Showbizuganda

Tag: Vision Group

  • dfcu Bank, Vision Group, KLM, Koudjis & Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands unveil Best Farmers Competition New Participation Categories

    dfcu Bank, Vision Group, KLM, Koudjis & Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands unveil Best Farmers Competition New Participation Categories

    Zirobwe: dfcu Bank in partnership with Vision Group, KLM, Embassy of Netherlands in Uganda, and Koudjis has today launched the 11th edition of the Best Farmers Competition at Prime Agro Farm in Zirobwe, Luweero District under the theme Value Addition with Focus on Large Scale Farmers and Cooperatives.

    The competition was officially unveiled at during an event at Prime Agro Farm Ltd., located in Zirobwe. The farm is owned by Sebastian Ruta Ngabwa, the winner of the 2023 edition of the Best Farmers Competition.

    Over the years, the competition has significantly contributed to increased agricultural production on farms countrywide. This year, the focus shifts towards value addition, with an emphasis on enhancing the quality and marketability of farm outputs.

    All the winners from the various sub-regions will be required to showcase how they add value to their products, demonstrating innovations in processing, packaging, or branding. Through this approach, the competition aims to promote proper post-harvest handling practices and ensure that farmers maximize returns from their produce.

    Speaking during the launch, Mathias Jumba, Head of Integrated Channels at dfcu, said, The Best Farmers Competition celebrates Uganda’s most impactful farmers, and in doing so, inspires many more to turn agriculture from mere survival to sustainable prosperity. For over 60 years, dfcu has been a steadfast partner to Uganda’s farmers and agribusinesses. Our focus was, and remains: to bridge the financing gap, support value chains, and uplift both large-scale agribusinesses and smallholder farmers across all regions of this country, he said.

    He added, “Through innovations such as agricultural loans and asset financing, the bank has provided not only capital but also a strong foundation for growth and expansion to thousands of farmers. As a result, farmers now have better access to markets, infrastructure, and expertise, enabling them to scale their operations and achieve their dreams.

    Alex Madolo, Sector Head, Agriculture at dfcu Bank noted, We are privileged to witness the transformation of farmers’ lives and livelihoods through access to finance and training. At dfcu Bank, we see ourselves not just as a financial services provider, but as a committed partner in the growth and success of businesses across Uganda.”

    He also applauded the sponsoring partners of the initiative, who have been a part of its 11-year journey. “Vision Group, the Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM, Koudijs have remained committed to this vision of Transforming the lives of agriculture practitioners, their families, communities and businesses.

    For 2025, new competition categories including, Large-Scale Farmers, Small and Medium-Scale Farmers and Farmer Cooperatives have been added to the initiative.

    Through its agricultural sector support arm, the dfcu Foundation, dfcu Bank has made significant contributions to the development of the agricultural sector in Uganda. Strides in transforming Uganda’s agribusiness.

    As of December 31st, 2024, the Centre recorded remarkable achievements in empowering agribusiness enterprises and farmers across the country.
    Key achievements include:
    Support to 1,281 agribusiness enterprises through a combination of debt financing and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
    Acceleration support for 490 enterprises, enabling them to scale and sustain growth through tailored mentorship and business development interventions.
    A 52% women inclusion rate achieved since 2018, underscoring the Foundations commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in agribusiness.

    A total outreach of 59,000 beneficiaries, demonstrating a far-reaching impact on the sector through training, advisory services, and financial inclusion.
    Facilitation of over $22 million in business linkages, fostering stronger market access, trade opportunities, and commercial partnerships.
    Connection of over 5,000 enterprises to financial services, including access to credit and banking solutions, helping drive growth and resilience among agribusinesses.

  • dfcu Bank joins Vision Group and other partners to launch 2023 edition of the Best Farmers Awards

    dfcu Bank joins Vision Group and other partners to launch 2023 edition of the Best Farmers Awards

    Competition now opens to all farmers in Uganda

    Winners to receive cash prizes and a fully paid learning trip to The Netherlands

    Bwerenga, Entebbe: dfcu Bank in partnership with Vision Group, The Netherlands Embassy in Uganda, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Koudijs B.V Nutrition have launched the 2023 edition of the Best Farmers Awards, under the theme “Farming as a Business.”

    The launch of the Awards took place at One Acre Unlimited Farm located in Bwerenga, a farm owned by Ssalongo Washington Mugerwa and Betty Kasabiti Mbazira.

    Mbazira was the overall winner of the 2018 Best Farmers Awards.Welcoming guests and members of the media to the farm, Mugerwa, applauded the Best Farmers’ sponsors and shared the impact of the initiative on their lives.

    “Courtesy of the knowledge and farming skills my wife got from the learning trip that the winners of the Best Farmers Awards took to The Netherlands, we have opened up an agricultural school where we mentor and train the younger generation about modern farming,” he said.

    Jude Kansiime, Head of Marketing at dfcu Bank, emphasized the Bank’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in Uganda, based on its importance to the country’s economic development.

    Kansiime also expressed optimism about the potential for growth in the sector, “…with the right investments in technology, research, and infrastructure.”

    “The Best Farmers’ Awards recognize and promote excellence in farming practices; showcasing best practices, innovations, and technologies in agriculture to encourage more farmers to adopt these practices. As a financial institution that is an enabler of socioeconomic development, dfcu Bank has designed a range of financial products and services specifically for farmers to help them grow their businesses and increase their productivity,” he added.

    “On behalf of dfcu Bank, we are honored to be part of yet another edition of the Best Farmers Awards, and we wish all of this year’s participants the best of luck,” Kansiime concluded.

    Don Wanyama, the CEO of Vision Group, spoke about the success of the Best Farmers competition, with over 90 farmers from across the country having been awarded so far. He thanked the partners for their support and emphasized the transformative impact of the competition on the farmers who have travelled to The Netherlands to learn and consequently, apply the learning to their own farming projects when they come back home.

    dfcu Bank’s Head of Marketing, Jude Kansiime signs the partners’ placard during the launch of The 2023 Best Farmers Awards at One Acre Unlimited Farm located in Bwerenga

    “Besides providing travelling, learning and recognition, this competition also comes with a cash prize for the winners. We have so far given out Shs. 1.2 billion as a financial reward to the farmers, largely to help them acquire equipment and technology to be able to improve their farming practices,” he said.

    Concluding his remarks, he noted that The Best Farmers 2023 Edition is open to all farmers, with a transparent judging process. The top participants will win cash prizes and a fully paid learning trip to The Netherlands.

    The launch event ended with an exciting tour of the One Acre Unlimited farm, where the event attendees learnt more about commercial piggery farming.

  • Vision Group announces UGX396.5 million half-year profit comeback, on the back of 52.5% growth in turnover

    Vision Group announces UGX396.5 million half-year profit comeback, on the back of 52.5% growth in turnover

    More importantly, the fundamentals underlying the modest profit, signal the start of the business’ journey to recovery from the pandemic impact that hit circulation, advertising and commercial printing earnings.

    Kampala: Vision Group, Uganda’s largest media conglomerate, announced on Tuesday, that it had made UGX396.5 million in half-year profits, for the 6 months to December 2021.

    This is a 129% recovery from a loss of UGX1.37 billion registered in the same period in 2020.Although modest, the profit and the fundamentals underlying it, signal the business’ recovery from the pandemic which hit circulation and advertising earnings.

    The results are also Don Wanyama’s first half-year results as Chief Executive Officer, since his appointment in April 2021 as the Group’s head.In the public announcement by the Group, it was reported that overall turnover grew by 52.5% from UGX40 billion to UGX61.1 billion, backed by a bounceback in the publishing business as well as 9.81% growth in advertising revenue.

    The Group said that its publishing business had been boosted by a large publishing and distribution order from the Ministry of Education for Home Schooling and Upper Primary textbooks.

    Television advertising, radio advertising also made a good double-digit comeback, growing 14.93% and 12.58% respectively.

    However, print advertising revenue which is the cash-cow, remained depressed, growing by just 1% from the same period last year.Commercial printing revenue fell 9.76% as more clients either cut down budgets or turned to digital publishing. Circulation revenue from selling newspapers, also declined by 12.27%.Vision Group, remains the market leader in the newspaper business.

    According to the Audit Bureau of Circulation’s April-June 2021 report, Bukedde continues to lead the print market with a total paid circulation of 29,782 copies followed by New Vision at 19,106 copies and Sunday Vision at 12,182 copies.

    The Group’s newspapers are the only paper that subscribes to the independent circulation monitoring agency following Nation Media Group’s pulling out of its Daily Monitor and Sunday Monitor titles.

    The Ipsos National Audience Measurement Survey (NAMS) estimated the readership market for newspapers at 1,630,000 readers. Out of these Bukedde held 60.62% while New Vision held 58.56% and Daily Monitor 31.77%. Red Pepper held 20.43% while Daily National had 11.34%.

    The company also reported that it had borrowed UGX 29.2 Billion from Stanbic Bank for a year term to facilitate the printing of educational materials and stabilise cash flows.

    A repayment of UGX 7.77 billion has been made leaving a balance of UGX 21.45 billion outstanding as of December 31, 2021.

    Vision Group resumes trading on the bourse

    Vision Group’s come-back to profitability- after a bruising 2021, should be greeted with optimism by shareholders, who will also be glad to learn that company shares have resumed trading on the bourse.

    Following the Uganda Securities Exchange’s lifting of the suspension in trading that was announced on 11th February 2022. Shares started trading on 22nd February 2022.

    In a notice to all stakeholders, the USE announced that: “Upon further inquiry into the trading activity on the counter between 1st January 2022 and 10th February 2022, it has been established that the price volatility on the counter was artificially created by a series of transactions emanating from a single seller and not a true and fair representation of market forces of demand and supply.”

    “Whereas the Exchange recognizes that some transactions may have an impact on shares prices; if they have been executed in accordance with the market rules and regulations, and where there is legitimate commercial rationale – such transactions meet the market standard of fair trading. The Exchange in consultation with the Capital Markets Authority- Uganda is pursuing the necessary action against those actors cited in the irregular trading activity.

    Trading participants are advised to notify their clients of the reinstatement of trading on the NVL (Vision Group) counter,” the USE’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Bwiso wrote on 22nd February 2022.

  • Don Wanyama speaks out on his new appointment, appreciates support from the public

    Don Wanyama speaks out on his new appointment, appreciates support from the public

    The incoming Vision Group CEO, Don Wanyama, has appreciated congratulatory messages from friends, family, strangers and the public over his new appointment.

    Don will end his State House tenure on 30th April to take over at Vision Group on 2nd May 2021.

    New CEO Vision Group, Don Wanyama

    Below is his full statement on the appointment;

    “Thanks to all you colleagues, friends, even “strangers” for the messages. I am totally humbled by the show of faith, solidarity and goodwill.

    I am still at my current station (State House) till April 30th when I will return to my first media home–the Vision Group. At that point, I will share my detailed views on what I consider the way forward, plus what we promise to you, our readers, viewers, listeners, advertisers, critics, and all stakeholders.

    For now though, allow me thank the Vision Group Board of Directors for the appointment and the outgoing CEO Robert Kabushenga for the meticulous job done in the past 15 years.

    Special gratitude to His Excellency President Museveni for according me the greatest honour of my life–serving him as his Senior Press Secretary for the past five years. To God, we give glory.

    Asante sana. Mwebale nyoo. Apwoyo matek. Mwanyala naabi. Mwebare munonga,” Don Wanyama posted.

  • NSSF 7 Hills Run 2020 edition to raise UGX 700 Million for public schools

    NSSF 7 Hills Run 2020 edition to raise UGX 700 Million for public schools

    The 5th Edition of the NSSF Kampala 7 Hills Hash Run scheduled for March 29, 2020 seeks to raise Ugx 700 Million to go towards renovating KCCA public schools.

    Announcing the Run at Mbuya Primary school, Richard Byarugaba, the NSSF Managing Director of NSSF told journalists that the Fund is responding to a challenge every year to contribute to the wellbeing of the underprivileged communities.

    “Most of the underprivileged children in Kampala attend these KCCA public schools so it is befitting that our intervention in Education goes towards improvement of learning conditions in these schools. There is no greater impact you can make on a child or community than through education,” he said.

    He also added that in addition to KCCA public schools, proceeds from the Run will also benefit 2 other schools in East and Northern Uganda.

    KCCA Executive Director Eng. Andrew Kitaka said that partnerships with institutions such as NSSF have gone along in supplementing Government efforts to improve learning conditions in schools.

    “When we started this partnership with NSSF, our target was to replace all asbestos roofs in Kampala public primary schools. We are glad that we are almost at the tail end of this endeavor. However, we also realise that some structures in a very bad shape. That is why we propose to use some of the proceeds to renovate such structures,” he said.

    The schools earmarked to benefit from the proceeds are Munyonyo Primary School, St Paul Nsambya in Kampala, and Adwari Primary School in Otuke District and Pioneer Primary School in Soroti.

    Byarugaba called upon individual runners to sign up in large numbers to participate in this run, not only because it is for a noble cause but also an exciting and challenging race that runners will enjoy.

    “We need to have over 5000 individual runners and participation from over 50 corporate companies if we are to realise our ambitious target this year. Corporate and group participation attracts very competitive packages while individual runners can register at only UGX 25,000,” he said.

    Individuals can pay using mobile money through a short code *217*277#.

    The NSSF Kampala Hash 7 Hills Run will commence at Pearl of Africa, Primary School in Nsambya. The routetraverses the original hills of Kampala namely, NsambyaNakasero, Kibuli, Old Kampala, Namirembe, Rubaga, and Lubiri and will cover a distance of 21km.

    6 schools have so far benefited from the past editions. These include Nakivubo Settlement, Makerere University and St. Ponsiano Kyamula. Works are also scheduled to begin at Mbuya Primary school, St. Paul Nsambya, and Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped.

    Some of the corporate companies that have signed up as partners for the run include; MultiChoice Uganda, Nation Media Group, Capital Markets Authority, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, Cementers, Galaxy FM, Simba FM, Saracen Security, Equity Bank, Umeme Limited, Kakira Sugar Limited, Vision Group.

  • Vision Group summoned over law suit over copyright infringement

    Vision Group summoned over law suit over copyright infringement

    Court has summoned New Vision Printing and Publishing Company Limited to file their defence in regard to a law suit filed by Daily Monitor photojournalist Alex Esagala, alleging copyright infringement.

    In the case, Esagala is claiming that Vision Group did not get the authority to publish one of his images in its Luganda paper the Bukedde.

    In a February 10 document, the Registrar at the Commercial Division of the High Court said that Esagala instituted a case against Vision Group.

    “You are hereby required to file a defence in the said suit within fifteen days from the date of service of summons on you in the manner prescribed under the Civil Procedure Rules. Should you fail to file a defence on or before the date mentioned, the plaintiff may proceed with the suit and judgment may be given in your absence,” reads the court document.

    In the lawsuit filed on, December 18, 2019,  seeks a total Shs400m in damages and compensation arising from the infringement of copyright being usage fees, damages from the date of publication of the photography until full settlement of the suit and costs.

    Esagala, through his lawyers of Kaggwa and Kaggwa Advocates, says on the November 25 2019, the Vision Group through its local dialect newspaper Bukedde published on page 18 the same photograph on almost half a page without accrediting or seeking the consent of the Plaintiff yet it was a special report on how to overcome strikes in universities.


    Through his lawyers, the popular photojournalist late last month asked the company to pay usage fees and damages of Shs400m a request Esagala says officials at Vision Group just ignored up to now.

    Lawyers say the defendant [Vision Group] with impunity neglected to acknowledge the works of the Plaintiff [Esagala] up to date while continuing to enjoy a benefit at the exploitation and detriment of the Plaintiff as the author of the photograph.

    Esagala contends that in the circumstances, the Vision Group is liable to pay the said sum of money and has no defence to the claim whatsoever either at law or at all.

    The photo that is a subject of this suit won the photo of the year at the Uganda Press Photo Awards in 2018, an event that was sponsored by the European Union, Canon, Democratic Governance Facility (DGF) and the United States Embassy in Uganda.

  • Songbird Rema Namakula announces 2020 Concert

    Songbird Rema Namakula announces 2020 Concert

    For Rema Namakula, 2019 was her year especially with her hit song ‘Gutujja’ that made rounds on Uganda’s music waves but most importantly in her personal life.

    However, the soulful singer, songwriter will be starting off her 2020 with a bang in a ‘Live in Concert’ show that is slated to take place on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14th at Hotel Africana.


    The announcement was made earlier today during a place conference organised by sponsors held at the New Vision offices.

    Speaking to the media during the press conference, Rema applauded her fans for their constant support throughout the years.


    “This concert is majorly for my fans, the fuel that has kept the music engine burning all these years. You guys have given me your everything by supporting me in all aspects of my life so this is going to be a thank you from me. Come expecting the best from me,” said Rema.

    “I also want to thank KT for believing in me since day one of my career thanks for your support just expect the best from me,” she added.

    Organised by KT events, the show will see Rema perform at various locations in the country with a live show at Collin Hotel in Mukono on February 15, Maria Flo in Masaka on February 16, and Agip Motel in Mbarara and Lyantonde on February 22 & 23 respectively. The last show will be at Freedom City on Women’s Day 8th March.

    “We as KT Events are more than proud to be working with Remah once again, our relationship is one that has surely come long way so we know and trust that we are going to deliver a phenomenon show,” said Edward Ssendi KT Events Representative.

    Rema is a singer / songwriter who began her singing career in her Senior Six Vacation doing karaoke. She later became a backup singer to legendary Ugandan artist Halima Namakula and Reggae star Bebe Cool. Rema saw her breakthrough in 2013 when she launched her solo album releasing her first single ‘Oliwange’ a song that jumpstarted her career in the music industry. At Africana, entrance fee is 100k.

    “Expect the best out of me, i am ready to deliver. It is the right time to show you how i have matured as an artist and a person. As i usual, i will do my best,” Rema said.

  • 25 companies register for NSSF Hash 7 Hills run

    25 companies register for NSSF Hash 7 Hills run

    Over 25 companies have so far signed up for the NSSF Kampala Hash run that is aimed at raising Shs 400 million for the renovations of selected public schools in Kampala.

    Ms Stella Ndiwalana, the CSR & Sponsorships manager Umeme hands over a shs 5 million cheque to Mr Patrick Ayota, the NSSF Deputy Managing Director

    The money collected will go towards helping Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) renovate schools under its care in Kampala. KCCA has 79 Government grant aided primary schools with a total enrolment of close to 70,000 with an allocation of about shs500m per year.

    L-R Mr Patrick Ayota, the NSSF Deputy Managing Director receives a Shs 5 million cheque from Mr Alex Makata, the General Manager Clarkson as contribution towards the NSSF Hash 7 Hills Run

    Due to the inadequate funding, most of the schools have dilapidated facilities and require refurbishment, amongst other challenges and as such require funding to be renovated and made habitable for students.

    Mr Patrick Ayota, the deputy managing Director NSSF speaking during a cheque handover ceremony held on Friday at Workers House, said, “In 2015, we established a partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to raise funds for refurbishment of public schools under KCCA management. It is part of our corporate social responsibility.

    Mr Patrick Ayota, the NSSF Deputy Managing Director receives a shs 5 million cheque from Mr Martin Nsubuga the Acting CEO Uganda Retirement Benefits Authority

    He said this objective was realised by organizing a Charity Run – the “NSSF Kampala Hash 7 Hills Run”, in conjunction with Kampala Hash House Harriers.

    Ms Barbara Kasekende, Stanbic Bank Manager CSR investments hands over a shs 15m cheque contribution towards the NSSF Hash Run to Mr Patrick Ayota, NSSF Deputy MD

    “This year, the 3rd edition of the Run takes place on March 25, 2018 starting at Pearl of Africa Primary School, Nsambya. It will cover a distance of 21km around the historical seven hills of Kampala,  namely Nakasero, Kibuli, Old Kampala, Namirembe, Rubaga, Lubiri and Nsambya,” Mr Ayota said.

    Adding that “So far, we have had good response from our partners – 25 companies have confirmed participation.”

    Mr Ayota said they expect over 1,500 participants to take part in the run. A number of them have already confirmed their participation. These companies include Stanbic Bank, Insurance Company of East Africa, URBRA, The Red Pepper Publications, Umeme and Clarkson.

    Ms Stella Ndiwalana CSR manager Umeme, Ms Barbara Kasekende CSR manager Stanbic, Mr Martin Nsubuga CEO UBRA, Mr Patrick Ayota, NSSF deputy MD and Mr Emmanuel Mwaka

    These join a list of other companies that had already confirmed participation and they include; Radio Simba, Vision Group, Daily Monitor, ICEA Group, Pinnacle Security, Galaxy FM, Barclays Bank, Housing Finance Bank, Citibank, Mukwano Industries, Cementers, First & Furious group, Centenary Bank, Capital Markets Authority, IPSOS.

    The Kampala Seven Hills Run is a fun, non-competitive event that covers the historical 7 hills of Kampala, hence the 7 hills run moniker.  Participants run a distance of 21km around the seven hills of Kampala. It is organised by the Kampala Hash House Harriers Club.

  • Africell, Vision Group announce new promotion

    Africell, Vision Group announce new promotion

    Africell in partnership with Vision Group have today announced a new promotion that will see subscribers win up to 200million across the country.

    The new promotion that will run on Vision Group radio stations across the country will have Africell customers winning cash on hourly basis in all regions of Uganda. Customers will also have a chance to win other goodies including merchandise, airtime, data and phones.

    Africell Chief Commercial Officer Milad Khairallar with Bills Tibaingana at the launch of Africell's new promotion

    Africell Chief Commercial Officer Milad Khairallar with Bills Tibaingana at the launch of Africell’s new promotion

    The innovative telecom brand from mid last year been engaged in customer reward schemes from affordable call and data tariffs as low as 0.5 shillings per second to instant cash prizes in their famed Cash Machine where customers had a chance at walking away with 2m cash.

    Africell currently have the cheapest voice and data bundles; free talk plans, the longest internet bundles and the most reliable 4G LTE with incredible super speeds and was ranked Uganda’s leading telecom with the fastest data speeds.

  • Africell rewards Valentine Day “call & win” subscribers as they launch new cash promo

    Africell rewards Valentine Day “call & win” subscribers as they launch new cash promo

    Africell Uganda this morning in partnership with Vision Group Radios rewarded winners in the Valentine Day Cash & Win promotion with cash prizes.

    The promotion launched on 7th February and ran upto Valentine Day had over 144 Africell customers win cash to the tune of 20,000,000.

    The promotion was the biggest ever Valentine day promotion in Uganda where customers could simultaneously earn cash by calling Vision Group area radio stations across the country.

    One of the lucky Call & Win subscribers receives his prize from Africell

    One of the lucky Call & Win subscribers receives his prize from Africell

    Dubbed “call and win”, the promotion had winners from all corners of the country win amounts from 50,000 up to 500,000. Today, the lucky winners are walking away with their cash prizes for the winners who bagged over 500,000 and above.

    Besides these winners, over 100 other winners earned themselves 50,000 which was transferred to their secure and reliable Africell Money accounts.

    Winners celebrate with their cash

    Winners celebrate with their cash

    For Valentine Day, for every 30 minutes, 850,000 shillings was up for grabs with the first caller winning 500,000/-; second caller 150,000/- and 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th callers each wining 50,000/-.

    This promotion was only for Africell registered subscribers who had to call the set 102 studio line using their Africell numbers. Over 1m calls were made in a bid to win the cash in just 8 hours.