speech. Uganda had so far been on lockdown for two weeks and the signs were showing that the lockdown would be extended – which indeed was.

Prior to the speech, something happened. There was a total power blackout throughout the entire country. UMEME explained that this was due to a floating island that had messed up the turbines at Nalubaale Power station (former Owen falls dam).

Ugandans then resorted to live streaming the presidential address on social media and other platforms and that’s where, in the words of a one Isaac Ruta, “the debate of NBS TV Vs NTV was settled.”

Just to put this into context, Uganda has a population of 45.1 million people. Of these, 60% have access to mobile phones, 24% are internet users and 5.6% are active on social media. Of those active social media users, Facebook is the most used with 2.3 million users per month according to Hootsuite’s Digital Report for Uganda.

Just before power was turned back on, NBS TV peaked at 13,600 active live viewers while NTV peaked at 7,100 active live viewers – that’s about half of what NBS TV got.

The comments section on Facebook was also another area with funny statements. The number of screenshots about funny comments that went around was predominantly from NBS TV’s Facebook live stream, another testament that people prefer watching NBS.

On Twitter, one Geno Eric commented: “The online views between NBS and NTV show how much you people love NBS but just pretend here.”

Immediately the Presidential Address was done, NBS TV went live at Owen Falls dam to speak to the minister of Energy on what exactly caused a national blackout.

The online prowess of NBS is a product of their powerful picture and display quality, interior studio design, news relay techniques, and presenters dressing is in harmony with the environment. This doesn’t take away the relevance of NTV, but the numbers speak for themselves.

The post Power Blackout sees TV stations take the battle to online space: NBS TV comes clear appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Joan Semanda Kizza, the MultiChoice Uganda PR and Communications Manager.

By Our Reporter

Multichoice Uganda, a leading Pay TV provider, has extended their promotion in which customers enjoy a wider content offering at no extra cost when they renew their subscription.

Starting this Monday, April 20th, DStv and GOtv customers who are fully paid up on their subscriptions will automatically get upgraded to the next higher package at no extra cost, which is almost a 40% discount in subscription pricing.

The promotion comes amid the global Coronavirus pandemic which has seen the country go into lockdown, meaning more people are turning to television for entertainment.

According to Joan Semanda Kizza, the MultiChoice Uganda PR and Communications Manager, this offer is a way of thanking their customers for their loyalty.

“It is our priority to put customers at the heart of everything we do, and in line with our mission to make great entertainment available, even during the most trying of times, we wanted to gift our valued customers by giving them a chance to experience a wider range of the quality content we carry on our other packages. This is our token of appreciation for their continued support.” She said.

For DStv customers, the promo offer will apply to all active and disconnected Access, Family, Compact and Compact Plus customers who renew their subscription packages.

With this offer, DStv Access customers will gain access to FOX, VUZU  and Discovery Family while DStv Family customers will now enjoy M-Net Movies Action, BET, FOX and TNT. Customers on the Compact package will be opened to 1 Magic, E! Entertainment, Comedy Central and M-Net Movies Binge, and those on Compact Plus will gain access to M-Net and M-Net Movies Premier.

For GOtv customers, the offer is available to Lite, Value and Plus customers. The Lite customers will gain access to E! Entertainment and Disney Junior; Value customers will enjoy Telemundo, Zee World and Nat Geo Wild; and GOtv Plus customers will gain access to BET, CBS Reality and Cartoon Network.

The campaign has been running since January 2020.

The post Multichoice Uganda expands content offering for customers appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

We caught up with Brian Ahumuza aka Abryanz of Abryanz collection and talked about his perspective of this quarantine, how he is spending his time and if or not he learns from this pandemic.

How has covid 19 affected you as an entrepreneur?

This pandemic has not just affected me but has affected all businesses world over. I am not crying about it because it’s global and every business is affected. I want to keep positive. My life and our lives come first.

Why have you not exploited the current situation as a fashionista? We expected you to be involved in mask business and print T-shirts

As a leading fashion personality, everyone expected me to jump onto the business but I did not see this coming so I did not prepare. I do not love to jump onto a trend unprepared.

What has Abryanz done to help during this covid 19 pandemic?

First I have managed to stay home like the president directed. I have also supported a few people during this period. This period has also helped me rest a bit, since I ventured into my business there is not time I have rested even 2 days so this is a blessing in disguise for me to also rest away from my tight schedule.

Do you see yourself getting back to normal bizness and how has this taught you as a business man?

Yes it will take some time but I will get back on my feet. Every business will. But also what is more important now is to get out of this situation alive, my family, my clients all alive. If we stay alive we can do much greater than before.

This has alao taught me much but as a business person, I always knew risk management and always saved so I cannot say I learnt to save. I have always saved. More than anything, I have learnt to value life.

The post I do not jump onto fashion trends without preps, Abryanz explains why he has no mouth masks on market appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

We could have know them for their hit songs, singers Big Eye and Gravity In a twist of professions have geared up for a public exhibition. Unlike the usual when people gather to watch them sing, fpr the fight time two musicians are looking forward to a boxing match.

Big Eye who is the offender is daring Gravity into a fight at Freedom city. Gravity has neither accepted now rejected the challenge.

The fight is said to have attracted promoters willing to buy it. Watch the space.

The post Big Eye, Gravity in fist fight contest, promoters gear up for show appeared first on BigEye.UG.