Vodafone is one of the largest telecommunications companies and provides a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications globally, operating in 26 countries; Uganda inclusive, partners with mobile networks in 58 more, and fixed broadband operations in 17 markets.

In 2014, Vodafone signed a deal with broadband company, Afrimax, to provide voice and data services under the Vodafone Uganda brand to increase its presence in the country and on the continent, according to reports by New Vision Uganda.

Still in reports by New Vision, analysts continued to point out that the entry of Vodafone Uganda will lead to a spike in competition with existing telecoms MTN, Airtel, Smart, Smile and Orange resulting in price reductions.

Vodafone Uganda now offers 4G-LTE high-speed broadband data services in the greater Kampala area and a nationwide 2G/3G voice service with a vision to empower everybody to be confidently connected.

Our 2016 Review of Vodafone Uganda in telecoms shows us what the telecom company has been up-to this year:

1. Vodafone Uganda shifts focus from Voice to VoIP

On November 17th, 2016 Vodafone Uganda introduced their Chat+ app that allows it’s users to make free High Definition app-to-app voice calls, send free messages to other Vodafone Chat+ users and enjoy High Definition video calls. As well as share files such as pictures, video clips and music on the go. However, Video Calls and content transfer are charged at normal Data rates. Looks like the company [Vodafone Uganda] shifted it’s focus from Voice – a market that’s already crowded with many players and dominated by MTN Uganda – to VoIP, via an app that has it all.

According to Vodafone Uganda, they claimed that the purpose of the app wasn’t to compete with the heavy weights of the Instant Messaging and Chatting business, but to lock in student communities and allow non Vodafone customers to try Vodafone quality of data services, although the Chat+ app offers some functionality competitive to WhatsApp, Skype and Messenger.

The app features; Free app-to-app Voice Calling and Messaging, Free Group Calling, Video Calling, and File Sharing – Documents, photos, music, videos, voice notes. (Standard data rates apply)

2. Vodafone Uganda’s #Icreatetomorrow competition winners head-off to London

Vodafone Uganda announced three winners of the #ICreateTomorrow competition – artist and student Darsan Ainembabazi, filmmaker Chris Lutanga and health care administrator Cathy Namubiru – who departed for London on a once in a lifetime trip.

According to John Ndego, CEO Vodafone Uganda, during a press conference said that, the purpose of the #ICreateTomorrow campaign is to connect new people and new ideas, to inspire Uganda to build a future that we’re proud of.

During their time in London, the lucky winners were each given a chance to visit key tech hubs, influencers and leaders in their respective fields, equipping and inspiring them to build and brighter tomorrow.

3. Vodafone Uganda’s ‘For G’ promotion

Vodafone Uganda in one of their new promotions this year, dubbed “For G Offer” gave it’s users a special deal of you getting 4GB data for a life time and a discounted Vodafone Mi-Fi.

To get the offer, you had to recommend three of your friends via the Vodafone For G offer portal and you automatically qualify to receive an offer of 4GB of data for UGX 40,000 – for the rest of your life. Adding to the excitement, the Vodafone Mi-Fi was discounted to 30,000 UGX from 170,000 UGX.

4. Vodafone Uganda reveals a digital first approach to support SMEs

Reports have shown that Uganda is the youngest and most entrepreneurial country in the world. According to the 2014 census statistics by Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the youth (persons below 30 years of age) constitute 78% of the population. These numbers, according to John Ndego; CEO Vodafone Uganda, represent a huge potential for the country to turn a tide in technology and innovation and Vodafone Uganda would like to be part of this journey.

On November 10th, 2016, Vodafone Uganda during a press conference that was held at Kampala International University (KIU) announced a commitment to support the youth and entrepreneurs in Uganda.

“The major focus for Vodafone Uganda will be on digital, using the power of internet to tap into the younger generations’ potential and help them build their tomorrow today,” Mr. John said during the press conference.

5. Vodafone Uganda calls-off their unlimited data bundles offering

Getting so used to unlimited data bundles is interesting, your given at a good offer, good speed; let’s assume 5mbps, and so forth, untill when your ISP decides to scrap off the offer. Vodafone subscribes had to settle for another data bundle or alternatively Switch to another provider, when the company decided to call off their “Unlimited Packages.”

Our team was reliably been told that the company was in the process of introducing different data bundle options, though none of them will be Unlimited.

6. Vodafone Uganda urged the tourism industry to embrace technology

The fifth edition of Vodafone Uganda’s power talks focused on on leveraging technology for tourism. According to Vodafone Uganda’s CEO Allan Richardson, the fifth edition of the Vodafone Power Talks featured success stories from the East African region, and also identified new and better digital marketing platforms that can be adopted by various players in the tourism and hospitality industry to boost both the country’s image and deliver better investment returns for their businesses.

During the event that was held at Kampala Serena Hotel, players in the tourism and travel industry were advised to embrace new technology in order to boost their businesses and further develop the industry in the country.

According to various reports online, showed that; at least 15% of room nights are now being booked online on a mobile phone, while a 2010 poll from Eye for travel, a leading research company on Internet focused travel, indicates that 7 out of 10 travelers use the internet as their primary source of travel information resulting in almost half of the world’s travel being distributed and booked online.

Uganda is fast becoming a leading tourism destination and the progressive SMEs involved in this space will have to be more innovative in the way they use technology to redesign tourism products to address individual needs, satisfy consumer wants and grow their businesses.

7. Vodafone Uganda appointed a new Chief Executive Officer

After MTN Uganda bid farewell to their CEO; Brian Gouldie, on July 13th, 2016, Vodafone Uganda also announced their new appointment of John Ndego as their new CEO effective from 11th July, 2016, replacing Allan Richardson, who returned to the Afrimax Group office in preparation for the next market launch following the recent launch of operations in Ghana and Zambia.

His appointment came one year into the entry of Vodafone in Uganda and at a crucial time in the telecommunications industry in Uganda, with data services poised to dictate the pace of growth in the years ahead. However, according to Vodafone Uganda, it was well placed to take advantage of the opportunities and to benefit more broadly from John’s considerable commercial and strategic experience.

Happy Holidays!!!

Vodafone Uganda has today launched ‘JUMP’ – an interactive and socially managed portal with exciting content that serves to enhance E-learning among the youth.

The event which gathered different stakeholders including Vice Chancellors and Chancellors of different university, representatives from the Ministry of ICT, Ministry of Education and Sport, Ministry of State for Youth and Children’s Affairs, to name a few.

JUMP is a unique online content platform with categories in Education, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, and Lifestyle. Vodafone Uganda emphasizes that the key focus is on providing free access to educational content through the creation of an e-library and creating an environment where young and upcoming entrepreneurs are supported through various initiatives.

The content on JUMP will be generated from young Ugandan writers and the JUMP editors who are; Malaika Nnyanzi for Lifestyle and Entertainment, Solomon King Benge for Entrepreneurship, Cynthia Ayeza for Education and Andrew Ojara for self-improvement.

Vodafone plans to launch the JUMP Academy under the education category to provide students with a wide array of study notes and a series of video lectures from Ugandan lecturers.

John Ndego, CEO Vodafone Uganda says the JUMP platform continues to ride on the company’s commitment to support the youth and entrepreneurs in the country. He further stated that JUMP will keep the flames of the #ICreateTomorrow digital campaign that aims to empower the youth by helping them take charge of their tomorrow by giving them an opportunity to experience what their peers are doing with technology in other countries.

One of Uganda’s leading 4G Internet Service Provider Vodafone Uganda has contributed UGX 10 million towards the second annual edition of the NSSF Kampala Hash Run which is scheduled to take place on Sunday 12th March, 2017 – starting from Pearl Africa Primary School, Nsambya, covering 21KM around the seven major hills of Kampala city i.e. Nakasero, Kibuli, Old Kampala, Namirembe, Rubaga, Lubiri, and Nsambya.

The Run which aims at collecting funds to renovate Kampala Public Schools is expected to draw over 1,000 runners who are dedicated to improving the lives of children in schools managed by KCCA.

This year targets to raise UGX 200 million which will go towards the renovation of three (3) primary schools – Makerere Primary School, Summit View Army Primary School and completion of works at Nakivubo Settlement Primary School.

Notably, during the first annual edition of the NSSF Kampala Hash Run which raised about UGX 65 million, it was all spent on the renovation of Nakivubo Settlement Primary School and the construction of a water facility at St. Ponsiano Kyamula Primary School. However, the renovation of Nakivubo Settlement Primary School wasn’t made complete and therefore will be accounted for after this years Hash Run.

The selected schools are in dire need for an overhaul, they are characterized with leaking roofs, mud floors, dilapidated walls with no windows. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is mandated to provide and support them with quality learning environments.

The City authority is challenged with a limited budget coupled with Land compensation for schools sitting on land owned by private individuals which leaves a lot of these schools in a vulnerable state, with the children studying in a less than desirable learning environment.

KCCA this year has budgeted UGX 500 million, an amount which can only facilitate refurbishment of one school out of the six most needy, however, 90% of the 79 city schools are remain in need of refurbishment.

In a press statement, Ms. Progress Chisenga noted that; “We partnered with the NSSF as our contribution to the transformation of a generation we foresee as tomorrow’s leaders, and providing a conducive learning environment is critical to building this nation”.

Vodafone Uganda now joins the likes of MTN Uganda, who have pioneered in these Kampala marathons in return of helping and giving back to the community.

Vodafone Uganda has partnered with NSSF Uganda in participating at the NSSF Career Expo happening between 13th March till 25th April 2017 at 11 different universities country wide.

The expo is a platform that brings together employers, recruiters and job seekers, with professionals in different fields to talk to the university students preparing them for work after university, and also share advice for careers that lie ahead of them.

The Vodafone Uganda University Youth Programme is designed to support young people explore, realize and appreciate their potential and uniqueness.

“Our partnership with NSSF on this cause is to inspire a generation of innovative, entrepreneurial and forward thinking young leaders with a can-do attitude”, said Progress Chisenga; Marketing Director at Vodafone Uganda.

According to ACODE youth unemployment and job creation report 2014, youth unemployment stands at between 64% and 70%, and about 400,000 youths are released annually into the job market to compete for approximately 9,000 available jobs.

One of the reason for this influx, according to Mastercard Foundation 2015-16 Youth Think Tank Report, is the skills mismatch in which the formal education system has not produced hands-on skilled young people ready to confront the challenges of securing sustainable employment or growing a profitable business.

Vodafone’s University Youth Programme supports, equips and empowers young people to handle and manage the working world – the Brand Ambassador programme is specific for university students, and aims at equipping undergraduate students for the workplace through internships, mentorship and special projects.

A university student in the Brand Ambassador programme gains hands-on work experience, receives mentorship and leadership, enhances professional skills and has an opportunity to earn an income. Selection for the Brand Ambassador programme is based on, among other things, academic prowess and or leadership and social media influence.

Traveline Kezabu, a third-year student studying Bachelor of Economics and Applied Statistics at Kampala International University who joined the Brand Ambassador programme last year in October, said she’s grateful to have made it into the programme where she is gaining the relevant work experience in the Customer service, Marketing and Sales departments.

The programme is supple and allows the Brand Ambassadors the flexibility to carry on with classes without any clashes. She recommends the programme to all university students, the experience they will gain is invaluable.

At this year’s NSSF Career Expo, the topical issues on career development, employer expectations, career progression and job matching will be discussed.

Today ISP’s in their power are doing whatever it takes to have the most user-internet-base; introducing internet packs such as; super combos, night packs, Vodafone’s SWIFT bundle, WTF, Midnight Bundles, Happy Hours, Happy Nights, and so forth leaving ‘us’ consumers with no choice. And as we might know, today Internet is a necessity to man’s life. UN’s recent declaration also stated Internet being a human right to all.

Notably, Vodafone Uganda being the latest entrant in the Telecom market, as well as one of the leading 4G ISP’s in Uganda with its mission to be admired for empowering everybody by keeping them confidently connected, for a couple years has had its internet access limited to few areas of Kampala and Entebbe.

And ever since their launch in Uganda, the firm has been receiving a number of complaints/feedback’s from its customers as to why it’s internet coverage is limited, which makes them lose out on having customers, and this is a very huge disadvantage.

However, the telecom firm kept on promising its customers of its expansion, and finally today, Vodafone Uganda expands its unrivaled 4G LTE speeds to five new areas/sites around Kampala which went ‘Live’ effective earlier last week. The areas that have been expanded to include:

1. Bakuli: Bakuli lights, Regency Hotel, Old Kampala SS, Old Kampala Mosque, Cafe Javas Bakuli, and the Gateways Bus Terminal.
2. Ben Kiwanuka: Ben Kiwanuka street, Arua Park, Gaaga Coaches, Giant Arcade, Trade Link, and People’s Plaza.
3. Bulange: Bulange, Lusaze, Nabugabo, Balintuma, Ndejje University Campus Kampala, and Lungujja.
4. Makerere Hill Road: Makerere University, LDC, Nana Hostel, Makere College School, Makerere Flats, and Makerere University Hospital.
5. Kireka Kamuli 2: Hotel Mamerito, Western side of Namboole, Kasokoso, and Ndiwulira.

The firm says it has consolidated their network in these areas and have plans of expanding further. There was no mention/comment from Vodafone of when these promised expansions will take place.

In other news, PC Tech Magazine has received info from within Vodafone Uganda, of a new campaign that will be launching tomorrow dubbed, ‘Shika More‘.

Keep in touch, and we shall have you updated!!!

Editor’s Note: This article has been sponsored by Vodafone Uganda

Vodafone Uganda has today launched a new campaign dubbed ‘Shika More‘ targeting the youth or young professionals and tech savvy living in urban areas of Uganda.

The Shika More campaign is promoting an all new competitive Mi-Fi offer which according to Vodafone comes at a market price of 174,000 UGX, however, Vodafone has priced it at only 125,000 (a 49,000 discount) UGX and comes pre-loaded with a 5GB free data starter pack valid for a month (30 days).

That’s not all, you will enjoy a 100% data bonus on every purchase of 5GB or more for the next 3 months from date of purchase. Notably, the unlimited bundles, 2GB, 4GB and SWIFT bundles won’t be available on this offer, and the 100% Bonus bundle you get is also valid for 30 days.

Vodafone’s biggest competitor, MTN Uganda also has the same promo dubbed “Juzza Internet,” under which customers are instantly rewarded with a bonus for the data bundles they load as low as 50MBs giving their customers great value and rewards them for their usage, putting Vodafone at a stake.

So here’s the thing! MTN Uganda only gives these bonuses only if you have subscribed to their promotion otherwise you don’t get the bonuses provided.

When it comes to battle of Mi-Fi’s MTN Uganda has one at 125,000UGX same as Vodafone’s only difference MTN’s packs a 10GB data valid for a 1 Month while Vodafone’s is 5GB. Smile has two Mi-Fi’s one priced at 169,000 UGX with data of 10GB for 1 month, and the other at 199,000 UGX with unlimited data for 1 month, Tangerine has one for 150,000 UGX with 15GB data for 3 months. So the pricing is a bit higher compared to Vodafone’s.

However, Vodafone manages to beat Africell hands down since their Mi-Fi comes with only 3.5GB at 125,000UGX. As for the rest of its competitors, they are pricey since their Mi-Fi’s come with 10GB data valid for 1 month. Customers do enjoy 100% bonus on top up which is a selling point for Vodafone.

How to always check and monitor your data
When some users load data on their Mi-Fi, they find it hard to tell how much data they have used so far. So the question is, How do I monitor my data? And the answer to you is you can either use the MyVodafone Web portal or the MyVodafone mobile app which is available for Android and iOS.

And our recommendation is the app, because it’s the fastest way.

The MyVodafone app will look to be an easier platform for you to monitor your data, or manage your Vodafone account than using the Vodafone online self-care portal. However, am not saying that the online self-care portal is a ‘NOT’ consider option, but rather the app is much easier and faster way to check your data balance. For instance, once you’ve got the Vodafone app, you won’t need to access the Vodafone online self-care portal to load your data because the app gives you a ‘self service’ feature that allows you to top up using voucher card, Mobile Money, Credit and Debit cards.

In our review for the app, we found it as the perfect self-care and data monitoring tool.

Editor’s Note: This article has been sponsored by Vodafone Uganda

Vodafone Uganda, is set to enhance the e-learning space for university students in Uganda with the launch of the JUMP Academy, a new and first of its kind addition on the JUMP portal.

JUMP the unique online content platform was launched on 10th Feb 2017; with categories in Education, Entrepreneurship, Self-improvement, and Lifestyle. As part of the education category the JUMP Academy provides students with free and unlimited access to a wide range of educational materials, tailored to the Uganda University curriculum.

“We are cognizant that education is the key to the successful transformation and development of any country; and Vodafone is proud to take the lead in this digital learning space through the launch of the JUMP Academy,” John Ndego; Chief Executive Officer at Vodafone Uganda said during the launch.

The JUMP Academy comprises a series of recorded 15 minute videos that cut across various subjects based on the Uganda university curriculum, and will show topical tutorials by different lecturers and will also be uploaded regularly.

Vodafone Uganda Launch the JUMP Academy

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The Guest of Honour Mr. Robert Oceng; Ag. Director Higher Education at the Ministry of Education noted that the JUMP Academy platform for global interaction where the ability for students to connect with one another and the rest of the world becomes real and easy.

“Easy accessibility to education content is vital, because unlike two decades ago, this generation is dynamic. You find that many of the university students are employees in the work area and others are taking on different courses at the same time. So, the easier they can access information at their convenience, the more time saved and we all know that time is money,” he adds

Cynthia Ayeza, the JUMP editor for Education category expressed optimism of the Academy saying, “the conversational-style tutorials which move away from the typical lecture-hall style, will fuse theory and practice in one, which is an opportunity for wholesome learning”.

She went a head to encourage young people to take advantage of this opportunity because it will give them the opportunity to access beneficial information at the tip of their fingers. It also means that those who are financially unable to afford formal education at institutions of higher learning will be able to learn at a minimal initial cost (buying a simcard and MiFi), and thereafter at no cost to them if they are subscribed with Vodafone.

Telecom firm; Vodafone Uganda, is expanding their footprint further than the greater areas of Kampala and Entebbe.

Being the latest entrant in the Telecom market, as well as one of the leading 4G ISP’s in Uganda with its mission to be admired for empowering everybody by keeping them confidently connected, the firm will be launching a Vodafone signal site in Mukono on Tuesday 9th May, 2017.

In March, the telecom company expanded to other five sites still within Kampala; Bakuli, Ben Kiwanuka, Bulange, Makerere Hill Road, and Kireka Kamuli 2 and confirmed it had consolidated its network in these areas – with plans of expanding further.

The expansion of these sites makes Vodafone Uganda stay in the competition of having the biggest customer base. Currently, MTN Uganda has the largest customer base with over 9.9 million subscribers as of 30th June, 2016 while Airtel Uganda is the second-largest mobile network provider in the country, with an estimated 7 million subscribers as of November, 2014.

For Vodafone to keep up with the pace, they have to expand countrywide; which the firm is doing gradually. The firm has received multiple complaints as to why its coverage is limited, which makes them lose out on having customers.

Vodafone Uganda last week announced its expansion to areas of Mukono and Seeta in a bid to provide them with 4G LTE high-speed broadband data services. As of today, the telecom firm has officially launched the new site a few meters from Uganda Christian University as they continue to steadily grow their footprint in response to customer’s demands.

The launch of the site in Mukono for consumers and businesses includes the opening of the firms branded dealer shops and kiosks in key locations in turn will facilitate employment.

During the launch of the site, Vodafone Uganda CEO; John Ndego, said; They’re steadily extending exciting opportunities for unmatched online experience, interactions, networking and knowledge sharing, especially for the youth and SMEs.

“We envision an empowered, self-made, innovative and creative generation and I am delighted that consumers and business will now experience Vodafone’s high speed data services, he said.”

The 4G techonology guarantees ease in communication to steer the region to its full economic potential.

Mukono becomes the 3rd district on Vodafone’s site expansion roll out after greater Kampala; in five division & parts of Wakiso, and Entebbe; covering Entebbe road as well as Entebbe town, and is expected to positively impact both private and public sectors by providing fast and reliable internet.

The Chairperson ICT Committee, Parliaments; Ms. Paula Turyahikayo, said ICT is the tool for the future, and the primary goal is therefore to improve and broaden equitable access of this tool as a means of creating opportunities for social economic development in the country.

The launch was graced by the Mayor of Mukono municipality; His Worship George Kagimu who commended the great works and efforts Vodafone puts in bringing internet to the people of Mukono and Seeta, and in return would create more employment opportunities to fight unemployment that is currently estimated to be 4.55% in the country.

Vodafone Uganda unveiling their new mask in Mukono district.

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The UCU Deputy Vice Chancellor; Dr. David Mugawe hoped that after the unveiling of the new mask just few meters from the university, UCU students would adopted to using the firms services gradually.

Reach A Hand Uganda in partnership with it’s sponsors led by Jump by Vodafone together with NBS Television, Segal Family Foundation, Events Warehouse among others announced this year’s edition of The Young Achievers Awards. This initiative rewards excellence, hard work and innovation of youth in Uganda. The leading 4G LTE telecom operator has taken keen interest in youth programs that educate and empower the young people to scale to greater heights through their innovation and creativity.

“We believe in fostering a culture that not only amplifies learning, but also represents a platform for the youth to showcase their unique skillset and accomplishments.” said Mr. John Ndego, Chief Executive Officer Vodafone Uganda.

“Initiatives of this kind make it possible for us to identify, recognize and celebrate the youth in Uganda for their great achievements.” he added.

Started in 2009, the Young Achievers Awards recognize and celebrate outstanding youth in the Ugandan Community that have excelled in various realms such as the Arts, Entrepreneurship, Media and Journalism, Philanthropy, Innovation, Sports among others. Reach A Hand, Uganda has since taken over this platform as its flagship youth livelihood program.

“The partnership with JUMP by Vodafone on the Young Achievers Awards is a timely and strategic one. We both are designing programs that not only appeal to young people, but have a lasting impact and therefore, we look forward to a very fruitful partnership.” said Mr. Humphrey Nabimanya, the Team leader & Founder of Reach A Hand, Uganda.

Since its inception, the Young Achievers Awards has established itself as arguably the most prestigious awards’ event of its kind in the region. Some of the Lifetime achievers include H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni – President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Paul Kagame – President of the Republic of Rwanda, the late Dr. James Mulwana – Entrepreneur and Business owner, Sister Rachelle Fassera – Humanitaria, that have greatly impacted Ugandan society positively.

Previous Award winners include:

1. Humphrey Nabimanya – Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocate for the youth.
2. Phionah Mutesi – celebrated sports personality.
3. Esther Kalenzi – Founder of 40 days 40 smiles.
4. Maurice Ochol – Senior Political and Parliamentary Journalist for NTV.
5. Eric and Rebecca Kaduru – Co-Founders of KadAfrica Limited.
6. Godfrey Atuhaire – self-driven artisan.
7. Isaac Oboth – C.E.O of Media 256.

The Event:
The 2017 Young Achievers Awards will be held on 12th August to coincide with the International Youth Day at Kampala Serena Hotel. The 2017 edition will celebrate 10 most outstanding young people in the categories of Social Entrepreneurship, Business, ICT and Innovation, Outstanding Sports Personality, Media and Journalism, Farming and Agro-Processing, Music, Fashion, Film & Photography, Young Achiever of Year, Young Hero/Heroine of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement award.

Telecom firm; Vodafone Uganda with its bid of supporting Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda on Friday last week Anthony Tenywa; Research and Insights Manager together with Hurry Mugisha Head of SME at Vodafone Uganda made a courtesy call during the Top 100 mid-sized company weekly visits to Nina Interiors LTD; an enterprises that generalizes in home and office furniture and decorations.

“We aim to enable SMEs to work faster and smarter by identifying their internet needs and develop solutions that directly meet these needs”, said Anthony Tenywa; Research and Insights Manager at Vodafone Uganda.

SMEs contribute up to 70% of Uganda’s GDP, and are therefore an important engine for growth of the economy. The continuous growth in technology is an indicator that businesses need to evolve with it if they are to benefit from these changes. Integration of ICT in business will improve productivity and efficiency of businesses.

“Vodafone is taking deliberate steps to bridge the digital gap and SMEs, so that they can leverage the benefits of ICT integration in businesses” stated Hurry Mugisha; Head of SME at Vodafone Uganda.

Notably, the Top 100 mid-sized companies’ survey is an initiative of KPMG and the Nation Media Group represented by Daily Monitor in Uganda that has been conducted since 2009 in Uganda as well as in Kenya and Tanzania with the purpose of identifying Uganda’s fastest growing medium sized companies in order to showcase business excellence and highlight some of the country’s most successful entrepreneurship stories.

Vodafone Uganda, through its JUMP platform hosted a cross section of youth to ‘Jump Ignite’, a monthly forum which enables the youth to engage and interact with like-minded people. This month’s session under the theme ‘Financial Literacy’ was held at Dancing Cup, Bugolobi.

Several youth exchanged ideas on financial discipline, financial stability and making rational and sound financial decisions.

‘JUMP Ignite’ seeks to create an off-line movement by encouraging engagement beyond the JUMP website to create a physical platform that encourages youth leadership and gives them a voice by sharing common values and perspectives through open and candid discussions relating to the reality, challenges and opportunities they face as young people.

Cynthia Ayeza, the JUMP Editor for Education moderated the event and noted that platforms such as ‘Jump Ignite plays a key role in strengthening Youth Advocacy. She said, “Through JUMP Ignite, youth are given an opportunity to lead and participate in informed discussions on issues that are critical to their development. They share their aspirations and learn from each other. They are able to voice their business ideas, product development experiences, marketing skills, research skills while promoting the role of entrepreneurship to curb youth unemployment.”

According to statistics, most of Uganda’s population comprises the youth, who represent a movement that’s innovative and believed to be the key in addressing our development challenges.

Cynthia added, “The youth are the future leaders and are not only capable of making smart decisions about their future but are also a driving force to deal with the challenges currently facing Uganda, one of the biggest being unemployment. Vodafone through its JUMP platform provides a support system with its content in categories of Education, Entrepreneurship, Self-improvement, Lifestyle and Entertainment, as well as the JUMP Academy.”

JUMP Ignite will be held monthly in areas that are easily accessible to university students and young professionals.

The 2017 Young Achievers Awards winners who were announced on Saturday August 12th, 2017 during an auspicious gala at the Kampala Serena Hotel coinciding with the International Youth Day, have received 5 million UGX support from the government to scale up their ideas and innovations.

The support, was handed over to each of the winners at a meeting convened by Hon. Amelia Kyambadde at her office. The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives had promised to hand each of the winners 500,000 UGX while receiving the Star Hall of Fame Award  at the award gala night.

“I had promised to hand each of you 500,000 UGX but when the President (H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni) heard  about this, he called me and directed me that the government will give each of the winner 5,000,000 UGX.” Hon. Amelia Kyambadde said at the meeting.

Speaking at the meeting, Humphrey Nabimanya the Team Leader and Founder of Reach A Hand Uganda called on the government to invest in young people if we are to realize their potential. He also emphasized that the Young Achievers Awards program is a full year program that will see nominees and winners connected to opportunities with lawyers, funders and mentors to help them become better entrepreneurs, innovators and change agents.

Winners of the 2017 Young Achievers Awards

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ZIlla Mary Arach, Co-Founder of Lacel Technologies – the 2017 Overall Young Achiever, on behalf of all the winners, gave a note of thanks to the awards organizers Reach A Hand Uganda together with partners who have are inspiring young people to live up to their dreams and aiding their launchpads using the Young Achievers Awards platforms.

Broadcasting & media production firm; NBS Uganda, who were one of the sponsors of the who journey has offered a free platform to all winners to showcase their innovations and help motivate other young people with the help of Vodafone Uganda’s JUMP platform; an interactive and socially managed portal with exciting content that serves to enhance E-learning among the youth.

Notably, the Young Achievers Awards, is an award program that identifies and recognizes young people in Uganda that have demonstrated excellence, innovation and leadership in their respective fields.

In April this year, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) issued a 7-day ultimatum to all Ugandans to have their simcard registration particulars updated, short of which they would be deactivated. The directive was given by the UCC Executive Director, Eng. Godfrey Mutabaazi during a closed door engagement with executives of telecoms operators at the Commission’s Head Office in Bugolobi, Kampala.

Individuals with already registered simcards were asked to update their particulars with the National Identity card database for them to stay active, short of which they would be deactivated.

However, this issue caused havoc to Ugandans, as many said the activity couldn’t be done/carried-out within 7 days since it was an abrupt notice.

The matter raised concerns as stakeholders, ICTAU, Members of Parliament Uganda rose up to give their point of view. It was until then that H.E the President of Uganda; Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ordered the extension of the simcard verification deadline to August 30th, 2017.

Speaking to PC Tech Magazine, UCC publicist Pamela Ankunda said, “You know Ugandans, even if we have given them a 90-day period, they will wait until the last day to come and complete the verification process,” Ankunda said on phone.

With the deadline approaching a few days from now, telecom firm; Vodafone Uganda has stated that it’s giving out 1GB of free data valid for 15 days to its users that update their registration details before August 30th.

How to update your simcard:
Dial the USSD code; *197# to send in your National ID Number (NIN), Given Name and Surname. Your NIN is the 13 digit number on your ID that starts with either CF or CM (CM*******) and to easily locate it, its just below the Nationality section or above the Date of Birth section.

Your details will be verified by NIRA and you will receive a short notice confirming your full registration status.

Other identification documents that will be used as side from National IDs for nationals, are; Passports for Foreigners, OPM database for refugees, and URSB documents for Companies.

Berlin-based Vodafone Institute Accelerator for Female Empowerment has selected two African startups; KaaroHealth (from Uganda), and Mowoza (from Mozambique) amongst the five that will join the second cohort of its F-LANE; a six-week acceleration program for high-potential digital impact ventures focusing on female empowerment – from over 180 applications that were submitted from over 50 different countries globally.

The F-LANE programme aims to foster the participation of women in technological development and improve the situation of girls and women around the world through technology.

The programme features mentorship and advice from Vodafone and external experts, as well as help in leveraging the global “Vodafone family”.

KaaroHealth founded by; Angella Kyomugisha, Brenda Nantongo, Joyce Nakawungu, and Francis Xavier Asiimwe, runs a telemedicine hub that provides a network of rural clinics with access to the services of qualified maternal and child health specialists. By providing these clinics with real-time access to qualified specialists, Kaaro Health is making a contribution in reducing maternal mortality.

KaaroHealth, and Mowoza (from Mozambique) will be joined by three other startups, Sou Sou (from the US), Gapsquare (from the UK), and Good on You (from Australia), and a micro-funding of up to 12,000 EUROS (roughly USD$14,405 or 51.8 million UGX) will also be offered to them.

About the other startups:

1. Sou Sou was founded by Fonta Gilliam and Innocent Ephraim – and is a mobile investment platform that partners with financial institutions and angel investors to decrease the time, cost and risk associated with lending to startups and early stage companies.

2. Founded by Zara Nanu and Ion Suruceanu, Gapsquare provides tools through technology that enable gender analysis within companies to develop plans for managing diversity and toarrow the gender gap. The dream is a world where women are paid the same as men for doing the same work. Gapsquare’s mission is to help organisations make sense of their gender pay gap data.

3. Founders Sandra Capponi and Gordon Renouf – developed a mobile application dubbed Good On You – that delivers ethical brand ratings to millions of consumers around the globe, who want to make more ethical choices.

4. Mowoza strengthens Women Owned Micro and Small Retailers in Mozambican informal markets by integrating these MSEs into ‘digital retail communities’. By applying smart, cutting edge technologies, to the informal retail sector they change marketplaces and retail in Mozambique and eventually in Africa. This was founded by; Suzana Moreira.

Telecoms in Uganda are always finding ways of making their customers happy and satisfied with their services – introducing affordable and cheap data bundles, free calls across the same network, giving back through charitable events, and so forth. Telecom firm MTN Uganda is one of the firms that do so.

Newly introduced in Uganda, Vodafone has also started reaching out to its customers with the aim of strengthening the relationships built while approaching service at a more personable level in all the service centers.

As of last week, the firm’s activities involved the CEO; John Ndego together with his executive team and Vodafone staff taking the lead in providing exceptional service at the different Vodafone shops and kiosks.

“It is important to meet our customers face to face because it gives us an opportunity to listen to them; understand their needs, appreciate their feedback and fortify our relationship with them. We always strive to put the customers’ needs first and endeavour to add value to them above everything else,” Ndego said in a press statement.

The activities aimed to improve customer experience, by making it easy for the customer to understand the company’s products, how to manage their data usage and provide feedback on our internet solutions. Throughout the week Vodafone staff are took part in enhancing customer centricity at all customer touch points.

Commenting on the fun packed week, Rebecca Atuhairwe, Head of Customer Service in a press statement said, “At Vodafone, we believe that customer service is everybody’s responsibility and therefore having our executive team take lead in this initiative re- enforces this belief as they lead by example.”

This initiative is one of the ways through which Vodafone has been cementing the relationship with its customers and will continue to carry out in a bid to feel the pulse of the customer.

In 2016, the Vodafone Institute for Society and Communication published a founders study titled “New World and Ancient Roles”, which revealed the barriers that women still face when starting a business.

Based on the obvious needs of the study, F-LANE launched an accelerator Program that is unique in Europe since it focuses on start-ups that empower women through technology while delivering societal impact.

Going into it’s third round of the accelerator, that generated a total of 180 applications from 57 countries (Uganda inclusive), the final five start-up teams where announced on February 12th, 2018.

Uganda’ own startup; breastIT was selected among the 5 ventures that will undergo a seven week mentorship, funding, individual coaching and key experiences to make it venture investment ready and corporate partnership with Vodafone.

The finalists will be given the opportunity to enter the next phase of their project in Berlin.

On 4th May, all the five finalists will have their final pitch at the conference The Arch Summit in Luxembourg, where the overall winner will be announced. Teams will get a chance to pitch in front of various investors; business, tech, impact investors or venture capitalists.

An advantage for the start-ups is that they should be well prepared to meet these investors during the F-LANE Accelerator.

BreastIT

Notably, BreastIT is developing a portable and affordable technology for the screening of breast cancer, composed of a Glove (that does screening) and software (that does the image analysis).

“While access to health care is a major challenge in Uganda and most of the African countries, especially for the women. By bringing breastIT into the picture, it greatly increases the chance of survival for the women living with breast cancer since with early screening comes early solutions to the problem,” BreastIT team told this website.

Bringing this to the market, according to the team, is a major lifesaver since once breast cancer is diagnosed early, one has a higher chance of survival. And to mention, it will be affordable.

“The existing technologies for screening breast cancer such as mammograms and MRI’s are really costly and not easily accessible especially in countries that have limited resources in the various healthcare facilities, however with breastIT, these worries will be no more due to the fact that its very portable and can be afforded by most healthcare centers in developing and developed countries,” the team told this website.

The post Uganda’s ‘BreastIT’ Startup Emerge Finalists in the Vodafone’s F-Lane Accelerator appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

It seems the telecom business in Uganda this year is becoming more of a nightmare. After government regulatory body of the communications sector; Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) sent new directives to telco operators. One banning the use of scratch cards in favor of electronic points of sales and distribution, and the other being the extreme measure of sim card sales, renewals, swaps, and replacements.

It has come to our notice that Vodafone Uganda has finally shut down after four years in business. This comes after the telco is reported to have nearly UGX300 billion in debts that they could not copy up with. According to multiple reports, since mid of 2017, Vodafone Uganda has been going through a rough business patch which led to the closure of some of its stores and a fall in revenue.

Earlier this year in February, the High Court appointed lawyer Donald Nyakairu; a senior partner at ENSafrica as interim administrator of Afrimax a brand that was operating as Vodafone Uganda. They handed in all its accounts books to Donald for scrutiny. Only to report that they had over UGX300 billion in debts against an asset base of UGX55 billion.

According to TechJaja reports, its staggering debt portfolio couldn’t let it finish the greater part of the year as the liabilities outweighed its asset portfolio, and thus the creditors voted to have its assets liquidated. This was reported to the online technology publishers by an insider who preferred anonymity.

We haven’t received any confirmation or comment from the telco or UCC.

The post Vodafone Uganda Finally Shuts Down Amidst UGX. 300 Billion Debt appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.