Have you ever been cheated at a restaurant?

Have you ever been cheated at a restaurant?

Have you ever been to a restaurant where you have to order with cash? Did you probably realise you paid the wrong or 'ghost' waiter?

This is common at restaurants where waiters do not wear uniforms and counters are isolated.

 Measures

• You can opt to walk straight to the counter, pay and then order for what you want.
• Always pay the ushers with name tags on them. Try to memorise faces and other features of waiters who serve you. Always insist on seeing the menu before you order to familiarise yourself with prices.

 

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

--
Kind  Regards
PR & Online engager
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
0777675942
Find me on Linkedin, Blogger,Twitter,Facebook,Scribd.

Has Man fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26?

Has   Man fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26?

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth'(Genesis 1:26

Man has failed to fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26 in a number of ways;

Man has put himself at the centre of the world and puts himself first and forgets God which was not the case before creation.

Mankind has failed to take care of God`s creation like animals.  Some people use animals for evil purposes for instance witchcraft sacrifice practices. Man has also led to    extinction and death   of animals which he is supposed to protect. There has also been   pollution   of rivers   by   man   as well as destruction of forests which act as habitats to some animals. There is environmental degradation   in support of   development yet   man is supposed to protect the environment.

There is too much   discrimination   among God's people yet all people are equal before God. Church leaders and   Christians   continue to treat people basing on tribe, race, financial status, political status. God created all people in his image to be equal.

There is kidnapping and   child slaughter, sacrifice by self styled witches and false prophets. This has been worsened by human trafficking. Man is supposed to be custodian of God's creation

Man has today manufactured weapons like landmines, nuclear   weapons, bombs, guns that has destroyed untold number of lives, property and wildlife.

Today man trusts in science theories more than God's which has broken relationship between God and man.

There are currently many sex deviations   like homosexuality that have even been   endorsed in some churches. Some people practice prostitution and yet they are in God's image. Bible says the body is a God's temple therefore they abuse God's creation. Other sexual deviations include: rape, defilement, an masturbation. Man's body is supposed to be a temple of worship.

Introduction   of  strict family planning methods by governments. These include contraceptives which limit reproduction and expansion of God's kingdom.

Man has changed God's creation into worship idols instead of God who is the only God.

However, man has also tried to fulfill God's mission of creation in Gen 1:26 in the following ways;

Man is in the position of great responsibility. He is a co-creator with God. He has done this through production of children.

Man has taken care of the environment and rest of God's creation.

Man has worshiped and glorified God's name for the work and mighty which was one of reasons of creating him in his own image.

God created man in his image so as   to identify with him. Mankind has maintained a special relationship with God.

Some people   have opted to study religious subjects as well as pursue religious careers like priests and pastors.

Some people have exhibited exact characteristics of God like being, caring, merciful and loving on earth. Some have started charities to help the disadvantaged.

Some people have endured persecution in the name of God

   

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

Why brothers are slow in church

Men don't necessarily play around. If they need something they will fight to get it right away. Maybe he is not interested in you and all he can offer is friendship don't just call him slow. Waiting for probably ten years as he monitors you. Great things come to those who wait.

Some sisters use the same yardstick of the world brothers who are quick. They find you on the street, in a minute he is all over her. Some men have suffered acting slowly as the target is taken over by someone else. It pays to be slow a picky as a man. Brothers should never rush because they are looking out the best   character and heart matter not beauty as the secular guys jump for.

Some people think studying should be left to the women. I personally think brothers should start a relationship and then study while in that relationship. It's wrong to study and then propose.

Ivan .N.Baliboola

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

How to start a conversation with a stranger in a taxi.

How   to start a conversation with a stranger in a taxi.

Have you ever used public transport and you failed to talk to a stranger?

1.       Be nice and approachable. Make sure you greet people seated next to you.

2.        Pretend you do not know where you are going and ask him/her for guidance.

3.       Open the window wide open and wait for them to ask you to close it

4.       Sit next to a closed windscreen. She/him will ask you to open and you can start talking all the nonsense.

5.       Flirt and maintain eye contact with him/her till they talk.

6.       Ask them about what they like or what they are doing at the moment? You can then discuss novels, movies or politics depending on what they are passionate about.

7.       Intentionally   drop money to attract attention. Coins are the best option.

 

 

Uganda: Myth about writing in PR.

Uganda: Myth about writing in PR

 

There is a misconception about writing in Public Relations. People think that a Public relations is for people who cannot write. They think it involves less writing. Some simply opt for PR thinking they will not write a lot compared to journalists. A PR practitioner is actually a content generator and an editor at the same time. This is not the case with journalists. Journalist will submit their story to a sub- editor. A sub-editor also shares with the editor before the story runs.

There is dominance of press   agentry task among Public Relations Practitioners in Uganda which means that there is actually more writing related tasks. Less focus is put on other management roles of PROs. Public relations officers are primarily occupied with media relations aimed at gaining publicity. That is why most   Public Relations in Uganda are picked from print and broadcast media. Many journalists have now crossed to public relations. Some people judge PR practitioners' expertise by the number of  media contacts they have and mileage that can be generated which is sometimes misleading.This includes periodic publicity across broadcast and print media a PR practitioner was able to generate.

 

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

Effective Public speaking skills

Effective Public speaking skills

To have a good speech is not rocket science but you will need some skills to speak at public functions. Public speaking is like communicating to a stranger who is expected to benefit from your speech. Avoid situations where people know or guess what you are about to present in your speech.

It's better to start by choosing a person to introduce you if you cannot do it yourself. This strategy presents you as a credible speaker with authority. The Appearance is also important for instance the dress code and hygiene. Time management is also crucial. It's better to lay out your points making them precise. Desist from using bombastic words. At least take four seconds before you start speaking.It gives you confidence and will get the attention your audience.

Identify your audience and craft the message in consideration with their education, culture religion, and interests. Otherwise you can incite violence, be misunderstood, hurt your audience's feelings .The form of salutation or greeting must contain elements of respect and dignity. Failure to follow protocol is disastrous. Great your audience in a manner that appeals to all peoples in their respective capacities.

Where need be, follow it with apologies if any. Appreciation and acknowledgement can come in the concluding remarks. Usage of proverbs, quotations, sayings, idioms together with other expressions act as spices to the language thus commendable. However, they should be used in their right forms and meaning. Nasty, provocative and obscene expressions irritate should be avoided. It's always a good idea to do a mock speech as you rehearsal for the final one. Go check out the venue .You could practice before a group of friends.

Denounce strong criticism and abuses on grounds of religion and political ideologies in public. There is a common behavior of people speaking especially while others listen. Fear mixed with shivering as if one is attached to naked electricity wire should be dealt with. Look at the audience, if shy; maintain eye contact at the back or corner. Do not pause for long during an applause or laughter.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

 

Roles and functions of radio in society

              Roles   and functions of radio in society

Radio is an electronic medium of audio communication

Functions and roles

Information .Through news, talk shows, adverts and other programmes, radio creates awareness in society of what is happening within and outside a given the society. For example focus on Africa programme on BBC world service radio.

Education. Through the documentaries, drama and quiz shows aired on radio. Society members are able to draw lessons. Look at instance of  plays on Hiv/Aids, agriculture  aired. Radio teaches society development and health aspects relevant to day to day needs. Documentaries on agriculture, health have also impacted on society's world over.

Entertainment . Society members are entertained through music and plays. Some radio stations have humorous morning and evening programmes. Radio kills boredom and occupies people through leisure. The different music genres also appeal to all age groups in society. Radio as a secondary medium, someone can listen to radio while doing something else like washing, reading

Watch dog and surveillance. Radio reporters follow up society issues relating to religion, politics and education .They report back to society through news bulletins and other programmers. Radio keeps an eye on crimes and security in society.

Agenda setting. Radio presents to society issues yet to become public debates. Radio provides variety of options on which to base enlightened decision. The radio determines what audience will discuss airing it. By talking about a corrupt government official  , society members are brought on board 'call to action'.

Radio is behavioral change agent. Some radio stations represent and stand for society values, goals and culture. For example a church radio station will promote abstinence, forgiveness and good morals in society. Also the content aired on radio has  impact on behavour in society.

 Mobilization of society towards common goals. Radio can be used mobilization campaigns like immunization, election, and religious campaigns. Radio can be used as an early warning tool. Radio can Mobilize society for action during times of disasters to either flee or prevent them. civic education on radio especially during election periods  boosts greater participation of society in leadership and hold leaders accountable

Platform for people`s different views and opinions. Different people in society use this unique social space to air their views. Many people can call in and present their differing views on various issues .This further creates interaction amongst callers in different areas.

Avenue for advertisement. The adverts also provide society with knowledge of products in the market. Advertisers in society use radio to widen their market. Radio stations receive revenue from the adverts aired.

Exposure .Radio connects the needy in society with the people or organizations who wish to help them deal with their problems. Heart patients can use radio to solicit for operation funds they cannot afford.

Psychological support in society. Moist radio stations have programmes where people share problems with counsellors, doctors and get answers or solutions at no

cost.

 

However, radio has played negative roles in society

Inciting violence and Promoted Moral degeneration .Radio stations have sometimes used to promote hate against specific groups of people. Radio ignited   the Rwandan Genocide as it promoted hate between Hutu and Tutsi. Also some politicians use radios stations to mobilize people to riot against those in power. Moral degeneration is brought in by the adult programmes aired on radio without censorship. Other negative roles played by the media include: disinformation, discrimination, tribalism

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

--
Kind  Regards
PR & Online engager
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
0777675942
Find me on Linkedin, Blogger,Twitter,Facebook,Scribd.

Significance of John’s Gospel

                                               Significance   of   John's Gospel

 John presents lessons for living life on earth and determining eternal life destiny after we die. It looks at resurrection. John helps us to substantiate the purpose of Jesus Christ for us and the reason he was sent to save the world.

John's gospel is different from all other gospels because it focuses on events and spiritual aspects .From the John's gospel we learn to value spirituality rather than events or material things in life.

John's gospel brings out a clear message that helps us understand the truth about God. The truth about eternity, resurrection and truth of choosing to accept Jesus as personal savior. It explains Jesus' plan for our lives.

Gospel of John acts as a testimony and direction to us. John was a disciple as such he is an example of how I should live (This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, wrote these things and we know that his testimony is true- John  21:24

We are encouraged to live a righteous life. John also shows perfect love. Jesus washed the disciple's feet, rescued the adulterous woman and he died for our sins. This revealed love.

John's gospel signifies meaning of Jesus' mission to care for those in need especially the sick that needed his help. He a said he was the good shepherd.

The gospel also exposes religious hypocrisy of some leaders at that time and today. It further reveals Jesus' humanity to me .He showed concern for the adulterous woman.

Exposes divine   power of Jesus Christ to us as one who has a solution to everything. From John aspects of unity and disunity have made me handle them equitably

John reveals the fact that all people are sinners who need Jesus' redemption. This was true with the adulterous woman. All those who wanted to stone the woman put their stones down with guilty and went away after Jesus told them if  there is anyone who had never done the same to stone her.

Book of John prepares us  for   judgment day among Christians because will he has come back to separate the sheep  from goats  .That is  when   we believe and trust in Jesus Christ. We shall receive eternal life. Jesus has a strong relationship with God .He is son of God and unites man with God .Father dwells in Jesus.

Jesus expects good fruits from me as a follower; failure would mean not reaping God's blessings. Lord of moral nature. This was seen when Jesus chased people who had turned the church into a market place. Jesus turned water into wine

It seems to imply to me that resurrection is still evident and possible in life. That after victory God moves us from glory to glory. When I accept Jesus I can do the impossible and continue doing the impossible. Jesus did resurrect and after that the salvation ministry continued to grow bigger.

Jesus is portrayed as a son Of God in John. It is through Jesus that I can go to God

 

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

 

--
Kind  Regards
PR & Online engager
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
0777675942
Find me on Linkedin, Blogger,Twitter,Facebook,Scribd.

Signs that she is interested in you

Signs that she is interested in you

She may unexpectedly be tap you or hold your hand for long.

She will looks back at you after you have parted

She Blushes  

She keeps Eye contact

Praise whatever you do

--

Myth about writing in PR

There is a misconception about writing in Public Relations. People think that a Public relations is for people who cannot write. They think it involves less writing. Some simply opt for PR thinking they will not write a lot compared to journalists. A PR practitioner is actually a content generator and an editor at the same time. This is not the case with journalists. Journalist will submit their story to a sub- editor. A sub-editor also shares with the editor before the story runs.

There is dominance of press   agentry task among Public Relations Practitioners in Uganda which means that there is actually more writing related tasks. Less focus is put on other management roles of PROs. Public relations officers are primarily occupied with media relations aimed at gaining publicity. That is why most   Public Relations in Uganda are picked from print and broadcast media. Many journalists have now crossed to public relations. Some people judge PR practitioners' expertise by the number of   media contacts they have and mileage that can be generated which is sometimes misleading. This includes periodic publicity across broadcast and print media a PR practitioner was able to generate.

 

Why bothers are slow in church

Men don’t necessarily play around.If they need something they  will fight to get it right away. Maybe he is not interested in you and all he can offer is  friendship, don’t just call him slow. Waiting for probably ten years as he monitors you . Great things come to those who wait.
some sisters use the same yardstick of the world brothers who are quick. They  find you on the street, in a minute he is all over her. Some men have suffered  acting slowly as the target is taken over by someone else. It pays to be slow a picky as a man. Brothers should never rush because they are looking out the best   character and heart matter  not beauty as the secular guys jump for.

Some people  think studying should be left to the women. I personally  think brothers should start a relationship and then study while in that relationship. It’s wrong to study and then propose.

 Ivan Baliboola

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.
nbaliboola@gmail.com

Top seven Ugandan Blunders for May 2013

This month the institution of Parliament featured with lots of crises. This month we witnessed different organizations doing something about their crises. Outstanding advocacy PR tools were used during the closure of Monitor publications which is commendable. They used the courts of law and the Court   of Public opinion to their advantage. They shared the uncertain future of children who benefited from Monitor scholarships.

Media siege by Uganda police

The Uganda Police obtained a search warrant authorizing the search of the Daily Monitor and Red pepper premises for the letter allegedly written by General Sejjusa. Uganda police closed Red pepper and Daily monitor together with two radio stations after declaring them crime scenes. The Uganda Police responded with excessive force which attracted unnecessary attention. East African Newspapers carried an editorial on media siege. The media siege dented the Ugandan image locally, regionally and internationally. Most critics think the government should have handled the media issue better. International and regional newspapers, US Embassy in Uganda, Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU), politicians, human rights activists, and members of the civil society condemned the media siege. The most famous hash tag was ‘#mediasierge’. Uganda police ignored a court order instructing them to vacate monitor premises. Police found this to be highly irregular. On May 30, 2013, Media houses were allowed to resume operations. Daily monitor’s reopening following 11 days of police siege was allegedly after negotiations with government according to a government statement. This introduced a debate on future compromised editorial policy of the Daily Monitor. Monitor publications has since responded to the issue in Public notices “Monitor: What we agreed with government” reassuring the public about their editorial policy of publishing all news as long as it is in public interest.

IGG opened  fresh investigations at NSSF

The Inspector General of Government started wide ranging investigations into National Social Security Fund over allegations of fraud and corruption by a whistle blower. Some allegations relate to alleged irregular Umeme Shares purchase, disposal of Land at Namirembe, joint venture with SBI for planned housing estate at Lubowa among other concerns. This is a heavy blow to the fund manager at a time when it has embarked on a rigorous re-branding exercise. NSSF is not new to funds mismanagement scandals. Scandals at NSSF have in the past resulted into sacking and prosecution of former top leaders. NSSF has since embraced good PR tools to set the record straight by responding to the allegations. Employees are yet to witness the renewed promise by the new NSSF.

Expelled  NRM  MPs VS NRM

The Speaker of parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga ruled that the four expelled NRM rebel MPs cannot lose their seats. NRM Secretary General, Mr Amama Mbabazi had demanded the speaker to declare the MPs’ seats vacant after their expulsion from NRM.NRM has since registered   aspirants for the posts in case they fell vacant. The matter of rebel Mps has since gone to court. This has yielded to grounds. This follows a case in court relating to the expelled MPs.

Alleged forgery of the final KCCA petition recommendation report.

The report was presented to Parliament with ten out of 17 members on the committee signing it. The report followed a petition on alleged mismanagement of KCCA to parliament through Hon. Betty Namboze Bakireke (DP, Mukono Municipality). The report recommends that President Yoweri Museveni takes over the executive functions of KCCA for six months. Members on the Committee of Public Service and Local Government raised doubts over its authenticity. The committee Chairperson and her deputy are said to have locked out the Clerk out of the parliament as the concluded with the report. The local government committee had a stormy meeting which ended prematurely with members exchanging bitter words. This was also aired on some local Televisions. Improper conduct of some members of parliament projected the institution negatively. The Deputy Speaker of parliament Jacob Oulanyah ruled that the office of the Clerk investigates the authenticity of the KCCA.KCCA report forgery allegations is a dent on the integrity of parliament.

Missing Uganda diplomatic passports

Police started a hunt to recover at least 200 diplomatic passports suspected to have gone missing from the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control. The Deputy Police Spokesperson, Mr Patrick Onyango, said the diplomatic passports had already been made but the only procedure not done was the placing of names and photographs of the bearers and their titles. Some officials from Immigration were arrested as investigations   into circumstances under which the passports went missing continue. There are several Ugandans holding diplomatic passports illegally who are facing criminal charges abroad. This has been an embarrassment to Uganda. Former junior minister was allegedly arrested in India with a diplomatic passport. The Immigration passport department has released press statements declaring their position on the same which is recommendable.

Irene Namubiru arrest in Japan over illegal drugs

Namubiru was arrested at Naita Airport Japan after her luggage was found with illicit drugs. she claimed that she had no idea about what was in the luggage she was given to deliver. Irene was scheduled to perform in Japan. It remains a PR scandal though most Ugandans felt Irene Namubiru was a victim of a set up. All events were confirmed by Interpol officials in Uganda. Some bloggers shared a theory portraying it as a PR stunt as a build up to her upcoming album launch. This is a negative dot on her image. There will always be online negative search results about her. Colleagues and relatives organized a church service to pray for. This was a good PR tactic tool utilising the court of Public Opinion. Namubiru tweeted after her release and date of return. She had a hero’s welcome in Uganda. This is still an ongoing crisis. Irene’s manager then Thadeus Mubiru has since made a public apology over the same. Kim Tumwesigye was arrested by the police over the scandal. Irene struggles on to save her image.

Judge Choudry Vs  Judge Yorokamu Bamwine

There has been an exchange of attacks between High Court judge Anup Singh Choudry and the Principal Judge, Yorokamu Bamwine. Judge Yorokamu Bamwine kicked out Judge Singh Choudry from his chambers. On March 28, 2013; Chouldry delivered a judgment in the case ordered the partners in the firm to pay shs 37b in damages. Uganda law society petitioned against his appointment in 2012.Chouldry was discontinued from practicing law in England after his firm reportedly got in trouble and was subsequently closed in 2001. Some people believe that Chouldry slapped the hefty award on the lawyers to hit at Uganda law society for questioning his eligibility. Critics feel the two judges would have opted for appropriate forums to talk peace.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

Blog: http://mediasurgeon.blogspot.com/

Top four Ugandan PR disasters - March 2013

PR is relatively a new profession in Uganda and as such people tend to relate it to propaganda. Few agencies and organisation have taken crisis management as a pivotal role of PR seriously. This list is not aimed at attacking individuals and organisation. It offers a professional PR insight into Crisis management in Uganda. I hope that Lessons shared can better the PR fraternity in Uganda. I commend the inclusion of Best Crisis Management Award category in the PRAU Excellence Awards. PR Practitioners need to stop leaving entire Crisis management to the legal departments. They should fully be involved.

1. Suspension of Fr Musaala by the Catholic Church.

Archbishop of Kampala Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga suspended Fr. Anthony Musaala, who authored a document criticising Catholic Church colleagues in Uganda, accusing them of sexual crimes among others. Mismanagement of  Fr. Musaala‘s saga by Catholic Church put it in the media spotlight. The Archbishop was quick to suspend and give explanations without assessing the magnitude of the crisis. The Catholic Church prolonged the crisis when they over reacted. Fr Musaala would just be transferred to another place or a commission of inquiry publicly instituted but not sacking him. And going public about the move was wrong. As Christians who preach forgiveness, the idea of peace talks would be good. All efforts should always be done to stop crises from growing. It was a delicate time especially that the Pope was just settling in.

According to the Archbishop Dr Cyprian Lwanga,Fr. Musaala was suspended for the document, which “damages the good morals of the Catholic believers and faults the church teaching”. Fr. Musaala admitted to authoring the document which widely circulated on the internet after being leaked Fr. Musaala’s letter sparked public debate concerning celibacy in the Catholic Church. The saga also attracted enough media attention. He was hosted on highly rated shows and made it to the front page of daily Newspapers.

2.         Tullow oil‘s alleged bribe to President Museveni 

It was alleged that Tullow considered bribing President Museveni with $50million ahead of the 2011 elections. After several media reports, President Museveni issued a directive through his lawyers’ instructing Tullow Oil to respond within three days to the allegations. The story was an embarrassment to the president who is the fountain of honour. Tullow Oil later refuted bribery allegations and apologized to President Museveni. Tullow’s response was restricted because this court case against Heritage was still on-going. President Museveni has since instructed police to probe Oil bribery allegations made in a London court.

3.         Tullow pays expatriate Shs9m daily for a year

Tullow Uganda paid a one-man consultancy firm about Shs9 million per day for one year to teach its officials about “organizational effectiveness”, an investigation by a local newspaper revealed. Tullow Oil says the cost was borne by the group, critics say ‘organizational effectiveness’ could have been taught by local consultants. The claims highlight the lack of goodwill because a lot of the expenses incurred by oil companies fall under “recoverable costs” that the oil companies will claim back from Uganda when the oil revenue starts flowing in. The report  points  to  an old concern of     transparency in the Oil sector.

4.         Uganda court rules against Hima Cement 

On March 26, Justice Eldad Mwangusya took away Hima’s mining rights to limestone deposits in Kasese, western Uganda. The ruling affected its image and operations in a number of ways. The ruling invalidated all transactions and legal rights because Hima does not have a legal basis to carry out business in the country. East Africa Gold Sniffing was contesting a decision by the Ministry of Energy that restored Hima’s mining rights after the latter managed to secure an exploration license over the same area. Hima Cement went back to court and appealed against the ruling requesting for stay of execution.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com