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What Museveni told Bitature
Simba Group of Companies CEO Patrick Bitature (Picture: New Vision)
Patrick Bitature is a very rich man. But to reach where he is and staying there, he has not done it alone.
One of the key contributions from friends has been advice. And one of the most memorable pieces of advice he ever got was from President Yoweri Museveni, according to his (Bitature’s) recent interview with the CEO East Africa.
According to the interview, Museveni told the businessman that the thing he should always hold dear is his reputation.
“One other piece of advice I hold dear, I got it from the President. One day, he told me a word in Runyankore, which I did not fully comprehend; he told me: ‘Otarihemuka.’ I didn’t really understand at first and he explained to me that it was about protecting my reputation. “Stick to your word,” he said. Getting that from a head of state was very inspiring — I have since learnt to be careful about my name, my reputation, so that I won’t say or do anything that will shame me,” he told Muhereza Kyamutetera, the executive director of the publication during the interview.
It’s a riveting and revealing interview, with some information that the real estate tycoon has not revealed before. He also talks about some of his biggest regrets, including selling his share in East Africa’s most profitable firm, Safaricom.
Take your time and read it here.
MTN speaks on forced board shakeup
MTN Group has dismissed a recent Bloomberg report which claimed that it had shaken up its board after pressure mounted from its major shareholder, the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), to restructure the company management so as to avoid more trouble, considering what the company has been through in the recent past.
According to Bloomberg, the telecommunications group was also forced to postpone the resignation of Phuthuma Nhleko, chairman of MTN Group, who has been dubbed the group’s chief negotiator in order to oversee the transition. He was to step down in May but he’ll now wait until December 15.
Former MTN chief Phuthuma Nhleko. Photo: Simphiwe Mbokazi.
The PIC, Africa’s largest asset manager, holds a 26% shareholding in MTN. It is a South African state-owned entity.
It should be recalled that the mobile operator recently made significant changes to the group’s board, along with the establishment of an international advisory board (IAB), led by former South African president Thabo Mbeki.
Read the full report here
Mutabazi meets Wim, UCC gives Uganda’s telephony history
MTN Uganda CEO Wim Vanhellpute met with Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi, a few days after returning to Uganda.
In a blog post, which shows Wim shaking hands with Mutabazi, details of the meeting are not revealed. But we’ve previously reported that President Museveni recently green-lit UCC and Ministry of Finance to conclude the negotiations of the renewal of MTN license.
Meanwhile, in the blog, UCC walks you down the history lane, showing you how Uganda has embraced Mobile telephony since “around about 1996”.
Currently, Telecommunications service providers include MTN, Airtel, UTL, Africell, Smile Communications and K2. Telecommunications firms have introduced a variety of new products such as 3G and 4G mobile broadband services, mobile money transfers, and several value-added services.
By December 2018, the number of telephone subscriptions stood at 24 million subscribers.
Read the full report here
Other great stories you need to read:
Bolt Uganda, formerly Taxify Uganda, has written a blog post, outlining some of the tips you can utilize to ensure your safety when using ride-hailing apps. They also show you how you can win a free ride from them.
Don’t also forget read about the most common ride-hailing scams.
Twitter has also rolled out new rules which you need to follow before your account is suspended.
