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 It was a display of the glitz and glam at Uganda’s biggest hip-hop night at the 2022 MTN UG Hip-Hop awards as MTN unveiled this edition’s winners on Saturday.

The UG Hip-Hop awards were created to recognize and celebrate the talent and hard work of artists in Uganda’s hip-hop industry. MTN has partnered with the platform in recognition of their appeal amongst the youth segment.

To ensure sustainability of the music genre, MTN introduced the MTN Pulse Cypher challenge to discover, nurture and support new talent in the hip-hop industry through providing young talented artistes a platform to showcase their Hip-Hop prowess. 

This year, the 5 final contestants of the MTN Pulse Cypher challenge faced off to see the winner take home UGX2million, while the second and third walked away with UGX1.5million and UGX1million respectively.

Allan Wathika, alias Triggah emerged the winner of the Cypher challenge while Ibrahim Balunywa, alias Ebrahim Soul’o and Anena Missy Ochola alias King Missy were the first and second runner-up in this year’s competition.

Filled with joy and excitement, Triggah thanked MTN for the initiative to support young artists saying he is going to use the prize money to further his music ambitions.

“I am extremely happy to have won. I am going to use this money to push my music career further. I am very thankful to MTN for this platform and I urge every Ugandan out here to continue supporting MTN because it supports us a lot,” he appreciated.

In a surprise twist, and in recognition of their efforts and skills, MTN Pulse offered a consolation prize of UGX650,000 to the other 2 contestants each as well as 20GB Freedom data bundles to all the top 5 contestants.

SafeBoda, one of MTN Pulse partners, offered cashless giveaways to the top 3 and Safe Boda helmets to each of the 5 as well as 5 tickets to Orange Vibes at Cinemax.

In addition, the 5 final contestants of the MTN Pulse Cypher challenge received a chance of a lifetime when Swangz Avenue, a renowned production powerhouse, offered them a collabo for free.

This year’s awards winners are:

Album of the year – Kraccbone – Ego

Male artist of the year – Navio – 30 seconds to Hollywood

Female artist of the year – STONE AGE UG – KIMALA NEKIGWA

Rookie of the year – Zedmonk Ssabatontomi – Work si myaka

Inspirational song of the year – AJ Stylz ft. Spyda MC – Nkowola

Song of the year – The Mith ft. Herbert Ssesamba – I GIVE HER LOVE

The collaboration of the Year – Lagum the Rapper ft. Bangi – Catching Flights

Rap Fusion of the Year – Keinoh – Dior

Video of the year – Keinoh – Drip

Best Producer – 207

African Artist of the year – Khaligraph Jones

Eastern Uganda artist of the year – AJ Stylz – Put in the work

Northern Uganda artist of the year – Judas Rapknowledge da Akbar – Heart Of Hannibal Barca

Western Uganda artist of the year – Crazie wispa – Mwebale /Thank you

Central Uganda artist of the year – Felista di superstar

Lyricist of the year – Lyrical G – Sikyasaaga (The L-Matic)

Hip Hop Deejay of the Year – DJ Victor 256

Mixtape of the year personality of the year – Kavali King – 16 track tape

Sweet Sixteen – 207 – Abajega

Media personality – Calvin the Entertainer

Special Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award – Steve Jean

 

MTN Uganda has today announced a partnership with the office of the Mayor of Masaka, Pokino of Buddu and the Catholic Church geared towards maintaining sanitation and hygiene of the city.

The partnership was launched under the theme: “Tuzze Masaka ku ntiko” translated as “Make Masaka great again”.

Masaka is one of the seven municipalities in Uganda that attained city status in 2020 following the decision by Parliament to approve the creation of 15 new cities across the country.

According to media reports, Masaka City generates at least 100 tonnes of garbage every week, yet only collect 70 percent of it can be collected.

As part of her strategic priorities for Masaka City, Honorable Florence Namayanja, the Mayor of Masaka in 2021 introduced a monthly clean-up exercise to unite the city leadership, Buganda Kingdom, and the Catholic Church in an effort to maintain the hygiene and sanitation of Masaka.

Speaking during the announcement of the partnership held in Masaka today, Joseph Bogera, the MTN Uganda General Manager Sales and Distribution said MTN is honoured to join forces with the Masaka City leadership, Buganda Kingdom, and the Catholic Church to provide additional support to this noble cause.

“We are cognizant of the power of togetherness and collaboration in achieving a shared goal hence MTN’s deliberate effort to forge this partnership with the aim of uplifting Masaka and its people to achieve the greatness the city is renowned for,” Bogera said.

Through this partnership, MTN Uganda will support the city with requisite provisions such as wheelbarrows, slashers, spades, brooms, gloves, garden forks to facilitate the clean-up exercise.

In addition, MTN will also provide waste bins to create a sustained solution for littering the city.

In her remarks, Hon Namayanja welcomed MTN into the partnership noting that it is a reflection of the telecom’s commitment to improving the livelihood of Masaka City and its people. “MTN’s commitment to join us in cleaning up the city is noble because it is symbolic of its care, love and support for the people of Masaka. It further demonstrates that the relationship between MTN and Masaka is not only transactional, rather mutually beneficial socially and economically for the residents of this great city,” she said.

MTN and Masaka share a long-standing relationship anchored on the former’s continuous support for the city. Last year, MTN supported the Masaka Catholic Diocese with Shs20million to help the diocese in its preparations for the Martyr’s day celebration.

Most recently, the winner of the first Toyota Succeed car prize of the freshly launched MoMo Nyabo Waaka promotion hailed from Masaka, which according to Bogera proves the unwavering support of the people of Masaka for MTN.

He then emphasized the commitment by MTN to further cement its relationship with Masaka by supporting the city leadership’s endeavors geared towards improving the livelihood of the people with the goal of making Masaka great again.

 MTN Uganda has today announced a partnership with the office of the Mayor of Masaka, Pokino of Buddu and the Catholic Church geared towards maintaining sanitation and hygiene of the city.

The partnership was launched under the theme: “Tuzze Masaka ku ntiko” translated as “Make Masaka great again”.

Masaka is one of the seven municipalities in Uganda that attained city status in 2020 following the decision by Parliament to approve the creation of 15 new cities across the country.

According to media reports, Masaka City generates at least 100 tonnes of garbage every week, yet only collect 70 percent of it can be collected.

As part of her strategic priorities for Masaka City, Honorable Florence Namayanja, the Mayor of Masaka in 2021 introduced a monthly clean-up exercise to unite the city leadership, Buganda Kingdom, and the Catholic Church in an effort to maintain the hygiene and sanitation of Masaka.

Speaking during the announcement of the partnership held in Masaka today, Joseph Bogera, the MTN Uganda General Manager Sales and Distribution said MTN is honoured to join forces with the Masaka City leadership, Buganda Kingdom, and the Catholic Church to provide additional support to this noble cause.

“We are cognizant of the power of togetherness and collaboration in achieving a shared goal hence MTN’s deliberate effort to forge this partnership with the aim of uplifting Masaka and its people to achieve the greatness the city is renowned for,” Bogera said.

Through this partnership, MTN Uganda will support the city with requisite provisions such as wheelbarrows, slashers, spades, brooms, gloves, garden forks to facilitate the clean-up exercise.

In addition, MTN will also provide waste bins to create a sustained solution for littering the city.

In her remarks, Hon Namayanja welcomed MTN into the partnership noting that it is a reflection of the telecom’s commitment to improving the livelihood of Masaka City and its people. “MTN’s commitment to join us in cleaning up the city is noble because it is symbolic of its care, love and support for the people of Masaka. It further demonstrates that the relationship between MTN and Masaka is not only transactional, rather mutually beneficial socially and economically for the residents of this great city,” she said.

MTN and Masaka share a long-standing relationship anchored on the former’s continuous support for the city. Last year, MTN supported the Masaka Catholic Diocese with Shs20million to help the diocese in its preparations for the Martyr’s day celebration.

Most recently, the winner of the first Toyota Succeed car prize of the freshly launched MoMo Nyabo Waaka promotion hailed from Masaka, which according to Bogera proves the unwavering support of the people of Masaka for MTN.

He then emphasized the commitment by MTN to further cement its relationship with Masaka by supporting the city leadership’s endeavors geared towards improving the livelihood of the people with the goal of making Masaka great again.

 

MTN Uganda yesterday handed over a cheque of Ugx.25Million shillings to support the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal as it prepares to lead the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations that are set to be held at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine in Central Uganda on the 3rd of the next month. 

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort portal Catholic is set to lead this year’s Martyrs’ Day that shall be guided by the theme, “Baptized and Sent to Witness Christ with Love and Hope”.

This support is hinged on a long-standing relationship between MTN and the Catholic fraternity, that has seen MTN extend support to its initiatives over the past years. 

Joseph Bogera, MTN Uganda’s General Manager for Sales and Distribution handed over the cheque to the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, on behalf of the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte. 

Bogera congratulated the Fort Portal Diocese upon all the preparations it had embarked on as it gears up to lead this year’s celebration of the Martyrs, and also wished them blessed deliberations.

Bogera later joined the Bishop of Fort Portal Diocese, Rt. Rev. Robert Muhirwa in flagging off over 2,000 foot-pilgrims from Fort Portal to Namugongo in Wakiso district to commemorate the Uganda Martyrs Day, alongside other Catholic faithful from far and wide.

Last week, MTN Uganda handover Ugx.10Million shillings, aimed at supporting the Catholic Archbishop, Paul Ssemwogerere as he prepares for his maiden Martyrs’ Day celebrations in the capacity of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala. Ssemwogerere was appointed to this position by Pope Francis on 9 December 2021. He was installed as Archbishop of Kampala on 25 January 2022.

MTN will sponsor the broadcast of activities leading up to Martyrs’ Day celebrations, as well as the proceedings of the actual day on local TV stations in a bid to enable the people who might not be able to convene at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine to keep up with the celebrations remotely.

 

Helping Ugandan youths learn how to efficiently operate businesses in the most cost-effective way is a trending topic in Uganda today, owing to the high rates of youth unemployment in the country.

This is why MTN Uganda, in collaboration with Makerere University Business-School- MUBS is empowering young women and men with entrepreneurship skills. 

The skills training is delivered through a riveting TV show in which young hustlers are used as the vessels to dispatch entrepreneurial skills to the audience through their lived business experiences that are carefully curated, complete with commentary and key knowledge sharing from the judges who are majorly MUBs lecturers and some renowned business people. The equally entertaining show is hosted by celebrated TV Presenter, Diana Nabatanzi.

Today, Entrepreneurship is not only a viable economic vocation but also a powerful tool to keep youths out of unemployment, especially if they are equipped with the necessary skills.

In the seventh episode that aired last week, under the Theme “Yiriba” literally translated as “Hustle”, the ten contestants were challenged to show case their business skills in the field. Equipped with a Kampala city map, each contestant had to find a specific merchant from whom to purchase specific items that they had to re-sell for a profit in a given time frame.

Amongst the ten, Shakirah Nassenje, Kwesiga Joseph,Cosmas Ayebare and five others managed to impress the Jury  with their performance in the field. 

However, Simon Simbwa and Derrick Sabiti were eliminated for their inefficiency to hit the set targets during the competition. They however did not leave empty handed as they left with a wealth of knowledge acquired from the six weeks that they spent both on the show and the incubation program in MUBs. The Jury applauded them for their strength and encouragd them to work on their weaknesses. 

Having started with twenty-four contestants, so far, the resilient eight hustlers have made it to the next level. Who will leave next and who will stay in the reality show to win the grand cash-prize of 60million shillings? Tune in to NBS TV today at 8:30 pm to find out.

Follow the budding entrepreneurs’ journey on NBS TV every Wednesday at 8:30pm. The weekly episodes are repeated on Sundays at the same time.  The show is also running on radios including; Galaxy FM, Radio Simba, Radio Buddu and CBS2 FM where listeners call in to share their thoughts about the show, and win instant Mobile Money.

 

Geofrey Twinamatsiko, Muzamiru Wasswa and Agnes Naluwooza were the first lucky winners of brand-new Toyota succeed cars in the fourth edition of the highly rewarding MTN MoMo Nyabo promotion dubbed MoMo Nyabo Waaka.

Following the draw that was televised on Thursday last week, in which the three car winners were announced, the MTN MoMo team headed to Masaka City last week to hand over the first of 24 Toyota Succeed cars to Geofrey Twinamatsiko, who was in disbelief of his great luck until the car was handed over to him amidst celebrations from his family, friends and well-wishers.

On Saturday dozens of people stormed Wasswa Muzamiru’s home in Nansana this weekend to witness and celebrate the handing over process of the second MTN’s Momo Nyabo Toyota Succeed car.

In an interview, 34-year-old Wasswa expressed his gratitude towards the MTN team saying that he had just lost his job of being a special-car driver. Wasswa also lost a child two weeks back. 

“What a miracle MTN has performed in my life! I am going to resume making money but this time round in my own car, that I have got by simply depositing 20,000shillings,” he happily said.

The MoMo Nyabo convoy later headed to Namagunga, where they still carried on the purpose of creating awareness of Momo Nyabo promotion and also delivered a third Toyota Succeed car to lucky Winner Agnes Naluwooza.

“This is the first car I am owning in my entire life. I can’t explain what I feel in my heart but thank you so much MTN Momo Nyabo Waaka. This is a dream come true,” said 48-year-old Naluwooza. 

Naluwooza who is currently working as a school cook in one of the schools in Namagunga emphasized that this is a turning point in her life and urged Ugandans to continue using mobile money to stand a chance to win.

To take part in the promotion, customers have to simply deposit twenty thousand shillings on their MTN MoMo accounts.  Apart from the 24 Toyota Succeed cars that are up for grabs, MTN MoMo is also giving away Ugx.100,000/= to 2,000 winners every week.

In this fourth edition of MTN MoMo Nyabo Waaka promotion, 2.5 billion shillings will be awarded to over 16,000 MTN MoMo customers and agents across the country.

As the MoMo Nyabo promotion continues, Ugandans are cautioned to be aware of conmen, emphasizing that all winners are to be contacted only by 0312120000, which is the official calling number from MTN.

MTN has also urged customers to ensure that their MTN mobile money simcards are registered fully in the same names reflected on their National Identifications. This can be done at any service center country wide.

 

Residents of Koboko district and surrounding areas are set to benefit from Koboko Resource Center in the West Nile region of Uganda following the renovation of the physical structure and installation of ICT equipment by MTN Foundation Uganda today. 

Founded in 1999, Koboko Resource Center is the only public library in Koboko District which was created to meet the critical educational needs of the youth in Koboko, Maracha and Yumbe. 

According to Peterlee Guma, the manager Koboko Resource Center, the establishment had for years struggled with dilapidated structures and received various concerns from the public about the lack of computers for advanced education research. 

“People used to complain about why we lacked computers especially when they wanted to look for information on the internet beyond the hardcopy books we had at the facility. We received numerous demands from students from surrounding Universities for computers and internet services in vain,” he narrated.

Following the distress call from the resource center, MTN Uganda through MTN Foundation has invested UGX85million in restoration of Koboko resource center which includes refurbishment of the physical structures and set up a 10-computer laboratory facilitated with high speed internet connectivity for 1 year.  

The computers are connected to a power stabilizer and 2 batteries to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Speaking during the handover of the resource center in Koboko today, Samuel Gitta, the MTN Uganda General Manager Risk and Compliance said that MTN responded to the challenges faced by the resource center with the aim of transforming the lives of the people of West Nile.

“MTN’s decision to enhance the operations of Koboko Resource Center is anchored on our belief that everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life. It has also become apparent that ICT is a critical aspect embedded in our lives today, as the world transitions to digital, accelerated even more by the emergence of covid-19 two years ago. Therefore it is paramount that we all have the ability to employ ICT skills in our day to day lives to ensure we are not left behind,” Gitta noted.

While representing the Resident District Commissioner Koboko District, his deputy Vincent Mugenyi lauded MTN Foundation for supporting government’s mandate of driving digital transformation across the country, urging the residents of Koboko to embrace technology.

“ICT presents a huge potential to improve national productivity through job creation for the youth and facilitating the creation of solutions to challenges in society. Therefore, this move by MTN draws the country closer to realization of our ICT goals as highlighted in the National Development Plan 3 and Uganda’s Vision 2040 which identifies ICT as an opportunity to spur Uganda’s transformation into a modern and prosperous country,” Mukiibi said. 

Mukiibi also implored the people of Koboko to treasure and safeguard the resources to ensure sustained impact.

MTN Foundation is the vehicle through which MTN Uganda conducts its corporate social responsibility which over the years has left an impact in several districts spread across the country.

Similar to Koboko Resource Center, MTN Foundation has also carried out interventions in the sub-region including installing computer labs in Amelo Technical institute in Adjumani and Muni National Teachers College in Arua.

In the health sector, the Foundation renovated and equipped maternity wards of Aroi Health Centre III, Oriajin Health Centre III in Arua with a total of 30 hospital beds, mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets, donated blood storage equipment at Arua Regional Blood Bank. The foundation also constructed and furnished a new maternity ward at Ibakwe HCII Obongi district and supported the refurbishment and equipping of the maternity ward of Packwach HCIV.

 

 MTN Uganda has contributed Ugx.35Million shillings to support the Catholic church’s preparations for the forthcoming Uganda Martyrs day celebrations. This support is hinged on a long-standing relationship between MTN and the Catholic fraternity, that has seen MTN extend support to its initiatives over the past years. 

Out of the 35Million shillings, Ugx.10Million will go towards boosting the new Archbishop, Paul Ssemwogerere’s preparations for Martyrs Day, while Ugx.25Million shillings will go towards the Fort portal Catholic Diocese, which is set to lead this year’s Martyrs’ Day Celebrations in Namugongo, on the 3rd of next month. 

MTN Uganda’s General Manager for Human Resources, Michael Ssekadde handed over the cheque to Msgr. Charles Kasibante, on behalf of the Catholic Archbishop, Paul Ssemwogerere, in an event held in Kampala, today at the parent cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Uganda -St. Mary’s Cathedral- Rubaga. Another cheque of Ugx.25Million shillings will be handed over to the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese on Monday 23rd May.

Michael Ssekadde hailed the Catholic church for its steadfast commitment and resilience towards spiritually nurturing the community amidst the numerous challenges they face today.

“Religious institutions serve a critical role in nurturing us. Therefore, we as MTN feel greatly honored and humbled to be associated with the catholic church as they prepare to celebrate a historic landmark of faith. We pledge to support the Catholic church to ensure a fruitful celebration of the Uganda Martyrs’ day,” Ssekadde said.

Ssekadde further wished the catholic community a blessed martyrs’ Day celebration.

MTN Uganda has over the years supported various Catholic dioceses in organizing this historically important religious day that attracts pilgrims from far and wide.

Last year, MTN Uganda supported the Masaka diocese withUgx.20Million to help the diocese in its preparations for the Martyrs Day celebrations. 

Msgr. Charles Kasibante thanked MTN for its continued kindness towards the Catholic church and all the other religious sects in general.

“We are indeed humbled by your continuous support towards our initiatives as we embark on fulfilling God’s work to his people. We thank you for this kindness that you have continuously extended to us and its our humble prayer that God continues to bless all your endeavors,” Kasibante said.

Like it has done over the years, MTN will, in conjunction with the Catholic church, officially flag off the pilgrims from Fort Portal next week on Monday 23rd May. MTN will also provide the pilgrims with refreshments as they make their week-long pilgrimage by foot to the Namugongo Catholic Shrine in Central Uganda, ahead of the Martyrs Day celebrations.

MTN will further sponsor the broadcast of activities leading up to Martyrs’ Day celebrations, as well as the proceedings of the actual day on local TV stations. This will enable the people who might not be able to convene at the Namugongo Catholic Shrine to keep up with the celebrations remotely.

The Uganda Martyrs Day is observed every 3rd of June to commemorate the 45 martyrs, both Catholic and Anglican, who were killed on the orders of Kabaka Mwanga II, then King of Buganda between 1885 and 1887.

This year marks 58 years since the Uganda Martyrs were canonized and elevated to sainthood by Pope Paul VI on 18 October 1964.

MTN MoMo Ltd, Uganda’s leading mobile Financial Services company is set to announce the set of car winners in its ongoing MoMo Nyabo Waaka promotion that was launched last week.

Three lucky MTN MoMo customers who have participated in the promotion by simply depositing money on their MoMo accounts will walk away with Toyota Succeed Cars.

Since the official launch of the Promo, MTN MoMo has been sensitizing the public about how to participate in the promotion as well as staying vigilant against fraudsters. Following the launch of the promotion, MTN MoMo held physical sensitization drives in the various divisions of Kampala including Nakawa, Kawempe, Rubaga, Makindye, Central as well as Jinja town. The rest of the country is getting sensitized about the ongoing promotion through different media platforms.

Richard Yego, the MTN MoMo Managing Director said this awareness drive is to ensure that MTN customers keep their accounts active by depositing money. Yego urged Ugandans to be aware of conmen noting that all the winners shall be contacted only by 0312120000.

In this promotion, MTN is giving away 24 Toyota Succeed cars and Mobile Money worth 2 billion shillings to over 16,000 MTN MoMo customers and over 5000 MoMo agents in a period of 8 weeks.

Every week, three lucky customers will win cars while 2000 MoMo customers and 135 MoMo agents will win Mobile Money worth 100,000/= each.

The car winners’ draw will be televised on NBS TV and Bukedde TV every Thursday at 8:30pm. Tune in to one of these TV channels tomorrow to find out who the first car winners of the MoMo Nyabo Waaka edition promotion will be.

The cars will be delivered to the winners by the MTN MoMo promotion team at no cost while the Mobile Money winners will have their money sent directly to their phones

“Every MTN customer is eligible to win as long as they keep depositing money on their MTN MoMo Accounts.” Yego said, urging customers to participate in the highly-rewarding promotion.

 

MTN Uganda has today joined the world to celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day with a commitment of UGX2.8billion dedicated towards the advancement of information and communication technologies (ICT) targeted initiatives in the country.

Celebrated on May 17th, World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is commemorated annually to raise awareness of the potential transformation that the use of the Internet and other ICTs can impact on societies and economies, as well as ways to bridge the digital divide.

MTN Uganda through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) vehicle, MTN Foundation has dedicated 60 per cent of its 2022 annual budget towards information and communication technologies (ICT) targeted initiatives.

According to Enid Edroma, MTN General Manager for Corporate Services, MTN Uganda is taking a deliberate effort towards sustainably educating and skilling Ugandans in ICT.

“Over the years, the focus of our CSR has been mainly in the health sector and I am glad to note that we have registered positive outcomes and touched the lives of so many people through the various initiatives undertaken. This year, we are shifting our focus more towards ICT as we strive to ensure no one is left behind amid the global shift towards ICT and digitization propelled especially by the effects of the coronavirus,” she explained.

She added: “Therefore, of the UGX4.8billion shillings afforded to the MTN Foundation’s 2022 CSR activities, 60% of that will be set aside for ICT related initiatives. This move is testimony to MTN’s commitment to creating a modern connected society and ensuring that communities reap the benefits. These efforts will also be complemented by initiatives supporting non-ICT sectors for instance, health and education.”

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day has this year been held under the theme: Digital technologies for older persons and healthy ageing.

Further explaining the rationale behind the strategic shift, Edroma said that MTN is seeking to support and empower marginalized groups of people such as women and people in rural areas among others through ICT targeted initiatives undertaken by the MTN Foundation.

Key among the initiatives and focus this year; is the MTN Internet Bus which traverses parts of the country equipping people with basic computer skills, the MTN ICT Community hubs and the National ICT Innovation Hub program.

In 2020, MTN also introduced the MTN Youth Skilling Program which among other aspects trained and equipped youth with digital skills to enable them create and sustain businesses digitally. More than 100 youths have been equipped with skills in ICT since inception of the program.

According to Edroma, the vision behind the strategic shift to boost ICT training is to realize a Uganda that is much more technologically savvy to create solutions for challenges in the country and also enable her citizens compete on the global space.