It is confirmed that the American R&B singer Trey Songz is this year’s Coke Studio Africa international superstar! The Grammy-award winning recording artiste and actor is set to feature in the fourth season of Coca-Cola’s flagship African music show, launching this October.

He is expected to jet into Nairobi this September. Ahead of his anticipated participation in the show and collaboration with select African Stars, Trey Songz states, “I have always been committed to spending time on the continent of Africa yearly. My fans show me so much love when I’m there. I can’t wait to visit Kenya and partner with the Coca Cola company on this initiative. I am fortunate to be working with some of Africa’s biggest stars. I look forward to learning from them, making a lot of new friends as I discover what they have to offer.”

Coke Studio Africa is a non-competitive music show that brings together diverse African music talent for world-class showcases, while giving upcoming artistes the opportunity to work with some of the best local and international music and production talent.

Last year on Coke Studio Africa season 3, NE-YO performed alongside Maurice Kirya (Uganda), Wangechi (Kenya), Dama Do Bling (Mozambique), Ice Prince (Nigeria) and Alikiba (Tanzania).

On the new season themed Discover, guest star Trey Songz will record a song and live music performances with selected Coke Studio Africa season 4 artistes: Rema Namakula (Uganda), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Vanessa Mdee (Tanzania), Neyma (Mozambique), Serge Beynaud (French West Africa), Lij Michael (Ethiopia), Stonebwoy (Ghana), Nyashinski (Kenya) and Emtee (South Africa).

The South African producer Maphorisa of the Soweto Baby hit fame will produce music collaborations between Trey Songz and the African stars. He says, “I have had the opportunity to work with many great artists from all over the world and am very excited to be collaborating with such a talented artist. I believe that we will be making something truly special together and am happy that we are able to share our amazing African sounds with the world in this way.”

Madtraxx (Kenya), Bushingtone (Uganda), Masterkraft (Nigeria), Chopstix (Nigeria), France-based producer DSK (originally from Ivory Coast) and Maphorisa (South Africa) are among top African producers tasked to engineer music fusions from Coke Studio Africa 4 artistes this season. All the artistes will record, and perform alongside a highly talented house band.

Hima Cement has today signed a 5 year Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese firm, Guangzhou Dongsong Energy Group (Uganda) Company Limited, to supply Cement for the Chinese firm which is set to develop the huge phosphates deposits in Eastern Uganda.

“The purpose of this MOU is to establish the relationship between Hima and GZDS. This cooperation of both parties shall cover the project of construction of the phosphate plant and steel mill plant, and any other projects within the Sukulu Industrial Park.” Said Daniel Pettersson, the Country CEO of Hima Cement.

The parties will execute a definitive Sales Agreement where Hima Cement will supply the required cement for the project; to the tune of over 40,000 tonnes of cement for the first two years.

The Sukulu Phosphate Project located in Tororo district in Eastern Uganda will manufacture key products such as phosphate fertilizers, steel products, rare earth minerals and generate electricity with the capacity of 12 megawatts.

Commenting on this partnership, the General Manager of Guangzhou Dongsong Energy Group Mr. Zheng Xu said that the MOU opens up opportunities for a mutually beneficial engagement with Hima Cement; creating long term benefits for both parties.

Guangzhou Dongsong Energy Group (Uganda) Company Limited is expected to start production on the $620 million Sukulu Phosphate Project in December 2016 and will employ more than 1,200 Ugandans.

“We are proud to be making a significant contribution to an investment of this magnitude that will create many opportunities for the local population,” said Pettersson.

One of Kampala’s hottest babes has had her nudes leaked to the social media. The unidentified babe’s nude pictures are making rounds on social media platform WhatsApp.

They are selling like hot cakes especially to male species. In the picture, she is seen laying on the bed facing up wards as she shows off her smooth body and smooth road to her southern department. Her sharp pointed breasts are also on display and by the way her body is as smooth as a tile and a joy to look.

Female species have also expressed admiration of her body. The pictures are spreading liked wild fire. We have managed to bump onto one for you to ogle at. Enjoy! Do you know this hottie, email us at showbizuganda@gmail.com

Singer Angella Katatumba’s NGO, AKDF has won the Charity of the year award in the South African based Starqt Awards

The charity organization, Angella Katatumba Development Foundation (AKDF), started off the year in high gear on the 15th of January 2016, with Angella personally donating 10,000,000 UGX to Mulago National Referral Hospital. The money was used to buy a Phototherapy machine and a Syringe Pump. These machines are saving the lives of 60 premature babies every week at Mulago Hospital.

Three weeks after her donation in February 2016, the UN officially recognized AKDF with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon inviting Angella to attend the first ever UN World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul Turkey.

More so, on 4th April, 2016 the Uganda Bikers partnered with the “Mulago Yaffe” campaign and they appointed Angella to be their ambassador to help in the fight against cancer through their short and long motorbike rides in and outside Uganda.

Then in May 2016, Angella was appointed to be the face of Uganda Cancer Insititute. On July 1st 2016 Angella held a successful VIP Mulago Yaffe concert at the Kampala Serena Hotel, where she then donated 15,000,000 UGX of the concert proceeds to the Uganda Cancer Institute to continue the fight against cancer.

She has also won a number of awards this year for her humanitarian work;

Humanitarian Award 2016 Uganda Entertainment Awards.

Humanitarian Award 2016 CEO Global Awards

And now the Charity Foundation of the year 2016 Starqt Awards

Angella Katatumba

Angella has singlehandedly revolutionized the Ugandan music industry by proving that, music and charity can successfully work together hand in hand. Congratulations on this much deserved award Angella.

Sheebah Karungi’s talent and hard work earns her a new ride after years of hard work, she finally reaps

Latest info reaching our desk has it that the  ‘Go Down Low’ singer used what she has, to  finally meet her wish as she  is seen wheeling  in a new red  Mitsubishi Pajero  UAZ 487G.

The said car has appeared for close to two weeks in most of the singer’s social media posts.

The new ride’s appearance was on 2nd September, 2016 on Sheeba’s Instagram page as she thanked Capital FM for the good time she had, she posted a photo of her standing close to the car.

The Sheebaholics, the official Sheebah Karungi fan’s page commented saying;

“Congrats on your new car babe,” kiss blowing ‘emoji’ and heart eyes ‘emoji’.

Which the star replied to saying; “Thank you love” two kiss blowing ‘emojis’.

The public display of her ride didn’t end there as she later On Sunday 4th September, right before the Uganda Crane’s game against Comoros, the ‘Nkwatako’ singer posted pictures of her car,  and her friends at her apartment before they headed for  the match.

Sheeba’s ‘Nkwatako Launch’ is scheduled for 2nd December 2016 and we wish the star all the best luck can offer her so that she can reap more and more.

$40 million investment in Tororo set to double Hima Cement Capacity

Hima Cement Limited has today announced that it is embarking on a capacity expansion strategy that will start with the construction of a Grinding Station in Tororo, Eastern Uganda, in the first phase.

The $40 million investment in Nyakesi, Rubongi will lead to an additional c1 million metric tons of cement capacity for the building solutions company.

Speaking during a media briefing, Hima Cement Limited Country CEO, Daniel Pettersson said that the aim of the capacity expansion drive is to meet the increasing demand for cement and concrete not only within Uganda but the regional market as well.

“Hima Cement is committed to ensuring sufficient cement capacity to serve the national infrastructure and construction projects, individuals and the commercial sector. As a result, we are embarking on several capacity building projects starting with the construction of a Grinding Station at the end of 2016; in addition we are in final stages of exploration for a limestone position in North East Uganda to support a future clinker position; lastly we are launching a RMX operation in Kigali next month, to be followed by further aggregates and RMX operations in Uganda and Rwanda in the near future,” Pettersson explained.

In 2010, Hima Cement invested $120 million in the Rwenzori Project, installing the state-of-the-art, environment-friendly cement production line at its Hima Plant that increased production capacity to 0.9 Mt per annum. On completion, the Tororo expansion will further increase Hima Cement’s capacity to c1.9 million Metric Tons per year.

East Africa is one of the fastest growing regions in the world with an average GDP growth of c7%; the construction sector is growing at a higher pace of over 10% per annum. Cement demand in Uganda and in the region is projected to remain strong supported by the resurgence in infrastructure development and key Mega Projects. Uganda will become an oil producing country by 2020/2021, and this will boost economic growth overall and construction growth in particular.

“We are very positive about the long-term prospects of the cement industry in Uganda; and LafargeHolcim is keen to solidify its position in the region as the leading producer of building solutions providing its customers with innovative value adding propositions,” Pettersson added.

Fish sector that was revived after NRM took state power in 1986 and hitherto a leading foreign exchange earner has now gone to the dogs, information can reveal. However, when government liberalized economy, the sector was left in the hands of Indians who exploited and misused the loopholes in the government to allegedly siphon all the money back to India. In the last five years almost all the factories have closed down and a few that remained are currently limping and sailing in financial limbo.

Fish sector is currently struggling

The collapse of the sector followed the death of Mr Riyaz a Ugandan of Indian origin whose Uganda fish packers near Spear Motors has had financial problems with Eco Bank and are now demanding over 14m US dollars. Last week after their failure to service the loan of that magnitude stealthily shifted their machinery at night to Entebbe in a yet to be identified location. IFTRA a branch of Uganda fish packers on Kalerwe Gayaza – Mpererwe Road that was surviving has not escaped the wrath either. It indefinitely closed down two months ago. Workers have threatened to drag the company in courts of law for breach of contract and nonpayment of their salaries and mistreatment. Over 100 suppliers are demanding huge amount of money after the company failed to pay them for quite some time now. One of the suppliers said that the owners of the factory have since gone into hiding.

The Other factories that closed down included one in Entebbe, Rakai, Jinja Luzira and Nakawa. Sources reveal that all of them closed as a result of mismanagement, huge bank loans to service failure to pay suppliers and siphoning of money to abroad.

City businesswoman Matildah Damalie has ventured into make-up business, we can confirm.

Damalie is now a Make-up artist and has set up a shop at Normak Building Opposite Equatorial Mall in Room L3: 24.

The shop is called Dams Makeup and you can reach her on 0758921615 or WhatsApp 0774031203 to set your appointment.

Qwela which means ‘pure’ in Rukiga- one of Uganda’s ethnic languages is the name of a very well sought after band will be one of the opening acts Blankets and Wine Kampala’s new home at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, this September powered by Tusker Malt Lager.

Qwela band is a Uganda band conceived as a love child of traditional African and Western fusion style music.

The eccentric band was started back in 2007 with a common goal of producing contemporary music that suites all music lovers’ taste. It fuses an acoustic act of Rumba, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Gospel and Afro-Soul rhythms and sounds making it a sensation in the local live music circuit.

The band is beaded with gracious Vocalists, Guitarist and Saxophonists whose goal is to carry across a message that influences positive change in the hearts of humanity across the globe and also creates a feel good kind of music.

Under the umbrella of Tusker Malt Lager, Blankets and Wine has grown in leaps and bounds with various artists from all over Africa performing at the picnic styled experience.

Alex Tusingwire, the Brand Manager Tusker Malt Lager said; “We are thrilled to be having Qwela Band at the 14th edition of Blankets and Wine Kampala. As Tusker Malt Lager, our goal is to provide an experience that gives our consumers an opportunity to discover some of the finest afro-based music acts through Blankets and Wine. Qwela Band defines the kind of setting that Blankets and Wine is all about.”

Their niche reaches a section of society that is not catered for by the current of digital, recycled music. Cut from different pieces of fabric, Qwela came to the scene with a unique blend of African music.

Commenting on their latest opportunity to perform at the 14th edition of Blankets and Wine, Joe Kahiri, the lead singer of Qwela Band said; “We always look forward to Blankets and Wine events because it is a refreshing and a great platform to introduce our fans to our latest production.”

“We cannot wait to take on the stage, meet other artists and get people on their feet.” He added.

Although this won’t be the first time Qwela Band will be performing at Blankets and Wine Kampala, they will be looking forward to showcase some of their old and recent songs.

Qwela Band will be performing with artistes such as gospel sensation Levixone, multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Kiyingi, Kenya’s top deejay – DJ Saint Evo, alongside South Africa’s multi-award winning duo Mafikizolo.

A quarterly, picnic style music festival, Blankets and Wine is East Africa’s premier music experience, designed to showcase outstanding musicians in the emerging genres of afro-based music.

Entrance fee is 100,000 UGX at the Lugogo Cricket Oval and gates open at 12:00pm on Sunday 25th September, 2016.

In line with its support for responsible drinking, Tusker Malt Lager will be maintaining a strict ‘over 18 only’ policy for sale of alcohol.

Economic and civil right activist, Frank Gashumba has appreciated the work the orgnaisers of Uganda-UK convention 2016 did. Through his social media platforms, Frank thanked them for the good job done;

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the organizers of the Uganda-UK convention 2016. My sincere thanks goes most especially to Mr Mutenza Willy. I enjoyed every bit and the experience and exposure was awesome.

My visit to the UK was brief and precise. The Convention revealed to me the power of the social media! I was extremely shocked on how Ugandans in UK follow each and everything I do on social media and TV Stations. If every selfie i took was converted into pounds, i would be walking happily to the bank now! Ugandans in the Diaspora love their country the way human beings love to breathe. Every private meeting i had with different Ugandans, 99% were asking me what they can do to help and transform Uganda.

Yes we come from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds; Baganda, Basoga, Bagisu, Banyankole etc actually there are over 56 tribes in Uganda but there is no difference with all of them. We are all the same! Basoga have a King, Baganda have a King, Batooro have a King etc but above all of us, there is a country called Uganda and we all carry a passport that bares the name REPUBLIC OF UGANDA. No kingdom in Uganda issues passports! Absolutely none and certainly there will never be one. So in summary we are the same, one people and one nation. We may disagree on ideologies but we shouldn’t fight or kill each other.

I am back in the most disorganized village you can ever hope to go to. In the coming few weeks, i will reveal to you what we can do to leave a better Uganda than the one we see today.

For God and My Country!

Sisimuka Uganda Teri Kulinda Kulala.

Changing Mindsets, Creating Self Belief Transforming & Communities.

We make you think independently.

City socialite and former video vixen Seiixy Fifi Rods is off the shelf, we can confirm. Info reaching our desk has it that she is getting married to her baby dad any time soon.

The couple is set to throw an engagement party soon to make their affair public. We are yet to identify the lucky fella who warming her nights but we shall unveil him very soon. Rod has been a regular in singer Iryn Namubiru’s video including ‘Birowozo’ and we wish her all the best.

The Duo has hosted  two big Mixtape Parties; Season I at Venom and Season II at Laftaz Lounge, and here they are with the Beach in the city’ Mixtape Party Season III at Laftaz Lounge Swimming Pool. The party is slated this Saturday 17th of September with Tickets at 20,000/= VVIP Tables 500.000/= with which one earns himself a Free T.shirt and A season III MIXTAPE.

With the love they have received from their fans, the two have as a way of giving back to their fans, promised more exciting fun this season as they will set the City on fire with the best of 2016.

The Ugandan Dynamic DJ duo have set the bar high for Ugandan DJs after proving they are the best at what they do not only in Uganda but also on the International scene.

This comes after they scooped more DJ awards than another DJ in the country this year. Also adding to their trophy cabinet this year was African Disc Jockey (Non Nigerian) in a tight race with big names like; DJ Lebbie (SL), DJ Bossman (LIB), DJ Mensah (GH)’ DJ Joe Mfalme (KQ) and DJ Vyrusky (GH) at the 11th edition of the annual Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA) which were held on September 4, 2016 in New York City, during the Labor Day weekend.

Bukedde TV presenter and Make-up artist Fyona Kirabo has today introduced her lover, Geoffrey Kayuvu at her parents’ home in Ntinda.

The colourful ceremony was attended by several socialites, friends, family members, TV and Radio personalities as well as her clients.

The star presenter didn’t hesitate to put on her trademark smile as she introduced her man to her family and friends. Many congratulatory messages from her friends have floored her social media pages as they  wished her all the best.

The Justice Catherine Bamugemereire UNRA probe report must be implemented if Uganda is to achieve its goal of fighting corruption, we have learnt.

A Section of Ugandans have called on the government to implement Justice Catherine Bamugemereire probe into corruption in Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). Speaking to this website, the group who preferred to remain Anonymous said this will be the only way corruption can be eliminated in the country.

Bamugemereire handing over the probe report to President Yoweri Museveni

Two leading construction companies implicated in the report must be brought to book according to some Ugandans. “Energo project implicated in double payments alongside Dotts services must be blacklisted and refund the money,” they added.

There are reports that Energo instead of being penalized has been awarded another huge project to gravel and upgrade all Kampala Roads. Remember Energo project was blacklisted by World Bank for doing shoddy work in Europe. There’s no project world over funded by World Bank that Energo can undertake.

MultiChoice’s TV-on-the-go service, DStv Now app that offers sport, movies, series and so much more anytime, anywhere and on any mobile device has added more channels to its already packed line-up of award-winning entertainment channels.

The addition of 23 channels to the app brings the total number of channels available for streaming on the DStv Now app to over 60! These include E! Entertainment, Vuzu Amp, Vuzu, Fox Entertainment, BET, M-Net City, M-Net Family, NatGeo Wild, Nat Geo, MTV Base, M-Net Movies Zone, SuperSport 7, SuperSport 9, EbonyLife TV, Emmanuel TV, Africa Magic Igbo, Africa Magic Hausa, Africa Magic Yoruba, Maisha Magic Bongo, Maisha Magic East, Sound City, Hip TV and K24.

Charles Hamya of Multichoice

“We’re truly delighted that we could bring our valued subscribers more channels to the DStv Now in such a short period of time after we added additional channels earlier this year,” said MultiChoice Uganda General Manager, Charles Hamya. “We’re committed to giving customers easy access to their favourite international entertainment channels as well as the incredible local content on Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Bongo and K24 on-the-go while delivering flexibility, along with an effortless customer experience. This will provide our DStv customers with greater freedom and choice to watch and binge their favourite programmes, regardless of how and where they enjoy their entertainment.”

As part of MultiChoice’s ongoing efforts to ensure easy access to our services, customers can also use DStv Now to fix error-codes and check their account balance and access statements by logging in to My DStv from the app. This recent self-service enhancement to the app will give DStv customers a one-stop app that put the power to control what they want to watch; however, they want to watch it in their own hands. Customers can also log in to My DStv on DStv.com for more information and to use self-service.

DStv Now App Description:

DStv Now is the home of DStv on the go!

– Enjoy the best entertainment and sport highlights available to stream or download with DStv Catch Up whenever it suits you

– DStv Now also includes a full 8-day TV Guide

– Use DStv Now to set recordings remotely on your DStv Explora (Internet-connected Explora required for this feature.

– DStv Now is exclusively available to DStv Premium customers with an active PVR

– Connect over 3G/4G or Wi-Fi and watch a selection of live DStv channels

And many more services.

The DStv Now app is free to download and is available to all DStv customers. Customers can use the app to access My DStv, search the TV Guide and set remote recordings on their Exploras. The video content on DStv Now is available exclusively to DStv Premium PVR customers and can be watched via an Android phone/tablet or iOS phone/tablet and web. Relevant data costs will apply when streaming content.

More information about the DStv Now app and DStv Now online can be found on http://now.dstv.com

The 9^th Bayimba International Festival is upon us and takes place this weekend at the National Theatre. The 3 day festival starts on Friday, 16th September and runs till Sunday. Tickets go for UGX5, 000.

The multi-disciplinary festival offers a lot more than just the music, Bayimba presents an arts festival that offers an experience with other forms of art using music as the most appreciated art to pave way for the rest.

From music to theatre to dance to film, the festival will offer you a wide variety of entertainment to enjoy. Here are some of the reasons we think you definitely should not miss.

The Music

The music is definitely going to be a spectacle not worth missing. The lineup boasts of artists in various music genres from soul to hip hop to electronic music to our very own Ugandan Kadongo Kamu.

Akua Naru from the USA

The lineup has a wide array of performers selected locally, through the region, the continent with some coming from far flung nations like Denmark and the US.

The local acts like Mathias Walukaga, Exodus, Ronald Mayinja, Willy Mukabya and Iryn Namubiru are household names.

Be keen to look out for Akua Naru (USA), Dr.Bone (South Africa), Winyo (Nairobi), Gravitti Band (Nairobi), Moroots (Uganda), Irene Namubiru (Ug), Ronald Mayinja (ug), Chris Evans and Mathias Walukaga.

Booze

Beer will be in plenty and sold at discounted prices thanks to the cash injection from Bayimba’s new sponsor, Bell Lager. Keep your eyes glued to the fridges to get the opportunity to sample the new funky Black Bell.

Your drinks choices will not only be restricted to beer. The Spirit of Uganda, Uganda Waragi also intends to set up a cocktail bar and have an exciting cocktail menu for you to choose from.

Film

There will be a screening of the African comedy “Nothing for Mahala”. The story is based on a man faces disapproval from his father when he dreams of being a comedian. Check out the preview, it might be worth your time.

Fashion

The stage has been set for some selected designers to showcase their art and skills.

Laughter

Comedian Daniel Omara is also on the program to perform.

Disco

If you have not had the experience of silent disco, now is your chance. Get your dancing shoes ready. Regardless of how comical it is to see people dancing to music only they can hear.

Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) last week launched a new beer aimed at growing market share even further. The newest frothy offering is a cool, vibrant beer they have called Black Bell.

The new drink is targeted at the youth and trendy campusers. At 5.8% ABV, the beer is classified as a strong beer which is rich and flavorful in taste. The beer has so far only been launched to internal staff but should be in outlets near you very soon.

The new innovation comes on the heels of other largely successful UBL product innovations in the recent past; the Uganda Waragi flavors, Coconut and Coffee and Buganda Kingdom’s official beer, Ngule.

The reviews from top brewers so far are that it is bodied and more flavorful to appeal to the palettes of millennials. There are no doubts it will become an instant sensation.

The introduction of Black Bell also comes at a time when UBL is celebrating its 70 year anniversary which has included a number of festivities such as the ongoing UGX 3 billion Tubbaale promotion. The promotion features the brewery’s revered beer brands; Bell Lager, Tusker Malt Lager and Guinness.

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) yesterday commissioned new public water point to serve over 1000 homes in Kapchorwa.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Water and Environment Hon. Sam Cheptoris.

The Minister commissioned a new public water point to serve over 1000 homes in Government lodge, Kapchorwa Municipality.

The Minister also commissioned London Bridge water point to serve over 500 homes in Kapchorwa Municipality. NWSC is on course to deliver water for all by 2018 in all areas under its operation.

New posh nightspot is set to officially open it doors to the public in Kampala next week. The SPACE Lounge is set to open officially on Friday 23^rd   September 2016. It will be a V.V.I.P red carpet grand opening.

Space Lounge is located at former Club Rouge and the interior has bee fitted to class furniture. The ambiance is to the point with great sound. Last night, the hangout hosted a Media party for the journalists to feel the new spot and preach the public all about it.

The famous party experience (space lounge experience)
entrance fee is 30k, tables at 500k each with a bottle of Whiskey and food platter. It is a must attend event.

Sexy former model Maureen Mutesi aka Momo has been appointed the new Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the set to open Space Lounge.

Mutesi welcomed members of the media during Media Party last night. The party was in preparation to the official grand opening slated for Friday 23^rd September 2016.

Mutesi is responsible for the spot’s public relations and she is supposed to ensure that the place gets much needed publicity to be able to compete in the competitive Kampala nightlife.