By Staff Writer

As Ugandans practice social distancing by staying at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 caused by Coronavirus and staying away from places of worship or any crowded areas after President Museveni’s directive, several Pastors have taken their services online, on television and radio stations to keep in touch with their church members.

However, because churches require money to run, some pastors have been calling on their followers to send tithe and offertory using digital means like Mobile Money among others. When singer and songwriter APass heard about this he was furious.

Speaking in a live video to his fans yesterday, the Didadada singer expressed disgust at such Pastors who have no mercy for their flock. He questioned how someone would ask for money from churchgoers some of whom are not working anymore because of the pandemic.

‘Why would you do such a thing, people to send you mobile money in times like these when they are not making any money. When the church has problems they tell people to collect money. But when the people have problems the church tells them to pray. The church promises you that you will have a better life when you die. Politicians promise that you will get a better life when you elect him. This causes a lot of problems for people. We need to stop making decisions because of feelings. We shouldn’t walk in fear. We should stop relying on one pastor or religious leader. What if your pastor dies, will you stop praying? I wouldn’t advise anyone to send them money until this is over.’

Asked about which religion he subscribes to since he is against Pastors, APass had this to say; “Show love to each other no matter your religion. I am not religious, I am spiritual and I believe in love. That is why I make music. I am not rich, I make some money off my music but it is not the main purpose. I want to put my voice out there and inspire people. It is important to be together in this time. Although we need to distance ourselves. But let’s stay together in mind. This will keep us moving as people.”

You can now call the Ministry of Uganda on 919 Toll-Free for assistance with any issues related to Coronavirus. This message is brought to you by MTN Uganda.

The post Why APass is against sending money to pastors during quarantine appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

As the world grapples with the Coronavirus pandemic, Pastor Augustine Yiga of Revival Church in Kawala has made some comments that have landed him in big trouble.

The Uganda Police Force arrested Pastor Augustine Iga of Revival Church Kawala, Rubaga Division in Kampala over false utterances and passing harmful propaganda relating to the current Corona Virus (COVID 19) pandemic in the country.

The Pastor is suspected to have said, in a video recording branded by BBS TV, that the Corona Virus is not in Uganda. The video that went viral undermines government efforts in fighting the COVID 19 pandemic and exposes the public to dangers of laxity in observing the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health on its control and prevention.

According to Police, the action of Pastor Iga promotes the spread of the COVID 19 and can therefore be considered as a direct attack on the people of the Republic of Uganda. Therefore, the suspect, who is currently detained at Old Kampala Police Station, will be interviewed to establish the motive behind the dangerous utterances.

Uganda Police Force appeals to the public to desist from making false or alarming utterances concerning COVID 19 and disregard information not from authorized government structures.

Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent Covid-19 infection. Follow guidelines by the Ministry of Health and call 919 in case of any questions.

The post Pastor Yiga in big trouble over Coronavirus comments appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

R Kelly requested to be released from jail due to fears over the spread of coronavirus. According to Fox News, the 53-year-old is currently in jail in Chicago on charges involving the sexual abuse of minors. An 18-page court filing by R Kelly’s legal team states his life is being put ‘at risk’ due to the jail’s few health and safety efforts when it comes to dealing with the virus. ‘The health risk to Mr. Kelly, because of his age and existing health issues, especially considering the conditions at the MCC, necessitates his release on bail,’ it states.

The Ignition singer’s lawyers claim that hand sanitiser and soap are sparse in the Metropolitan Correctional Centre (MCC) and inmates are put in small cells with a cellmate despite social distancing rules outside the jail. His ‘existing health issues’ were not expanded on, but the file insisted they were in line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s high-risk category.

The file continued: ‘The courts have long recognized that there is no greater necessity than keeping a defendant alive, no matter the charge.’ R Kelly recently faced fresh sex crime allegations via federal prosecutors in New York City. The I Believe I Can Fly singer is already awaiting trial in Brooklyn, where he faces charges including sex trafficking, racketeering and child pornography. The star also has pending cases in Minnesota. Now, two new alleged victims – listed as Jane Doe #5 and Jane Doe #6 – have come forward in NYC, with one claiming she was under 18 when she claims she had sex with him in 2015.

The latest chapter in R Kelly’s long journey with the law comes to light after TMZ obtained his new legal documents. The indictment out of the Eastern District of New York includes charges of coercion and enticement, coercion of a minor, and transportation of a minor across state lines.
Source: https://metro.co.uk/

Wash hands with soap regularly, don’t spit in public. Let’s fight Corona together. Message from the Ministry of Health supported by MTN

The post R Kelly wants to be released from jail over coronavirus fears appeared first on BigEye.UG.

Liberian president George Weah has released a song to create awareness for the global pandemic coronavirus. The six-minute song called Let’s Stand Together and Fight Coronavirus explains how the virus is spread. It also sensitizes Liberians on some preventive measures.

Already Liberia has recorded three cases of the novel virus. “From Europe to America, from America to Africa, take precautions, and be safe,” the former football icon sings.

This isn’t the fight time Weah has been innovative when it comes to addressing national or global pandemics.

According to his spokesperson, Solo Kelgbeh, Weah produced songs during the Ebola crisis that led to the death of close to 5,000 Liberians. He also stated that the president started working on the song before the coronavirus reached Liberia.

The song serves a practical purpose, Kelgbeh said. “Liberia is a country where a majority of the people don’t have access to the internet and Facebook, but everyone listens to radio,” he said.

“This song will be played on various radio stations in the country… to have the message spread sufficiently,” he added. Liberia, a country of approximately 4.8 million people, have ban travels from countries that are worst hit by the virus. 

Despite having just three recorded cases, there are fears of the country’s capacity to handle an outbreak.

Meanwhile, Ugandan musician turned politician, Bobi Wine is also using music to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Wine, a controversial figure teamed up with fellow artist, Nubain Li to release a song laced with east Africa’s signature rumba melodies about the importance of personal hygiene, The Guardian reported.

“The bad news is that everyone is a potential victim,” Wine noted in the song. “But the good news is that everyone is a potential solution.”

The pair are encouraging people to regularly wash their hands, keep distance and look out for symptoms such as fever and cough. So far, Uganda has a total of 14 cases after it confirmed five more cases on Wednesday.

People are currently being advised to protect against the spread of the virus by washing their hands, covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.

Source: https://face2faceafrica.com/

The post President drops Coronavirus awareness song appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

Many people will never return to Church in the aftermath of COVID-19. The quarantine has given them a taste of freedom.

It has also downed on most people that they had no life after all. That they are the epitome of boredom. That all along, they lived a life of escapism. Left to themselves, they are empty. They escaped to bars, to music concerts, to things that gave them an illusion of a life. Now on their own, the emptiness of life glares at them.

Men will finally realize that sex after all is overrated. If a man has options all at his table, he suddenly realizes that sex is not a big deal. Sex is only a big deal to a man who rarely gets it. For most men in these times, sex is abundant. Never before in the history of the dating market has sex knocked on men’s doors in such abundance.

Most marriages will be no more. By drawing couples together, friction became the end result. Again, men used their work, the bars to hide from the conflicts of their relationships. With nowhere to run, men and women are now being forced to resolve their problems or wait for quarantine to end to move on with life. Of course, for some men, these times have given them an insight into home expenses. Suddenly they realize that food doesn’t cost as much as they claim it did.

But what about the other aspects of hugs, handshakes? What about the realization that most jobs are just emails, meetings and having a grasp of corporate lingo? What about the realization that for most people, the only reason they came to work is for access to fast internet, coffee and lunch.

It is also the realization that the jobs we despised the most are what actually hold society. The guys in dirty gloves are the people that run this society. These moments are what separate the actual doers from the ones who tag along, only good at having good email signatures…

It is also an awakening that our hygiene was at an all time low as a society. It is also an awakening that for most of us, we are two meals away from being beggars.

These are interesting times…

FACT: #COVID19 is NOT airborne.

The #coronavirus is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

To protect yourself:
-keep 1m distance from others
-disinfect surfaces frequently
-wash/rub your 👐
-avoid touching your 👀👃👄

WHO

The post OPINION: Uganda after the Coronavirus Pandemic appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

The Security Inter-Agency Joint Task Force has on 29 March 2020 arrested two pastors and twenty-six of their congregation for defying the Presidential Directive banning religious gatherings in the country for 32 days as a measure of curbing the spread of COVID 19.

The suspects were picked from two places in Kampala Metropolitan Area while congregated for Sunday Prayers, an act that can promote the spread of the Corona Virus in the Country.

One Pastor Immaculate Biyinzika of Praise Jesus Worship Church together with 20 worshipers were picked by Police from Makandwa Kajjansi in Wakiso District and are detained at Kajjansi Police Station, whereas, Pastor Moses Baker of Alter Truth Ministries of Komamboga Kyanja was picked along with six followers by Intelligence Surveillance Team and detained at Kira Road Police Station. Other suspects escaped arrest.

Pastor Biyinzika tried to resist arrest on defence that she was praying with only her family members at her home which is collocated with the Church. However, Police found the Pastor collecting offertory and her congregation was far bigger than her residence could accommodate.

The Joint Task Force is dedicated to the protection of and service to Ugandans. The Task Force appeals to all Ugandans to join the national struggle to defeat COVID 19 pandemic in the country by following the preventive guideline issued by Government.

Uganda Police wants to appreciate members of the public who are giving us vital information on places, institutions, and individuals who are trying to defy the directives aimed at protecting Ugandans from infection by COVID 29.

The toll-free lines that you can reach the Joint Task Force on 0800300100, 0753997665, 0714012734.

The post 28 Arrested For Defying Guidelines Of Preventing Covid 19 appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

Prudential has today announced a cash pay-out to its customers, should they unfortunately be diagnosed with Covid-19. This pay-out is intended to help their family manage expenses while they are in recovery. In addition, if a customer is admitted to a hospital with Covid-19, Prudential will provide a daily allowance at no extra cost to the client.

“Covid -19 is impacting everyone and all aspects of our lives. In times of uncertainty, it is important that an insurer deliver on its promises. For nearly two centuries, Prudential has been standing up for clients and communities in good times and bad, and we stand with Uganda in this challenging time”, said Arjun Mallik, Managing Director, Prudential East Africa.

“The Covid 19 cover is applicable to all Prudential clients with a Pru Edusave or Prudential medical card, with in-force policies (up to date premiums). New clients who join within the next 45 days, will also be covered under this scheme. Tests need to be conducted from ‘Ministry of Health’ approved testing centres’’ Arjun added.

Al-hajji Kaddunabi Lubega, CEO, Insurance Regulatory authority said “this is a true exhibition of the ability of life insurance to help protect Ugandans in uncertain times and, as a regulator of the insurance sector, I commend Prudential Uganda for continuing to cover their clients during this pandemic and providing an extra service to Ugandans at no extra cost.”

Effective immediately, Prudential Uganda is

• Providing customers, staff and agents with a range of additional COVID-19 insurance cover at no cost
• Waiving ‘pandemic’ exclusions written into policy language
• Simplifying claims procedures and enabling claims to be made via WhatsApp
• Setting up dedicated claims teams that function even if the physical offices are shut
• Enabling customers to buy insurance without need to meet face to face with an agent

We shall continue to honour all claims swiftly as we have for nearly two centuries, including during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 which affected a quarter of the world’s population at the time.

The post Prudential to cover Covid 19 expenses for its customers appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

It is very important to stay home in this difficult time of the Coronavirus pandemic, but it is also important to stay entertained. Music from your favourite musicians is one way to get this entertainment.

Musicians Hatim real names Ken Seruwagi and Dokey real names Nkwanga Geoffrey have released a brand new video for their song Zavugidewa to keep fans entertained even as they stay safe at home.

Zavugiddewa is a Luganda slang to mean where is the party at. This is a party anthem that calls on fans to enjoy life. The song was written by Hatim & Dokey and produced by Zuli Tums Master Beats.

Watch the video here.

The post BRAND NEW: Hatim and Dokey release Zavugidewa video appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

• MTN Uganda has launched a MoMoPay Red Cross Merchant Account for customers to donate money towards efforts to combat the spread of the coronavirus in the country, and support those most affected by the pandemic.

Customers’ dial *165*3*191919# and donate any amount of their choice. 

Other interventions include;

• MTN Uganda has provisioned a Toll-Free number 919 for the public to call Ministry of Health teams and get assistance related to covid19. This is in addition to the existing 0800203033 and 0800100066 toll free lines, that the public is calling to get help.

• MTN Uganda has zero-rated several learners’ websites to complement efforts to educate and keep children engaged during the quarantine period. This means MTN data customers don’t need MBs to access the sites available at www.mtn.co.ug/learnathome

• For 30-days, customers can send any amount of Mobile Money every day to other MTN MoMo customers free of charge.   

• The offers come alongside a day-time data bundle that is enabling Ugandans stay on-line and work from home. Customers get 1GB of data at just Ushs 2,000 valid between 9am and 5pm.

• These propositions are designed to reduce the risk of transmission of covid19, by avoiding the physical exchange of currency notes. 

• MTN is also supporting government’s sensitization drive by availing UGX 500 million. Ushs 297 million of that money has been disbursed to the Uganda Red Cross, to support with community sensitization and surveillance, ambulance services, psychological support, case tracing and handling referrals among other interventions.

• To facilitate the flow of information, MTN Uganda has zero rated Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO) websites, so the public can access information about the virus at no charge. They include; www.who.int , www.health.go.ug and www.covid19.gou.go.ug

MTN Uganda has today launched a MoMoPay Merchant Code 191919 through which customers can donate funds to support the relief effort, especially for those most affected by the economic and social devastation brought on by coronavirus. MTN customers need to dial *165*3# then enter the code 191919 and donate any amount of money they wish to.

Proceeds from this intervention are meant to help fund efforts of the Uganda Red Cross as it works to help combat further spread of the virus and support those who are finding it hard to fend for themselves.

Speaking at a news conference hosted on www.facebook.com/mtnug, MTN Uganda CEO – Wim Vanhelleputte, reiterated the company’s commitment to stand together with Ugandans by doing everything it can to reduce the impact that covid19 is having on their lives.  He committed that, “MTN Uganda will continue to look at ways of supporting our communities and government, to ensure that together, we do everything feasible to get through this difficult time.” 

Speaking at the news conference, Uganda Red Cross Society Secretary General, Mr. Robert Kwesiga appreciated MTN’s gesture and reiterated the society’s commitment to alleviate the human suffering that is increasingly being experienced by communities especially the most vulnerable people in society.

Recently MTN Uganda scrapped all charges to send any amount of money using MTN Mobile Money, in a move to minimize the physical exchange of paper money.

The offer is meant to reduce the risk of transmission of covid-19 that has paralysed daily life across the world.

Alongside this offer, the company also launched a data bundle that is enabling customers to work from home. Dubbed ‘Work from home’, the data bundle is meant to promote the concept of ‘social distancing’ while reducing the anticipated negative impact that limited movement and contact between people, may have on both the economic and social fabric of our society.

The ‘work from home’ data bundle can be accessed through Mobile Money by dialing *165*19# or through the MyMTN app. 

“MTN is committed to continue working with the government, and other partners to reduce the impact and disruption that this pandemic is having on the lives of Ugandans. Working closely with the Ministry of Health, MTN Uganda has committed its media assets including radio, SMS, social media, call centre and continues to implement various precautionary measures to drive awareness among the public to protect themselves,” Wim further commented.

MTN Uganda also made Ushs 500 million available, to facilitate efforts to prevent, manage and curb the spread of covid 19 in Uganda. Ushs 297 million of that money has already been disbursed to the Uganda Red Cross, who are using the funds for their execution plan that includes community sensitization and surveillance, ambulance services, psychological support, case tracing and handling referrals among other interventions.

It’s also now free to check for covid 19 updates at www.who.int , www.health.go.ug and www.covid19.gou.go.ug. Customers will not be charged for browsing these sites.

The post MTN customers can now donate to Uganda Red Cross, and support covid19 relief efforts. appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

Peter Rhymer a Ugandan British Afro Hip-Hop Artist, Comedian and Music Events Host has released a new song called Unity.

The winner of Best Hip Hip Artist 2018 and 2019, back to back at the It’s Gorgeous Musique Awards in America, sings about working together and thrive. He adds that unity is the key to success and that is why he feels blessed.

Listen to the song here.

Peter Rhymer was mainly just a Hip Hop Artist, but as he’s getting more in touch with his African / Ugandan roots, he now sees himself more as an Afro Hip-Hop Artist now.

Singles such as Chakula Dance and Unity were both produced by a Ugandan producer and music videos filmed in Uganda, this is very important to Peter Rhymer as it shows his true identity through his music.

His music ranges from personal subjects to universal subjects, all having a positive, some times funny/comical side and feel-good vibe at all times. His music is mainly in English but at times he using elements of Luganda to show his African / Ugandan side with his so proud of.

Keep up to date with what Peter Rhymer is up to via his social media sites below.

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Coping with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak. 1. Do not use smoking, alcohol & other drugs to deal 2. Get the facts. Gather helpful information. 3. Talk to people you can trust 4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

The post NEW MUSIC: Peter Rhymer releases Unity appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

Two weeks after President Museveni ordered the shutting of schools due to the deadly novel coronavirus, some parents are yet to find their footing as far as keeping their children productively engaged at home is concerned.

The school term had barely started when bang!! COVID 19 strikes and children had to go back home. But in this era of online studying, education doesn’t have to stop because schools are closed. With affordable and reliable internet, children can still go on with their studies at home. 

And so online learning which has been around for long and yet has hitherto been taken for granted now becomes the go to place. As such, many parents are seeking out affordable online resources, apps and games to keep their kids’ minds engaged at home.

And there are very many of these if one dared to search. However, if you are an MTN data customer, your child can access select educational websites for free.

Like with many other areas, some organizations chose to use their resources to help out the distressed citizens during this difficult period, and we must commend such organizations for looking out for the people.

MTN Uganda, one of these organizations chose to zero-rate several learners’ websites to complement efforts to educate and keep children engaged during the quarantine period. This means MTN data customers don’t need MBs to access the sites. It’s absolutely free. 

By offering free access to select educational websites to enable parents to home school their children, MTN believes that Ugandans will be able to stay safe at home and learn while at it.

Richard Musoke, a father of three school going children notes that this move by MTN is most likely one of the best steps taken by company in the battle to fight corona virus, its sincere and its useful for concerned parents with school-going children.

Amidst the uncertainties of the ongoing pandemic, Musoke’s biggest concern was keeping his children constructively engaged and happy. 

“When a colleague forwarded me that banner with free educational sites on MTN’s website, I thought it was a joke but I tried it out and here we are!” says Musoke whose children are active user of the sites.

“MTN’s waiver on data of some of these interesting kids Educational websites really helps me a lot to keep my kids engaged, happy yet up to date on their school curriculum without me having to worry about my wallet,” Musoke says.

Dr. Simon Epetait a resident of Luzira is another parent that was lucky to learn about the sites and has not stopped telling his friends about them. 

“Ordinarily I would have sent them for coaching. I had never considered these online resources. But I am glad that I have now gotten to learn a new way of doing things. These are resources I will continue using even after this period. My advice to parents is to get hold of these resources when they are still zero rated. I also call on other organizations to help make this kind of education more affordable,” Epetait said. 

Whether you’re seeking to support your child’s pre-existing schoolwork or want to simply get creative and learn new, exciting things, there is something for children of all ages on the sites.

Here is a list of zero-rated educational websites that you can use to learn from home or access for your kids to keep tabs on their education. The sites are available at https://www.mtn.co.ug/learnathome/

www.classroommagazines.scholastic.com

www.allinonehomeschool.com

www.starfall.com

www.abcya.com

www.funbrain.com

www.splashlearn.com

www.storylineonline.net

www.pbskids.org

www.highlightkids.com

www.coolmath4kids.com

www.mathgametime.com

www.uniteforliteracy.com

www.literactive.com

www.sciencekids.co.nz

www.switchzoo.com

www.turtlediary.com

www.e-learningforkids.org

The post Online learning is the way to go as COVID 19 forces children to stay Home. appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

Many have called out the statistics, of how Uganda has more Ministers than ICU beds or how we have just one ICU bed per million Ugandans. The main component of the ICU bed is the ventilator and the dialysis. For the case of COVID-19, it’s the ventilator. It would seem like apocalypse if Uganda is hit to the scale of Italy.

Yet, from what we have seen in Italy, ventilators cannot be counted on as the solution. Patients are taking longer on ventilators which makes it impossible to accommodate new patients.

What then is the new breakthrough? Wenzhong Liu in his new research paper seems to present some quantum leap in the handling of COVID-19.

Although COVID-19 has been classified as a respiratory infection, we seem to have skipped out something about the virus. It is the fact that the virus attacks the red blood cells and makes them unable to carry oxygen to one’s tissues/organs and likewise carry carbon dioxide out of these organs. By its nature, the virus is made up of proteins.

These proteins are knocking iron ions out of the heme groups (HBB) that make up the red blood cells. The virus replaces each of these ions with one its proteins. Without the iron ions, it renders the red blood cells unable to carry oxygen and carbondioxide.

As Yishan explains; “The inflammation in the lungs results from the lungs not being able to perform the oxygen/CO2 exchange, and would therefore appear to be a SECONDARY result of the hijacking of the blood. The lungs not working is a result of lack of O2 in blood, not the cause of it.”

Yishan continues that; “The paper models the behavior of chloroquine and faviparavir as well, which appear to bind to the non-structural viral proteins that hijack the heme groups, thus inhibiting them from knocking out the iron and wrecking the O2-carrying ability of the red blood cells. This also explains the observation made by various ER docs (incl this one in New Orleans) that patients tend to have elevated ferritin: ferritin is used to store excess iron. If a lot of iron is knocked out of heme groups and floating around, the body produces more ferritin.”

So what does Yishan make out of Liu’s computer model that could prove useful to Uganda in the coming days;

1. Starting drug treatment while symptoms are mild keeps virus from hijacking too much blood, enabling a still-healthy body to mount an immune response. Explains why early drug treatment (first week of symptoms) is often successful. For Uganda, new cases should be started on treatment as early as possible. “The paper models the behavior of chloroquine and faviparavir as well, which appear to bind to the non-structural viral proteins that hijack the heme groups, thus inhibiting them from knocking out the iron and wrecking the O2-carrying ability of the red blood cells.”

2. Drug treatment and intubation once patient is critical will rarely work because tissues/organs are already damaged, blood can’t carry O2, and the body is too weak to produce new red blood cells able to carry Fe (and thus oxygen/CO2) even if drugs inhibit more hijacking. Uganda’s bet cannot be on ventilators and ICU capacity.

3. Thus: start severe patients on drug treatment upon hospital intake to suppress further hijacking of blood by the virus, then give them a blood transfusion of new red blood cells immediately that are unhijacked. If all this is true, we would see rapid patient improvement.

4. Virus is disrupting the hemoglobin’s oxygen capacity. It is attacking our BLOOD first, not the lungs. It is NOT a respiratory ailment (primarily), lung breakdown symptoms are a consequence of the attack on blood hemoglobins. Hypoxia is happening BEFORE lungs are affected.

The post OPINION: What are the Treatment Options for COVID-19 in Uganda? appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

City tycoon SK Mbuga has today donated food to save fellow Ugandans who are most affected by the recent shutdown due to Covid-19.

The tycoon donated 40K kilograms of maize flour to government that has now been dispatched off to help the most affected people across the country.

Mbuga handed over the maize flour today to the National task force. Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda later flagged off the food distribution exercise.

The tycoon now plans to send Mobile Money to poor families on top of the free meals that they will be getting.

Thank you for the kind heart Mbuga.

Healthcare workers 👩🏿‍⚕👨🏿‍⚕can stay healthy & protect themselves from #COVID19 by washing their hands regularly. Especially before & after engaging with patients. A message from WHO.

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By Staff Writer

On 9th June 2020 aka Heroes Day, Uganda will reward one man that holds a special place in the lives of many people.

That man is none other than Timo of Ntinda Rolex. If you have lived a life worth a tale, then you should be familiar with the Rolex guy at the Naalya-Kiwatule stage in Ntinda next to Stanbic bank.

And I repeat, if your life has not been merely about waking up, force-feeding, going to work, and returning home in the evening, then you must agree that Timo should be one of the award recipients on this year’s heroes day.

If not for Timo, many would have been declared dead because of starvation. Yet, he made it a point to feed the lost and hungry of Kisasi, Kiwatule, Naalya, Namugongo, Ntinda, name them all. It is here that you will meet all Uganda’s celebs from their night travels. Here you will meet Uganda’s music Artistes, the socialites, the slayqueens, all United by one thing, Timo’s Rolex.

And if you do not know Timo then you have lived a half-baked life. I am not sure you’re even alive.

So allow me on behalf of everyone to say; “thank you Timo…” It is people like you that keep the magic within Uganda… You move the wheels of our nightlife…

You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you:

Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub

Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze

Avoid close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell

Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell

The post Meet Timo, The Famous Ntinda Rolex Guy appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

The world of sport has ground to a halt during this pandemic. That’s one of the biggest global changes to occur, and it’s affecting countless lives, particularly those of the competitors themselves. Very few sports are still continuing at present, and on top of this, there is currently no sign of when it’s likely to start up again. To help you get a clear fix on how things are taking shape, we’re going to investigate the condition of sporting events in a few countries within Africa. 

Kenya

Kenya has taken drastic measures to help limit the spread of coronavirus as much as possible. One of the preventative measures taken was to close down all sports within the country. This has impacted some of the best betting sites in Kenya, as the number of sporting events has dropped significantly. 

While this will obviously reduce the amount of tax revenue the country has access to, and cause other economic hardship, the government obviously sees the health of its people as the more pressing issue at this time. 

In fact, the Kenyan government has taken the drastic steps of not just banning sporting events but banning all outgoing trips for athletes. Any competition that was due to take place outside of the country in the near future has either been cancelled or postponed. 

The original ban was intended to run until the end of March, but at the time of writing, there is no news as to when the ban will be lifted and when sports can start to take place again. 

Uganda

Uganda is another country taking the threat of coronavirus seriously. At the end of March, it was announced that the whole country would be placed on lockdown for two weeks. This rule was obviously put in place for the good of the general population, but it extends to sporting events as well. 

At the moment, people can’t leave the house unless they have explicit permission from a high-ranking government official. People who run vital stores, such as market traders who sell food, have been told that they are unable to return to their houses and must set up camp near to their stalls. Even pregnant women must get permission before they are allowed to enter a medical facility to give birth.

As a result of this drastic upheaval, sporting events have also been cancelled. Athletes are not exempt from the rulings and they too must stay in the house. Yoweri Museveni’s measure is extreme and ruthless, but with confirmed cases continuing to rise, it has been implemented to try and keep people as safe as possible. 

The lockdown is in place for two weeks initially, but there is no guarantee that things will go back to normal at the end of it. In fact, sporting events might still remain cancelled if the government decides that large gatherings of people should be avoided.

Burundi

Even though the vast majority of African countries are enforcing some type of lockdown and, at the very least, cancelling sporting events, Burundi hasn’t followed suit. 

Part of the reason for this is that Burundi still hasn’t had a confirmed case of coronavirus yet. Although it might appear that the small nation isn’t taking the threat seriously, it’s actually been quite forward-thinking in its attempts to avoid contamination. 

Burundi has halted the flow of people into the country since the news of the virus broke. It didn’t call up any players for its AFCON qualifier in March and asked the CAF to consider cancelling the qualifiers before any other nation did. 

The thinking behind the refusal to call up Europe-based players was due to a 14-day quarantine that all visitors from Europe to Burundi were required to undergo. On top of this, Burundi has also limited incoming air traffic just to cargo planes. 

It’s unlikely that Burundi will cancel any events that include large gatherings until there is a confirmed case. While the approach of the Burundi government has been different to that in many other countries, it would be unfair to say it’s not taking the pandemic seriously, as the quarantine rules now in place prove. 

This pandemic is clearly changing the world in different, and sometimes unnerving, ways. People may find dealing with lockdown a little more difficult without access to the sports they love for entertainment and a crucial distraction. Hopefully, the pandemic will be brought under control soon and things will return to a condition we all prefer. That includes the return of sporting events that fans enjoy so much. 

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• This initiative is part of efforts to promote handwashing as one of several precautions in the fight against covid-19

By Staff Writer

National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) and MTN Uganda have joined hands to provide 23 bulk water points as part of an initiative by NWSC and partnering companies to install a total of 100 water points aimed at supplying water to water stressed areas of Kampala during the Coronavirus (COV19) outbreak.

The areas to benefit from the water points include those areas at the periphery of the water supply network which currently receive intermittent supply or no water at all. Each of the 100 water points will be installed with a 10,000 liter capacity water tank that will supply water at the official NWSC public tap tariff of UGx 25shs per 20 liter jerry can.

Whereas Kampala Water is currently able to produce 240 million liters of water per day, peak demand is 300 million liters per day. To bridge this shortfall, NWSC is currently undertaking the construction of a 240 million liter per day capacity water treatment plant in Katosi to the East of Kampala. The first phase to be completed in January 2021 will deliver 160 million liters of water per day to the greater Kampala supply network.

The partnership with MTN will provide short term relief to NWSC customers in water stressed areas as NWSC undertakes the completion of the Katosi Water Treatment Plant. MTN has provided UGX 220 million towards the partnership. Under the partnership, the NWSC will install 23 bulk water points and purchase a water bowser that will be used to ensure regular supply of water to these water points.

This initiative has received support from other corporate companies under the CEO forum with Roofings Uganda Ltd contributing UGx 100M towards the same cause. Over 30,000 households will benefit from this joint water supply intervention. The areas to benefit include Kyengera (Nagalabi-Kisozi), Wakiso-Kikoro, Mukono-Kasenge, Seeta (Kagala-Bukelele), Kyaliwajjala, Kijabijo, Kiteezi, Kiryagonja (Bulindo-Kira-Nsasa-Kilyamuli), Matugga-Buwuzume, Bulenga-Ganda-Bulenga, Kyebando Central, Gayaza, Nateete, Upper Nalumunye, Nansana, Kireka-Kamuli, Wakiso-Ssenge, Nansana-Gganda, Namagoma, Mukono-Nakapinyi, Ndejje-Ggangu, Najjanankumbi-Kitiko among other areas

We are grateful for this partnership with MTN Uganda and Roofings Uganda during this COVID-19 outbreak where water is a critical input in the prevention of infection and spread of the virus. NWSC is committed to provide water for all during this sensitive period

Commenting on this initiative, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer – Wim Vanhelleputte, said that this partnership alongside several others implemented in the effort to fight covid-19, are a demonstration of the brand’s commitment to support Ugandan’s in our hour of need. “MTN believes that the resilience of communities is strongest when people work together. That is why MTN, working through institutions like NWSC, is supporting the delivery of much needed water to underserved areas in the fight to avert a covid-19 pandemic in the country.”

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With heightened scrutiny on the potential of private message apps to spread misinformation related to the coronavirus pandemic, WhatsApp on Tuesday said it would place new limits on the forwarding of messages. Starting today, messages that have been identified as “highly forwarded” — sent through a chain of five or more people — can only be forwarded to a single person. The move is designed to reduce the speed with which information moves through WhatsApp, putting truth and fiction on a more even footing.

“We know many users forward helpful information, as well as funny videos, memes, and reflections or prayers they find meaningful. In recent weeks, people have also used WhatsApp to organize public moments of support for frontline health workers,” the company, which is part of Facebook, said in a blog post. “However, we’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation. We believe it’s important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation.”

For much of WhatsApp’s existence, it was easy for users to forward a single message to as many as 256 people with just a few taps. Initially, these messages were not labeled as forwards, and the end-to-end encryption in WhatsApp could make it almost impossible for authorities to determine who might be using the app to spread hate speech or calls to violence. This triggered a crisis in India, where WhatsApp was linked to mob violence.

In 2018, WhatsApp began experimenting with limits on the number of times a message could be forwarded. It also began labeling forwarded messages for the first time, and adding two arrows to show that a message has been repeatedly forwarded. Last year, the company began limiting the number of people you can forward a single message to to five.

It’s a soft limit: nothing prevents you from forwarding the same message over and over again to different people. But introducing more friction helped to slow the rate of forwarding overall — in the past year, WhatsApp says, forwards are down 25 percent around the world.

But amid a huge surge in use related to the pandemic, WhatsApp has come under the spotlight for the way it can be used to spread misinformation. Last month, CNN and other news organizations found that the app had been used to share a variety of false information about “cures” for COVID-19 and hoaxes about military activity related to the disease. The prime minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, urged people to “please stop sharing unverified info on Whatsapp groups.”

In response, WhatsApp promoted a bot made by the World Health Organization that provides information about the disease that has been vetted by healthcare professionals. The app has been used by more than 10 million people. WhatsApp also donated $1 million to the International Fact-Checking Network.

TheVerge

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By Staff Writer

• Customers pay only 100/- to make calls between 10pm-8am in the morning
• They can subscribe by dialing *160*19# or my MTN App
• Customers can subscribe for MTN Kafyu Calls using airtime or MoMo
• The MTN Kafyu Calls offer is between MTN to MTN subscribers

MTN Uganda has today announced an exciting promotional offer that will enable customers to make calls and stay in touch with friends and family between 10pm and 8am in the morning for only UGX100.

The offer is dubbed “Kafyu Calls” following the curfew conditions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Whereas Ugandans are being encouraged to keep a distance between themselves, MTN Uganda’s 12 million subscribers now have this affordable offer that enables them to stay in touch with each other.

By enabling individuals to stay in touch remotely, this offer by MTN Uganda further promotes the social distancing directive, a measure encouraged by the Ministry of health as one of the many ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus Covid19.

Commenting on the offer, Wim Vanhelleputte, MTN’s Chief Executive Officer said that, “In these unprecedented times of hardship we have a responsibility to stand with the people of Uganda and make it as affordable as possible for them to stay connected with their dear ones, many of whom are today distanced from each other with no other way to connect but through their mobile phones. Whether it is to check on your parents upcountry or to call for emergency help at night, the MTN Kafyu call bundle makes it much more affordable to keep talking.”

MTN customers can activate their Kafyu calls using airtime or mobile money by either dialing *160*19# or through their My MTN App. These calls can be made between MTN to MTN customers.

From sending any amount of money for free, to the affordable work from home data bundles and now the Kafyu calls, MTN is committed to making it easier and more affordable for its customers to stay in touch during these hard times.

As part of the country’s continued efforts to fight the virus, MTN through the MTN Foundation donated 297m to the Uganda Red Cross society for its relief efforts to the people of Uganda who are affected by the pandemic. Furthermore, MTN established a MoMoPay account where customers can donate money to the relief effort. Customers who wish to donate, can dial *165*3*191919# and contribute any amount of money directly to the Uganda Red Cross.

Additionally, MTN supported National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) with 220m/- to provide 23 bulk water points as part of an initiative by NWSC to install a total of 100 water points aimed at supplying water to water stressed areas of Kampala.

MTN also made it free for customers who want to check for covid19 updates at www.who.int , www.health.go.ug  and www.covid19.gou.go.ug. Customers will not be charged for browsing these sites. MTN also zero-rated several education websites so that kids continue learning as much as possible while at home. The free websites can be seen at www.mtn.co.ug/LearnAtHome  

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According to Ministry of Health, today, Saturday, April 11, 2020, three people who have been completely healed of the Covid-19 disease in Uganda and will be discharged to return home.

We thank God for this first victory in the national response against the Coronavirus pandemic. It’s indeed a great milestone and a welcome Easter present for all Ugandans who have braved the inconveniences that come with fighting this enemy and stayed home in the past two weeks as the country observes guidelines enumerated by President Yoweri Museveni and the Ministry of Health which are highly important and necessary to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus.

We also congratulate the country for temporarily flattening the infections curve as all 439 samples tested on Good Friday returned negative — for the second day running! Our cases remain at 53 for Easter, and with continued discipline required of everybody, we should hope for the best.

Although we are yet to hit the epidemiological flat curve, this milestone in Uganda happening at a time when the global case and death rates are still growing on average by 2.68% and 6%-10% respectively, is surely a success worth celebrating!

We, the Online Media Publishers Association of Uganda (OMPA) exceedingly commend all our healthcare workers, the leadership of our Ministry of Health under Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and colleagues and the technical wing under Dr. Diana Atwiine and colleagues.

Special mention also goes to the staff of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) who have done a commendable job in testing.

We also higly commend the political leadership of the country under President Yoweri Museveni and the national taskforce headed by Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda for being focused on the fight against the pandemic.

This concerted and commendable leadership and effort has given the country ability to identify, isolate and test suspected cases on an average of 11% daily. To date, 4,301 cases have been tested.

We also commend the leadership of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance under Hon. Judith Nabakooba and colleagues and the technical wing headed by Hon. Vincent Waiswa Bagiire for harnessing the media effort towards the national educative responses to the pandemic, which efforts have been key in ensuring that the public gets to grip with the threat that the spread of Coronavirus poses.

We therefore would also like to thank all our media colleagues who, daily dedicate time, resources and valuable media space to keep the masses educated.

And, to all the individuals and organisations that have contributed materially and financially to both controlling the disease and easing the pain of the knock-on effects of the disease, Uganda is eternally grateful!

We salute all the people of Uganda- for heeding to the government’s advice to #StayHome and #StaySafe.

We ask you to continue heeding the guidelines of government as informed by the Ministry of Health, until the country overpowers the threat caused by the Coronavirus.

We at OMPA, pledge to continue dedicating time and resources to educate the Ugandan masses — over 50% of whom rely on the internet for timely and updated news, by creating timely, accurate and truthful news and functional information.

#StayHome and #StaySafe!

Happy Easter to you all

The Online Media Publishers Association- Uganda (OMPA-U) brings together owners and journalists working in Uganda for 24 of Uganda’s leading online media houses.

The post UGANDANS: Let’s be our brother/sister’s keeper!  Stay Home, Stay Safe this Easter appeared first on BigEye.UG.

By Staff Writer

With many Ugandan men demanding for perfect girls, Ugandan girls have found a perfect solution in cosmetic surgery.

According to the girls we spoke to; “we found quicker and better ways to lose weight while making the best use of it.”

In one of the liposuctions surgeries, the fat on a girl’s belly is removed and transferred to her booty. Some girls have also done surgery to give them waists like those of the wasp girl in Utawezana challenge.

Asked where this happens in Kampala, we were informed that most surgeons in Kampala can carry out cosmetic surgery.

“My only complaint is that the surgeon I used did not balance the two bums, she made the left a bit bigger. But still I don’t regret, men are going crazy for me. Can you imagine, I am now charging guys to hang out with me or pose as their girlfriend,” Mariah narrated.

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