By Stuart G-Khast

Bishop Arnold Muwonge

It was glamour and excitement when juvenile singer Fresh Kid paid Wakiso based schools and children’s home Stride academy,Destiny Bridge and KCC respectively that are run my Bishop Arnold Muwonge in Wakiso a surprise visit yesterday and left resident children at the centre excited. Fresh Kid who was in company of his dad, Fresh daddy enjoyed games with the children in Wakiso and also sang along their hymns.

“It is always a pleasure around my fellow kids and this school makes me feel at home” Fresh Kids said. His father on the other hand too had a compliment “One of my children has been through such a school setting. I thank Bishop Muwonge for creating such an environment for children, we look forward to coming back at every opportunity”

Bishop Arnold Muwonge is the proprietor of Destiny Bridge and Stride Academy schools, some of the best performing schools in Wakiso and the country. He has also created a great environment with Kampala Children centre, where he looks after hundreds providing shelter, food and an education.

Here are some moments of Fresh Kid in wakiso.

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By Our Reporter

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga has directed the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to review taxes on imported textile, following uproar from traders who said the new tax regime is prohibitive.

In a meeting with the United Textile Group and Manufacturers’ Association at Nakivubo, downtown Kampala, Kadaga said it is unacceptable for such taxes to be levied on traders struggling to recover from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“What surprised me is that they moved from metres to kilogramme; the people who bring such policies come from Ministry of Finance; these traders are not a threat to any industry here because there is no factory that manufactures jeans, or the things that there traders make,” said Kadaga.

It is wrong, she said, to burden people with such taxes when they are coming from severe lockdown.

“People have just come from the Covid-19 lockdown and they have no rent, no salaries, why do you strangle them?” she asked.

In amendments introduced to the Excise Duty (Amendment) Act, 2020, government proposed to up the taxes on textiles coming into the country to 25 per cent or at US$5 per kilogramme, whichever is higher.

The move was intended to protect the local textile industry, but it was not long before traders rejected the measure, saying they import textile that is not manufactured locally and that they add value on it for onward export to other countries.

Government then gave traders a grace period of three months, which would make the taxes effective on the 1st of October 2020.

Mr Fahad Ssembajjwe, a member of the Association, criticised the move.

“The Ugandan companies produce only cotton materials; when we give them orders, they instead buy them from China,” he said.

Ssembajjwe said the new tax measures mean a container that originally paid Shs100 million in taxes is now condemned to pay Shs 800 million, a move he said can only be intended to drive them out of business.

Brigdet Mwagale, the secretary to the group, also added her voice by asking for a grace period of about five years from the tax body to help the traders get acquainted with these amendments.

Mr Kisitu Kigozi, the Assistant Commissioner for Trade at the Uganda Revenue Authority, said the taxman is only acting on laws as relayed through their line ministry, Finance.

MP Muhammad Nsereko (IND, Kampala Central), said the taxes are insensitive to the plight of the traders.

“This tax should be stopped immediately; this is being unfair to the downtrodden and the tax offends the principles of taxation by being uncertain; how do you tax someone from Shs100 million to Shs 800 million post lockdown,” he said.

Speaker Kadaga said she will bring the matter up for discussion in Parliament for a lasting solution.

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By BigEyeUG Writer

The Bryan White Foundation will cease to operate, this website has learned. This after the association’s trading license was recently revoked.

According to the National Bureau for Non Governmental Organizations (NGO), the license was cancelled because the organization has no structures and has continued to operate outside the NGO Act 2016.

While addressing the press at the Uganda Media Center, Patrick Onen Ezaga the Spokesperson of National Bureau of NGOs said that whereas the organization had a valid operational permit, it didn’t validate and has neither upadated it’s status regarding its operation.

“The Brian white Foundation has no structures like the annual general meeting, and board of directors . Kirumira’s position as the executive director is null and void hence an absolute nullity,” Fred Onen Ezaga said.

The Brian White Foundation, owned by Kirumira Brian aka Bryan White was founded in 2015.

We will keep you posted.

The post Bryan White Foundation to cease operation appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Promising singer Nisay P alias Celebrity Boyfriend recently released his second single “Die For You” that is already enjoying massive airplay on TV and Radio.

During an interview with Bukedde TV’s legendary spin master Dj Shiru over the weeekend, Nisay P disclosed that John Blaq’s success inspired him to start singing.

Nisay P who hails from Busoga region said John Blaq is a big icon just like Mowzey Radio and everybody dreams of becoming like him. This is because the “Do Dat” hitmaker has achieved great success in a period of just two years.

John Blaq is currently one of Busoga’s biggest exports and Nisay P dreams of joining hands with him to take Busog to the next level through music.

The post John Blaq inspired me – rising singer Nisay P appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Musician Aziz Azion has a new look.

Aziz unveiled his new look on social media to praise from his fans. He bossed with a bald head hairstyle, complimented with a full beard.

Bald head with a beard, this is one of the most trending styles of this year.

The decision of going bald may vary person to person, there may be someone among you who is losing a lot of hair so that taking this bold step & there is someone likely Aziz Azion who just loves the style.

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By BigEyeUg Team

The Bar Owners Association in Uganda has introduced a unique mask that allows bar patrons to drink alcohol and other beverages yet minimizing the spread of COVID-19 amongst themselves.

The new invention was announced on Tuesday by the Legit Bar Owners Association and restaurant representative.

Apparently, the masks will be available at no cost but required to take everyone’s details.

“We decided we as the members of the Legit Bar Owners Association and restaurant, to manufacture them and give them out to our customers at a free cost but recording details whenever entering the bar,” he said.

One will also be free to take it with him/her at home for a thorough routine cleaning.

“No paying for this mask and one will be required to wash it whenever coming to the bar.”

He further promised that the association will remodify the masks with time and sign contracts with more suppliers.

“We are aiming at re-inventing the masks to make them better for usage in bars, also we are going to seek from more suppliers so that they are endowed in the country.“

Last week, Stanley Ndawula one of the Uganda Bar Owners Association members said the that increasing domestic violence cases in families are attributed to the ongoing lockdown in the country.

He also asserted that drunkards are the most humble people and should be resume partying.

Watch video here;

We will keep you posted

The post Video: The Bar Owners Association in Uganda introduces unique sipping mask appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

The 1st lucky winner of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Take on the Pearl of Africa campaign, Dominic Tugume has admitted owe of his trip to the magnificent Sipi Falls in Kapchora.

Tugume who just returned from a full expenses paid trip to Mbale and Kapchorwa courtesy of the UTB was accompanied by comedian Alex Muhangi, actresses/dancer Natasha Sinayobye, actress/media personality Cleopatra Koheirwe and Miss Tourism Busoga Sandra Nguma.

According to UTB, the campaign aims to both create awareness and also educate Ugandans on the various tourist spots around the country; with emphasis on What? When? How? Who? And Where to Travel.  

“Travelling to Mbale and the Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa was a great experience. I was so excited to be the first winner of take on the pearl and also get to ravel with one of my favorite celebrities and see my beautiful country. This has been a great experience and would like to encourage Ugandans to participate in this campaign and get the opportunity to travel Uganda, the Pearl f Africa,” an excited Tugume revealed.  

‘Take on the Pearl of Africa’ campaign  witnessed Tugume traverse tourism sites and attractions in Eastern Uganda which included visiting the Jinja Nile Bridge, staying at the luxurious Mbale Resort, religious tourism visit to the Semei Kakunlgulu heritage site, hiking and abseiling at Sipi Falls. The day was capped off with an immersive bonfire story telling experience to understand the cultural values of the Sebei people and their way of life. This was coupled with lots of evening entertainment including silent disco, comedic and musical performances.

Tugume won his maiden trip after observing all protocol directed to be followed as a rare photo of Sipi Falls – the first tourist attraction was posted on Visit Uganda Facebook and Twitter social media.  All participants opting to take part in the campaign are urged to follow keenly on the Visit Uganda Facebook and Twitter pages to follow the dynamics of the challenge for a chance to win part of the 7 remaining trips across Uganda. A winner will be selected every Tuesday of the week from now until November 2020. 

 Mechanics of the campaign

I. Post the contest photo on Visit Uganda social media pages every Friday.

II. Get people to respond with name of the place and the reasons why they want to go to that place, for a chance to win the trip.

III. People get their friends and family to come and like their comments.

IV. Correct comment with highest likes by Tuesday of the following week is selected the week’s winner.

Winners will be selected and announced weekly.  

The post 1st winner of UTB’s ’Take on the Pearl’’ campaign in owe of Sipi Falls adrenaline rush appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Stuart G-Khast

Only a day after dropping video, Pia Pounds has today premier her latest EP titled Tupaate. Pia Pounds who premiered her Tupaate in Kabalagala had media in attendance and also exhibited some of her performing skills.

While speaking about her life as a musician she cited “Non of my family members is here because they all think I cannot be successful as a musician” Pia shed a tear as she said this. She also urged her fans and Ugandans to join hands and prove her as a prominent music figure in the country.

Tupaate is a Swahili word for “Lets Party” and dedicates it to everyone who survived Covid-19.

Enjoy Tupaate here

The post My family doesn’t think I can make it in Music, Pia Pound drops tear as she releases Tupaate EP appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team;

Ugandan born, South African-based socialite Zari Hassan (Zarinah Tlale) turns 40 yesterday, 23^rd September 2020 and in honor of her birthday celebrations, she has decided to share the irresistible excitement with her fans and social media followers.

Zari has turned-on comments on all of her social media accounts after almost three months off.

If you can recall, Zari closed her social media comment section earlier this year following a massive blow-out with Kyadondo East Legislator, Hon. Bobi Wine’s supporters.

This was after she demanded for Bobi Wine’s Presidential candidature credentials as Uganda moves in the General Elections in 2021.

“I heard life begins here…….🥰 happy bday to me. (Comment section open only this week),” Zari wrote.

Happy Birthday Zari Hassan!

The post Zari Hassan re-opens her social media comment section only for her birth week appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Yesterday, 23^rd September 2020 was such a memorable one for Uganda’s entertainment industry and Africa at large as the 40^th birthday for one of the top female icons, Zari Hassan is celebrated.

In the wake of today morning, the public is entirely concedes that at an age of 40, Zari still looks 18, feels 14 and acts 8.

This is why the mammoth birthday wishes for her on social media shouldn’t shock you.

“Looks 18, feels 14, acts 8. Happy 🎂 🎁 🎈 🎉 🕯 🍰 🎂to me,” Zari wrote on her social media.

Zari has a flair for doing things in a very elegant way and that makes her an exclusive life to celebrate.

She is a classy and fabulous right away in her showbiz, mothering roles, business commitments and many more.

Apart from possessing; expensive rides, houses, clothes, hair, among others, being classy is a culmination of being yourself, being positive, and doing good in all the places you can by all the means you can, which Zari collectively holds.

A truly elegant taste is generally accompanied with excellency of heart.   

Her beauty is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

True beauty in a woman like Zari is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows and the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.

She has overly expressed this through her charitable works and economic impacts to both Ugandan and South African governments.

Zari is totally mixed in her heritage, such that her grandfather on her mother’s side is Indian and the grandmother Ugandan.

On her father’s side, her grandfather is Somalian wile the grandmother is Burundian.

Zari Hassan was born on September, 23^rd 1980. She is a Ugandan artiste, reality TV star and an entrepreneur who grew up in Jinja, Uganda.

Zari attended Jinja Girls High School after that she relocated to Kampala and after started performing Karaoke in hang-outs.

For her tertiary education, she studied in London where she got a Diploma in Cosmetology.

In 2007, she released her first single ‘Oliwange’ which was nominated for Africa Channel O Awards in the category of best East African video of the year and in 2009, she won the Diva award of the year in Diaspora.

Currently, Zari is based in South Africa and has 5 children, 3 of her Late husband Ivan Ssemwanga and 2 of ex-boyfriend and Tanzania’s music heartthrob Diamond Platnumz.

Happy Birthday Zari Hassan!

The post Photos: Zari exhibits her latest classy fashion trend on 40th Birthday appeared first on BigEye.UG.

City socialite Shanita Namuyimba alias Bad Black has decided to venture into music again where she has signed two new artistes.

In a television interview, Bad Black revealed that she has decided to support these young artistes Ivan Data and Chord One.

She stressed that she took her time to find the right artistes to sign saying most of the Kampala artistes are indisciplined.

“ I took my time and made research trying to find the right artiste to sign. Most of them are indisciplined and signing them would just be like creating more problems. I decided to take on Ivan Data and Chord One because they have been in England and I am sure they are disciplined. These two are talented and their music is unique. That is what got me interested in signing them.” She said

Bad Black further added on and said that it not about making money but she is after promoting talent. She noted that she will support the two artistes until they make their dreams come true.

The two artistes also confirmed being signed by Bad Black and thanked her for the support. They promised to work with her to promote the music industry.

The post Bad Black back in music, signs two new artistes. appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

Letshego Holdings Limited (Letshego Group) collaborated with Botswana Innovation Hub to host a Pitch Day where 8 innovators showcased their works for potential future mentorship and support.

The Pitch Day enabled Letshego to scout the top 3 innovative solutions, thereafter offering support and mentoring opportunities to transform the entrepreneur’s future growth potential into a reality.

With Letshego’s sponsorship, the Pitch Day provided 8 startup innovators from BIH’s portfolio a platform to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges, comprising select executives from Letshego’s regional markets.

After hearing all 8 innovative pitches, the panel of Pitch Day judges concluded by commending the entrepreneurs on their outstanding submissions and creative concepts.

The top three nominations were Kwiky, a business solution that facilitates access to financial services for the underbanked by accessing mobile phone and mobile wallet transaction data from various data points, who came first.

Digital Diamond, an instant identification application, came second while in third place was PCG Software,  a digital solutions firm specialising in tailor-made mobile development and web-based projects.

Andrew Okai, Letshego Group’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “In our journey to create a world-class retail financial services organisation, Letshego remains committed to developing a relentless innovation culture. We aim to achieve this by leveraging digital innovation, strategic partnerships and eco-system thinking to enhance customer experience and increase access to simple and appropriate financial solutions for emerging market consumers across the Group’s 11-country footprint.”

“Our ambition is to use our strengths and expertise to enable entrepreneurs to expand their growth and income potential. Letshego strongly believes that through effective partnerships, we can grow our collective potential, exponentially!” He added.

The winning solutions will work with partners to manage subsequent development of the proof of concepts. This will include innovation sprints sessions and hackathons, leveraging BIH’s tried and tested innovation management framework to either support Letshego directly, or the economies and communities where Letshego operates across Africa.

At the pitch day, Alan Boshwaen, Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Innovation Hub said, “We all acknowledge that innovation is a critical catalyst in driving Botswana’s Transformation Agenda, hence, supporting innovations requires collaboration between diverse stakeholders. We are glad to have partnered with Letshego Botswana as a player in building national innovation ecosystem. Our innovators stand to benefit from the opportunities availed by this partnership including mentorship, capacity building and commercialization.”

The start-ups that pitched were selected from a pool of entrepreneurs within the BIH Incubation and Acceleration Programme. These entrepreneurs benefit from a number of BIH interventions including: technical advice; coaching; mentorship; access to markets; access to partner programmes; office space; subsidised corporate tax; special dispensation of the import of skilled personnel and many other tailored interventions to small business concepts to grow and thrive.

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By ReporterPay TV giant, StarTimes has put a new twist to online shopping with the Crazy Friday discount come this Friday 25th September 2020. This new twist is an assurance of better shopping experience with crazy discounts that can happen nowhere else but StarTimes Go channel!  The StarTimes Go channel on 203 on antenna and 002 on dish is a 24/7 TV channel which brings shopping to your living room.

In less than a month since its launch, the channel has gained mass popularity and a lot of appreciation from Ugandans.

With a dedicated hotline of 0317117777, customers can order for the different products that are showcased on the channel and delivery is done by our well-experienced team within 24hours.

However, this Friday customers will even have more reasons to be part of StarTimes Go online shopping experience because products prices have reduced to up to 60% discount. Discounted products include Enchen Blackstone shaver at only 18,000/- from 49,700/= ugx and enchen Klgo – 100 speaker at 29,000 from 72,000/-. Other discounted products include handbags, blenders, smoothie makers, electric toothbrush, Klgo wireless earphones, enchen automatic foam soap dispensers, enchen boost hair clippers.  

I would like to thank our customers who have embraced StarTimes Go channel, but also urge you to hurry up while stock lasts since we have limited stock available for the discounted products, added Isma Lule, StarTimes Marketing Director.

Orders for these products can be made through calling the hotline (0317117777), visit our shop online on https://ugmall.startimestv.com/. Customers can also order on StarTimes ON App or visit us on our official Facebook page, StarTimes Uganda, for more information

The post StarTimes crazy Friday discounted appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By our Writer

Events organizer and renown music promoter Abitex has said that promoters are not ready to stop striking until the government responds to their grievances.

In an interview with NBS television, Abitex said that promoters and events organizers have made enough losses that they might not recover from.

He also revealed that they will strike until the government understands that they are also Ugandans.

“Bukenya wanted to set fire on himself but we did our best to calm him down.Most of these promoters have families to take care of but the government has ignored that. They do not have what to eat and they are suffering so much. You can imagine all these months without working. I can confirm to you that if the government does not respond, these promoters will strike until it makes sense to the government.”

Yesterday, music promoters protested on the streets saying the government has forgotten them yet they are also Ugandans with so many grievances.

This left a one promoter Bukenya undressing to express his dissatisfaction. Five of the protesters were arrested by police and are being detained.

We will keep you posted

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By Our Writer

Former Eddy Kenzo’s dancer renowned for his “stamina” has come out to talk about his life after struggling for some time.

He says things went from bad to worse after losing his music partner Elly Cham (RIP).

The dancer is credited for the success of 2010 hit Stamina.

Here is the video:

We will keep you posted

The post Video: Ronnie Stamina talks about his life and why he separated with Eddy Kenzo. appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Renowned Kenyan Tik Tok queen Azziad Nasenya continues to reap-big in 2020 beyond anyone’s expectations.

After creating a massive storm on social media with aid of her Tik Tok song dance challenges, Azziad has hit another milestone to celebrate in the same year.

Azziad has today been named the official global ambassador for ‘Save Our Future’.

Save Our Future is a global movement led by UNICEF, UNESCO, The World Bank, The Education Commission, Global Partnership For Education, Education Cannot Wait, BRAC, Education Outcomes Fund, ADEA, African Development Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.

Upon receiving the confirmation for her new gig, Azziad hit her social media to share the good news with her fans and followers.

“I am happy to announce that I’ve joined the ‘Save Future Now’ campaign as an Official Global Ambassador. I continue to benefit from education in its many forms & I strongly believe that education provides dignity. Visit Save Future Now to learn more &join the movement! #SaveOurFuture,” Azziad wrote on her social media.

A statement from Save Our Furture official twitter account reads;

Meet Azziad Nasenya, a change-maker & a Global Ambassador to our cause. Follow Azziad Nasenya to find out how #education changed her life & why she is passionate about making sure all kids learn.

Thank you Azziad Nasenya for championing education & joining the movement to #SaveOurFuture!

Save Our Future is the greatest education emergency of our times.

The campaign models with the fact that COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the education of over 90% of the world’s students.

It has exacerbated already existing inequalities and magnified the global learning crisis. The future of an entire generation is at risk.

But while education is clearly a victim of the pandemic, it is also the solution to the longer-term recovery.

Azziad Nasenya is a Kenyan actress, content creator and accomplished social influencer.

Congratulations Azziad Nasenya!

The post Tik Tok Queen Azziad Nasenya named official global ambassador for ‘Save Our Future’ movement appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Dj Jacob Omutuuze has said that his fellow workmate Eddie Sendi is a useful idiot.

In an interview with NBS’s Uncut, Jacob Omutuuze revealed that Sendi is doing everything to decampaign him.

“That man recorded a video saying that my name Ahimbisibwe does not allow me stand for any political seat in Bunamwaya. Sendi is just jealous because I have achieved more than he has. It is very clear that he is doing everything to turnish my name but I can assure you that he will not succeed. I will say this without any regrets, Eddie Sendi is a useful idiot.” Jacob Omutuuze stressed

Jacob Omutuuze who is standing for LC3 chairmanship in Bunamwaya was denied the NUP card after the vetting process.This left a lot of mixed emotions from Jacob’s fans claiming it was unfair.

The post “Eddie Sendi is a useful idiot”—Jacob Omutuuze appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

A new entrant Paul Owor 29, a procurement specialist and proprietor of the Shinrai construction Company in giving Super FM Managing Director Peter Ssematimba sleepless nights over his Busiro South Seat.

Owori who started his ground consultations only three months ago is now a darling of Ssematimba’s Constituents and a household name.

If not checked, the young entrepreneur who prides himself as a solution – oriented leader could tear the opposition and the ruling party apart.

While appearing on Radio 4’s Gwesonga Show hosted by Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya, Owori said Busiro South Constituency is along forgotten area with poor health facilities and care, poor road network, education and sports system condemning the residents to abject poverty

The father of 2 says he is committed to implementing 50% of his manifesto before he is elected and is demystifying Ssematimba’s financial muscle by on spot delivery of voters’ demands.

What Owor is doing?

Owori has so far delivered 4 Ambulances, 4 Ultrasound machines to the Constituency that has four Sub counties of Katabi, Sissa, Kajjansi and Bussi. At least 228 Community Saccos have received financial support from the Elect -Owori Paul camp ranging between 300,000 – 2m.

He is constructing eight first ever public toilets in the islands of Sissa and Bussi,donated 10 beds to Kaaso Health Center, Solar power,dug 10 Boreholes and repaired Buvi road among his surprise projects that are driving residents crazy.

Owori says he will construct a stadium, a private technical institute and establish horticultural farms for commercial and demonstration purposes in the area to create jobs and improve household income.

He has shunned political parties offering to stand as an independent candidate arguing that parties divide people and provide limitations to a leader’s performance and interaction with the electorate.

He says Ssematimba’s representation is greatly lacking as was his predecessors JB Mutebi of Democratic Party. He says the only footprints of representation are those of Late Patrick Musisi who represented Busiro South before 2006.

His Promises

For an area that lacks proper health facilities, roads, clean water, sports facilities and education despite being near the country’s source of power,Owor now says if elected he will lobby for construction of Nateete – Kasanje road, build a secondary school in Busi, institute a special medical task force for the constituency, build a stadium and establish communal farms.

Paul Owor is a founding partner and managing director of Shinrai Group Ltd, Shinrai transporters, Funtime Safaris, Gifted Music Group, Kyeyo online, Tour and Travel Companies, Garbage Collection Company and construction companies.

About Busiro South

Busiro South in Wakiso District is comprised of the Sub counties of Sissa, Katabi, Kasanje and Bussi with 28 parishes. It stretches from Nkumba to the Islands of Bussi and Sissa.

It is the area represented by Peter Ssematimba who first contested for Kampala Lord Mayor against Erias Lukwago in 2011 but lost miserably. Piraaa Ssematimba as his popularly known then relocated to Busiro South where he won comfortably riding on the disagreements between opposition DP Candidates Joseph Ssekigozi and Simon Kagwa Njala who split their vote to give the fresh senior six vacationist also MP a smooth ride.

Will Ssematimba win the second term? Watch this space.  

The post Meet Paul Owor the man giving Ssematimba Sleepless nights appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

MTN Uganda has rewarded athlete Joshua Cheptegei for his recent exploits at the Diamond League meet in Monaco, where he set a new 5000 metres world record of 12:35.36, breaking Kenenisa Bekele’s 16-year old world record of 12:37.35.

In recognition of this milestone, MTN Uganda has offered a cash prize of UGX 123, 536,000 and a telecommunication package of 12GB of data, 35 voice minutes and 36 SMS per month for twelve months. Both prizes symbolize the new 12.35.36 world record time.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at Mbale Resort Hotel, MTN Uganda CEO Wim Vanhelleputte paid tribute to Joshua. “In sport, recognizing and rewarding milestones is widely accepted as an essential motivation in getting athletes to reach their peak potential. And so, as Joshua continues to take on other sporting challenges, Uganda ought to recognize and celebrate this remarkable achievement.” He said.

Since 2004, MTN in partnership with the Uganda Athletic Federation has been a part of the development of Uganda’s athletics right from the grass roots; And, it is from this partnership, that the Federation is steadily growing Uganda’s reputation as a track and field athletics powerhouse.

Through the programmes of the UAF, a lot of bright talent has been identified and gone on to perform spectacularly at various world meets/championships. Apart from Cheptegei, Uganda boasts of other remarkable champions like Halima Nakaayi – the 2019 World Athletics Championships 800m Gold Medalist, Jacob Kiplimo – the 2017 IAAF World Cross Country Junior champion, 2012 Olympic Marathon champion and 2013 World Championships gold medallist Stephen Kiprotich, and Dorcus Inzikuru, one of the pioneer participants at the maiden MTN Marathon in 2004, who won the inaugural 3000m women’s steeplechase world title, as well as the first Commonwealth title in the event and many others.

“The MTN Marathon has been a big inspiration for a number of Uganda’s long-distance athletes who have and continue to make an imprint on the international stage. Seeing the consistent results over the years MTN has been associated with the Ugandan athletics, is a big encouragement to us and justifies our partnership with the UAF,” Vanhelleputte added.

MTN also announced that the annual MTN Marathon, the most popular activity on Uganda’s athletics calendar, will not take place due to the restrictions resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic. The MTN CEO however affirmed that “MTN remains committed to continue supporting this event and other UAF calendar activities, when we overcome this pandemic and the restrictions it has dictated on our lives.”

MTN Uganda is a fervent supporter of Uganda sports and has over the years supported various disciplines including athletics, football, basketball, golf, and many others both at national and club levels.

The post Joshua Cheptegei rewarded with Ugx 123,536,000 for setting new 5000M World Record appeared first on BigEye.UG.

James Ebitu, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development giving his remarks at the launch of the project.

By Our Reporter

The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has partnered with the European Union (EU) and UNESCO in a joint project aimed at supporting the development of the local film industry.

The project is dubbed “Creating Measures to Provide a Tax Incentive and Encourage Formation of and Coordination among Professional Associations aimed at Supporting Local Content Development and Professionalization of the Film Sector in Uganda.”

It is a year-long project involving wide-reaching multi-stakeholder consultations culminating into the development and implementation of a number of strategic measures aimed at addressing some of the major challenges affecting Uganda’s emerging film sector.

Speaking at the project’s official launch in Kampala on Thursday, the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, said the project is a timely step towards achieving Government’s plans for the culture and creative sub-sector following its prioritisation as a major driver for economic development in the 2020/21-2024/25 Third National Development Plan (NDPIII) and the Second Social Development Sector Plan, 2020/21-2024/25.

He explained that the project will complement other existing Government policies and initiatives geared towards the building of a strong domestic film industry that will solve Uganda’s youth unemployment problem, earn the country millions of dollars in foreign exchange and spearhead the shaping of local content and national identity.

“This cannot be possible if the regulatory framework is weak and fragmented; at the same time, Film stakeholders must be professional and coordinated, which critical gap the project aims to fill.” The Minister said.

According to the 2020 Uganda National Culture Policy Regulatory Assessment Report, despite its ability to employ more youth than any other sub-sector in the economy, the local film industry is still plagued by a number of challenges including lack of access to funding, high levels of piracy and limited capacity amongst filmmakers.

According to the project’s Focal Person who is also the Commissioner, Culture and Family Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ms. Naumo Juliana Akoryo, a National Team composed of 30 representatives of various Film Guilds and Ministries, Department and Agencies has been set up. She said a work plan has also been crafted to ensure that all these challenges are addressed under the project.

Speaking at the project launch, Anna Merrifield, the European Union Delegation Chargé d’Affaires a.i., stressed the importance of ensuring that “legislation and policy reform of the film industry guarantee freedom of expression and room for independent film makers.”

The Secretary General of Uganda National Commission for UNESCO, Ms. Rosie Agoi, noted that the Cultural Diversity Convention has four main goals, which aim to incorporate culture into national development plans, ensure a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and promote the mobility of artists and cultural professionals around the world.

“In other words, we need to ensure we have Ugandan films at the theatre, Ugandan music on the radio, Ugandan books in the library, Ugandan art in the museums, and so on—and we also need to ensure we have a diversity of cultural goods from other countries.” She said.

The Ugandan project is part of a bigger ongoing UNESCO program funded by the European Union: The EU/UNESCO Expert Facility on the Governance of Culture in Developing Countries: Support for new regulatory frameworks to strengthen the cultural and creative industries and promote South-South cooperation.

Through an overall budget of EUR 3.2 Mio, the program seeks to support 25 developing countries, which are Parties to the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expression.

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