By Our Reporter

MTN Uganda has announced a 2-year partnership with the Obwa Kyabazinga bwa Busoga Kingdom worth UGX 600 million. This partnership comes, as MTN celebrates the 6th coronation anniversary of the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV.

The partnership will focus on the kingdom’s social, cultural, and economic programs in the areas of health, sports, and culture. Programs to be supported include the popular Masaza football tournaments and the newly introduced inter-counties bicycle competitions.

The kingdom will also identify projects of their interest and work with MTN to scope and address the agreed needs of those communities.

This program will be executed under MTN Y’ello Hope, as Corporate Social Investment projects. MTN has also committed to support the annual Empango or coronation celebrations over the period of the partnership.

Stephen Mutana, the MTN Uganda General Manager, Mobile Financial Services signed the Memorandum of Understanding behalf of the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte.

The signing ceremony coincided with the coronation anniversary celebrations at Igenge Palace, the Kyabazinga’s official residence.

Mr. Mutana remarked that “cultural institutions like the Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga, are a strong community establishment that foster shared beliefs and unity of purpose.”

Rt. Hon Dr. Muvawala Joseph, the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom expressed his heartfelt gratitude to MTN Uganda for its continued support towards the people of Busoga over the years, noting that the new partnership will go a long way in addressing some of the socio-economic and cultural issues of the people of Busoga.

“I’m grateful to MTN. For several years now, MTN has stood with us both in times of need and during happy times like these. We are indeed grateful for all the support you have given us over the years and we pledge to continue supporting MTN because of its big heart not only to the people of Busoga but to the entire country,” Muvawala said.

In 2019, MTN Uganda supported the Kyabazinga’s Girl Child initiative and the construction of a classroom block at Malongo Ark Peas high school in Mayuge in addition to donating 150 solar kits to selected schools in Kamuli.

These among several other projects are testament to MTN’s commitment to supporting the social and economic aspirations of our customers and the Ugandan community in general.

The post MTN Uganda signs 2-year partnership with Busoga Kingdom appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

It’s that time of the year when we celebrate the beauty and diversity of African music.

The 7th edition of the African Muzik Magazine Awards and Music Festival (AFRIMMA 2020) is set to hold on November 15th, 2020 in a virtual event owing to the global COVID-19 Pandemic.

This will be in Dallas, Texus USA and it is themed ‘Destination Africa’.

Unlike the previous years, Uganda has been honoured with 7 nominations in this year’s edition, slating the country’s nominees among the priority in the awards.

This was confirmed from the official nomination list released on Friday 11^th September 2020.

Eddy Kenzo has been nominated in the category of ‘Best Male East Africa’ alongside Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania, Harmonize – Tanzania, The Ben – Rwanda, Khaligraph Jones – Kenya, Gildo Kassa – Ethiopia, Mbosso – Tanzania, Rayvanny- Tanzania, Ali Kiba- Tanzania and Otile Brown – Kenya.

Sheebah Karungi and Vinka have been nominated in the category of ‘Best Female East Africa’ with Nadia Mukami – Kenya, Zuchu – Tanzania, Maua Sama – Tanzania, Rosa Ree- Tanzania, Akothee- Kenya, Nandy – Tanzania, Fena Gitu (FenaMenal) – Kenya and Tanasha Donna – Kenya.

Keko in the category of ‘Best Female Rap Act’ with Eno Barony – Ghana, Nadia Nakai – South Africa, Moonaya – Senegal, Rosa Ree – Tanzania, Bombshell Grenade – Zambia, Muthoni Drummer Queen – Kenya, Askia – Cameroon, Candy Bleakz – Nigeria and Rouge – South Africa.

Sasha Vybz was nominated in the ‘Best Video Director’ category with Justin Campos – South Africa, Dr Nkeng Stephens –Cameroon, Enos Olik – Kenya, TG Omori – Nigeria, David Duncan- Ghana, Director Kenny – Tanzania, Clarence Peters – Nigeria, Gyo Gyimah- Ghana and Patrick Elis – Nigeria.

Masaka Kids Africana in the ‘Best African Dancer’ category alongside Poco Lee – Nigeria, Sherrie Silver – Rwanda, La Petite Zota – Ivory Coast, PapiOjo – Nigeria, Sayrah Chips (Nigeria), Bajuni – Tanzania, Rabbit Crew 255- Tanzania, Neru Americano & Scro Que cuia – Angola and Kora Obidi – Nigeria.

James Onen aka Fat Boy has been nominated in the ‘Radio/TV Personnel Of The Year’ category with Ebuka – Nigeria, Yaw – Nigeria, Jamal Gaddafi – Kenya, Jessica Opare Saforo – Ghana, Konnie Toure – Ivory Coast, Afonso Quintas – Angola, Willy Tuva – Kenya, DJ Fresh – South Africa and Do2dtun – Nigeria.

The AFRIMMA Virtual Awards 2020 is set to be the first of its kind in the African music world with performances coming from different artists around the world and audience catching the performances, speeches and award presentations on multiple streaming devices.

Get ready for the first ever Afrimma Virtual Awards Show that will take you on a journey to Africa as you vote for our Ugandan artists on www.afrimma.com.

AFRIMMA’s are renowned as the international awards and home of the African voice, crossing boundaries with music.

About the AFRIMMA Awards:

African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) is the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters to all musical genres including but not limited to: Afrobeats, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Hiplife, Kwaito, Lingala and Soukous.

African music is currently gaining global recognition at a rapid pace following this trend, AFRIMMA will create a platform that promotes the diversity of African music by bringing influential artists from different African countries for a night of celebration.

AFRIMMA’s vision is endorsed by some of the biggest African artists such as Fuse ODG (UK), Lira (South Africa), Tuface Idibia (Nigeria), Flavour Nabania (Nigeria), Miriam Chemmoss (Tanzania), Avril (Kenya), Afro Mask (Ghana/ United Kingdom), Nonini (Kenya), Chub Heightz (Botswana) and many more.

The first award ceremony occured on July 26th, 2014 at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, Texas.

The Eisemann Center has been recognized by clients, patrons and the media as one of the leading performing arts facilities serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

We wish the best of luck to all the nominees.

The post Uganda scoops 7 AFRIMMA 2020 nominations appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Multi-talented singer Azawi can’t wait to release her long awaited ‘Lo Fit’ visuals this Friday, 18^th September 2020.

From the trailer that has been posted on the singer’s official Social Media accounts, one should be ready to watch Azawi engraved in love romantic moments.

The video is just on point comprising of beautiful sceneries captured in Uganda by Swangz Avenue Films.

Azawi has had a sparkling career this year ever since she was signed by renowned record label, Swangz Avenue.

We will keep you posted.

The post ‘Lo Fit’ visuals by Azawi premiering this Friday appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

The Miss World Organisation announced recently the 70th edition of the Miss World Pageant will be held in 2021. Julia Morley, CEO of the Miss World Organisation said: “We have made the decision to delay the 70th Miss World Final. Safety is paramount as we continue the fight against COVID- 19. We look forward to welcoming the Miss World family to our very special celebrations next year.”

The local Miss Uganda Pageant organised by Talent Africa & Kezzi Entertainment will also be postponed to 2021. Brenda Nanyonjo, the Director of Kezzi Ent & CEO of the Miss Uganda Foundation states “Under the given circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic we have no option except to postpone this year’s pageant to next year. On a positive note, 2021 will mark ten years of the Miss Uganda franchise under Kezzi Entertainment and we look forward to a big celebration as we crown a new queen. Until then Oliver Nakakande will continue her reign as Miss Uganda as will other title holders for one more year.

The post Miss world and Miss Uganda pageants postponed appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Writer

Kampala music promoter and socialite Charles Oryem popularly known to many as Sipapa has thrown a big threat to Uganda’s artiste turned politician Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi that he will destroy his car in revenge.

Sipapa stressed this in a Facebook post which he made on Tuesday the 15th of September. “Bobi Wine abayaye bo bakubye emotoka yange but I am coming for yours too.“ he stressed

This followed the chaotic scene that happened as Sipapa tried to preach the gospel of National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kamwokya. This raised anger among the ghetto enthusiasts who attacked him and destroyed his car saying it was too much disrespect.

Uganda Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the chaotic crowds and calm down the situation. The Deputy Police Spokesperson Kampala Metropolitan Luke Owoyesigyire said that the police is aware of the scene that happened in Kamwokya but they do not know about Sipapa’s car being destroyed because he has not reported the case.

The post Sipapa threatens to destroy Bobi’s property appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

In celebration of a decade on the local music scene and due to COVID-19 multi-talented singer, Maro had to find a way to connect with his fans.

He is doing this in a weekly YouTube talk show series I called “Think with Maro”.

Think with Maro is an unscripted chat about anything and everything between himself and anybody from fellow celebrities’ fans and friends to find out what they both have in their heads.

Basically, it’s free thinking zone for Maro and anybody interested.

It is recorded but not scripted, so conversations grow naturally to create a bond too if I chat with a fan.

It broadcasted every Friday and Wednesday on the “Mapenzi media Official” https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOC5-D-sI6CGCI8XNpEL8dg YouTube channel.

#thinkwithmaro Subscribe and email on thinkwithmaro@gmail.com to be a guest or a co-host!

Watch Think with Maro Season 1, Episode 2 here:

We will keep you posted

The post Maro rolling out online series dubbed ‘Think with Maro’ appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

U.S. rapper Cardi B filed papers on Tuesday to divorce her husband, Offset, after three years of their on-and-off marriage.

The “WAP” singer, 27, known for songs that celebrate sex, money and female empowerment and for her playful, idiosyncratic lyrical style, filed divorce papers in family court in Fulton County, Georgia, according to court records. An initial hearing was set for Nov. 4.

Representatives of the artists did not return requests for comment.

Cardi B and the Migos musician Offset married secretly in 2017 and had a daughter, Kulture, in 2018. But the union proved rocky, with splits and rumors of infidelity. Cardi B said in 2018 that the couple had parted ways, only to reunite later.

Tuesday’s divorce filing comes at a high point in Cardi B’s career, with her single “WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks.

A former stripper, New York-born Cardi B broke into the mainstream in 2017 with “Bodak Yellow,” and subsequent hits “I Like it” and “Bartier Cardi.

Reporting by Mimi Dwyer; Editing by Jill Serjeant and Peter Cooney. Reuters.

The post Cardi B files for divorce after three years of marriage with Offset appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Songstress, Winnie Nwagi has thrown doom and gloom towards the community myth of prioritizing Marriage whenever a woman clicks her late youthful age.

The ‘Everything’ singer took it to her social media and downplayed her need for marriage as she instead prefers having an affair.

“I love bein’ in a relationship but marriage ain’t for me….Weird huh!,” wrote Winnie Nwagi.

Apart from her exceptional musical attributes, Winnie stands out among the female celebrities in Uganda with a gorgeous beauty.

She is also renowned for possessing that bootylicious body often riding most men crazy.

We will keep you posted.

The post Winnie Nwagi clears the air on marriage plans appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUG Writer

President Yoweri Museveni has come out and thanked Ugandans for the beautiful birthday messages saying the really warmed his heart.

In a video he took to his socials on Tuesday the 15th of September, Museveni thanked Ugandans for taking interest and remembering to wish him good luck on his 76th birthday.
“I thank all of you for the good messages you sent on my 76th birthday and taking interest and remembering,responding and wishing me good luck.” He said

Museveni who was with his wife Janet Museveni also reminded Ugandans that COVID 19 is serious and asked them to be very cautious. He stressed that Ugandans should be very careful to avoid the spread of the virus.
“I ask all of you to be so careful as you can all see that the virus has become so serious at killing ,avoid crowds, don’t touch yourselves and kindly wear your masks. “ He stressed.

President Museveni turned 76 years of age yesterday and quite a number of people sent him messages to celebrate the milestone.

The post Museveni overwhelmed by love from Bazukulu on his birthday appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUG Writer

Ugandan passionate young artiste Vivian Tendo has spoken out about violent relationships

In an interview with STV’s Fifi Parker, Vivian revealed that she has never been in any violence with a man and that she would never wish to get involved in any.

“I really cannot stand a man who fights. I feel like it is one way a man can ever disrespect a woman. If I dated a man and I found them violent, I would move on immediately.”

The route entertainment artiste also stressed that she loves herself so much that she would never let anyone hurt her.

She went on to reveal that as the restrictions on concerts, she will keep on releasing and uploading music to keep her fans entertained.

Vivian has gained fame in a very short time something that has come with a lot of critisms and rumors.

The post Vivian Tendo speaks out on violent relationships appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Songstress, Martha Mukisa has opened on the work done behind the curtains that got her doing ‘Kikomando remix’ collabo with Victor Ruz.

While making an appearance on Record TV Uganda’s Kiggunda show earlier this week, Martha revealed that she had preferred Victor’s Love Lend song to his ‘Kikomando’.

Little did she know that Victor’s management had already made an approach to her’s for a remix.

“I actually fell in love with Victor Ruz’s Love Lenged song before we did Kikomando remix. I was his fan and surprisingly I didn’t know that my management and his were in talks for a remix,” Martha said.

Martha and Victor’s Kikomando remix featuring DJ Sting’s video dropped earlier last week and has an impressive reception on screens.

Likewise, is their audio which is still bossing around both local and international airwaves.

With no doubt, the two are among those fresh talents in 2020.

Watch Kikomando remix video by Martha Mukisa & Victor Ruz Ft. DJ Sting here:

We will keep you posted.

The post I was in love with Victor Ruz’s ‘Love Legend’ before we did ‘Kikomando remix – Martha Mukisa appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUG Writer

Uganda’s tourism ambassador, singer and music executive Edrisa Musuza professionally known as Eddy Kenzo has said that it is up to Ugandans to vote him or Diamond Platinumz.

In an interview with Spark Tv, the stamina hit maker explained that it is the people’s choice to vote whoever they want after all they both from East Africa.

“It’s up to the people to vote Diamond Platinumz or myself because he is also East African. I have no problem with that, after all, it has always been me or him.”

According to the list that was released on 11th September, Kenzo and other six Ugandans were nominated in the 7th edition of the African Music Magazine Awards(AFRIMMA) that will take place in Dallas, Texas on 15th November 2020.

Kenzo was nominated in the same category of the Best Male East Africa with other nine icons including Diamond Platinumz which left talks among voters on who will win.

The 2020 edition of these awards will be held virtually in USA due to COVID-19.

The post “It is okay to vote for Diamond Platinumz”—Eddy Kenzo on the AFRIMMA nominations appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Recently StarTimes launched a new product called StarTimes GO which is an integrated e-shopping platform offering premium selected commodities of Good quality designs of products at the most affordable prices. The platform provides “TOP” experience in TV shopping, Online shopping and Phone-call shopping featuring Direct Source, Direct Broadcast, Direct Selling and Direct Delivery. Our reporter had an interview with the Spokesperson of StarTimes, Christine Nagujja, to give us more details about this product.

Q1: What is the shopping Channel like?

A1: The channel named StarTimes GO is a fully dedicated 24/7 shopping channel, which brings massive choices and unlimited happiness to Ugandan online shoppers. It boosts the Direct Broadcast of an immersive guide for the audience to experience the shopping together with the host of the dedicated channel, since “seeing is believing.” The comprehensive presentation and hand-to-hand instruction of the best commodities on this channel will help save time and energy in product comparison and selection.

Meanwhile, the commodities presented on the channel will be updated frequently, to ensure  constant unlimited, wide variety of choices for the audience.

Q2: What kind of commodities will be presented on the Channel?

A2: As mentioned before, StarTimes GO only recommends and sells the best. In addition to the current representative products relating to digital TV access, StarTimes GO has expanded the categories to high-tech daily commodities for family, well-designed light power bank, Hi-Fi wireless speaker, and Hair Clippers.

The 3 basic features of the available commodities are Good Design, Good Quality and Good Price.

First of all, we have a Direct Source of the commodities hence control of quality and supply.

Further more, we set a professional team to screen the candidate commodities previously with strict criteria in comparison and selection; so as to ensure that the branding and product meets the required high quality standards.

In addition to the above, the Direct Selling will eliminate unreasonable price raise from a third party or in the process, thus the customer can always enjoy a surprisingly appropriate price, hence spend the least for the best.

Q3: How can I order for goods after watching the Channel StarTimes GO?

A4: A call to +256317117777, then the thoughtful and experienced operator will further explain the way to make an order according to your detailed requirement. Or you can shop online on https://ugmall.startimestv.com/. This online order access is also available on StarTimes ON App. You can also visit us on our official Facebook page, StarTimes Uganda, for more information.

Q4: How could the customer get the goods they have ordered?

A4: To ensure timely delivery, we have a well-equipped automobile delivery team that is supported by the efficient call center that ensures timely allocation of orders to the delivery team.

The post StarTimes PRO Christine Nagujja talks about their new product StarTimes GO appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Following a stream of tweets about his record label contracts with Universal Music Group (UMG), Kanye West shared a video showing what he truly thinks of his Grammy Award.

On Wednesday 16th September, Kanye posted a video of himself urinating on one of his 21 Grammy trophies scooped from 53 nominations.

In the video posted to Twitter, a cream pair of Yeezy Foam Rnnr Ararat shoes can be seen in the bathroom in front of the toilet bowl, which has the seat lifted.

“Trust me … I WONT STOP,” he captioned the video posted to Twitter.

While Kanye West’s face is not seen in the clip, it is hard to assume the video would be featuring another person using the restroom with ’Ye’s Grammy in the toilet and a pair of the rapper’s shoes on their feet.

This is one of the 100 tweets Kanye sent out within the last hour.

However, his ammunition was initially pointed at record labels like Def Jam and UMG.

His most recent stunt with the award could be seen as a way to challenge the music industry like he mentioned he would do in a series of tweets earlier today.

The “Jesus Walks” rapper promised fans he would deliver a moment that could change the music industry as a whole.

In a tweet shared to the social media platform, Kanye expressed how humbled he felt to share the details of his contract as he has previously mentioned that he is fighting for the rights to his song masters.

“THIS MOMENT IS GOING TO CHANGE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY FOR GOOD … I FEEL SO HUMBLED AND BLESSED THAT GOD HAS PUT ME IN A STRONG ENOUGH POSITION TO DO THIS … EVERYONE KEEP PRAYING … ITS WORKING … I AM ON MY KNEES THIS MORNING,” he wrote.

A rep from the Recording Academy, the parent company to the Grammy Awards, has yet to respond to Kanye’s actions.

Watch video here:

We will keep you posted

The post Video: Kanye West Pees on his Grammy Award appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Mr. Muhumuza Martin Beta, a renowned talent manager to singer Eddy Kenzo has hit-back at critics who have trolled his artiste on social media ever since he made it to the 2020 AFRIMMA Awards nomination list.

According to his social media post, Beta has learnt about the longtime decampaigning that has secretly been marveling in most of the recent awards by his tormentors to see that Kenzo doesn’t win any accolade.

He also sited ‘Divine protection’ as the reason behind their victories.

“Bulijjo balonda ba neighbour mu nkukutu ela netubasabulilayo, this time ensonyi bazinaabye babalonda kyeele, naye ela tugenda kubasabula because we are divine protected,” Beta wrote.

Its such a devastating season for Eddy Kenzo on social media right from the day he portrayed an anguish character towards singer cum politician Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu aka Bobi Wine.

This was clearly evident earlier this week as Bobi Wine’s fans started a campaign to boycott Kenzo in the AFRIMMA Awards and instead vote in favour of his rival Tanzania’s music icon Diamond Platnumz.

This year’s edition of the AFRIMMA Awards is slated for November 15^th at Dallas Texas USA and will be held in a virtual event.

AFRICAN MUZIK MAGAZINE AWARDS (AFRIMMA) is the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that caters to all musical genres including but not limited to: Afrobeats, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Hiplife, Kwaito, Lingala and Soukous.

African music is currently gaining global recognition at a rapid pace following this trend, AFRIMMA will create a platform that promotes the diversity of African music by bringing influential artists from different African countries for a night of celebration.

AFRIMMA’s vision is endorsed by some of the biggest African artists such as Fuse ODG (UK), Lira (South Africa), Tuface Idibia (Nigeria), Flavour Nabania (Nigeria), Miriam Chemmoss (Tanzania), Avril (Kenya), Afro Mask (Ghana/ United Kingdom), Nonini (Kenya), Chub Heightz (Botswana) and many more.

The first award ceremony occured on July 26th, 2014 at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, Texas.

The Eisemann Center has been recognized by clients, patrons and the media as one of the leading performing arts facilities serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

We will keep you posted

The post Eddy Kenzo’s manager, Martin Beta not moved by Bobi Wine fans’ ‘AFRIMMA Awards boycott’ appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Chipper Country Manager Dan Tumuramye (R) poses for a photo with Spice Diana, their brand ambassador during a press briefing to announce their partnership with Italian football club, AS Roma on Thursday at their offices.

By Our Reporter 

Chipper, a financial platform that enables transfer of money across borders, has announced a two-year partnership with Italian football club, AS Roma that will benefit several disadvantaged communities across Africa.

Speaking during a press briefing held at their offices on Thursday to welcome the partnership, Dan Tumuramye, the Chipper Country Manager revealed that the partnership will combine both charity and community development.

“Chipper is about unlocking opportunities on the continent and bringing Africa together.” Dan Tumuramye further noted.

As part of the partnership Chipper and AS Roma will make special edition footballs that will be distributed to select communities in a bid to foster local talent development. They will also conduct financial literacy workshops in the local communities.

The balls will be handmade in Kenya and designed specifically for the type of pitches football is played on in the region, lasting 8x longer than standard synthetic balls.

Chipper Country Manager Dan Tumuramye addresses media during the press briefing.

The partnership will benefit communities in Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa.

“We have been greatly impressed by what Chipper has already achieved with 3 million users on their app in such a short space of time. With their technology and financial solutions and their ambitious plans for the future, we are excited to be a part of their journey.” Giorgio Brambilla, Commercial Director at AS Roma said in a press statement.

The local event, held to coincide with the global launch of the partnership, was graced by musician Spice Diana, the Chipper Uganda brand ambassador and will also aid  in selecting beneficiary communities.

“I am excited about this partnership, most especially because it involves charity.” Spice Diana said. “Giving back to the community is something close to my heart because these are the people that support us, and without them we can’t be.”

The post Chipper partners with AS Roma to boost local talent development appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

MTN Uganda recently launched a Mask campaign dubbed “Wear It for Me”. The campaign that will run throughout the month of September is hinged on the influence of mothers on their children and society as a whole. MTN’s General Manager Corporate Affairs Enid Edroma explains the campaign.

Q. Tell us about the new #WearItForMe mask campaign that MTN launched last week.

A.#WearItForMe is the next phase in MTN’s COVID-19 response under its Y’ello Hope umbrella programme, which has been set up to provide much-needed support during times of societal need and aims to create a better outcome for all we serve. That said, the #WearitforMe campaign is a call to action for all the people in the countries within which we operate to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus through wearing face masks, which has been proven to be one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of this deadly virus that has ravaged nations since the beginning of this year.

This campaign is running across all the 21 MTN markets in Africa and Middle East. I would like to clearly state that although the #wearItForMe mask campaign that is running under MTN’s Y’ello Hope focuses primarily on the importance of wearing a mask, MTN is by no means advocating that this is the only action needed to win the war against COVID-19. We should by all means continue observig the other SOPs such as social distancing, and hand washing or sanitising.

Q.We have observed that MTN is using mothers to drive the wearing of masks. Why mothers?

A.It is a well-known fact that mothers have great potential to inspire behavioral change in society. Many people will listen to what their mothers have to say. There has been a general reluctance by many people to observe SOPs since the lockdown was lifted which is dangerous for us as a nation. So we thought let’s bring in the mothers to drive this much needed change in behavior among the children of.

Q.What motivated MTN to develop this campaign?

A.Since government lifted the lockdown, people have gone about their lives with great abandon. Most of them neither wear masks, nor observe social distance and washing hands has been forgotten. As a result, we have started seeing the number of infections growing in the community. We have also witnessed some deaths. This negates the gains we had made as a nation in the beginning of this pandemic. So as the number one corporate citizen in Uganda, we felt that we should add our voice to already existing efforts from government and other organisations, hence the #WearItForMe campaign.

Like I mentioned, this campaign has been launched across the MTN footprint in Africa and the Middle East.

Q.Why the Masks and not any other intervention?

A.There is increasing evidence, from WHO indicating that masks can prevent the spread of the virus, there are equally a number of reports and surveys that reveal that many people still refuse to wear masks, wear them incorrectly, or feel they are not important. As such, through this campaign, MTN is encouraging every individual to wear a mask at all times when in public spaces. In addition to wearing the mask, we are encouraging everyone to still observe the other SOPs such as social distancing, hand washing or sanitising and only leaving home when extremely necessary. That is why most of our staff are still working from home.

Q.Isn’t this campaign rather late, considering that there are already infections at community level?

A.We are of the view that it is not too late to reinforce the message around the importance of masks as many countries in Africa are predicted to potentially see a peak in infections starting this month. In addition, there is also growing concern about the risk of a second wave of infections, so now would not be the time to be complacent.With infection rates predicted to reach a peak by September 2020, MTN felt that it is now more important than ever to put the weight of the brand behind driving this much-needed change in behaviour at the onset of September. It was for this reason we chose a single-minded approach that focuses on the importance of wearing a mask and doing what is right during this time to save lives. The campaign messaging does, however, make it clear that wearing a mask is not the only preventative measure needed to flatten the curve and accelerate recovery.

Q.How long will this campaign last and what happens after that?

A.The campaign will run for a month. That’s the whole month of September. Meaning, MTN as a company will only communicate the importance of wearing masks in the fight against Coronavirus. This isn’t the first time we have complemented government efforts in the fight against this pandemic. When government announced the first COVID 19 case in Uganda, we introduced a number of interventions. For instance, we slashed any fees relating to sending of Mobile money of any amount. This was to reduce the need to use cash as it was considered one of the ways in which the pandemic spreads. We donated three brand new cars to the government task force to ease transportation of logistics. We also partnered with NWSC to put up water points in water stressed areas around Kampala and its surroundings. Water is very essential for washing of hands. We zero rated educational websites for both primary and secondary schools as well as universities to enable students continue studying from home. And to enable people continue working from home, we introduced highly subsidized work from Home internet bundles in addition to our interventions done in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Uganda Redcross Society. So this mask campaign is just one of the series of initiatives we have put in place. I don’t think it will be the last. MTN has introduced an umbrella organ called Y’ello Hope through which we shall respond to natural disasters such as COVID 19. So expect MTN to come up with other initiatives depending on the need at the time.

Q.We understand that you are putting all of your marketing resources behind this campaign. Can you explain in real terms what that means?

A.That’s right. Throughout the month of September, we as MTN shall not run any of our commercial adverts pushing products. MTN is dedicating all its TV, Radio, social media, print and outdoor resources towards pushing the wear the mask campaign. As you can imagine, that is in excess of shs1billion that we are dedicating towards driving this communication.

Q.What are your last remarks?

A.I would like to remind everyone that Corona virus is a real threat to our lives and livelihoods. MTN as a corporate citizen cares for the lives of everyone wherever it operates. It is against this background that we have dedicated all our efforts and leveraged our brand strength, and reach to encourage everyone to prevent the spread of the virus by wearing a mask and also observing the other SOPs. We believe that Together we can all fight Corona virus.

The post MTN Uganda’s Enid Edroma explains the “Wear It for Me” campaign appeared first on BigEye.UG.

On Wednesday the 16th, pictures of Habib aka Herbert Shonga and his lover Sasha Brighton in a traditional wear made rounds on social media which left talks that Shonga had been introduced to Sasha’s parents in Luweero. He has come out and cleared the air saying he has never been introduced.

In an interview with NBS’s UNCUT, the socialite said that they had just attended a friend’s introduction party as a couple and Sasha was the guest.
“It was just a party and my fiancé was performing. We took very beautiful pictures and coincidentally people associated it to me being introduced. Ofcourse like any other person, I would love to be introduced because it is also an achievement but for the pictures you saw, it was just a friend’s party.”he noted

He further stressed that he has plans of a traditional ceremony. “ I had plans of making it official with Sasha but the pandemic interrupted. I am sure after all this I will be able to throw a big party because I cannot stand anything scientific.” he said
Shonga decided to settle down with Sasha divorcing his wife Dorothy in February this year with whom they have three kids together. He also added on that he is preparing to bring his children home and stay with them since he completely has nothing to do with Dorothy.

When he was asked about Dorothy’s embezzlement drama, he said he has no moral authority to talk about her issue but confirmed that she has never embezzled any money.

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City Lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi has sworn to take the prosecution of musician turned politician Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine to the East African Court of Justice.

This followed Mabirizi’s dissatisfaction after the Director of Public prosecutions Jane Frances Agodo requested the Wakiso magistrate court to take the case in which Mabirizi accuses Kyagulanyi of giving false information about his age. Mabirizi objected the DPP’s request on grounds that the DPP has not given any reason as to why she should take over the case.

“I am considering taking the matter to the East African Court of Justice because I cannot allow the DPP to play around my case. She failed to do her job because the offense I am alleging was commited in 2017 and they cannot wait until I institute private prosecution and come to court and request to take it over.” Mabirizi said

Male Mabirizi opened up charges against Bobi Wine for giving false information about his age and academic credentials to Wakiso District Electoral Commission during the 2017 Kyadondo East by Election.

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Ragga/Reggae dancehall artiste Kasendwa Richard aka Ziza Bafana has asked the president of Uganda to forgive him for defying his directives on COVID 19.

In an interview with NBS’s Uncut, the “Pomini” hit maker explained that he was called to perform in Tanzania which he never thought would be a problem.
“I was called to perform in Tanzania. It’s very different in that country because there are no restrictions on anything due to COVID 19. I therefore thought it was fine since I was not to perform in Uganda. I admit my mistake and ask the president of Uganda to forgive me for not following his guidelines. He should understand that we are his people and he should care about us. We are not working and we shall die of hunger.”Bafana stressed

He however stressed that he is ready to fight for the unprivileged Ugandans who suffer silently with grievances due lack of platforms.

He was arrested after completing 14days of mandatory quarantine at Mutukula. Bafana and his six mates disobeyed the President’s order and held a prohibited show at Happiness Mitek in 30th August,2020.

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