FREE IMMUNISATION AGAINST MENINGITIS (Men A) IN HIGH RISK AREAS.

Uganda is one of the countries with highest rates of the meningitis

A

Disease and also one of the 26

countries that lie within the

extended meningitis

belt of Sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal

in the West to Ethiopia in the East. In Uganda, the most susceptible regions include West Nile, parts

of Bunyoro, Acholi and Lango regions, Teso and Karamoja.

Though  treatable,  the disease  can  best be prevented through  immunisation.

The  Ministry of  Health

with  support  from  World  Health  Organisation  (WHO)  and  partners  have  planned  to  conduct  free

Mass Immunization Campaign in the high risk 39 districts in Uganda to prevent any outbreak starting

on 19

January to 23

January 2017 for all persons aged between 1 year and 29 years.

th

r d

The  areas  in  which this  immunisation  exercise  will  be  carried  out    for  the  next  two  weeks  will  be;

Arua,  Zombo,  Koboko,  Adjumani,  Nebbi,  Maracha,  Moyo,  Yumbe,  Gulu,  Amuru,  Kitgum,  Lamwo,

Nwoya,  Pader,  Agago,  Omoro,  Dokolo, Lira, Alebtong,  Kole,  Otuke,  Amolatar,  Apac,  Oyam,  Hoima,

Masindi, Buliisa, Kiryadongo, Amuria, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Soroti, Abim, Amudat, Kaabong, Kotido,

Moroto, Nakapiripiriti, and Napak.

The immunisation campaign will officially be launched in Omoro district at Lalogi Grounds on Tuesday

17

January, with the Minister of Health expected to be the Chief Guest. The Ministry of Health and

th

partners have deployed Medical personnel across the affected districts to oversee the success of the

immunisation  exercise.  All  persons  and  care givers  are  advised  to  go to  the nearest  health  centres

and other outreach immunisation posts in their districts for the the free vaccine.  The vaccine is safe

and  effective  and  has  been  approved  by  the  World  Health  Organisation.  The  vaccine  will  be

administered by a trained health worker using a single injection on the upper arm.

What is Meningitis A?

Meningitis A is a bacterial infection.

According to the World Health Organization;

The  disease  mainly affects young  people  between  ages  1–30,  occurring  sporadically  and in small outbreaks  worldwide,

except in the African Meningitis Belt where large outbreaks are common. Meningitis cases typically present with stiff neck,

high fever,  and  sensitivity  to  light,  confusion,  headaches  and  vomiting.  Even  when  the  disease  is  diagnosed  early  and

adequate treatment is started, 5% to 10% of patients die, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Left

untreated, up to  50% of cases may  die. Bacterial meningitis may also result in brain damage, hearing loss or a learning

disability in 10% to 20% of survivors

.

For more information, please contact:

The Ag. Assistant Commissioner- HEALTH PROMOTION

Tabley Bakyaita

MINISTRY OF HEALTH.

0772 521228

 

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PR & Organisational diagnosis specialist
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
Twitter: @mediasurgeon
Websites

nbaliboola.wordpress.com/

http://mediasurgeon.blogspot.com

http://www.scribd.com/baliboola

NTV’s Flavia graces the 7th #PRAUhealthrun

NTV's Flavia graces the 7^th PRAU health run

 

NTV's Flavia participated in the 7^th PRAU health run which was on Thursday October 27, 2016.She was the chief celebrant at the run.Flavia was invited by PRAU as the guest for the October run. Over 15 people participated in the run. The participants were PR practitioners in Uganda and some of Flavia's fan club members. PRAU's Monthly run promotes health living and professional networking.

 

It was the first time for PRAU to host a practicing media personality. No wonder the PRAU president had this to say "This opportunity gives us a chance to learn from her" Cynthia thanked all the GC members who were able to come for the run. Flavia surely loves to Keep Fit even if she has a busy Schedule. She participated in all the PRAU sessions of warming up and running.

Flavia received a certificate of appreciation form the PRAU president Cynthia Mpanga. "Yes, am very happy to take some time off and run with the PRAU team. What they are doing is very noble – to try and keep their hardworking members fit while achieving the highest success in their careers. For that I applaud them. See you PRAU next Thursday!" This is what Flavia posted days before the run.

Housing Finance bank was the official prize sponsor in terms of umbrellas for the October PRAU run. It was represented by Kiwooma Victoria.URA's Ian pledged to give twenty (20) clocks for the next PRAU Run.PR president also told participants that PRAU intends to hold the PRAU end of year party in December. PRAU president thanked Coca-Cola for being a PRAU run refreshment sponsor by providing Dasani water from the start.

Flavia Tumusiime is a Ugandan actress, radio and television host, voice-over artist, emcee and author of 30 Days of Flavia. She presents a mid-morning radio show (AM-PM Show) on 91.3 Capital FM and is a VJ for Channel O. She is currently playing the role of Kamali Tenywa (lead role) in Uganda's exciting, action packed television series Beneath The Lies. She has hosted local, regional and international events including the Guinness Football Challenge and Big Brother Africa.

 

The Public Relations Association of Uganda is the only umbrella body of all communicators and PROS in both the private and public sector in the country. It provides different platforms for member engagement and participation which include; awarding exceptional PR Excellence, thought leadership, training and development, corporate social responsibility, networking, advocacy, mentorship, online learning among others.

Top 3 Ugandan brand PR crises that rocked the month of June 2016

 

June had three outstanding PR crises. This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create awareness about crisis PR management in Uganda. Therefore, it should be used for educational purposes and not viewed as an attack on institutions or individuals.

 

1. Airtel Uganda Money system blackout.

Airtel Uganda Mobile money system was off for some day in June which sparked online complaints. Even the APP was off. Airtel did not urgently update its customers why the system was completely off and when it would be restored. I personally did not receive any update. This was bad PR and gave critics an option to come up with the theories to understand how it started. Airtel came up to defend it's position regarding the crisis surrounding it's mobile payments service. Airtel Uganda only remembered to apologise to is customers after restoring the system. During the same time there was a campaign for Airtel money subscribers from Wednesday 22 June to Sunday 27 June.Among other things customers sent mobile money for free.

 

Excerpt from a local website

"Following an upgrade of the Airtel Money platform, a few of our customers have experienced intermittent service over the last 7 days. The platform has been down undergoing a series of upgrades to enable our customers enjoy an improved and superior customer experience" Paul Langlois, Airtel Money Director. Airtel Uganda further explained that "In light of the growth that we have experienced in the recent past, it was imperative that regular improvements are carried out. This upgrade will eliminate issues of capacity in terms of timeouts while transacting especially during peak times,"

 

 

2. URA twitter account goes "mute" after a controversial discussion.

Social media fraternity was in shock after URA went quiet on Twitter. Uganda Revenue Authority [URA] Commissioner General Doris Akol found herself at a loss of words after a tweep engaged her over taxation. The authority was holding a live Twitter session running under the hashtag #AskTheCG. URA account did not respond to further questions of a tweep regarding taxation despite him pressing on. This incident dented the transparency culture of URA.It was as if they are hiding something. At least the URA team would have diverted the tweep or taken the discussion offline but not keeping quiet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. UCU allegedly bans non-Anglican worship at own campus.

A local Ugandan Newspaper broke the news that Uganda Christian University Mukono (UCU) had banned non-Anglicans from worshipping at the campus, saying the institution is founded on the Anglican faith and values which need to be given space and protected from interference by other religious faiths. . It is commendable that University came out to respond to the issue.

A statement by UCU's Manager Communications and Marketing Ganzi M. Isharaza did know refute the claims but it offered sketchy details.

 

Part of the university statement read "We are unapologetically Christian and aspire to live up to that standard in faith and deeds. Because we are a university founded on Christian values, we are mandated by the University Council and ultimately the Province of the Church of Uganda, through the House of Bishops to affirm, defend and promote the Christian identity of the University, including on its campuses, in accordance with the University's Instruments of Identity."

 

Ivan N Baliboola

PR and organizational Diagnosis specialist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

Its official…..don't drink and use a taxi in Uganda

Its official…..don't drink and use a taxi in Uganda

Last night, I was in a commuter Taxi. After a few miles, some gentleman came running as he waved for the taxi to stop. On stopping, the conductor noticed the man who wanted to board was holding a half empty disposable glass. So he subjected the passenger to an oral exam since other passengers looked at him like a drunkard sinner in stage five.

Conductor: Is that alcohol in the glass?

Passenger: This is water. Do you want to taste?

Conductor: Enter and we go

 

Conductor gave up the interrogation since it was getting personal. Passenger seemed steady while answering. That is why I think he was let to board. I think he was faking the calmness. He surely needed to be in good books of conductor while inside. Who knows the conductor would have refused him to board. Strangely the Passenger paid his fair to the conductor before sat down which never happens in Uganda. You pay when you reach your final destination. I don't think next time he will dare walk with beer takeaway from a bar.

Huawei‘s “Performance king” Y6II Phone launched in Uganda

On October 4, Huawei unveiled its Y6II phone which is a performance king in battery life, speed, and looks. Huawei Y6II is clearly the only smartphone in the country with unbeatable lightning speed. It system makes it extremely fast and storage space upgraded to install unlimited apps. The Huawei Y6II's Kirin 620, 1.2GHz processor coupled is  with the lightning fast 64-bit octa-core that allows multiple apps to be open simultaneously without sacrificing speed, power or performance. The 2GB of RAM, 16GB of internal memory expandable to 128GB via micro SD card gives users more capacity, lower power consumption, faster speed and longer use than any smartphone currently in the market.

Ugandans from all walks of life will have an opportunity to buy an high end phone at the lowest price. Huawei Y6II will set back a customer by only UGX 655,600 at Huawei-affiliated dealer shops across Uganda.

The Y6II Battery is a "beast". Its ARM micro-processor technology has ultra-high efficiency for longer battery life. The phone has an inbuilt system to automatically switch off unnecessary apps that usually drain smart phone batteries. You don't need a power bank because it can also act as a power bank. The built-in phone manager monitors power consumption for extended battery life.

It's a Multimedia phone that has high end features for media like videos and selfies. Huawei Y6II's camera as a front enormous 8-megapixel camera which is great for selfies with 77-degree range. Meanwhile, its 13 megapixel super-powered rear camera has a wide-angle, 28mm lens with a 2.0 aperture that is made of scratch resistant, state-of-the-art glass which gives professional-grade shots in any light setting.

User s don't need to install phone Photoshop editing apps.This is enhanced by the big screen. its 10-millisecond face recognition creates beautification in real time, and can enhance personal photos as well as group shots. The Y6II also comes equipped with 8 beautification presets and customizable options, offering a range of natural effects and highlights including lip gloss and eye shadow.

During the launch, ABS TV's reporter Doreen Nantege won the phone in a raffle Draw during the press conference

Speaking at the Press launch, Jean Baguma Marketing Manager Huawei Uganda said, 'Today, smartphones are a part of our everyday lives and their performance in turn affects our delivery during phone calls, messaging, texting, chatting or even picture and video shooting. This implies that the processor is essentially the brain of a smartphone. To this end, Huawei Uganda has released the Huawei Y6II in Uganda, which is the first member of the Y-series family to use the Kirin High Silicon chipset 620 processor which offers smoother performance and ultra-high efficiency when it comes to opening apps and using the various smartphone functions.'

'The Huawei Y6II handset has a wide 5.5 inch display, 13MP and 8MP cameras, octa-core processors and an elegant design body style. It also boasts of a larger dynamic 1280x720 resolution display which is crystal clear and rivals existing top digital screens. The durable GFF transparent lamination protects the display from scratches to ensure long-lasting brightness. The Huawei Y6II also has customized round curves designed for easy one-handed use.' As usually, Huawei gives all users unique experiences. The Huawei Y6II comes in more than one colour.

International Data Corporation (IDC) listed Huawei as the world's third-biggest smartphone producer with a 9.4 percent market share in the second quarter of 2016, up from 8.6 percent in the same period last year.

 

 

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PR & Organisational diagnosis specialist
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
Twitter: @mediasurgeon
Websites

nbaliboola.wordpress.com/

http://mediasurgeon.blogspot.com

http://www.scribd.com/baliboola

Poor Agriculture output may explain Africa’s average rate of productivity growth fall to 1.7%

Poor agricultural output had an additional inflationary effect in some countries especially as agricultural goods constitute a large proportion of East African exports. This, combined with weaker exports, undermined currencies in the region, further fueling inflationary pressure," added Armstrong. In Uganda for instance Tea prices have dropped from US Dollar cents 403.03 per Kg in July 2015 to US Dollar cents 237.99 per Kg in April 2016 while Copper from US$ 5,456.75 per tonne to US$ 4,872.74 per tonne.

Economies in Africa should be in a position to improve productivity in the agriculture sector and climate change has not hit hard. However, so far progress has been disappointing. The ICAEW report notes that the East African region has especially been s back by inflation. The recent El Niño rains caused major fluctuations in food prices across the southern half of the continent, with greater than usual rainfall in Tanzania and Kenya. On the other hand, southern countries suffered from severe drought. Ethiopia has been particularly hard hit by adverse weather conditions, with the worst drought in around 30 years pushing food inflation to a peak of 16.2% year on year in October 2015 and easing only gradually in the first half of 2016.

Strong GDP growth in Africa has masked disappointing productivity, according to The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW's) latest Economic Insight: Africa Quarter 2 report. Uganda in particular has seen a lower economic activity than anticipated during the past one year, primarily as a result of the sharp decline in commodity prices, which negatively affected export earnings.

 According to the 2016-2017 Uganda national budget, the lower growth of Uganda's economy arose from the drastic fall in international commodity prices of exports such as coffee, tea, minerals; the decline in private sector credit growth as a result of high interest rates, which have constrained domestic activity; and the strengthening of the US Dollar as a result of the recovery in the US economy which led to depreciation of Uganda's shilling causing domestic inflation.

The ICAEW report notes that from the year 2000 to 2015, the average GDP growth across Africa was 4.8% per annum, a full 2.3 percentage points faster than the global average during the 1990s. This is only marginally slower than the ASEAN region, which grew by an average 5.6% per annum and around 0.2 percentage points faster than the Middle East region.

Michael Armstrong, Regional Director at ICAEW Middle East, Africa and South Asia said "Matching the performance of some other emerging market regions might, at face value, seem respectable enough. But the truth is that Africa is starting from a much lower level of economic development than these economies."

 The ICAEW report further states that in an attempt to limit the acceleration in price growth, central banks across the region adopted tighter monetary policies, with some countries such as Kenya and Uganda aggressively raising interest rates. This was also echoed by the 2016-17 Uganda's national budget that stated that commercial bank lending rates have remained high largely due to the limited availability of long term capital, resulting in the mismatch between the commercial bank financing products and the nature of the investments being undertaken.

Tom Rogers, Associate Director, Macro Consulting at Oxford Economics, said: "Excluding oil intensive economies such as Angola, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Mozambique, average output per worker in sub-Saharan Africa grew by just 1.7% per annum from 2000 to 2015, and in half of sub-Saharan economies by less than 1% per year. The fact is that Africa has tremendous economic potential, but realizing it will depend on being able to move up the value chain and deliver productivity improvements. For example, crop yields in largely agrarian economies are typically lower than in other major producers. Solving these problems would enable African producers to compete more effectively with farmers from other parts of the world, freeing up labour to move to manufacturing sectors."

ICAEW is a founder member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide and the Global Accounting Alliance.ICAEW is a world leading professional membership organization that promotes, develops and supports over 145,000 chartered accountants worldwide. We provide qualifications and professional development, share our knowledge, insight and technical expertise, and protect the quality and integrity of the accountancy and finance profession.

ICAEW are leaders in accountancy, finance and business our members have the knowledge, skills and commitment to maintain the highest professional standards and integrity. Together we contribute to the success of individuals, organizations, communities and economies around the world.

 

 

 

Mate 8 phone is the blogger’s tool of work.

It’s one tablet phone every blogger or writer should carry in their toolbox. If you are a person whose second name means reading and writing, it’s the phone for you. The screen is big which is ideal for typing or reading any text on the move.

 You don’t need a PC if you can get a Huawei mate 8. Mate 8 has 4 GB worth of RAM which means it’s a phone with double speed. It’s a hybrid phone also referred to as a phablet.This means it combines tablet PC and phone features. Mate 8 has Powerful heavy duty battery. It is made for Africa synonymous with constant power cuts. The Mate 8 battery comes with a big capacity. It built with fast charging capability. A mere thirty two minute will take it to more than 33% battery charge power.

They say a pic tire says a thousand words. A blog is not completer without images. Mate 8 has clear front and back cameras. Mate 8 can edit pictures in a story. Mate 8 is more affordable at 1.5million shs in Uganda compared to its known rival phones.Mate 8 is one of the latest Phones from Huawei, a Chinese phone manufacturer.

With a great voice recorder that can document interviews and experiences. The phone has audio output even on loud speaker.It has advanced dual simcard technology so no need to carry a second phone.

Easy to carry with just 185g.It gives you a firm grip not to easily slide from your hands. It is slim with 7.9mm thickness. It’s about millimeter shorter than the iPhone 6s. It’s more than just a phone with its 6-inch screen size. You would just call it a soft touch laptop with phone functions. Its screen is bigger screen compared to Samsung Galaxy note5. The 6-inch display on Huawei Mate 8 has Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.

Comes with impeccable security features. Mate 8 comes with Android Software. Beauty with Google play store is that you will always be spoilt for choice with millions of free android apps. Exceptional performance of the Mate 8 against Galaxy note5, iphone6s on speed cannot be ignored as one of the fastest smartphones on the market today. Huge phone internal memory of up to 32GB is not something not to buy before the year ends. Mate 8 Connectivity features includes but not limited to; Wi-Fi, hotspot, Bluetooth, 4G, and gpRs.

The phone comes in different shades of colour like Space Gray, while, Moonlight Silver, and Champagne Gold. This works well for the stylish type whose tastes and preferences are unique. Huawei is the third biggest handset maker on the planet, behind Apple and Samsung. Why not buy one before the year ends

Ivan N Baliboola

nbaliboola@gmail.com

Mate 8, a phone you should have this year

 You don’t need a tablet PC if you can buy a Huawei mate 8. Mate 8 has 4 GB worth of RAM which means it’s a phone with two brains. Another gadget that works like a ‘human being’ you must have before the year ends. It’s a hybrid phone also referred to as a phablet. it has both tab and phone features. You get more from its price than if you were to buy a tablet and a phone separately. It has advanced dual simcard technology so no need to carry a second phone.

Mate 8 is too cheap and affordable compared to its closest rival phones. With all its impressive look and feel, the Mate 8 costs only about 1.5million shs in Uganda. Nothing beats its priceless metal and glass components finish. It’s from the Huawei mate family following in the footsteps of the Mate7. Mate 8 is one of the latest Phones from Huawei, a Chinese phone manufacturer.

Easy to carry with just 185g.It gives you a firm grip not to easily slide from your hands. It is slim with 7.9mm thickness. It’s about millimeter shorter than the iPhone 6s. It’s more than just a phone with its 6-inch screen size. You would just call it a soft touch laptop with phone functions. Its screen is bigger screen compared to Samsung Galaxy note5. The 6-inch display on Huawei Mate 8 has Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.

Comes with impeccable security features. The back cannot be detached and there is no access to the battery. The Mate 8’s fingerprint sensor at the back doubles security of the phone and its data all the time.

 Today a phone is not identified as one unless it is internet enabled. The Mate 8 battery comes with an extra-large capacity - 4,000mAh.It was built for fast charging. A mere thirty minute charge will take it to more than 37% battery charge power. The phone has clear audio output even on loud speaker. A phone isn’t selfie ready if it has only one camera. It has a back and front camera. The   Camera uses a 1/2.8" sensor.

Phone runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) Software. Beauty with Google play store is that you will always be spoilt for choice with millions of free android apps. Exceptional performance of the Mate 8 against Galaxy note5, iphone6s on speed cannot be ignored as one of the fastest smartphones on the market today. Huge phone internal memory of up to 32GB is not something not to buy before the year ends. Mate 8 Connectivity features includes but not limited to; Wi-Fi, hotspot, Bluetooth,4G, and gpRs.

The phone comes in different shades of colour like Space Gray, while, Moonlight Silver, and Champagne Gold. This works well for the stylish type whose tastes and preferences are unique. Huawei is the third biggest handset maker on the planet, behind Apple and Samsung. Why not buy one before the year ends

Ivan N Baliboola

nbaliboola@gmail.com