Kampala, Uganda 22nd September- Zuku TV, the Wananchi Group flagship brand has announced an ambitious plan to register 100,000 subscribers in Uganda within a two year period. This announcement was made by the Wananchi Group CEO, Richard Bell during the launch of the pay TV service in Uganda on Thursday. The Wananchi Group owns Zuku TV.
Having gone through a successful soft launch and setting in place an elaborate countrywide distribution and customer service network, Zuku Chief Executive Officer Richard Bell announced that the firm was confident that it will attain the subscription goal within the first two years.
“Zuku has been very well received in Uganda so far and considering the pipeline of exciting content that we have lined up to offer, we are confident to reach more than one hundred households within twenty four months,” he said during the official launch.
Zuku TV is ramping up Ugandan distribution by boosting the team of resellers with additional agents that will complement the Simba Telecom outlets. “We successfully completed a training module for 150 agents today who will work closely with our partners Simba Telcom and installation team to deliver the product to your doorstep and provide after sales support,” he explained.
He explained that Zuku was uniquely positioned in this market as a truly dedicated African service made by Africans for Africa. “For the first time in the history of Uganda’s film and television industry, the local producers and creative writers have a platform to showcase their work not just for audiences in Uganda but across ten eastern African countries,” he noted.
Zuku is also set to put significant investment into local content across Uganda and have already kicked off by screening the popular locally produced drama series, ‘Hostel’ in all it’s territories after acquiring the rights to broadcast it. Kenyans will now be able to watch Ugandan content and Ugandans will be able to watch Kenyan content.
He added that Zuku had established that the combination of growing middle-class, burgeoning local film industry, a great thirst for quality local & international entertainment and about 14 million TV households made this a highly attractive market for the affordable quality pay TV service.
“Survey statistics place the total national pay television penetration at less than 5% reflecting the market opportunity is therefore huge and the onus is on all of us to work together with the industry to create and produce great local content. Zuku will provide the platform for showcasing it,” added Bell.
He noted that Zuku had addressed the electrification challenge in the region and taken lack of grid electricity into account by bringing into the market decoders that can be run by a simple used car battery. “This demonstrates that we have a product for everyone whatever their geographical location.”
Following the official launch Zuku TV is set to take Uganda by storm, filling a yawning market gap for affordable quality home entertainment that is suitable for everyone.
The Ugandan launch forms part of a greater plan by the Wananchi Group to roll out in the three East African countries by the end of the year. Zuku was first launched in Kenya, the company’s headquarters and the company now has its sights set on capturing the populous Tanzanian market.
23 September, 2011
22 September, 2011
WOLE SOYINKA TO ATTEND 2011 KENYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS
AFRICA’S LITERARY GIANT: WOLE SOYINKA TO ATTEND 2011 KENYA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS
Soyinka to facilitate the forum for literature scholars…..
Re-known African literature expert, film writer, poet and play write Professor Wole Soyinka is set to grace this year’s Kenya International Film Festivals that will take place between October 21 -31st 2011.
Prof. Soyinka, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986, has written 21 plays, 2 novels, 5 memoirs, 10 poetry collections, 6 essays and 3 movies. His visit to Kenya has been made possible by the Nigerian Film and Video Censorship Board. The literary giant will also be accompanied by several Nigerian film producers who submitted their films for viewing at the KIFF.
In Keeping with KIFF’s tradition, Prof. Soyinka is expected also facilitate a forum for literature scholars in Nairobi. During the forum film dons, film makers and lecturers will interact and with the insight of Prof. Soyinka forge the way forward on film syllabus and curriculum in Kenyan universities and colleges.
Festival director Mr. Charles Asiba said: “We are delighted to have a personality of the stature of Prof. Wole Soyinka, who is an authoritative figure in the African film industry to come and grace us with his presence. We are also excited with the fact that KIFF is going to be used as platform for Prof. Soyinka to educate the young literature scholars in Kenya”.
He also announced the attendance of Idrissa Ouedraogo, a well-known film director from Burkina Faso as jury member at KIFF 2011. Ouedraogo is a graduate of the African Institute for Cinema Studies (Institut Africain d’Etudes Cinématographiques) in Ouagadougou and has directed various short films. Ouédraogo also graduate school at the Institut des Hautes Etudes Cinématographiques IDHEC in Paris in 1985.
Ouédraogo is also known for winning the Grand Prix for his film Tilaï (The Law) at the 1990l Cannes Film Festival, and the FIPRESCI Award for his 1986 film Yam Daabo (The Choice). His 1993 film Samba Traoré won the Silver Bear at the 43rd Berlin International Film Festival.
The film festivals that attracted 530 films from 52 countries will keep in tune with its slogan ' A Film A Day For The Calendar Year' and will screen 365 films in five towns concurrently. These are Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret. In this regard, KIFF has partnered with Moi University, Egerton University, Masinde Muliro University and Alliance Francaise who will provide their screening halls to be used for the viewing sessions.
Mr. Asiba said the screenings will be at, Alliance Francaise de Nairobi, National Museums of Kenya, Cinemax Prestige on Ngong Road, Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Alliance France in Mombasa, Moi University main Campus, Maseno University town campus, Kisumu Simba Club, Alliance Francaise de Eldoret.
Mr. Asiba said the preparations for the 2011 Festival are at an advanced stage adding that “we are happy by the response of the film makers when we called for entries what we now want from Kenyans to do is to come and watch a movie with us so that the ambition of being the biggest film festival in Africa.”
21 September, 2011
UAP ENTERS SOUTH SUDAN’S COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET
Juba: September 21, 2011: UAP Group, through its South Sudan subsidiary UAP Insurance Sudan Limited, has entered the South Sudan commercial property market through a joint venture with the Central Equatorial Investments and Development Corporation.
Effectively, the company has begun construction on Equatoria Towers, a 12 storey, ultra modern, landmark commercial office block in Juba, South Sudan, with at an estimated cost of USD15 million.
The Governor of Central Equatoria State, South Sudan, Maj. Gen Clement Wani Konga, broke the ground to signify commencement of the project.
“Today, UAP Group makes a big statement on its commitment to doing business in this country over the long term. When we made the decision to invest in this country in 2005, many stakeholders were worried for us, mainly because the country was emerging from decades of war and peace was fragile. Today we are a happy Board of Directors because our decision has been vindicated,” said UAP Holdings Group Managing Director James Muguiyi.
Mr Muguiyi said UAP was confident about the prospects in the newly created Nation, South Sudan, adding that the company will continue to invest in network expansion, introduction of new products and employment of more Sudanese into the company.
“Real estate and infrastructure development are going to be major economic drivers of this economy in the medium term. Already, there is an increasing need for office blocks and residential houses in many towns in South Sudan due to the growing population of public servants and employees of private and non-governmental organizations,” said Mr Muguiyi.
Governor Konga described UAP’s investment as demonstration of Kenya’s support for the people of South Sudan over the years of struggle for freedom.
“This grand event could not happen at a more opportune moment at the dawn of a new beginning of our Nation’s history. The event also comes at a time when we have just celebrated our long awaited freedom. This grand event is also taking place next to the building which housed the historical Juba Conference of 1947, where we first sought the secession of South Sudan, from the North,” said Maj. Gen Konga.
He continued: “Kenya is more than just a neighbour. They took care of us during the war, they fought for our people and now through UAP, they want to make sure our people leave in peace and dignity. I hope that one of the benefits of this investment shall, of course build strong relations between the two neighbours and the region at large,” said Maj. Gen Konga.
The project will cost USD15 million and will be managed by a joint venture company, UAP Properties Limited, owned jointly by UAP Insurance South Sudan and Central Equatoria Investment and Development Corporation, the investment arm the Central Equatoria State.
“I note with great satisfaction that the partnership between the State represented by the Investment Authority and the UAP Insurance is a solid one which will not only be further cemented by the achievement of this huge project, but shall strive for higher achievements ahead. As a Government, we shall continue to and endeavour to provide unique avenues for sustainable investment opportunities to all potential investors such as UAP Insurance and many others for the transformation and the advancement of our people,” said Maj. Gen Konga
Maj Gen Konga called upon the private sector players in South Sudan and in particular, the Central Equatoria State, to take advantage of the partnership with UAP Insurance, its wide presence in the East African region and their entrepreneurial spirit, as they seek to spread their wings in the East African region.
Besides the Equatoria Tower, UAP Insurance Sudan is also implementing a real estate project in Juba comprising of 15 2 bed-roomed high quality apartments at an estimated cost of USD 3.2 million. The apartments will house UAP clients, staff and will also be available for commercial rental in support of the demand for quality housing in Juba.
“This development is a private initiative financed by UAP Insurance Sudan Ltd and reflects our strong commitment to invest in this country. And to show our long term commitment to this country and to position ourselves for future growth, we moved to our new offices at the end of last month. The offices are more spacious and conducive for improved customer service and are situated in a more serine area than where UAP has been since 2006,” said Mr Muguiyi.
When complete, Equatorial Towers will reflect high standards of architecture and provide a reference point for future property developments in South Sudan.
UAP was registered in South Sudan in 2005 almost immediately following the signing of the Collective Peace Agreement (CPA), becoming the first foreign insurance company to be licensed by the Bank of South Sudan. The company has spearheaded the development and deepening of the insurance services in the country.
“We have introduced unique products such as health and aviation insurance which were not available in the local market before. Our insurance services offer protection for both life and property thereby providing the peace of mind and economic freedom to allow the citizens of this country, both individual and corporate to concentrate on the noble task of nation building,” said UAP Insurance Sudan Managing Director Patrick Kanyingi.
So far UAP Insurance Sudan has branches in 7 out of the 10 states of South Sudan including Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jongloei, Unity, Western Bahr Gazal, and Lakes.
The Company plans to open a branch in Malakal, Upper Nile State before the end of the year.
Effectively, the company has begun construction on Equatoria Towers, a 12 storey, ultra modern, landmark commercial office block in Juba, South Sudan, with at an estimated cost of USD15 million.
The Governor of Central Equatoria State, South Sudan, Maj. Gen Clement Wani Konga, broke the ground to signify commencement of the project.
“Today, UAP Group makes a big statement on its commitment to doing business in this country over the long term. When we made the decision to invest in this country in 2005, many stakeholders were worried for us, mainly because the country was emerging from decades of war and peace was fragile. Today we are a happy Board of Directors because our decision has been vindicated,” said UAP Holdings Group Managing Director James Muguiyi.
Mr Muguiyi said UAP was confident about the prospects in the newly created Nation, South Sudan, adding that the company will continue to invest in network expansion, introduction of new products and employment of more Sudanese into the company.
“Real estate and infrastructure development are going to be major economic drivers of this economy in the medium term. Already, there is an increasing need for office blocks and residential houses in many towns in South Sudan due to the growing population of public servants and employees of private and non-governmental organizations,” said Mr Muguiyi.
Governor Konga described UAP’s investment as demonstration of Kenya’s support for the people of South Sudan over the years of struggle for freedom.
“This grand event could not happen at a more opportune moment at the dawn of a new beginning of our Nation’s history. The event also comes at a time when we have just celebrated our long awaited freedom. This grand event is also taking place next to the building which housed the historical Juba Conference of 1947, where we first sought the secession of South Sudan, from the North,” said Maj. Gen Konga.
He continued: “Kenya is more than just a neighbour. They took care of us during the war, they fought for our people and now through UAP, they want to make sure our people leave in peace and dignity. I hope that one of the benefits of this investment shall, of course build strong relations between the two neighbours and the region at large,” said Maj. Gen Konga.
The project will cost USD15 million and will be managed by a joint venture company, UAP Properties Limited, owned jointly by UAP Insurance South Sudan and Central Equatoria Investment and Development Corporation, the investment arm the Central Equatoria State.
“I note with great satisfaction that the partnership between the State represented by the Investment Authority and the UAP Insurance is a solid one which will not only be further cemented by the achievement of this huge project, but shall strive for higher achievements ahead. As a Government, we shall continue to and endeavour to provide unique avenues for sustainable investment opportunities to all potential investors such as UAP Insurance and many others for the transformation and the advancement of our people,” said Maj. Gen Konga
Maj Gen Konga called upon the private sector players in South Sudan and in particular, the Central Equatoria State, to take advantage of the partnership with UAP Insurance, its wide presence in the East African region and their entrepreneurial spirit, as they seek to spread their wings in the East African region.
Besides the Equatoria Tower, UAP Insurance Sudan is also implementing a real estate project in Juba comprising of 15 2 bed-roomed high quality apartments at an estimated cost of USD 3.2 million. The apartments will house UAP clients, staff and will also be available for commercial rental in support of the demand for quality housing in Juba.
“This development is a private initiative financed by UAP Insurance Sudan Ltd and reflects our strong commitment to invest in this country. And to show our long term commitment to this country and to position ourselves for future growth, we moved to our new offices at the end of last month. The offices are more spacious and conducive for improved customer service and are situated in a more serine area than where UAP has been since 2006,” said Mr Muguiyi.
When complete, Equatorial Towers will reflect high standards of architecture and provide a reference point for future property developments in South Sudan.
UAP was registered in South Sudan in 2005 almost immediately following the signing of the Collective Peace Agreement (CPA), becoming the first foreign insurance company to be licensed by the Bank of South Sudan. The company has spearheaded the development and deepening of the insurance services in the country.
“We have introduced unique products such as health and aviation insurance which were not available in the local market before. Our insurance services offer protection for both life and property thereby providing the peace of mind and economic freedom to allow the citizens of this country, both individual and corporate to concentrate on the noble task of nation building,” said UAP Insurance Sudan Managing Director Patrick Kanyingi.
So far UAP Insurance Sudan has branches in 7 out of the 10 states of South Sudan including Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Jongloei, Unity, Western Bahr Gazal, and Lakes.
The Company plans to open a branch in Malakal, Upper Nile State before the end of the year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
