By Our Reporter

This Saturday, September 4, marks the grand finale for Yalelo Uganda’s “Prepare, Share and Dine” cooking competition that will see 10 contestants face-off over who has the best fish recipe.

The month-long cooking challenge that was launched at the start of August will have seasoned master of the culinary arts, Mark Kaheru as head judge.

The grand finale will be hosted at La Cabana Restaurant, Kampala where five lucky finalists will emerge as winners of the ultimate prize, a six-months’ free supply of Yalelo fish.

With less than a week left to the end of the cook-off competition, participants from across the country are taking over social media with mouth-watering posts of different fish recipes prepared at home in order to take part in the cook off.

Entry closes this Tuesday August 31, but there is still a chance to take a shot at the grand prize. Participants are required to share a short video/picture/recipe of a ready to dine Yalelo fish meal on social media and tag @YaleloUganda to enter the competition.10 participants with the most social media engagement will be chosen to participate in a physical cooking challenge.

Yalelo Uganda continues to expand its footprint all over the country as it boasts Uganda’s freshest fish that has made it a household name in the short period of time they have been in operation. The company currently has 11 retail outlets selling the freshest and most affordable tilapia fish in several parts of Kampala, Jinja and Wakiso districts.

The post Mark Kaheru named judge for Yalelo’s cooking competition appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

UK-based Ugandan songstress Angela Nabuufu, a.k.a Ang3lina has released a new single titled “Mercy”. She collaborated with Jamaican singer, Honorebel on the song.

The project also has a magical touch of Ugandan music producer and sound engineer Herbert Dramuke famously known as Herbert Skillz.

“Mercy” sees the Ugandan songstress connecting with Jamaican star Honorebel as they both go in over afro fusion-meets-dancehall beat work.

The track notably features Ang3lina landing her vocal versatility where the voice finds it home, being dark, and velvety.

Honorebel hits the second verse with his unruly colossus voice connecting to Ang3lina’s romantic chorus.

The new single is a follow up to her successful love song ‘Fantasize’ released early this year.

Listen to “Mercy” below:

We will keep you posted.

The post Ang3lina teams up with Jamaica’s Honorebel and Herbert Skillz for new song — “Mercy”. Listen to it here! appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Ugandan singer Deus Ndugwa famously known by stage name, Grenade Official can not hide his excitement after Nigerian music icon David Adedeji Adeleke a.k.a Davido followed him on Instagram.

The 24-year-old who was amazed upon receiving a notification from Instagram that the ‘If’ singer had started following him, rushed to share the good news with his fans on social media.

“They laugh at me because l’m different; I laugh at them because they’re all the same, Dreams come true thank you, Daddy, for the follow, may God keep you winning, love you endless,” Grenade Official wrote.

On Instagram, Grenade boasts of over 270K followers.

We will keep you posted.

The post Grenade Official excited by Davido’s follow on Instagram appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Songstress Nabattu Naira Ali a.k.a Naira Ali has finally found a reason to smile, days after claiming her music career was being sabotaged.

This is after her management gifted her with a brand-new Tesla car over the weekend.

On Monday, the “Yo Body” singer took to her social media platforms and paraded the new ride while posing alongside it.

The Purple Chord Africa CEO is currently living in the US where she relocated to in 2019

Check out photos of her ride below:

The post Photos: Naira Ali gifted brand new Tesla car appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

The annual remnants’s celebrations and honor day have returned yet again this year. This year’s celebrations are slated for tomorrow 1st September in a a virtual event. Zoe ministries leader Prophet Elvis Mbonye will preside over the event which will be live on Facebook and YouTube channels starting 6:30PM.

Previously, the event would host tens of thousands as congregation until the pandemic hit hard then it turned virtue but continues to get global attention.

As always, the gala will attract some entertainers from the gospel world. This year, a surprise act is expected as well.

Over the years, remnants all over the world have been giving testimonies on the honoring day and this time around it will not be any different even when done scientifically as many of them have already started sending them in.

It has also become a norm for pastors and other religious leaders both locally and internationally to honor Prophet Elvis Mbonye. This is also expected this year and we shall keep you updated.

The post Prophet Elvis Mbonye and Remnants set for annual honor day tomorrow appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Hip-hop superstar Daniel Kigozi alias Navio has come out to shock the world by doing something he hasn’t done in a while. You remember Navcorp? Well, Navcorp is Navio music group which now come out to add another name to the label and together they will do music that is ready to take Africa by storm. Tyra Chantey, a Ugandan singer based in Sweden has joined Navio’s team and her first song Conman was released last Friday on her YouTube channel.

For starters, Tyra is not only blessed with sweet vocals but also an all-round musical gift that includes, writing, producing, dancing and a degree in music. Conman isn’t Tyra’s first song but she also has songs like Sweet Talk, Stay in the moment, Talk Now featuring Tiwa Savage and Omarion.

Watch conman is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xXV7HTgZbU

She was born to a Ugandan father and a Swedish mother but almost all her life, she has spent in out of Uganda. Growing up with a father who was an artist in the industry had an incalculable influence on her journey. When Tyra was 4 years old, she got her first experience in the industry after tagging along while her father was on tour in Nairobi.

Her first recording experience happened when she was tendered an opportunity to record her very first song at the age of 13.

The post Navio teams up with Swedish based singer Tyra Chantey appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Hip-hop superstar Daniel Kigozi alias Navio has come out to shock the world by doing something he hasn’t done in a while. You remember Navcorp? Well, Navcorp is Navio music group which now come out to add another name to the label and together they will do music that is ready to take Africa by storm. Tyra Chantey, a Ugandan singer based in Sweden has joined Navio’s team and her first song Conman was released last Friday on her YouTube channel.

For starters, Tyra is not only blessed with sweet vocals but also an all-round musical gift that includes, writing, producing, dancing and a degree in music. Conman isn’t Tyra’s first song but she also has songs like Sweet Talk, Stay in the moment, Talk Now featuring Tiwa Savage and Omarion.

Watch conman is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xXV7HTgZbU

She was born to a Ugandan father and a Swedish mother but almost all her life, she has spent in out of Uganda. Growing up with a father who was an artist in the industry had an incalculable influence on her journey. When Tyra was 4 years old, she got her first experience in the industry after tagging along while her father was on tour in Nairobi.

Her first recording experience happened when she was tendered an opportunity to record her very first song at the age of 13.

The post Navio teams up with Swedish based singer Tyra Chantey appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

In March this year, MTN Uganda launched an exciting Tik Tok bundle offer that gives Tik Tok users unlimited access to the App for 24 hours at only Shs.2,000. This followed the success of the “Tik Tok Free” that was launched last year, giving customers free 5minutes for Tik Tok upon a purchase of 15mbs daily data bundle.

As a growing entertainment channel that is fun yet data intensive, MTN’s Tik Tok data bundle is a move that has been welcomed by many users of the application.

Tik Tok is the new way to consume bite sized fun videos for the youth. The social media platform is used to make a variety of short-form videos across genres like dance, comedy, education, Finance, crypto currency, fashion, cookery, fitness and health among a plethora of topics. The videos that have a duration from 15 to 60 seconds and the nature of its vast and unpredictable content is what makes them more appealing.

MTN has gone into partnership with Tik Tok to promote the service among its customers. The Tik Tok bundles are available to all MTN Prepaid and Postpaid customers with compatible handsets. The Tik Tok bundle can be conveniently purchased via the MyMTN App, MOMO App, Pulse App and Mobile Money.

Harold Mubiru, an ardent Tik Toker says that the heavy data requirements for one to use the app are forbidding yet the app is loaded with lots of entertaining and educative content.

“I personally used to love spending more time on Tik Tok but I couldn’t because it is very heavy on data. I would end up going a few days without posting content due to lack of data,” Mubiru said, adding that he used to spend anywhere between Shs.5,000 and 15,000 on data per day to keep his Tik Tok account active.

However, the introduction of the dedicated Tik Tok Data bundle from MTN changed his narrative.

“Now I can stay on the App as long as I like to create and monitor my posts while also looking out for the trends that I can hop on to without worrying about data,” says Mubiru, “The best part is that for just 2k, I can post heavy videos and even hold a Tik Tok Live session which used to cost me 10,000 back then before the MTN Tik Tok Bundle offer.”

Mubiru explains that the affordable MTN Tik Tok bundles have helped him to be consistent with content creation, something that is helping him grow his following further. Now with over 60K followers and counting.

Commenting about the offer, Onyait Odeke, the MTN Uganda Manager Digital Services GTM said that, “We realized that Tik Tok is a growing entertainment platform that was fun but data intensive. That is why we decided to create a bundle that is time based as opposed to volume based to enable our customers spend more time creating and viewing content on this platform.”

Odeke further noted that since majority of the Tik Tok users are young, data would be an issue thus the need for a more affordable bundle that gives them unlimited access for 24 hours at only Shs.2000.

Opportunities:

Although many people simply use Tik Tok for entertainment purposes, Mubiru who also joined the App for fun has overtime started earning from his content.

Since 2019 when he joined the platform, Mubiru has garnered a following of over 60K followers, giving his content a big reach, which has in turn attracted business towards him. His clientele is mostly artistes who pay him for his choreography services based on the dance videos that he posts on Tik Tok.

“So, you can say Tik Tok has given me a platform to showcase my dancing abilities and I am earning from that as I wait for university to reopen so I can go back and carry on with my studies,” Mubiru says.

Yvonne Namakula known as @Thisoctoberfairy on Tik Tok is also an ardent Tik Toker who joined the platform less than a year ago and has grown her following to nearly 200K in a matter of months. She is currently one of sought after Tik Tok influencers, which has not only left her Tik Tok famous but has also ensured she smiles her way to the bank.

Like Mubiru, she is also a student who only discovered Tik Tok during the thick of the lockdown last year. So far, she has turned what would have been redundant days to productive days that have also put money in her pocket during the pandemic.

“This implies that by making the bundle affordable, we are not only providing infotainment for our content viewing customers, but we are also supporting our content creating customers to earn seamlessly from their efforts,” Odeke said.

Whether you are a content creator like Namakula and Mubiru or a content viewer who loves to binge watch Tik Tok videos in your free time, the MTN Tik Tok bundle will give you 24 hours’ access to the app for only Shs.2000.

The post How MTN solved the data dilemma for Ugandan Tik Tokers appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter 

Regional Financial Services Group, I&M Group PLC has announced an increase of 33% after tax profit for its 2021 half year financial results up from UGX 102.5 billion to UGX 134.6 billion.

The Group’s Total Assets recorded a growth of 12% to close at UGX 12.2 trillion up from UGX 10.9 trillion in June 2020 bolstered by expansion into Uganda and increased private and public sector lending. The acquisition of Orient Bank Ltd (OBL) in Uganda has expanded the Group’s balance sheet by UGX 753 billion as at the reporting date. 

Net interest income recorded strong growth of 28% to UGX 285.2 billion up from UGX 221.1 billion in June 2020 attributed to increased interest income from government securities. The Group’s total Non-Funded Income reduced by 6% to UGX 124.9 billion from UGX 134.6 billion.

Net non-performing loans reduced by 8% compared to June 2020, to close at UGX 240.3 billion attributed to strengthened remedial actions in improving the loan book quality.

Customer deposits recorded a 10% growth from UGX 8.09 trillion in June 2020 to UGX 8.87 trillion as at June 2021.

Commenting on the Group’s financials, Mr. Daniel Ndonye, I&M Group PLC Chairman confirmed that the Group’s focus on increased lending to both the private and the public sector was key in determining the bank’s growth at a time when economies world over were hard hit by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is on the back of strong capital and liquidity base at group and country levels reported all well above regulatory minimums. At Group level, capital adequacy ratios closed at 21% at the same level as previous year, while liquidity ratio was 48% well above the statutory minimum of 20%.

The period under review saw the Group finalise the acquisition of a 90 percent shareholding in Uganda’s OBL. This is part of the Group’s broader regional expansion strategy to serve the needs of all customers at local and regional level, while promoting trade flows within the region.

“We will continue to focus on our customers across all the banking segments through a series of products and innovations that are tailored to enhance customers banking experience across all our subsidiaries;” he added 

Key to note, the Group, during the period under review, also rolled out, through its wholly owned subsidiary, I&M Capital Limited, a host of Wealth Management solutions.  This is expected to boost revenue diversification through provision of customized investment solutions, Asset Management, Retirement Income and Financial Planning for high network individuals.

Additionally, the Rwandan and Tanzanian subsidiaries launched Whatsapp banking, a key milestone in the Group’s digital transformation journey to provide customers with freedom of modern banking.

“We will also continue to invest and offer cutting edge technologically driven solutions to our customers and expand opportunities to attract more investors,” Mr. Daniel Ndonye concluded.

The Group’s Executive Director, Sarit Raja Shah underscored significant investment made during the first half of 2021. “Along with innovation of market driven solutions, we have also made significant investments in new systems across the Group in a bid to increase operational efficiencies and improve our customers’ banking experience.”

Further, the Group progressed on its strategic effort to create long-term value for stakeholders, through continued investments in Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives as a means to building resilience as well as to mitigate against emergent operational, cyber and credit risk. During the period under review, the Bank invested in a new Risk Management infrastructure for Anti-Money Laundering, Operational Risk and Fraud Management, as a key step in protecting its customers from the threat of financial crime on the Bank’s systems.

Through the I&M Foundation, the Group collaborated with like-minded organisations to drive its shared growth agenda in key thematic areas namely: Education and Skills development, Environmental Conservation, Economic Empowerment and Enabling Giving.

Key to note was that the Foundation partnered with the Kenya Community Development Foundation to drive environmental conservation initiatives spearheaded by the youth in Narok and Kilifi counties. The Foundation continues to support education scholarships for bright but financially constrained students at Strathmore University and the Palmhouse Foundation. Additionally, the Foundation donated towards the Maa Trust’s Mau Bead-Work project, to cushion the Trust’s beneficiaries from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Group’s Rwanda and Mauritius entities received accolades during the period under review. I&M Bank (Rwanda) PLC was recognized as the best bank (2021) by Capital Finance International (CFI.co), a print and online journal reporting on business, economics and finance. The Award recognized the Bank’s product offering, strategy, short-term and medium growth plans as well as client diversity. The Bank was also recognized for its technological innovations such as Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled ATMs with contactless technology enabling for operational efficiency and enhanced user experience. The Awards judges’ report also heralded the Bank’s growth strategy driven by a three pillar approach – driving business, building resilience, and optimizing the operating approach. In addition, the Mauritius joint venture, Bank One Limited, was awarded the Best Bank in International Banking Services and Best Custodian Bank, wherein the Bank was recognized for its role in supporting businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa based on its unique onshore and offshore capabilities.

The post I&M Group PLC delivers 33% Profit after Tax growth while investing in regional expansion and digital delivery for its customers appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Reporter

Fresh Dairy, the leading dairy products producer in Uganda has this week unveiled a new communication, #FreshDairymunju which is all about stocking up Fresh Dairy’s Long life UHT milk (ESL: Extended Shelf Life) in the house to reduce on the back and forth trips to the shops especially during such a time when people are advised to avoid crowds as much as possible because of the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, of which Uganda is in the 2nd wave.

 Fresh Dairy’s Long life UHT milk (ESL: Extended Shelf Life) is currently available in a 500 ML pack, and is popular for its 90-day shelf life, no need to refrigerate and affordable competitive price of 18,000UGX for a carton of 12 pieces.

Vincent Omoth, marketing Manager Fresh Dairy said, ‘At Brookside Limited, the producers of Fresh Dairy products in Uganda, we produce products such as Fresh Dairy’s Long life UHT milk (ESL: Extended Shelf Life) to ensure that consumer preferences and tastes are met. As a company, we aim to constantly be relevant to consumer needs, especially at such a time when convenience tops the priority list when it comes to shopping food items for the family.’

Omoth noted that Fresh Dairy’s Long life UHT milk (ESL: Extended Shelf Life) offers consumers convenience because its 90-day shelf minimizes the hustle of back and forth trips to the shops because the milk remains fresh minus refrigeration for 3 Months. This means that even families that don’t own fridges can still feel comfortable buying and stocking up Fresh Dairy’s Long life UHT milk (ESL: Extended Shelf Life) in their homes, hence #FreshDairymunju.

 The caution though is that Fresh Dairy’s long life UHT milk (ESL: Extended Shelf Life) needs to be stored at room temperature and off the ground for the entire 90 days.

 Omoth concluded that Fresh Dairy’s Long life UHT milk (ESL: Extended Shelf Life) can be ordered for home delivery countrywide from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 5pm by customers simply calling customer care toll free on 0800100020/21 or WhatsApp 0715744664 to place their orders. Fresh Dairy’s Long life UHT milk (ESL: Extended Shelf Life) is also available countrywide in Shops, Duukas, Kiosks, Supermarkets and Tricycle Agents located near consumers.

The post Fresh dairy Munju for 90 days, no need to refrigerate appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Our Reporter

Following the double launch of the AfroCinema and Fast and Furious pop-up channels in May, M-Net Movies is yet again gearing up to launch two new pop-up channels, Hollywood’s Sexiest pop-up channel and Lethal Legends pop-up channel, on Friday, 24 September.

Hollywood’s Sexiest pop-up channel is dedicated to the talented movie stars that mesmerise us with their amazing physique and stunning looks. The exciting pop-up channel will show films led by the most attractive actors and actresses who have achieved fame in Hollywood – both past and present.

It will be broadcast on DStv channel 111 and available to DStv Premium subscribers daily from 16:00CAT until after midnight. The channel’s end date will be on Sunday, 10 October.

Viewers can expect a must-see movie selection, showing the most sizzling and memorable scenes starring Hollywood’s hottest stars – from Leonardo DiCaprio to Channing Tatum and from Halle Berry and Julia Roberts. Popular titles include Pretty Woman, Magic Mike XXL, Titanic, and After We Collided.

The pop-up channel’s inventory will be available on DStv Catch Up until Wednesday, 10 November. DStv subscribers from Compact Plus to Access can watch Hollywood’s Sexiest pop-up channel through the Add Movies feature.

Alongside it, the Lethal Legends pop-up channel celebrates the greatest action stars of the ’80s and ’90s. On DStv channel 113, the action-packed channel will bring thrilling blockbusters from Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, and Michael Dudikoff. They are legendary martial arts performers known for their no-nonsense personality, which has helped them carve out a name for themselves in the action genre, particularly in South Africa, where they are referred to as “starring,” a term that means “action hero.”

There will be exciting battle scenes, epic chases, fierce gunfights, and massive explosions, with the movies scheduled according to one of the following themes at peak times of 18:00 CAT to 20:00 CAT: Martial Arts; Cops, Spies, and Agents; Soldiers on a Mission; and Revenge. Viewers can look forward to titles such as Bloodsport, Hard to Kill, Death Warrant, Invasion USA, and Platoon Leader.

The channel is open to DStv packages from Premium to Compact and will run from 10:00 CAT to midnight every day until Sunday, 3 October.

The post M-Net Movies to launch two new channels this September appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Ugandan singer cum politician Bobi Wine is back in studio and ready to revamp his music career after almost 4years of inactivity.

The self-proclaimed ‘Ghetto Gladiator’ who actively last participated in music studio work and stage in the early months of 2017 before he joining parliament, is currently having more hours in-studio recording as well as rehearsing for new projects.

According to his music partner Nubian Li, music has often been part of their lives and they would never be limited by any circumstance.

There’s a lot in stalk to serve their fans with, Nubian Li confirmed.

“Banning us from performing on stage, didn’t take away our fans. Our fans remain thirsty for our music. Expect something, just be on the wait. Anything might happen anytime. We are unstoppable coz music is part of us,” Nubian Li told journalists.

It’s understandable that Bobi Wine will be resuming doing other varieties of music, off the political and revolutionary side that he has been fond of in the last 4years.

Bobi Wine’s bounce back in music comes months after confirming that he will no longer be capped with a mammoth of political responsibilities like in the past 4years.

We will keep you posted

The post Bobi Wine reactivating 4year-dormant music career appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Ugandan male vocalist, Brun Kiggudu famously known as Bruno K is over the moon after his daughter’s Instagram account’s impressive performance.

According to Bruno K, his daughter Briella Kiggundu’s Instagram account has scooped over 1000 followers just a few days after it was started.

The “Omuwala” singer is also hopeful that the account will have blown with huge figures by the time baby Briella will be able to manage it herself.

“I opened an Instagram account for my daughter a few days bak and already 1k people are following her. Am sure by the time I hand over the account officially to her, she will be having some good figures,” Bruno K stated.

We will keep you posted

The post Bruno K impressed by daughter’s IG performance appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Today, Wednesday, September 1, 2021, Ugandan Reggae and Ragga musician Moses Ssali a.k.a Bebe Cool turns 44 years of age.

As a norm on most of Bebe Cool’s birthdays, social media is painted with his alluring photos and filled with all kinds of birthday wishes from friends, fans, and family.

However, the birthday wish that has brought social media to a standdown is one from his wife, Zuena Kirema.

Zuena’s 2021 birthday message to her husband has left multitudes of people tearful and fantasizing to have a man like Bebe Cool in their lives.

According to Mummy Zu (Zuena), Bebe Cool is a piece of her heart, a king, and a special father to her children.

Zuena says Bebe Cool possesses a golden heart, fond of giving to others.

She also reveals that husband is always satisfying wants from his people and matching his pledges.

Read Zuena’s birthday message to Bebe Cool in full:

A piece of my heart, a king, the father to my babies was born today. Happy birthday my love 🎉 May Allah keep blessing you my love, you’re always giving and for that matter, you deserve nothing but the best my love.

Thank you for always fulfilling your promises. I love you infinity

Zuena and Bebe Cool are married for almost two decades now and have together born 5 children; Alpha Thierry Ssali, Beata Ssali, Caysan Ssali, Deen Ozil Ssali, and Eman Ssali.

Happy Birthday Bebe Cool!

The post Mummy Zu writes tearfully to husband Bebe Cool on his 44th birthday appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By BigEyeUg Team

Recall all the recent occasions where Kampala city socialite Sheila Carol Gashumba has been fond of verbally tussling out with Uganda’s arts industry (musicians, DJs, TV and radio presenters) on social media.

Apparently, these are not far away from where she might have paused as she freshens a new battleground.

There is a silent rant that Sheilah commenced on Twitter earlier this week this time particularly against musicians, DJs, and media personalities.

This regards the ongoing flourishing concerts headlined abroad headlined by African artists.

The African artists are currently bagging enormous bookings on huge venues in the United Kingdom and the United States almost every weekend despite the Covid-19 effects still hitting their home countries.

However, none of the active names showing up on those foreign music stages roots from Uganda.

The issue has since sparked online attention from different Ugandans also leaving huge debates on social media majority started by Sheilah Gashumba.

“All these music festivals and concerts happening in the UK AND the US with different African artists around the world not forgetting African djs too but we don’t have any from Uganda? What could be the problem?” reads Sheilah Gashumba’s tweet.

Sheilah also says it’s better if East African entertainers treated their careers as businesses rather not mere dreams.

“East African entertainers need to figure if they only want to be artists, djs or tv presenters because they grew up with that dream or if they want to take their career as a BUSINESS not a dream!!,” she adds.

She also cautions Ugandan artists to adhere to the new trend where most celebrities around the world are exhaustively utilizing social media and online music distribution platforms to set their brands worthy multimillion deals from brands.

“Ugandan artists haven’t realized that they need to work more on pushing their online streams and not only in Uganda but to the rest of the world!! Sign distribution deals or make an online distribution budget before you release music I.e twitter, tiktok & instagram influencers,” Sheilah added.

“It’s high time ARTISTS, DJS and Presenters know the ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS not just knowing ENTERTAINMENT!!

Before the artists flew from their home countries to UK and the US, their music was first streamed by people in the UK AND US. I don’t remember President Kaguta Museveni closing the airport to travelers this year!! Artists need to focus on how increasing their online streams worldwide.”

It’s still a ferocious online verbal engagement as she is receiving retaliation from different arts stakeholders in Uganda.

We will keep you posted

The post Sheila Gashumba schooling artists again? appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Alex Mugasha (C) receives the tools of his trade.

By Our Reporter

While the October 2019 Makerere University strike over the 15% tuition fees increment registered negative outcomes for both students and management, it presented an opportunity for Alex Mugasha. The young then-student recorded a video that went viral and changed his life.

Next Media Services recently posted a poster congratulating “Gasha,” as he is commonly known in his circles, upon becoming their new South-Western Bureau Reporter. The post read;

“OFFICIAL: Alex Mugasha is our new South-Western Uganda Bureau Reporter. Congratulations to Mugasha, who, shortly after his “Bushera” viral video done in imitation of @SamsonKasumba, we took on in our Apprenticeship Program at which he excelled. Congratulations.”

Alex Mugasha was first known as ‘the bushera guy’ and has since seen his journey take amazing ascendance – he has grown from being a trainee at Next Media Services to a permanent employee with the Naguru-based station, and now a professional charged with Uganda’s biggest current affairs TV station’s presence in a whole region!

He took to Twitter to thank NBS Television as a platform, and the Next Media Services Group CEO, Kin Kariisa, for his opportunity. He wrote;

“New role means great opportunities, New strategies and thats for a fact. Thanks @nbstv @nextmediaug @KKariisa for entrusting me with this huge assignment. Let us tell those stories. Thanks everyone for your messages, much overwhelmed. #MugashaReports”

Mugasha joined Next Media Services in 2019 and has been in our faces since. Listening to him clearly shows that he loves his job and has mastered a couple of skills that have helped him become the reporter he is today.

This is yet another great example of Uganda building Uganda that ought to be appreciated – a Ugandan-owned Next Media Services, run by Ugandans, picking and taking chances on young Ugandan talent from across the nation driven by passion.

Mugasha follows in the footsteps of other personalities at NBS Television, such as news anchor and reporter Josephine Namakumbi and news reporter and co-producer Paul Kayonga.

The post Meet Alex Mugasha, NBS Television’s new South-Western Bureau Reporter appeared first on BigEye.UG.

David Valencia, Country Director, Nile Breweries addresses guests during the launch of the campaign held at Protea Hotel on Wednesday.

By Our Reporter

Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has launched a competition among universities dubbed “BeSmart DrinkSmart, Beera Mu Class” to promote a culture of responsible drinking and reduce the harmful use of alcohol among the youth and University students.

The campaign will see students from select universities battling themselves in creative extravaganza spanning 4 weeks.

“We aim to lead the industry in contributing to the reduction of the harmful use of alcohol. We believe in and share the WHO and UN Sustainable Development Goals’ ambition to reduce the harmful use of alcohol by 10% by 2025, this means that we have set ambitious Global Smart Drinking Goals for ourselves and initiatives to support them,” said David Valencia, MD NBL.

“The Inter-Uni Smart Drinking Challenge, one of these, is aimed at influencing social norms and individual behaviors by challenging University students to submit the best ideas to encourage responsible behaviour among Youth,” he added.

NBL has invested Shs200M in the campaign, which will see students compete in written, video, graphics and social media content forms to create winning concepts based on the theme “BeSmart DrinkSmart, Beera Mu Class”.

“We intend to create an interactive forum of champions of the behaviours and social norms that embody Smart Drinking in various universities in the country. We want to change lives together with our consumers such as the students,” said Onapito Ekomoloit, Legal & Corporate Affairs Director NBL.

“For the start, we will be partnering with 5 universities which include Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), Kampala International University (KIU), Soroti University & Kyambogo University,” he added.

University representatives pose for a group photo with officials from Nile Breweries.

The Guest of Honor, Mr Mondo Kyateka, Asst Youth & Children Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social development noted that Youth in Uganda are the youngest population in the world, with 77% of its population being under 25 years of age thus the change we need in our society can best come from them.

“I challenge youth to be problem solvers. Such a campaign will stimulate the creativity of University students and go a long way to solve alcohol abuse in our society,” he said.

“University students are at risk of substance abuse such as alcohol so this campaign is fitting,” he added.

According to Claire Asiimwe, the Project Manager, NBL through various CSR programs, Nile Breweries Limited has continued advocating for responsible consumption as well as supporting initiatives to formalize illicit alcohol in order to contribute to the reduction of harmful use of alcohol.

“NBL’s Smart Drinking goals have over the years been delivered through partnerships, a set of programs and initiatives for instance, in bars activations, awareness campaigns in traditional media and social media, social behavioral change campaigns such as No Excuse, road safety programs among others,” she said.

To join the challenge, students in the partner Universities will dial *252*3# and follow prompts where they can submit their concepts in form of voice note, writing, video or art form. These will be subjected to the scrutiny of competent judges.

Through taking part in this challenge they not only stand a chance to win UGX 3million in cash prizes but also exposure and opportunities to interact with their potential future employers.

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Airtel’s Mr. Brenden Kachenje (R), and the Deputy RDC Kasese District, Masereka Joshua (C), among other officials cut the ribbon at Kikorongo to commission the new mast site.

By Our Reporter

Airtel Uganda has renewed its commitment to the people of Rwenzori region through corporate social responsibility, connectivity and financial inclusion.

The company recently commissioned 3 mast sites, donated two mobile ultrasound scans and launched an Airtel Money Branch all in Kasese District.

“To boost network connectivity in the region, we have commissioned three mast sites to include; ATC Kikorongo, Kambeho and Kyanjuki. The site at Kanjuki is particularly intended to support tourism in the region,” said Brenden Kachenje, the Sales & Distribution Director for Growth Markets at Airtel Uganda during the event at Nyamirame, Kasese District.

“At Airtel, we are cognizant of development drivers, and telecommunications features strongly in the top five. Reliable and affordable telecommunication services is a proven economic and social growth driver through digitization, financial inclusion and communication in line with the government agenda 2040.” Kachenje added.

Kasese District was recently ravaged by seasonal floods that compromised health access especially for expectant mothers thus increasing the maternal death risk.

“We have deployed 2 ultrasound scans one at Rukoki health center IV and the other at Nyamirame Health Center IV, donated Mama Kits and Masks, under the Airtel Safe Motherhood program. In 2018, we launched the Safe Motherhood program that encompasses training of midwives and birth attendants and utilizes the element of the mobile ultrasound scan with the aim of reducing pregnancy related deaths in Uganda.” Kachenje concluded.

The Airtel team led by Mr. Brenden Kachenje (C), the Sales & Distribution Director for Growth Markets, hands over two Mobile Ultrasound Scans to the Deputy RDC Kasese District, Masereka Joshua.

Welcoming Airtel’s support to the area, Mr. Masereka Joshua, The Deputy RDC Kasese District said, “Many communities in Uganda deserve opportunities to improve their livelihoods every way possible. As the Government of Uganda continues with its efforts to provide these opportunities, we welcome the intervention of private companies as well. Allow me to congratulate Airtel for a continued role in the intentional development of Uganda by ensuring the availability of reliable and affordable telecommunications services across the country.”

“We also appreciate the Safe Motherhood intervention that will go a long way in supporting expectant mothers in hard to reach areas. With such advancements in the Health, among other sectors, we are able to appreciate the development of equipment’s like the Mobile Ultrasound scan, hence individuals don’t have to move long distances to access improved medical services, but can access them at the nearest health center as midwives are able to move nearer to the expectant mothers.” Masereka  added.

To bolster access to Airtel Money services, Airtel has increased its Airtel Money branch footprint in the region that will enable the community to conduct financial services in real-time.

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Dr. Peter Kimbowa has been appointed the new Board Chair for the National Social Security Fund.

By Our Reporter

The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Matia Kasaija has appointed a new Board of Directors for the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). The new Board is headed by Dr. Peter Kimbowa, a corporate governance and management expert.

Dr Kimbowa, who is also the Team Leader at the CEO Summit Uganda– a private sector Think Tank, Managing Partner at IFE Consultants Limited and an award-winning Business Leader, replaces Patrick Byabakama Kaberenge, whose term expired on August 31, 2021, after he had served for last six years.

The Minister also appointed to the Board 4 representatives of the trade unions, 2 representatives of employers through the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE).

He re-appointed Mr Aggrey David Kibenge representing the Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development, and Mr Patrick Ocailap, representing the Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development.

The Minister also appointed Dr Eng Silver Mugisha and Mr Fred K Bamwesigye representing Employers through the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE).

Other appointees are: Mr Sam Lyomoki and Ms Penninah Tukamwesiga representing workers under the Confederation of Free Trade Unions (COFTU); Mr Bahemuka Julius and Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba, also representing workers under the National Organisation of Trade Unions (NOTU).

The NSSF Managing Director Mr. Richard Byarugaba will continue serving as the only executive member of the 12th Board.

Speaking for the first time about his appointment, Mr Kimbowa said that he views the appointment as a challenge given the stability the Fund has enjoyed over the last decade.

“It is a big challenge at a personal and professional level, because the Fund has been very successful beyond expectations over the last 8 years or so. So, we will have to find what is missing, or the next opportunity that can regenerate the Fund, re-imagine what else is possible to create the Fund of the future”, he said.

He added that his vision for the next 3 years is three-fold – reshape and repurpose the investment portfolio to make it more responsive to the market, take advantage of the 5th industrial revolution by prioritising digitisation and analytics, and ensure the right culture to make NSSF fit for purpose.

He also pledged to work with all the stakeholders and to build mutual trust with management while raising substantive issues to improve governance of the Fund.

“We will ask the right questions, be open minded with a deep sense of curiosity but we must also be willing to remain agile and very adaptive, move with the times but also ahead of the times. In summary, we will ask, analyse and follow through,” he added.

NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba expressed appreciation to the outgoing Board for providing oversight and leadership at a time when the Fund and the entire retirement benefits sector was preparing for reforms that will be ushered in by the NSSF Amendment Bill (2019) that is expected to be enacted this year.

“The appointment of Dr Kimbowa, a corporate governance expert is a message from the Minister that he wants to maintain stability the Fund has enjoyed over the last decade, but also prepare us for a new era,” he said.

Byarugaba added that the new Board has been appointed at an opportune time to steer the Fund through a transition as it positions itself to play a major role in the expansion of social security coverage and expanding the long-term savings space in Uganda.

“I believe the new Board will ably provide strategic leadership as we exploit the opportunities provided by the milestone occasioned by the legislation once it is assented to by the President, especially around expansion of coverage to the informal sector, cementing the alternative savings through voluntary top ups, mid-term benefits,” Byarugaba said.

The new Board will serve for the next 3 years until August 31, 2024.

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Buddu County Chief, Owekitibwa Jude Muleke giving his remarks at the launch.

By Our Reporter

MTN Uganda has restored 50 hectares of forest cover in the Masaka-based Jubiya Central Forest Reserve, as the company rolls out its reforestation project that will see 220 hectares restored across the country.

The reforestation drive is part of MTN’s “Uganda is Home” campaign that symbolises MTN’s deepening of its roots in Uganda, a country that has been home to the company since 1998.

The campaign is a precursor to MTN Uganda’s listing of 20% of its shares on the Uganda Stock Exchange, an opportunity for Ugandans to own a part of the company.

The Masaka reforestation activity follows a successful launch of the project at the Entebbe-based Kyewaga CFR last week where 20 hectares of forest cover was restored by MTN.

The MTN reforestation project that is being undertaken in partnership with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) is but one of the many Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that the company has undertaken over the years to strengthen its relationship with a country that it calls home.

While launching the Jubiya CFR restoration project in Masaka, Joseph Bogera, the MTN General Manager for Sales and Distribution said, “Uganda has been and continues to be a good home to MTN. For this reason, we are honoured to further deepen our roots across the country as MTN gets listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange, a move that will enable Ugandans to also own a part of the biggest company in the country.”

When the government of Uganda granted MTN a second operating license in 2020, part of the agreements was that MTN would list on the Uganda Securities Exchange by 2022.

“To MTN, this is a very welcome step because listing on the Uganda Securities Exchange means that Ugandans will also now share a part of the company with which they have had a good relationship spanning 22 years and counting,” added Bogera.

Joseph Bogera, the MTN General Manager for Sales and Distribution plants a tree in Jubiya central forest reserve.

The Jubiya CFR reforestation drive was presided over by Buddu County Chief, Owekitibwa Jude Muleke as the guest of honour.

In his speech, Owek Muleke said MTN’s commitment to the development of Uganda builds a strong bond between the people of Uganda and in particular, the people of Masaka.

“Let us together thank MTN Uganda in partnership with NFA for coming up with such a wise initiative that calls us to mind to treat mother nature considering the needs for our generation and generations to come,” he said.

He warned against the negative effects of environmental degradation such as drought, heavy rainfalls and poor crop yields which affect the livelihood of people.

Mbalire Ssebugwawo, the Sango bay regional manager at NFA, who was representing the executive director lauded MTN for choosing forest restoration as part of its corporate social responsibility.

“The Uganda is home campaign comes at the right time when government has renewed commitment to ensure the country’s heritage through conservation. Our strategy is through involvement through partnerships with the private sector to restore the degraded landscape in the country,” he noted.

Mr Ssebugwawo concluded by urging other stakeholders especially those in the private sector to emulate MTN in an effort to conserve the environment.

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