Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) today concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) on a comprehensive partnership in geothermal power that will see the parties collaborate in power generation projects, including personnel development.

The parties signed the MOU during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development 2016 (“TICAD VI”), now being held in Nairobi.

Under the terms of the MOU, Toshiba will collaborate in the development and supply of major equipment for a geothermal power plant, create operation and management guidelines, and cooperate in personnel development. Participation from the development stage on positions Toshiba to contribute to the early construction of the plant, and to supply geothermal power generation equipment in the future.

Uganda lies to the west of the Great Rift Valley and has rich geothermal potential, equivalent to 500 megawatts. Currently, about 60% of power generation capacity is from hydroelectric power, and the country has long promoted construction of hydro power plants. Adding geothermal to the mix will contribute to supply stability and the ability to meet rising demand stimulated by high economic growth—currently increasing at about 10% per a year.

“The development of Uganda’s geothermal energy resources is in line with our energy policy objectives of increasing power generation capacity and diversifying our energy mix in order to achieve least cost, affordable and stable energy supply”, said Dr. Fred Kabagambe-Kaliisa, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. “We are very confident that the Government of Uganda and Toshiba will create a strong Public-Private-Partnership to develop the Geothermal Energy resources.”

Toyoaki Fujita, Business Development Executive of Toshiba’s Energy Systems & Solutions Company said, “We hope to build a strong partnership with Uganda and to contribute to the development of sustainable power supply there. Toshiba’s Energy Systems & Solutions Company is a world leader in geothermal power generation, and I believe that our established expertise can contribute to the geothermal power supply in Uganda.”

Toshiba has delivered 53 geothermal turbines, with a total capacity of 3,400 megawatts, to plants in Japan, the USA, the Philippines, Iceland and other countries around the world. This represents approximately 23%*, of the world’s installed geothermal capacity, making Toshiba the world’s top supplier.

In the African market, Toshiba most recently delivered four geothermal turbines to Kenya that started commercial operation in 2015. The company has also concluded MOUs with geothermal power development companies in Ethiopia in 2014, Tanzania in 2015 and Djibouti in August this year, all covering comprehensive collaboration in the geothermal power generation business.

Toshiba Group will continue to contribute to stable electricity supply and the realization of a low-carbon economy.

In Sunday Olapade and Gift Willy, Nigeria will be well represented at this year’s Pros tournament of the Tusker Malt Uganda Open set to tee off on the 31st August, 2016 at the Uganda Golf Club.

Sunday Olapade and Gift Willy enter this year’s tournament as top contenders who are also on top form after recording impressive results in their latest tournaments.

Sunday Olapade

Olapade a member of Ibori Golf and Country Club and Willy, a member of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, have played alongside each other in various prestigious West African tournaments including the 3e Actuaries Open in Equatorial Guinea where Gift Willy won it once.

Willy won the Port Gentil Open twice in 2012 and 2013 and returned in 2014 to win the Libreville Open in Gabon.

Sunday finished 2015 as Nigeria’s Order of Merit leader, and comes into the Tusker Malt Uganda Open as number fourth on the Order of Merit leaderboard whereas Willy comes into the Open as thirteenth on the leaderboard.

Speaking to Johnson Omolo, President Uganda Golf Union, he said; “You can’t talk about the current state of Nigeria’s golf without talking about Sunday Olapade and Gift Willy. These two are some of the top golfers in West Africa right now. We are delighted to have them take part in this year’s Tusker Malt Uganda Open. We know that they will bring the hype and thrill to the Pros tournament. “

Gift Willy

This year, Tusker Malt Lager increased their cash sponsorship of the Uganda Golf Open from UGX 200 million shillings to UGX 230 million shillings. There has also been an increase in the cash prize to UGX 110 million shillings.

An additional UGX 270 million shillings as none cash sponsorship was also injected into the tournament, taking the total sponsorship kit up to UGX 500 million shillings. This resonates with the status the game of golf is quickly attaining in the region and it further shows the confidence Tusker Malt Lager has in the Uganda Golf Union and the sport at large.

There has been a registered increase in the number of pros that will take part in this year’s tournament as opposed to last year. 84 Pros have registered to take part in this year’s Tusker Mat Uganda Open.

This year, Uganda plays host to participants from countries such as; Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa.

Notable among them will be Kenya’s Jacob Okello and winner of the 2016 Tanzania Golf Open, Rwanda’s Jules Dusabe, Zambia’s Madalitso Muthiya and also last year’s first runner up and South Africa’s Joshua Seale among others.

Tusker Malt Lager embodies the spirit of the game of golf. Tusker Malt lager is slow brewed with an ingredient base of 100% malt giving it that unmistakably rich, smooth premium taste that is widely recognized and that consumers have grown to love.

Sexy Diva Sheebah Karungi is back this September at the Kololo Airstrip for the Green Festival. Make a date with her on Sunday 11^th September 2016 as she will provide some exciting entertainment all day.

“Uganda’s Little Hands Go Green nurtures young ones to appreciate and take care of their environment by planting trees and taking care of them. Join us at this Year’s Green Festival as we grow responsible child citizens. #GoGreenUg16 #GreenFest_11thSept,” Masembe posted.

There will be lots of fun and children’s plays and entrance fee is 10k per head and adults free. It’s a must attend.

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) field staffs have continued its crackdown on people and homes with illegal water connection.

Today they extended operations in Nsambya where they grabbed some individuals with posh homes with illegally connected water.

NWSC continues to warn the general public against illegal water connection and said those who have done so will tough arm of the law.

“We are unearthing an illegal connection next to the laundry house at this posh house in Nsambya. Customers who steal water deny many deserving customers a right to safe water. Say no to illegal water use. Blow the whistle today,” NWSC posted.

Former banker, Mwine Innocent Bakamuhara has vowed to take Ibanda Municipality parliamentary seat 2016 -2021. Mwine is contesting in the new constituency along other candidates but he is seen as the favourite to take the seat. Mwine who is married to Lt. Beatrice Mwine of Air Force with two children studied Educ.B.A Econ Muk and Msc. Banking and Investment. He worked with Centenary Bank and with security under IGP in financial crime fight.

Mwine Innocent is contesting for the MP seat of Ibanda Municipality

The 36-year-old is the son to Late Bakamuhara Richard and Assumpta Bakamuhara of Rwensinga Nyabuhiikye Ibanda. He went to Bubaare Primary school, Kitabi seminary, Ibanda SS and St. Josephs Voc. School Mbarara.

He is born again Catholic charismatic and a Financial Management and Credit consultant.

Mwine has called on the people of Ibanda Municipality to vote for him on the NRM ticket. “I have the capacity and experience to turn Ibanda Municipality into a modern constituency once I am given the authority,” he said.

Today we bring you some of the Kampala hotties who trek to beaches and swimming pool to cool off and show off their hot bikini bodies.

Ellah Nantumbwe

These ladies love flaunting what their mamas gave them in swimsuits or call them bikinis.

First there was the unbelievably gorgeous Anita Fabiola who has her balls in play in a tiny bikini. What a set of knockers she’s got!

Anita Fabiola

Debie Kagisha is also here in a black/white bikini that barely covered her hoo-ha and a revealing neckline that showed off some major cleavage.

Debie Kagisha

Ellah left guys panting with boobs almost exposed as she displayed her blessedness of the natural pair of boobs in hot bikini body.

Bettinah Tianah

Bettinah Tianah was in a pair of short shorts and blue bikini that make me want to sing. But I won’t because I love you all too much.

Lynda Ddane

Lynda Ddane showed strength in the bikini game in her blue bikini and she also showed off her smooth skin.

Leila Kayondo

Debbie Sempaka is also still in the game flaunting her body all the time as well as ‘Manifesto’ singer Leila Kayondo. Enjoy guys!!!!

Debbie Sempaka

Come September 1, 2016, jazz lovers will be treated to a soulful and jazzy evening with Kiracho Njoroge at Guvnor Night Club.

A producer and multi-instrumentalist, Kiracho who is touted by pundits as one of the best Kept secrets of the Ugandan Music industry, will be performing at the Jazz Night courtesy of Johnnie Walker.

Kiracho Njoroge

Lois Aber, the Johnnie Walker Brand Manager says that the popularity of Jazz Music in the country has created the need for the promotion of local jazz artistes.

“The jazz genre is without a doubt one of the fastest growing in the country. We have organized this night specifically to celebrate our local jazz artistes and we shall be doing this more frequently,” states Aber.

She also intimated that there will be free Johnnie Walker cocktails and a mentorship session for all music lovers who will attend the event.

Kiracho’s music is a fusion of Jazz blues and African folk sound. He has traditional rhythms with very jazzy progressions with funky bass leads backed up by soulful vocal arrangements.

He is a natural performer with over 15 years experience as a stage musician. His ability to deliver good music with his knack for humor makes his act very enjoyable to watch. He is a multi lingual and easily shifts between Kiswahili, English, Kikuyu and Jopadhola.

He was one of the original members of Qwela, currently rated as Uganda’s best live band.

Kiracho has produced and worked for various local and international acts, both in studio for production and on stage as a performer. Recording for the likes of International Gospel Artists Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Delirious, Cece Winans, Chris Tomlin on the Compassion Art project.

On stage he has played for International acts like Isaac Blackman, Michelle Bonilla and Michael Olson from the Michael W. Smith band.

He has also worked on project for a whole range of Ugandan acts like Maurice Kirya, Qwela, Myko Ouma and ranging to acts like Kadongo Kamu Star Lord Fred Sebatta.

Senior six vacationist Steven Byamukama wins a brand new car in the Mujje Tulumbe promotion

Airtel Uganda yesterday recharged Buwate town as they rewarded their fifth car winner in their “Re-charge and Mujje Tulumbe” campaign. Steven Byamukama the lucky winner, is a senior six vacationist who has lived in Buwate all his life.

Airtel’s Head of Brand and Communications with Steven Byamukama the 5th recharge and mujje tulumbe car winner

He won a brand new Toyota Premio; one of the eight cars being given away by Airtel Uganda in an effort to rally more support for the Uganda Cranes AFCON qualifier game.

The match will take place on the 4th of September at the Namboole stadium where the team will be playing against Comoros in a bid to qualify for the 2017 AFCON tournament.

Remmie Kisakye Airtel’s Head of Brand and Communications hands over the car key to Steven Byamukama the 5th recharge and mujje tulumbe car winner

Steven who recently completed his senior six was extremely shocked as he thanked Airtel Uganda “I am overwhelmed and lost for words, my dream has come true faster than I thought it would and all that is thanks to Airtel Uganda. I call upon all Airtel customers to recharge their airtime; they too can have their achieved sooner than they could imagine.”

Commenting at the car handover, Airtel Uganda’s Head of Brand & Communications, Remmie Kisakye said “This promotion is designed to thank all the Airtel Uganda subscribers who have stood with the telecom over the years by offering them a chance to win daily prizes of 100 tickets to the Uganda Cranes game. We are also giving out UGX 1,000,000 cash daily and a brand new Toyota Premio every week,” she said.

Remmie Kisakye Airtel’s Head of Brand and Communications congragulates Steven Byamukama on his win of the 5th recharge and mujje tulumbe car

“We are calling upon everyone to keep recharging their airtime accounts to stand a chance to be part of the Uganda Cranes’ road to victory. Recharge your passion all the way to Namboole,” Kisakye concluded.

Airtel Uganda has handed over 4brand new Toyota premios over the past weeks to winners across the country. The 1st winner Ian Bukenya is a resident of Kampala, the 2nd winner Grace Twongyeirwe is from Mbarara district, the third winner Amiri Sunday Kawooya from Kayunga district and Ritah Nabuuzale from Lira district.

Steven Byamukama the 5th mujje tulumbe car winner jubilating

“Recharge and MujjeTulumbe” commenced in July and is running for 53 days.

To be part of the campaign, Airtel subscribers just have to keep recharging their airtime accounts and stand a big chance to go watch Uganda Cranes make history against Comoros in the AFCON qualifier on 4th September 2016 at Namboole Stadium.

Steven Byamukama the senior six vacationist who recharged his airtime and won a brand new Toyota premio courtesy of Airtel’s Mujje Tulumbe promotion

The Joint Venture Partners confirm that Total E&P Uganda, as the operator of Exploration Area 1 (EA1) and Tullow Uganda Operations Pty Ltd, as the operator of Exploration Area 2 (EA2), have received approvals for their Field Development Plans and have been granted Production Licenses for the Ngiri, Jobi Rii, Gunya fields in EA1 and the Mputa-Waraga, Kasemene-Wahrindi, Kigogole-Ngara, Nsoga and Ngege fields in EA2 by the Government of Uganda.

The Joint Venture Partners are grateful to the Government of Uganda for the approvals granted that will now enable us to proceed with activities required to make a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the integrated Lake Albert project. This approval marks a major milestone towards the production of Uganda’s oil resources. It complements the production license issued to CNOOC Uganda Ltd as the operator of the Kingfisher Discovery Area and the important decision made to export crude oil to the international market through a 24 inch, 1443km pipeline from Kabaale to Tanga port.

The granting of Production Licences now paves the way for the Joint Venture Partners and other stakeholders to make considerations for significant long term capital and infrastructure investments in Uganda.

Airtel Uganda has announced Mr. Deepak Bhatia as the new Chief Commercial Officer. The announcement was made by Anwar Soussa, Airtel Uganda’s Managing Director at the telecom company’s offices. He takes over from Diego Pacheco, who left the business mid-August 2016 to pursue other opportunities.

Deepak

Mr. Bhatia has a long stint of experience with 12years in the telecommunication industry. He joins Airtel Uganda from Du- Emirates Integrated Communications Ltd where he worked as the Vice President. He has worked with a number of international organisations including PepsiCo where he worked as General Manager, Sales and Vodafone India Ltd where his last assignment was Vice President – Sales & Marketing Operations.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Anwar Soussa said “I am confident that under Deepak’s leadership, Uganda will continue to provide the best services & customer experience to Airtel’s customers in Uganda. Deepak has broad experience in leading sales, marketing and operational teams & driving revenues with cost efficiency he added”

Mr. Bhatia holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi and a B.E. (Hons) Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani.

All roads lead to Taks Centre in Gulu town come Saturday 3rd September, 2016 for one big explosive party where the Good Lyfe crew of Radio and Weasel, and Coco Finger will dazzle crowds as Uganda Breweries Limited’s (UBL) Tubbaale promotion heads north. 

“This Saturday Tubbaale will be heading to the north to celebrate with Gulu. To enter, all you need to do is buy a bottle of beer. There will be lots of free beer to be won, gaming areas for play stations, mini golf, foosball and so much more. It is going to be a day of celebration filled with lots of fun and music from some of the best local artists from Northern Uganda.,” said Mark Mugisha, UBL’s Head of Beer.

Launched a month ago, Tubbaale, which means ‘Celebrate’ has seen the brewery reward customers with life changing prizes such as plots of land, vans, motor bikes, flat screen Television sets, you name it! There are so many prizes. Christmas has come early to Gulu.

To participate in the promotion, customers can buy either Bell Lager, Tusker Malt Lager or Guinness, check under the crown for a code and then text that code to 6050. It is open to persons of 18 years and above only.

Matches to run for 5 weeks

Players eager to showcase skills to national scouts

Airtel Uganda once again ignites anticipation for young talented children across the nation with the initiative Airtel Rising Stars which gives both boys and girls under 17 years to show case their abilities in hope of securing a sports career.

The State Minister for Sports, Charles Bakabulindi, Airtel Uganda Chief Commercial Officer, Deepak Bhatia, Airtel Uganda Officials, FUFA Officials pose for a group with the Airtel Rising Stars players during the Press launch

Airtel Rising Stars initiative is a global talent search platform which aims to develop grassroots football by displaying their skills and providing them with the opportunity to evolve and acquire new football techniques that will turn them into distinguished soccer talents.

This year the ARS season 6 will kick off in Rubaga on the 9th September for the Kampala regional games with an aim of identifying stars like celebrated ARS now Uganda Cranes star Farouk Miya. The matches which will be held, in Kampala, Mubende, Arua, Soroti and Mbarara will be closely watched and followed by FUFA selected scouts whose role is to identify the next Ugandan superstars. Lira, known to be one of the biggest football towns will host the national finals in October.

State Minister for Sports, Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, giving a speech during the Press launch of Airtel Raising Stars 6th season at Kibuli S.S

According to Deepak Bhatia, the Airtel Chief Commercial Officer, “Airtel Uganda finds great pleasure in creating initiatives like these that give all youngsters in the country a chance to showcase their talent in the hope of being recognized and potentially recruited for to represent their country at an international level”

“Over the years, the Airtel Rising Stars initiative has yielded many success stories and has enabled several upcoming soccer talents to join Africa Premier League clubs and their countries’ national teams.”  She added.

The State Minister for Sports Hon Charles Bakkabulindi, Airtel Uganda Head of Brand and communications, Remmie Kisakye, Airtel Uganda Chief Commercial Officer, Deepak Bhatia, and FUFA official unveiling the Airtel Rising Stars kit

The Minister of State for Sport, Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi commended Airtel “We are lucky to have business entities like Airtel Uganda whose mission is rooted in growing passion points like football which over time has united Ugandans across all tribes and religions. Airtel has and continues to be a great contributor to the football stars of today and tomorrow at a grassroot level and now as the official sponsor of the national team Uganda Cranes.

At the end of ARS season 5 last year, winning teams at the national finals for both boys and girls from Kitara and Buganda respectively each won 5,000,000 shillings among other individual team accolades. Season 6 will see winners rewarded with the same amount as well as special prizes for the most outstanding players throughout the tournament.

Africell this morning unveiled an enormous campaign that will see data subscribers get three times more data at no extra cost. Dubbed “Triple MBs campaign”, the package will see subscribers who purchase 200 MBs and above on their daily data bundle receive 3 times the value of their data capacity FREE of charge

Africell Commercial Director Milad Khairallah (in white shirt) congratulates one of the first recipients of the triple MBs campaign

The network was ranked the fastest telecom in Uganda last December by Open Signal on the basis of fast internet speeds are also Uganda’s data market leaders with nearly all of their customers hailing the network for the uninterrupted internet speeds needed to run business and social transactions. Increased data would mean more value for the customers, a value trend that Africell is better known for.

Value added data plan

Milad Khairallah Africell’s Commercial Director says the Triple data campaign is a reward to their data customers who have continuously trusted Africell for their famed network speeds. Africell is presently Uganda’s leading 3G+4G LTE network, an attribute Africell heavily invested in to give their customers fast and reliable internet speeds. “Africell is enthusiastic about giving value for money for all segments of our customers. For our ever growing number of data subscribers, we are in full gear to boost demand with device subsidies, faster networks, and all-you-can-consume data pricing plans. This triple your data promotion is just the start” Milad said

The launch of the triple MBs campaign by Africell comes on the heels of another promotion targeting university students who were rewarded with golden sim cards that receive an extra 25 MBs of free data for every recharge. The continued offer of huge data bundles stems from the network’s desire to satisfy their growing number of consumers who have a seemingly insatiable thirst for mobile data. New affordable devices—powered by better, faster software—and an ever-expanding selection of apps continue to enhance the user experience for Africell’s customers.

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) has announced new job opportunities for those who want to work with the water body. The new jobs were announced today by the management. Several vacancies are available at the water body in security department and you can follow the link below to apply if you have qualifications.

“Job Opportunity: NWSC offers you the opportunity to work with the leading customer centred Utility. Follow the link for available vacancies in the security Department,” NWSC posted.

Click here to apply; https://www.nwsc.co.ug/index.php/jobs

Loaded events promoter Suzana aka Mtc Numbers has revealed how she became successful. The Dubai based Uganda business guru said she attributes her success to her father’s advice with whom she grew up almost her entire life.

Suzana

She said her father advised her to sleep less and work more “My father told me that I shouldn’t sleep and forget to look for what to eat tomorrow,” she said.

One of Suzana’s buildings under construction

Suzanne also said that “for a long time now, people have been wondering and others asking how do I do it? Well here is the story behind my success; I grew up with my dad because my mum left when i was only one and a half years old. I stayed with my dad who took care of me and of the so many things he used to tell me about , was how tough the world is, and how I was  to survive in it.

In his own words he said, ‘my daughter a person who is understanding shouldn’t sleep and forget what to eat tomorrow’ so i took his advice and I sleep less, work hard. This leaves me awake most of the times as I put to use my common sense.”

Suzana’s posh cars

As the day nears for tycoon Hajji Sulaiman Kabangala Mbuga aka SK Mbuga to walk the aisle his lover, Angella Vivienne Birungi, we unveil his best man.

Edson Kasyata and SK Mbuga

Info reaching our desk and confirmed by the tycoon himself reveal that Edson Kasyata will be Mbuga’s best man at the 26^th of November 2016 wedding. SK Mbuga confirmed to us that its true Kasyata is his best man as preparations for the wedding continue.

Kasyata and Mbuga during workout yesterday

“Early morning workout with my best man,” SK Mbuga posted after the workout with Kasyata.

SK Mbuga to wed Angella Vivienne Birungi in November this year

The tycoon who is constructing several apartments in and around Kampala especially in Buziga as well as a Hospital in Makindye is set to walk down the aisle his lover Angella Vivienne Birungi at Kibuli Mosque on 26^th November and later host their guests to a lavish wedding ceremony at Kampala Serena Hotel.

Nu-Shifah Hospital of SK Mbuga under construction in Makindye

The East African Development Bank (EADB) has today held a farewell event for the 3 successful teachers from the East African region who will make up the inaugural class of the EADB-AAI Scholars program. Recipients of the scholarship program will arrive in the United States in early-September to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education and Mathematics (EDM) at Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Keith Muhakanizi giving a speech on the during the farewell of the 3 successful teachers from the East African Region

The three scholarships were awarded to experienced East African teachers and lecturers with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, who are actively teaching in an East African public university. The scholars were selected from nearly 300 applicants from the East African countries of Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who competed for a choice few slots.

The scholars include two Ugandans; Emmanuel Nsadha, 33 and Theode Niyirinda; 31-year-old who will pursue Masters Degrees in Education and Mathematics at Rutgers University.

The third scholar, Alfred Mutembei Limbere,is a 26-year-old from Kenya and will also pursue a Masters Degree in Education Mathematics at Rutgers University.

The 3 Successful teachers, Mr Keith Muhakanizi, Director General of the East African Development Bank Ms Vivienne Yeda and government officials pose for a group photo during the farewell event

Speaking at the event, Ms. Vivienne Yeda, Director General of the East African Development Bank said The EADB created the EADB Math, Science, Technology and Engineering University Scholarship Program, in partnership with The Africa-America Institute, for experienced teachers and lecturers to earn a post-graduate degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at Rutgers University and New Jersey Institute of Technology in the United States.

“This scholarship program will go a long way in helping to increase the number of qualified academics in the STEM fields and strengthen the workforce in the science, engineering and technology in East Africa. “The EADB and AAI warmly congratulate these scholars as they have successfully navigated a long and challenging application process,” Ms. Yeda added.

Keith Muhakanizi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development who was the evening’s guest of honor commended EADB for their commitment to both infrastructural and personal development in the region.

“We are here today to celebrate these three individuals who are starting an exciting journey. But we must realize that the benefits of this scholarship extend beyond their personal recipients. When Emmanuel, Theode and Alfred return to teaching at their universities, countless students will in turn reap the fruits of their qualifications.

Director General of the East African Development Bank, giving a speech during the farewell of the 3 successful teachers from the East African region who will make up the inaugural class of the EADB AAL scholars program

That is why I want to commend and appreciate The EADB and AAI. This initiative ties in to our Government’s goal to increase access to education, with better learning and skills outcome,” Kasaijja concluded.

The EADB scholarship aims to maximize the impact of EADB’s investment into the higher education sector by granting scholarships to accomplished lecturers who have agreed to return to their East African universities and continue teaching after they have received their graduate degree at Rutgers University.

The fully-funded EADB graduate level scholarships will provide full tuition, room and living expenses within a stipulated budget.

More than 20,000 ICT industry leaders and experts from over 120 countries and regions gathered today for the very first HUAWEI CONNECT, Huawei’s largest-ever integrated conference for the global ICT ecosystem. Held in Shanghai, the theme of this three-day event is “Shape the Cloud,” aimed at exploring cloud era trends and how different industries can achieve digital transformation by developing cloud technology and contributing to the cloud ecosystem.

Ken Hu, Huawei’s Rotating CEO, describing Huawei’s strategy for enabling an intelligent world with pervasive cloud technology at HUAWEI CONNECT 2016.

Ken Hu, Huawei’s Rotating CEO, gave keynote at HUAWEI CONNECT 2016

This event marks the first time that Huawei has publicly given a comprehensive look at its cloud strategy. During the first keynote, Ken Hu, Huawei’s Rotating CEO, explained that the company aims to position itself as the enabler and driver of an intelligent world. The company will hold true to its culture of customer-centricity, focus on ICT infrastructure, and provide innovative cloud technology. Throughout this process, Huawei aims to become a preferred partner that enables digital and cloud transformation, while actively contributing to the cloud ecosystem through openness, collaboration, and shared success.

Information and communications technology (ICT) will be the cornerstone of an intelligent world. Ken Hu compared devices to “feelers” that give all things the ability to sense their environments. Networks will connect everything, and the cloud will be the source of intelligence behind all things. These three elements form a synergetic architecture of devices, information pipes, and the cloud, and they are the strategic focus of Huawei’s investment in the future.

“Over the next five to ten years,” Ken Hu said, “we will see all kinds of smart devices that automatically adapt to various use scenarios. All people and all things will have the ability to sense their surroundings, and devices will serve as entry points to the intelligent world. Optical and wireless networks will provide ubiquitous, ultra-broadband connections. In the meantime, interconnected computers spread across the planet will aggregate vast amounts of data, forming a ‘digital brain’ in the cloud. This digital brain will evolve in real time, and it will never age, providing intelligence that can be called upon at any time by people and machines via high-speed connections and devices.”

Ken Hu noted that enterprises are the main players in the cloud era, as solution innovation will revolve around their specific needs. In this context, Huawei will stay customer-centric, gaining insight into customer needs and developing innovative technology that addresses them. The company provides its customers with easy-to-deliver and easy-to-operate hybrid cloud solutions that are based on unified, open architecture.

These solutions are highly open and secure, and offer enterprise-grade performance in an integrated one-stop environment, aspects of functionality that are designed in direct response to customer pain points. In addition to individual solutions, Huawei stresses that the cloud ecosystem must be developed around creating value for customers, and that every organization within the ecosystem must contribute its own unique value. Ken Hu emphasized that Huawei isn’t going to release a handful of clouds on its own; as an ecosystem enabler, Huawei aims to help all of its customers build all manner of clouds.

Enterprises that were born in the cloud led the development of the first cloud era, disrupting industries around the world. Ken Hu believes that the next ten years will be the era of Cloud 2.0, marking the rise of countless industry clouds. By 2025, Huawei predicts that all enterprise IT solutions will be cloudified, and more than 85% of enterprise applications will be cloud-based. Every company will integrate its core business with the cloud, and will be on the look-out for the cloud solutions that suit them best. Ken Hu shared some of Huawei’s own experience with cloudification, emphasizing that it’s important to generate value from the cloud, and laid out three measures that can help companies do just that.

First, Ken Hu noted, it’s vital for enterprises to change their mindsets around the role of ICT: They should start treating ICT as a production system instead of a support system, and proactively use technology to redesign their production processes. Second, enterprises should rethink talent, and equip their employees with basic ICT knowledge, particularly as it applies to cloud technology. Third, enterprises should think big and act small, making headway with tactical, gradual improvements that build lasting confidence in new technology and the success it brings.

“Cloud is changing everything,” Ken Hu went on to say. “We view change as a process of rebirth. For any business in the Cloud 2.0 era, change brings hope. And through action, we can create the future.”

At this year’s HUAWEI CONNECT, Huawei’s three rotating CEOs – Ken Hu, Eric Xu, and Guo Ping – will open each day with keynote speeches. Other keynote speakers include Brian Krzanich, Intel CEO; Vishal Sikka, Infosys CEO; Thomas Saueressig, SAP Senior Vice President; and Andrew McAfee, Principal Research Scientist at MIT Sloan School of Management.

HUAWEI CONNECT 2016 brings together ecosystem players in an 18,000m2 interactive exhibition hall at the Expo Center in Shanghai, China. Half of the exhibition floor will showcase the capabilities of Huawei’s industry partners, including 80 industry organizations and sponsors of Huawei and the industry ecosystem. Major partners in attendance include Intel, HGST, SAP, Accenture, Infosys, OpenStack, and GSMA. During the conference, Huawei will focus on four key technologies (Cloud, Big Data, Software Defined Networking [SDN], and IoT), and launch eight flagship solutions for its cloud storage, cloud services, and SDN controllers. These solutions are designed to enable the digital agenda of customers across nine sectors, including government and public utilities, finance, telecom, energy, and media.

East Africa stand up! The acclaimed Tanzanian music group Yamoto Band of the hit song “Nitakupwelepweta” is in Nairobi courtesy of Africa’s biggest non-competitive music show: Coke Studio Africa. They will make their debut on the show this year, paired with Ethiopian hip hop artiste Lij Michael, famed for the song “Zaraye yehun nege”, another first-timer on the upcoming fourth season.

Yamoto Band and Lij Michael

The artistes, expected to put together seamless sounds of bongo and the best of Ethiopian hip hop, will collaborate on songs produced by France-based producer DSK (originally from Ivory Coast). Speaking on their grand debut, Enock Bella of Yamoto Band said, “I appreciate Coke Studio Africa for believing in us by giving us an opportunity to feature on the show, and showcase our music at this early stage of our musical career. We are ecstatic to work with Lij Michael and looking forward to fusing bongo flava with genres from Ethiopia,” adding, “The studio and production is at a larger scale than anything we have ever worked on before and for that we are excited!”

Lij Michael also praised Coke Studio Africa citing that the music and cultural exchange between him and Yamoto Band has been amazing. Revealing what fans should expect to discover, he said, “The beat producer DSK gave us at the studio sounds like the Tanzanian cultural beat and at the same time I found my country’s [authentic Ethiopian] beat. [When the show premieres], expect a great performance – it is going to be fire!”

Yamoto Band and Lij Michael will be taking over the Coca-Cola Facebook Page Live from 2 p.m. tomorrow Thursday (1st Sept) from 2 p.m. Don’t miss to catch the live broadcast! They will also respond to your questions on their musical journey. Tweet @CocaColaAfrica your questions using the hashtags: #AskYamotoBand #AskLijMichael #CokeStudioAfrica.

Yamoto Band

DSK is among the top African producers on the show this season tasked to engineer music fusions from various top African artistes selected from more than 11 countries. Others include Madtraxx (Kenya), Bushingtone (Uganda), Masterkraft (Nigeria), Chopstix (Nigeria) and Maphorisa (South Africa).

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance Hon. Frank Tumwebaze has said Uganda must be turned into a digital society.

Hon. Frank Tumwebaze

He said this at ICT dialogue at Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on Tuesday morning (yesterday). He said digitalization of Uganda will boost its quest to become middle income country in the next few years. Here is his statement, “Today Tuesday 30th August 2016, i had a quite engaging day, starting with a visit to new vision group where I had a chat with the senior editors and the top managers and congratulated them for remaining market leaders, after I joined H.E the Chinese Ambassador at UETCL to launch the aerial optic fibre on their transmission grid, I later visited the ICT institute in Nakawa and toured the very impressive and innovative ICT student projects.

Finally I joined the ICT innovators forum at UCC for the other half of the day. All was good and helping in shaping the strategy to increase the uptake of IT services. We must turn Uganda into a digital society.

Let’s be positive, believe in ourselves, emphasize what unites us as opposed to what divides us as a people of a blessed nation- Uganda, we shall get there. There is no doubt we shall make it to the middle income status sooner rather than later!! God bless UGANDA,” Frank said.