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Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Finances US$192 Million Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed City in Afghanistan April 24, 2018 11 0

His Excellency Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, inaugurated the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) financed Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed City Housing Complex in Afghanistan. Located in the Qasaba district of Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, ADFD contributed an estimated US$192 million to the social housing development project.

Aimed at increasing the supply of affordable accommodation options in the country, the crucial project encompasses 3,330 residential units. Including extensive infrastructure works such as roads, water, and electricity networks and support services, the project seeks to elevate living standards for its residents through its power stations that generate 22 megawatts of energy with minimal downtime.

Present at the event were His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, His Excellency Saif Al Shamsi, Charge d’affaires at the UAE Embassy in Afghanistan, His Excellency Sadat Mansoor Nader, Afghan Minister of Urban Development and Housing, and several high-ranking Afghan officials.

Al Suwaidi, said: “In line with the directive of the UAE leadership to support the Afghan government’s housing development goals, the construction was funded by the ADFD-managed Abu Dhabi government grant earmarked for Afghanistan. Not only will this crucial project provide adequate housing for thousands of Afghan citizens, it also will go a long way in bolstering the country’s social housing sector.

ADFD is committed to supporting the Afghan government in overcoming the challenges facing Afghanistan, reaching the country’s desired development goals, and achieving long-term prosperity.”

Moreover, His Excellency Sadat Mansoor Nader praised the efforts of the UAE in implementing humanitarian and development programmes in Afghanistan. He noted that the 53.8-hectare project will provide housing options to suit the lifestyle of Afghan families.

Since it first commenced supporting development projects in Afghanistan in 1977, ADFD has allocated US$325 million towards the development of 14 projects that contributed to the economic and social development of the country.

ADFD is a national organisation owned by the Abu Dhabi government. Established in 1971, its purpose is to help emerging countries by providing concessionary loans to finance sustainable development projects alongside other long-term investments and direct contributions. ADFD manages Abu Dhabi government grants and monitors the course of the relevant projects. It has invested AED80 billion in development projects across 88 countries.

24th April 2018/0 Comments

Uganda Breweries announces 800 million Scholarship and Water Projects for Northern Uganda

Uganda Breweries Limited last Thursday April 19, 2018 announced a water and education initiative aimed at potentially transforming livelihoods of the communities of Acholi sub region in Northern Uganda.

Construction of 16 boreholes

In addition to the 15 Boreholes commissioned in 2014, the brewery under its water of life initiative has commenced construction of 16 more boreholes for the sorghum farming communities in Agago, Amuru, Gulu and Nwoya districts in Acholi sub region, Northern Uganda. The project costing UGX 480M will benefit approximately 4,800 beneficiaries across the four districts who have been struggling to access water. For example Gulu District faced severe water shortage after Oitino dam dried up due to the prolonged dry spell leaving the municipality with a water shortage.

Provision of 20 University Scholarships

Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) will also offer scholarships to 20 young, bright but less privileged students from the farming communities in Acholi sub region in Northern Uganda Under their skills for life initiative.

The scholarships to technical institutions are for deserving students from the farming communities in Northern Uganda. 12 bursaries will go to girls and 8 to boys. The scholarships are aimed at giving the youth practical skills that can be utilized to generate income and employ others from within the communities.

Under this project, Uganda Breweries will pay total fees of up to UGX 348,117,000 for the students to study from Daniel Comboni Vocational Institute and Kitgum Technical Institute. Successful scholars will each receive a complete university scholarship package inclusive of tuition, books, accommodation and a monthly stipend.

“Water is a critical natural resource that we all cannot do without. By drilling these boreholes within our farming communities, our farmers and the communities around them will have access to clean and safe water, which will ensure a healthier community.” Said Dr. Alan Shonubi The UBL board chairman at the launch.

“We also believe that by bringing this water closer to the community, we are freeing up time for everyone to engage in other productive initiatives that will improve livelihoods. With water nearby, we expect the farmers’ yield will greatly improve to better their food source but also improve their chances of earning more when the grain is sold. We also ask that with the time that is freed up in looking for water, our youth enroll in the vocational institutions within the region so that they acquire a skill that can sustain them for life and in turn contribute to the improvement of the communities in which they live” Dr. Shonubi added.

“The demand for clean and safe water in East Africa is increasing every single day and we should all acknowledge the importance of fulfilling this demand. This access is fundamental to health and community development and we are proud of playing a role in growing the nation,” Andrew Cohen, the CEO EABL said.

Dr. Alan Shonubi, UBL Board Chairman emphasized the need for corporate companies to play a part in developing skills and talent of the current generation in order to secure a sustainable future.

“The UBL scholarship program offers that special opportunity to the nation’s brightest scholars who are less fortunate. It gives the scholars an opportunity to build a better future not only for themselves but also for the community.”

He noted that UBL seeks to address the issue of gender inequality and women empowerment which is why they allocated 60% of the scholarships to girls.

Over the last 17 years, Uganda Breweries Skills for Life programme has awarded over 200 university scholarships across East Africa, with 40 of them from Uganda.

Uganda Breweries has previously had a number of projects in Gulu. UBL in 2014 sank 20 boreholes in the three districts of Lamwo, Pader, Kitgum and Apac. The project cost over UGX 365M and benefits 14,000 people.

24th April 2018/0 Comments

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Coca-Cola releases global anthem ahead of the 2018 fifa world cup

Coca-Cola has officially released the 2018 FIFA World Cup global anthem dubbed “Colours” created in partnership with global music superstar, Jason Derulo.

A true collaboration between Coca-Cola and Jason Derulo, “Colours” celebrates all of the vibrancy and excitement that comes with the arrival of the world’s biggest football tournament.

A localized version has been created by 2017 Coke Studio artist Tugume Wycliff, most commonly known as ‘Ykee Benda’ to uniquely celebrate Uganda’s passion for football. Other top artists include; Diamond Platnumz, South Africa’s Cassper Nyovest, Ethiopia’s Sami Dan and Mozambique’s Lizha James have also worked on localized versions to depict the colours and styles of their different countries.

Ricardo Fort, VP of Global Sports Partnerships at The Coca-Cola Company said, “We know that the FIFA World Cup is a global cultural and social phenomenon. Every four years, people are drawn to this event from all over the world due to the excitement and platform it provides. We believe that music and football are intrinsically linked by the passions they evoke so we are excited to welcome Jason to the team and can’t wait to bring this upbeat anthem to the world ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup™”.

Coca-Cola Uganda Brand Manager Ms. Miriam Limo expressed pride at the international recognition that this global endeavor has created for Ykee Benda and the other local artists.

“Providing a platform for renowned as well as upcoming and less mainstream artists to collaborate musically is the backbone of Coke Studio and we at Coca-Cola are always proud to see one of our local artists get recognized internationally. Having 2017 Coke Studio representative Ykee Benda participate in such a global project signifies the impact that the Coke Studio initiative has not only on the participating artists but also on Africa and the rest of the world,” she noted.

‘Ykee Benda’ is a Ugandan musician and producer, who is signed on to Badi Music Label. Some of his popular songs include Kyenkyebula, Munakampala, Farmer and Malaika. He made his debut on Coke Studio Africa 2017 in the Big Break Segment collaborating with Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe) and Mr. Bow (Mozambique). That same year, he went on to win Breakthrough Artist and Best Collaboration of the Year in the Zzina Awards.

“Colours” will become the sound track to fans’ excitement for the tournament, as it begins playing across the world in the build up to the kick off.

Jason Derulo added, “I was honored to work with Coca-Cola to create an anthem celebrating every team and their fans. ‘Colours’ represents the different flags and cultures from around the world, and will get everyone moving to a unifying beat. I’m excited to finally tell the world about this partnership as the excitement builds for the FIFA World Cup.”

24th April 2018/0 Comments

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Emirates sqoops four accolades at Business Traveler Middle East Awards

Emirates won four accolades last night at the Business Traveler Middle East Awards 2018. The airline was crowned Best Airline Worldwide, Airline with the Best Business Class, Best First Class Airport Lounge in the Middle East and Airline with the Best Cabin Crew , a testament to its commitment to meet and exceed customer expectations in the air and on the ground. Emirates has won Business Traveler Middle East’s Best Airline Worldwide award five years in a row.

The awards celebrate the region’s best in business travel and hospitality and the ceremony was attended by key travel industry executives.

Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Emirates, said: “It’s an incredible honor to know our customers appreciate the experience we deliver and Business Traveler Middle East’s recognition demonstrates our commitment and efforts to provide exceptional service, while continuing to build on the products our customers have come to know and love. We would like to thank our employees who work hard day in and day out to deliver the best experience possible to our customers. To receive the award for ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ five years in a row is truly gratifying, and we don’t take these awards lightly, and will continue innovating to remain ahead of the game and ensure we always deliver a consistent experience throughout the customer journey.”

Emirates has launched a number of significant product and service enhancements over the past year. The airline recently launched its game-changing, fully enclosed private suites inspired by Mercedes-Benz in First Class that have floor to ceiling sliding doors, sleek design features, soft leather seating, high-tech control panels and mood lighting.

On its existing 10 aircraft of Boeing 777-200LR, Emirates invested over US$150 million to refurbish its fleet. The Business Class seats are now even more spacious – reclining to a fully flat sleeping position with several lighting options and a mini-bar. The airline’s award winning in-flight entertainment ice now offers over 3,500 channels, including over 700 movies from around the world and regionally inspired cuisine is offered on-board across all cabins.

Emirates enhanced A380 Onboard Lounge features an airier look and feel, reconfigured seating arrangements around the iconic bar with private yacht-inspired décor, as well as new high-tech touches.

Emirates’ state-of-the-art First Class Lounge facilities at Dubai International Airport Concourses A, B and C – boast a total seat capacity of over 2,500. Concourse B lounges recently completed a US$ 11 million makeover, serving premium members the highest standards of comfort. The airline also expanded its global network of lounges to 41 dedicated Emirates Lounges in 2017.

The airline’s international team of over 23,000 cabin crew come from over 135 countries, and speak more than 60 languages. Crew members are trained to provide the very best inflight service and Emirates on-board experience.

Earlier this month, Emirates was awarded the Best Airline in the Middle East in the 2018 Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice® Awards for Airlines. In addition to clinching the region’s top award, the airline also garnered 4 other awards including Best Economy Class Middle East, Best First Class Middle East, Travelers Choice Business Class – Middle East and World’s Best Airlines – Top 10.The award was based on thousands of reviews Emirates received from the Trip Advisor community over the past twelve months.

Emirates is the world’s largest international airline, with an extensive network that has grown to offer its customers a choice of 159 destinations in 85 countries across six continents. It operates one of the world’s youngest modern wide-body fleets, and is the first and only airline in the world to operate a fleet of all Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft for its passenger flights.

24th April 2018/0 Comments

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Finablr launched in UAE

UAE-based businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty announced the creation of “Finablr”, a new holding company which, subject to regulatory approvals, will consolidate his global portfolio of financial services brands under one single umbrella. Incorporated in the UK, Finablr will provide strategic direction and oversight for the category-leading brands across its network.

Finablr also seeks to drive financial enablement and empowerment by accelerating customer-focused technology innovation through R&D efforts, industry ecosystem engagements, investments and potential acquisitions. As a diversified network, Finablr will combine the cumulative industry expertise of its trusted network brands including UAE Exchange, Travelex, Xpress Money etc. to deliver innovative-technology-driven and market-leading experiences. As a platform of complementary capabilities, the Finablr network will facilitate seamless and connected experiences for individuals and enterprises.

With over four decades of industry experience, 18,000+ employees, and handling more than 150 Million customer transactions annually, the Finablr network brands boast an impressive global footprint. Collectively touching over a billion lives through its retail stores, agents and digital channels, the Finablr network brands have a direct presence in 45 countries and a network reach across 165 countries. Technology innovation and integration into the new economy is key to Finablr’s growth strategy.

In its efforts to embrace new technologies that transform the way customers and businesses engage, Finablr is setting up Innovation Hubs (i-Hubs) across its global network. i-Hubs will identify disruptive trends in the industry and implement innovations that deliver enhanced business benefits to its network of brands. Through its investment arm, Finablr will seek to acquire capabilities that complement its portfolio through inorganic pursuits. The Finablr investment arm will continue the inorganic pursuits on behalf of its network brands, including strategic investments and acquisitions plans (of USD 250-300 Million) announced by UAE Exchange.

Finablr has also announced the intent to rebrand the non-UAE operations of UAE Exchange as “Unimoni. Short for “Universal Money”, Unimoni will offer a broad spectrum of financial services and will build on the brand equity and legacy of UAE Exchange.

24th April 2018/0 Comments

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5 Things that Make Uganda the Most Beautiful Country in Africa

Are you looking for a awesome travel experience in Africa, and the world at large but not certain yet which country to visit? Uganda is a very incredible destination with lots of amazing attractions and features and would definitely recommend it for your next safari tour in Africa. You will be surprised by the weather, friendly people, lakes, wildlife, birds, primates, landscape and much more. Perhaps it’s another great destination in Africa that offers exciting life time gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. I believe it’s one of the most beautiful to visit for gorilla tracking safaris.

Security

Of course without the Permanent Peace and Stability, nothing much would be known about the beauty of Uganda.

Under the Wise Command of H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, UPDF has restored peace in Uganda. For the last 30 years, the Country is stable making it easier for the tourists to access any corner of Uganda.

Great Weather

If you want to enjoy a holiday vacation under the sun and in a warm serenity, Uganda is famous for having the best sunny days even during the so called rainy seasons. Its only in Uganda where it shines immediately after rain and the country is all year destination since nothing ruin your tour holiday. When the country’s cool weather, you will definitely enjoy your Uganda safari tour each day of your stay even though you chose to travel in April, May and November the known rainy season months.

Safe & Secure

The first concern that some people have when they think about Uganda is that it might not be safe. Surely the country is safe and secure for travel and tourism in any corner of the country. Just go ahead and plan your visit to Uganda and enjoy your trip in any part of the country provided it’s your best place of interest.

Exotic & Unique Culture

Where else can you find friendly and welcoming people than in Uganda? Though the country is known for mountain gorillas, culture and the friendly people is another interesting travel aspect that every traveler enjoys while in Uganda. The people’s culture in Uganda is unique and you get a memorable Uganda safari tour when you combine your travel interest with a cultural excursion. There is too much living history in the present, many amazing cultural dances, songs, and way of life. When you head out for a culture tour its really new adventure of a life time.

Amazing Mountain Gorillas

There is much more to see and enjoy on a Uganda gorilla safari tour to Bwindi, Mgahinga National Park the two spectacular gorilla homes in Uganda. Mountain gorillas are endangered primate species that live in forested vegetation of Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable. When you chose to explore the beautiful gorilla parks, the hilly landscape, forest habitants and the complete guidance of park rangers make the trek one in a million. No wonder its Uganda’s top tourist attraction that inspire thousands to visit the country. However, if you want to track gorillas and hike volcanoes, or track golden monkeys just go for a gorilla tour to Mgahinga National Park.

Delicious Food

You will be surprised that whatever you chose to taste or eat in Uganda is delicious provided it’s prepared by lodges or hotels that have good history in the travel world. Even snack taste great. But avoid eating foods or things sold on the streets for hygiene purposes and good health. There are plenty of dishes and foods including local, Italian, Indian, English and much more. The saddest time is heading back home and lives behind the delicious cuisines.

24th April 2018/0 Comments

News, Virtuous woman conference., Women

ROBIN MARK IS COMING TO UGANDA FOR THE BIGGEST WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Irish gospel singer and song writer Robin Mark, is coming to Uganda this April and no it’s not for holiday. He is coming to grace the biggest women’s conference in Uganda known as the Virtuous woman conference. Robin Mark will be coming along with his wife Jacqueline and they will be here as the lead worshippers for the whole event.

Born 67 years ago in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Robin Mark is a singer, song writer, and worship leader best known for his song Days of Elijah which he did in 1997 on his Album known as the Room of Grace. This song spread far and wide in the Christian worship circles and Uganda is no exception. Robin Mark will arrive in the country on Thursday 26^th April 2018 and will address a press conference on 27^th April 2018 on 5^th floor Mabirizi Complex, Kampala Road opposite pioneer mall.

The virtuous woman conference is an annual women’s conference that brings together women from all churches and different spheres of life. The theme for the conference this year Is Life at 360.Focusing on the things that make strong women who are very crucial as pillars of society in shaping culture among other things. The conference is organized by Christ’s Heart Ministries International headed by Bishop Isaiah Mbuga and Pastor Deborah Mbuga.

Pastor Deborah who is also the mind behind this conference expressed joy and excitement at the work she expects God to during this conference. She said “The purpose of this conference is to reach out to the broken hearted and the lost as part of our mandate to reach out to God’s people with the Love of God”This virtuous woman is going to be very unique because the event will run for 3 days: 27^th@Omega Hotel in Jinja,28^th @ Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala and 29^th April @ Christ’s Heart Ministries’ Headquarters in Mukono.

For further information and details on the conference please check the ministry’s social media(Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) : Christ’s Heart Ministries international or call 0789175605.

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24th April 2018/1 Comment

News

Emirates to debut its new fully enclosed First Class Private Suite at ATM

Emirates will unveil its new Boeing 777-300ER First Class Private Suite exhibit at the Arabian Travel Market 2018. The region’s leading travel and tourism exhibition will run from 22 – 25 April.

This year marks Emirates’ 25th year of partnership and commitment to ATM. When the exhibition first opened its doors in 1993, Emirates flew 15 aircraft to 32 destinations and carried 2 million passengers. Today, Emirates is one of the largest international airlines serving 159 destinations in 85 countries, carrying more than 59 million passengers to, and through its hub in Dubai annually.

The Emirates stand will offer visitors a chance to experience the airline’s recently-launched products and service enhancements. The game changing, fully enclosed First Class private suites on exhibit have floor to ceiling sliding doors, soft leather seating, high-tech control panels and mood lighting. Incorporating cutting-edge technology, the suites also feature several world-firsts, including: ‘virtual windows’ using real-time fibre-optic camera technology, a NASA inspired ‘zero-gravity’ seating position, and a personal video-call service. Design details within the suite were inspired by luxury automotive brand Mercedes-Benz.

Emirates will also showcase its latest Boeing 777 Business Class seat, the A380 On Board lounge, along with other iconic products such as the First Class Shower Spa and the latest version of its generously-pitched Economy Class seats.

Visitors can experience the Emirates network through an interactive 60 second challenge played on a touchscreen route map. Last year, the airline launched new passenger routes to Newark via Athens, Zagreb and Phnom Penh, and later this year, Emirates will begin services to London Stansted and Santiago de Chile.

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21st April 2018/0 Comments

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Regional Winners of the 2018 Stanbic National Schools Championship unveiled

Stanbic Bank has unveiled the 2018 regional winners of the Stanbic National Schools Championship after a debate competition which involved four schools in each region contesting for the regional title.

The schools crowned winners in the Northern, Eastern, Central and Western regions include; Muni Girls Secondary School, Nakanyonyi Girls’ Secondary School, Mengo Senior School and Bweranyangi Girls’ Senior Secondary School.

The regional debate competitions are in the fourth stage of the Stanbic National Schools Championship which started with classroom competitions, oral quiz competition, and essay competition. This year’s theme ‘Empowering the job creators of tomorrow’, seeks to nurture skills beyond the class room.

The four finalist schools will be hosted at a training boot camp which will equip the students with business soft skills, how to develop a business plan, networking, communication skills etc. that they will need to succeed in the real world.

The students will then be tasked to develop and execute the business plan in their respective schools. The school that presents the best executed plan at the finals to be held in Kampala will be crowned 2018 Stanbic National Schools Champions.

The four schools are expected to represent their respective regions at the Grand finale to be held in Kampala on 5^th July 2018.

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21st April 2018/0 Comments