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MTN Uganda has in partnership with SIMFY AFRICA, launched a SuperApp called ‘ayoba’ that will enable customers to access more affordable communication. ayoba is an instant messaging app available for now for Android devices and soon for iOS and works with any network. What makes it different from other messaging apps is that you can still chat (app to SMS and SMS to app) with anyone regardless of whether they have the ayoba app or not. MTN customers can reply to these messages on SMS even when they don’t have the app. ayoba lets you securely send and receive text messages, voice messages, videos, images, audio and other files with any of your contacts, using your mobile internet connection.  MTN customers will however not need any data (MBs) to use the service. They can use it free of charge up to 1GB of data, every month.

ayoba is a Pan African messaging platform, built by Africans for Africans. It speaks to the uniqueness and diversity of Africa as it is built with lots of features not available on any other instant messaging platforms. The app is available in some African languages, such as Swahili, Luganda, Hausa, isiXhosa, and Yoruba. It has end-to-end encryption to keep users’ data safe and ensure their privacy as they chat with their contacts regardless of their device or network. ayoba also has channels on sports, fashion, cooking, health, and games.

In addition to texting, customers can also initiate voice calls with their contacts, from within the ayoba app. The call will be charged as a standard voice call using the customers’ available airtime or minutes.

“We are keen to see Africa actively participate in the global digital revolution that is now being further accelerated by the Covid-19 situation. Innovation and the connectivity that goes with it, are particularly key to our digital proposition. They are both crucial in our contribution to the social and economic transformation of our country, said Wim Vanhelleputte, MTN Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer.

“ayoba is not just a new platform for people to chat with each other, it is a one of a kind digital platform that elevates the concept of instant messaging to a whole new level of instant and integrated connecting”, Wim he added.

This innovation, underscores MTN’s leadership ambitions in innovation as it helps Africa claim its place in the IM evolution.

Speaking about this partnership, David Gilarranz CEO of SIMFY AFRICA, “We are delighted to partner with MTN in Uganda and to offer its customers the ability to use the app with no data costs. In the coming weeks, our app will surely become a super app as we will be adding more features, like mobile money and music, as well as allowing other apps to co-exist in ayoba. We would like to take this opportunity to thank MTN Uganda for trusting our journey”.

Key features of the ayoba app include:

Today, TECNO Mobile Uganda, the global premier mobile phone brand has again joined hands with MTN Uganda to launch the latest addition in the Camon series popularly known for taking ultra-clear day and night photos. Customers who buy the Camon 15 will automatically get connected with a free SIM card plus 3GB free every month for three months from MTN.

Among upgraded features on the TECNO CAMON 15 is the camera, which can easily be considered to be the best in the smartphone market. It comes with a 48MP AI Quad camera set-up at the back to give customers more appealing and professional photos.

“Last year we launched a partnership with MTN in an effort to enhance the value of TECNO smartphone offers to our customers. We are here today to continue fulfilling our promise of enabling all Ugandans to experience the best smartphones while using the best internet connectivity in the country. We chose to partner with MTN because we are both customer centric brands and this partnership is for the benefit of both our customers.” Said Shiva Zhong, the TECNO country director.

We wish things were not as they are right now, however, we are very grateful to all our customers who are still supporting us, and I want to say we treasure you and don’t take this for granted. We are launching this powerful device as a thank you to all our loyal and new customers but also enable us to adopt to the “new normal” of doing everything online directly on our phones from anywhere.

The new device that has an appealing gradient color design and exquisite textural lines comes with a four rear camera set up; 48MP as the main camera, 2MP for a perfect bokeh effect, 2MP for macro photography and the new TAIVOS AI Lens specially for ultra-clear night shots.

This time, CAMON 15 takes the unprecedented step to start TAIVOS™ (TECNO artificial intelligence vision optimization solution) to bring you truly ultra-clear night shots. The Ultra Night Lens makes better edge correction and multi-frame noise reduction, producing more pure and clear night shot. Reduce over exposure to restore true night scene in all directions, improve the image brightness and dynamic range at the same time, shooting brighter photos in dark environments.

The Camon 15 comes with a bigger battery of 5000mAh to keep customers powered for longer as they enjoy their day to day lives while using the phone.

It has also been installed with 64GB ROM+ 4GB RAM storage space to enable users have all their files, photos, music, movies to mention but a few, in the palm of their hands.

Camon 15 comes in three versions; Camon 15, Camon 15 Air and Camon Premier. Camon 15 is in three amazing colors of Shoal Gold, Fascinating Purple and Dark Jade while Camon 15 Premier is in two colors of Ice Jadeite and Opal White and lastly Camon 15 Air in three colors of Malachite Blue, Ice Lake Blue and Misty Grey. All these are available countrywide in TECNO branded shops and MTN Service Centres near you.

The launch comes with a lot of benefits to customers. All customers that purchase Camon 15 or Camon 15 Air get Free 3GB internet data every month for three months and 100% data bonus on every data bundle purchased.

Tecno Mobile Uganda joined hands with a very strong partner MTN, who are giving our customers a free MTN SIM card plus free MBs for the first three months when they buy the Camon 15 and on many of our other smartphones.

“We urge, all customers to get this new photo genius device from any TECNO branded shop or MTN Service center near them and enjoy the benefits that come with it”, concluded Mr. Shiva.

“MTN is proud to partner with Tecno in launching yet another top of the range yet affordable smartphone”, said Somdev Sen, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer. Our partnership with Tecno fits very well and is in line with our vision of delivering a bold new digital world for customer, he added.

Access to the internet has the power to change lives and bridge inequalities and MTN Group reached a significant milestone by recording 100 million active data users on its networks across Africa and the Middle East.

“We believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life,” said MTN Group president and CEO Rob Shuter. “We are delighted to have connected 100 million of our customers to the power of the internet as we have increased data coverage and reduced the cost to communicate across our markets.”

MTN has a total base of more than 257 million customers in 21 markets. Growth through scaling data and digital services is central to its strategy. The group is overcoming the barriers to greater mobile internet adoption by extending its 3G and 4G coverage, accelerating smartphone adoption and transforming prices.

In the past three years, well over 100 million more people in MTN’s footprint have been covered by its data network. This brings the group’s network coverage for data services to beyond 480 million people. However, about 60% of rural populations in Africa remain unconnected. To benefit from connectivity, they need affordable devices as well as the digital literacy to easily access relevant and meaningful content.

To support smartphone adoption, in 2019 MTN distributed 675 000 affordable data-enabled handsets across 12 markets. It also launched a digital literacy programme in nine markets, helping over three million people improve their understanding of the mobile internet and applications.

Data affordability is also key. In 2018 and 2019, MTN reduced entry-level data rates across its footprint by 60%. In 2019 alone, it cut the effective data price per megabyte by 34%.

“We believe the consumer mobile data market will grow enormously over the next few years,” said Shuter. “The COVID-19 pandemic has served to accelerate the adoption of mobile data, digital services and financial services. As a result, we have recorded increases of up to 50% in data volumes in some markets, as work and studying from home becomes a reality for many.”

“Over time our ambition is to grow our customer base to 300 million and for at least 2/3 to be accessing the power of the internet on an MTN network – so  the 100 million achieved today marks the halfway mark in the MTN journey.”

 

 

 Buikwe District, Central Uganda: MTN Uganda has through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation, donated an Ambulance and emergency response boat to Kiyindi landing site in a bid to improve emergency response amidst the current health crises caused by Covid-19.

The 15 Seater state-of-the-art water rescue vessel will be used to respond to water transport and health emergencies in Buvuma and Buikwe districts among other areas served by the Kiyindi landing site.

The donation of the emergency boat follows a request from the fishing community last year when MTN Uganda staff visited Kiyindi landing site to launch their annual staff voluntary program dubbed “21 days of y’ello care”. The activities carried out that day included refurbishment of the Makonge health center, donation of four full sets of computers with internet connectivity and community cleaning.

The Kiyindi community requested for support to enhance water safety and emergency response. To that effect, MTN Uganda donated 100 life jackets and pledged a 15-seater water rescue boat. It is to serve as a rescue boat and also respond to medical referral cases in the area.

The modern water emergency rescue vessel worth Ush 52 Million is made of fibre glass, provided with a waterproof canopy and cushion seats. It has a Yamaha outboard engine DT 40, anchor, 2 oars, fire extinguisher, 5 life buoys, first aid box and patient stretcher. It was made by Fisheries Training Institute, Entebbe and licensed by Ministry of Works and Transport.

While handing over the emergency rescue boat at an event held at the Kiyindi landing site, Mr Patrick Tusiime, the Regional commercial head expressed his concerns about health emergencies and water safety in the area and MTN Uganda’s commitment towards reaching out to the communities within which they operate.

“We understand that water transport is the only way people in this area can access the islands and the main land and this comes with challenges. As MTN Uganda, we have honored our pledge of providing the residents of this area with an emergency rescue boat,” Mr  Tusiime said, adding that the boat will help respond to emergency health referral cases in the areas served by the Kiyindi landing site.

The Kiyindi-Buvuma route currently has one ferry that carries 120 passengers and 8 cars, making three trips each day between Kiyindi landing site in Buikwe district and Kirongo landing site in Buvuma district. This therefore makes it hard for the ferry to cater for emergencies that may not resonate with its schedule.

The boat was handed over to Ms Jane Frances Kagaia, the Resident District Commissioner of Buikwe who will entrust it with the District Health Officer to oversee its usage. She thanked MTN Uganda for heeding to the request of the people of Buvuma and the surrounding areas.

“I thank MTN Uganda for giving us this emergency rescue boat. Here travelling by water is almost inevitable and like all forms of transport, we encounter situations that require the services of an emergency rescue or response boat. This will ensure water transport safety for our residents and visitors as they travel between the mainland and the islands.” Kagaia said.

To enhance water safety, MTN Uganda last year donated 100 life jackets and commissioned a 24 hour rescue communication line in Kiyindi to respond to the soaring numbers of water transport emergencies in Buikwe and Buvuma districts.

Last year still, MTN donated 550 customized solar kits to 9 schools and 3 health centers in Buvuma under its “Light up a Village” project in order to boost education and health services in the off-grid Island.

MTN Uganda remains committed to improving lives of the communities within which it operates while championing the true delivery of a bold and bright world.

MTN Uganda provides telecommunications services under a Second National Operator License for the operation of a telecommunications system issued on 15 April 1998 for a period of twenty years. The License expired on 21 October 2018 but was variously extended to accommodate conclusion of renewal negotiations which have been ongoing for close to 2years.

 

MTN Uganda is now pleased to announce the conclusion of negotiations for the renewal of its Second National Operator license which expired in October 2018.

 

MTN has fulfilled all conditions precedent to the license, including the payment of a total sum of US$100 million as license renewal fee for a period of 12 years commencing 1 July 2020.

 

MTNU and the Commission will conclude the signature of the License Agreement within the coming days

 

—End—

 

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As at 31st December 2018, MTN Uganda recorded 11.2 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug or follow us on

www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnug or www.twitter.com/mtnugpro for assistance.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our 240 million customers in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code “MTN”. We are pursuing our BRIGHT strategy with a major focus on growth in data, fintech and digital businesses.

For more information, please contact:

The Media Desk | mediadesk.ug@mtn.com

Rhona Arinaitwe on 0772 123067 on +256 (0) 77 212 1372 | Rhona.Arinaitwe@mtn.com

Nompilo Morafo on +27 (0) 83 212 4022 | Nompilo.morafo@mtn.com

www.twitter.com/mtnug |  www.twitter.com/mtnugpro

www.twitter.com/MTNGroup| www.linkedin.com/company/mtn

The mediadesk.ug@mtn.com or 077 212 1372 or

Emmy Olaki at emmy.olaki@tbwa-uganda.com or 078 260 5997

 

 

 

The lockdowns in many countries during the spread of COVID-19 have been accompanied by images of wild animals venturing into the streets of deserted towns, experiencing life with fewer humans around. These visuals have been a reminder of the effect people have had on displacing animals from their natural habitats over the centuries and how human activity continues to destroy biodiversity.

 

Friday June 5 is World Environment Day, the United Nations day for encouraging awareness and action to protect the planet. The theme for 2020 is to celebrate biodiversity. And with scientists saying that one million species are now at risk of extinction, there has never been a more important time to focus on safeguarding the variety of life on Earth.

 

Africa and the Middle East are facing biodiversity threats despite still being home to a rich and diverse animal, plant, and marine biodiversity that provides critical ecosystem services, driving the regions’ economies and serving as buffers to climate change.

 

‘Eco-responsibility is a key pillar of MTN’s sustainability strategic framework. We are determined to ensure that our growth contributes positively to the future of the planet and continuously work to reduce our impact on the environment’, says Nompilo Morafo, Executive for Corporate Affairs at MTN Group.

 

Our belief is that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. So far, more than 257 million subscribers have plugged in to our network across 21 countries. The masts that we use to connect customers are one sign of our presence in these markets.

 

When planning the location of these, MTN considers various factors, including environmental, biodiversity, visual and functionality aspects. We consider proximity to existing roads and electricity infrastructure to reduce the potential disturbance to the natural environment of vegetation removal or habitat disturbances during construction.

 

Together with our partners, we work to minimise biodiversity loss and environmental impact, safeguarding against the removal, damage or disturbance of flora, fauna or birdlife. We also ensure that no hunting, trapping, shooting or poisoning of any fauna takes place.”

 

Our work goes beyond mere compliance with environmental laws. We believe strongly in the protection of the world’s precious natural resources. Connectivity does not need to come at the price of biodiversity. Through conscious decision-making, and planning and implementation, we are committed to reduce our impacts across the markets in which we operate.

 

This World Environment Day join us in calling for action to combat accelerating species loss and degradation of the natural world. It’s Time #ForNature: it’s time to act to help end biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. Only by playing our part can we allow nature to heal and ensure a better and healthier future for everyone.

 

ENDS

MTN Uganda appointed Andrew Bugembe as their new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bugembe started work on April 1, replacing Mike Blackburn who retired early this year having served as the Telecom’s CFO since 2011. In his position, Mr Bugembe is part of the dynamic leadership team of MTN Uganda that boasts of 16 members, four of whom are women.

After being away from Uganda for almost 10 years, Mr Bugembe is happy to join a great, experienced and strong management team back home at MTN Uganda. He looks forward to leading the Finance division and contributing to MTN Uganda’s future success as the country embarks on this thrilling Digital journey that the telecom is committed to deliver.

Mr. Bugembe brings to his position, more than 21 Years of Telecom experience from various countries, working at MTN in different capacities, holding executive and senior management roles in finance departments, including holding the CFO position at MTN Liberia and MTN Congo Brazzaville.

Mr. Bugembe’s robust career at MTN has seen him serve in five different countries. Some of the key highlights of his career at MTN include concluding a $300m syndicated medium term facility, in a Project Finance deal that won an award for the best telecoms deal in Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in 2012.

Although he takes over office at a difficult time when many company revenues are getting slashed by the global Covid19 pandemic, the seasoned accountant is no stranger to operating amidst disasters like this one.

He spent a lot of time resizing the cost structures for a couple of MTN OPCOs to align with changing macro-economic trends especially during the Ebola crisis in West Africa and the drop in oil prices while in Central Africa.

As CFO of the country’s highest tax payer, Mr Bugembe’s key roles will be to drive the company profitability mandate, to ensure effective and efficient Capital allocation, and to support Service revenue growth through data analytics with focus on non-voice revenues. He will also support key transformation initiatives, build internal capacity, support digitization with focus on FinTech in addition to continuous cost optimization and improving working capital management among others.

In addition to the 21 years of telecom experience, Mr Bugembe is a chartered accountant (FCCA-UK) with a Masters degree from University of Wollongong in Australia and he hold a Bachelors of Commerce Degree from India.

Mr Bugembe is a passionate, curious and adaptive person, having lived, studied and worked in seven countries. He enjoys travelling to different countries to explore various cultures and have time to himself and his family away from work. He is married with two amazing sons aged 11 and 8 years. Outside work, he will be found reading books or a couple of journals. He is a huge fan of the Mercedes-Benz team in Formula 1 and a loyal Arsenal supporter.

 

 

 

MTN Uganda through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation has donated Shs. Ugx 41,000,000 million towards the Kasese floods victims. This money will be used to buy non-food relief items to support the families that have been displaced.

The devastating floods ensued after River Nyamwamba burst its banks, following the heavy rains that hit the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.

Over 24,760 households with approximately 173,320 people were affected by the flash floods. Almost up to 150 houses were destroyed in Karusandara division while another 92 houses were completely washed away in Nyamwamba and kilembe areas. The displaced people have sought shelter from nearby churches and school buildings following a directive from Hon. Musa Ecweru, the state Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness during his visit to the area last week.

It is against this premise MTN Uganda, through it’s foundation that aims at improving the lives of the communities within which it operates by supplementing government efforts in priority areas including disaster responses has urgently come in to reach out to the  Kasese floods victims with relief aid.

While handling over the dummy cheque to the Red Cross and Officials from the office of the Prime Minister, MTN Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte said remarked that facing such a disaster in these unprecedented times when the globe is grappling with the Covid19 pandemic and the country in a state of lock-down, spells double tragedy for the people of Kasese, thus prompting urgent relief from mtn and all other stake holders to save the lives of people.

This was during a dummy cheque handover at the Nyonyi Gardens MTN offices in Kampala this morning.

Wim further expressed MTN’s heartfelt sympathy to the people of Kasese.

“As MTN Uganda, we stand with the people of Kasese who have suffered great loss in the recent heavily destructive flash floods. We understand that this is such a trying time, especially since we are already battling the devastating effects of the Covid19 pandemic. We hope that this modest support we have rendered will offer them some comfort,”

While receiving the cheque, Robert Kwesiga, Uganda Red Cross Secretary General appreciated MTN for always coming through very fast to support whenever the Country has emergences.

“This is not the first time MTN Uganda has supported people affected by disasters. Last year they supported Bududa twice, supported Bundibugyo and today they are supporting Kasese. This consistent commitment is a true humanitarian spirit exhibited by MTN to support it’s community. Amidst this period when all partners including MTN have heavily invested in the COVID-19 fight, MTN has still managed to support Kasese. We want to thank you.” Kwesiga said.

The money shall be used to procure 100 standard household non-food-item kits to reach out to 100 most vulnerable families comprising of children, youths, women and the elderly. Each of the kits contains 2 cooking pots, 6 cups, 6 plates, 1 knife, 1 ladle, 2 jerry cans, 3 blankets, 3 mosquito nets, 3 bars of soap and 1 tarpaulin for shelter.

 

In 2013, the MTN foundation spent about 250m to support the kilembe mines hospital which had been affected by similar floods through refurbishment of the children and maternal ward and provided items to support the hospital inclusive of 100 hospital beds, mattresses, mosquito nets as well a generator.

 

On behalf of the Government of Uganda, the Ag Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness Ms. Rose Nakabugo extended warm heartfelt appreciation to MTN Foundation for the support to the people of Kasese. “This is very timely. We thank MTN and commit that the donated items will right away be delivered to Kasese to help people cope through this situation. Thank you for complementing our efforts.”

 

The Chief Executive Officer of MTN-UGANDA, Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte has today handed over 3 Brand new Nissan Hard body pickups to H.E. The President, The Prime Minister & the Covid19 task force. The three cars that are meant to ease transport issues in the Covid19 Pandemic were handed over this morning at the Kololo Airstrip in Kampala.

The three Pick-ups, together with the ugx.220m that MTN contributed towards National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC)  and ugx.297m donated to the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) bring MTN’s contribution in the fight against covid19 to over 1 billion Uganda shillings. MTN’s contribution to NWSC was geared towards providing water to the people living in water-stressed areas around Kampala in a bid to promote hand washing as one of the ways to prevent the spread of the deadly Coronavirus while the contribution to URCS was to aid in their duties of combatting the deadly virus respectively.

Apart from enabling its 12 million customers to send money for free and help family and friends to take care of themselves amidst this devastating pandemic, the telecom is also making it possible for people to work from home and keep earning by providing affordable internet. The internet bundle dubbed “work from home” is meant to promote the concept of ‘social distancing’ to further prevent the spread of the desolating corona virus.

MTN is further supporting government’s sensitization drive by availing free media channel space (radio, tv, social media, sms, call center IVR platform) to promote Ministry of Health’s sensitization messages. The Telecom also zero rated all its learning platforms to support school-going children to study online from home without data.

Additionally, MTN has also offered some of its call center space to ministry of health officials to take calls from the public regarding Covid19 emergencies and information

To facilitate the flow of information, MTN Uganda has also zero rated Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) websites so the public can access information about the virus at no charge. They include www.who.int, www.health.go.ug and www.covid.gou.go.ug

While the country is contending with this imminent catastrophe, MTN remains a dependable partner and is committed to continue working with government, to reduce the impact and disruption that the covid19 pandemic is having on the lives of Ugandans.

 

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and MTN Uganda have joined hands to provide 23 bulk water points as part of an initiative by NWSC and partnering companies to install a total of 100 water points aimed at supplying water to water stressed areas of Kampala during the Coronavirus (COV19) outbreak.

The areas to benefit from the water points include those areas at the periphery of the water supply network which currently receive intermittent supply or no water at all. Each of the 100 water points will be installed with a 10,000 liter capacity water tank that will supply water at the official NWSC public tap tariff of UGx 25shs per 20 liter jerry can.

Whereas Kampala Water is currently able to produce 240 million liters of water per day, peak demand is 300 million liters per day. To bridge this shortfall, NWSC is currently undertaking the construction of a 240 million liter per day capacity water treatment plant in Katosi to the East of Kampala. The first phase to be completed in January 2021 will deliver 160 million liters of water per day to the greater Kampala supply network.

The partnership with MTN will provide short term relief to NWSC customers in water stressed areas as NWSC undertakes the completion of the Katosi Water Treatment Plant. MTN has provided UGX 220 million towards the partnership. Under the partnership, the NWSC will install 23 bulk water points and purchase a water bowser that will be used to ensure regular supply of water to these water points.

This initiative has received support from other corporate companies under the CEO forum with Roofings Uganda Ltd contributing UGx 100M towards the same cause. Over 30,000 households will benefit from this joint water supply intervention. The areas to benefit include Kyengera (Nagalabi-Kisozi), Wakiso-Kikoro, Mukono-Kasenge, Seeta (Kagala-Bukelele), Kyaliwajjala, Kijabijo, Kiteezi, Kiryagonja (Bulindo-Kira-Nsasa-Kilyamuli), Matugga-Buwuzume, Bulenga-Ganda-Bulenga, Kyebando Central, Gayaza, Nateete, Upper Nalumunye, Nansana, Kireka-Kamuli, Wakiso-Ssenge, Nansana-Gganda, Namagoma, Mukono-Nakapinyi, Ndejje-Ggangu, Najjanankumbi-Kitiko among other areas

We are grateful for this partnership with MTN Uganda and Roofings Uganda during this COVID-19 outbreak where water is a critical input in the prevention of infection and spread of the virus. NWSC is committed to provide water for all during this sensitive period

Commenting on this initiative, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer – Wim Vanhelleputte, said that this partnership alongside several others implemented in the effort to fight covid-19, are a demonstration of the brand’s commitment to support Ugandan’s in our hour of need. “MTN believes that the resilience of communities is strongest when people work together. That is why MTN, working through institutions like NWSC, is supporting the delivery of much needed water to underserved areas in the fight to avert a covid-19 pandemic in the country.”