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The 9th edition of the Uganda Film Festival was nothing if not eventful. The film actors and actresses on Friday came together to celebrate their achievements by crowning the best performers of 2022. 

The Uganda Film Festival is organized by Uganda Communications Commission in partnership with numerous players in the media and telecom industry including MTN Uganda.  Dashing in African wear which was the dress code of the evening, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Wim Vanhelleputte appreciated the milestones achieved by the film actors and actresses in the growth of Uganda’s film industry.

“I was there in 1998 when we had few Television and radio stations and we used to listen to Congolese music so today I feel very proud that Uganda’s entertainment industry has grown. I want to congratulate all of you for this amazing achievement. We should be all be proud of you,” Vanhelleputte said to the film industry players in Uganda.

Vanhelleputte made the remarks while handing over the viewer’s choice award to the actors and production team of the Wave Film who were voted the best in that category by the public.

This year, the festival was held under the theme: “Creative Industry as a Solution to Unemployment.”

According to Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, the executive director UCC, this year’s theme was selected to create awareness about the opportunities that the creative industry generates. 

“We do acknowledge that the creative industry encompasses a number of areas such as the arts, media ie film,TV, radio, music, advertising, architectural design, software development and digital media design. These can foster income generation, job creation and export earnings while promoting social inclusion, cultural diversity and human development,” she noted.

For a while, MTN has supported the Uganda Film Festival organized by UCC with the vision of empowering and providing opportunities for the youth and harnessing the potential of creatives in spurring Uganda’s development.

In 2020, MTN launched Kibanda Xpress, in partnership with YOTV to provide a platform for Ugandan movies with the aim of commercializing and preserving the quality of local content.

Through Kibanda Xpress, MTN also sought to cultivate the spirit of nationalism, love and consumption of local content by the public.

Since its inception, multiple players in the film industry have earned revenue from the various movies marketed on the platform.

MTN Uganda has today supported the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo with Shs10million contribution towards the martyrs’ day celebration slated for 3rd June.

Uganda Martyrs Day is celebrated on 3rd June in commemoration of the martyrdom of 23 Anglican and 22 Catholic men for their faith at the orders of Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda between 1885 and 1887.

This year, Martyrs Day will be held under the theme: “Baptized and Sent to Witness Christ with Love and Hope”.

While handing over a cheque at the ceremony held at the Anglican Shrine in Namugongo, Kenneth Kiddu, the MTN Uganda General Manager Business Intelligence said the contribution is meant to support the shrine with its preparation for the martyrs’ day celebration.

“Supporting the religious fraternity in Uganda is very important to MTN Uganda because of our shared vision in the power of togetherness. As a corporate company, MTN believes that businesses can only thrive when the communities within which they operate are equally thriving, because we believe that we are good together,” he noted.

Kiddu also lauded the Anglican Church for its continuous dedication to fostering a spirit of peace, love and kindness amongst the public.

Bishop Dr Sheldon Mwesigwa, the chairperson for Greater Ankole Dioceses appreciated MTN Uganda for its contribution and prayed for blessings for the telecom’s operations.

Bishop Dr Sheldon Mwesigwa, the chairperson for Greater Ankole Dioceses (l) prays for blessings for MTN Uganda while Kenneth Kiddu, MTN GM Business Intelligence(r) hands over the Shs10million contribution today.

“I would like to thank MTN who have extended assistance to us towards this great event. This event is so big that we who are involved in it testify that support such as this deserves a big appreciation,” Bishop Dr Mwesigwa noted.

The contribution to the Anglican Shrine comes weeks after MTN equally supported the Catholic Shrine’s preparations ahead of the martyrs’ day celebration in Namugongo.

MTN will also support media broadcasters to relay activities leading up to Martyrs’ Day celebrations, as well as the proceedings of the actual day on local TV.

Only four youth among 20 contestants are left standing in the ongoing MTN’s entrepreneurship skills-based show, Nsindika Njake that airs on NBS TV on Wednesday.

Shakirah Nasseje, David Kasaali, Joseph Kwesiga, and Jovan Kagezi were the four successful candidates following the ninth episode which aired last Wednesday.

The development comes after the second batch of four contestants in this ninth episode were tasked to demonstrate to the jury the skills they had attained from the extensive training at Katende Harambe Demonstration Farm.

Previously in the eighth episode, the top eight contestants were taken to the farm to explore skills in the agribusiness sector. At least four of the competitors presented what they understood from the extensive training conducted by Godfrey Kigoye, programs director.

They were all trained in agribusinesses like poultry farming, urban farming, zero-grazing for cattle, and biogas processing.

In this round, David Kasaali impressed the judges with how he painted the picture of how the poultry farming business can be a success in homesteads mentioning the challenges and solutions needed.

Joseph Kwesiga threw more light on how biogas is produced from waste. “I am driven by the passion for doing this enterprise,” said Kwesiga. He urged Ugandans to shift their mindset against the bias of rejecting dirty-hand jobs.

Able Tamale said cattle zero-grazing is a profitable business but it takes a clean and hardworking person to gain from this business.

In her presentation about urban farming, Phionah Nakibuye, said this kind of business can save on the home’s daily costs once adopted.

After their presentation, the jury- led by renowned business coach Issa Sekitto, assembled all the eight participants and split the two groups into two; left and right.

The four that were standing on the right were unfortunately halted from continuing to the next level and the group on the left was approved to continue to the next show.

Tamale Able, Katende Abdul Karim, Nakibuye Fiona, and Cosmas Ayebare’s future on the show came to an end lastweek.

Professor Gudlar Naiga Basaza, said Nsindika Njake has demonstrated the potential of youths in curbing unemployment in the country leveraging on the innovation and business skilling provided during the training.

She thanked MTN for the initiative and urged Ugandans to watch the show and put the skills to use as an enabler of poverty eradication.

Business Expert Ruth Biyinka the business coach, commended all participants on the hard work in this skills fair and encouraged those that could not proceed to the next episode to continue learning and improving themselves in their entrepreneurial journey.

Nsindika Njake airs every Wednesday on NBS TV at 8:30 pm and the weekly episodes are repeated on Sundays at the same time.

In addition to NBS TV, the episode will also be aired on radios including; Galaxy FM, Radio Simba, Radio Buddu, and CBS2 FM.

 

 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.