Top 8 Ugandan November PR disasters

November had more crises that attracted more public outcry. This article looks at these crises solely for education purposes.

1. Leaked nude pictures of Desire luzinda and her arrest over a debt.

Singer Desire Luzinda was humiliated when she was picked by court bailiffs and dragged to Kampala High Court over an unpaid debt. During the same period, her nude photos were leaked allegedly by her ex-Boyfriend. Her leaked nude pictures took centre stage. Some critics called it a publicity stunt to promote her career. Nudity is unacceptable in African culture. Police and the Ethics ministers have since weighed in on the matter.

Nothing would calm the crisis except ignoring it and giving it time. There was nothing that would divert media attention. Nudes had already gone viral. In one of the nude pictures, she posed with an inverted victory sign which just prolonged the crisis. People especially celebrities posed the same way and re-posted hilariously. It was wrong for her to apologise and talk about the incident in the public. Her apology did not achieve much. She did something with her career when it was too late. She released two songs. This should have been also the time to do concerts.

2. KCCA car kills 2-year-old in KCCA premise.
This is a major and inexcusable tragedy.KCCA did not quickly act when it should have thereby losing control of media coverage. This could have been a strictly one-day PR disaster. KCCA PR Machinery failed to grow with the Crisis from the word go. The Handover of burial material support items was not professionally done which affected KCCA brand.
The KCCA weakness offered politicians an opportunity to take advantage of the sad to suit their objectives. No drastic moves with proper steps in line with the KCCA’s’ mission and values were done to protect the KCCA brand. KCCA never stated their values like Excellence nor did they explain training and discipline mechanism of its staff.

3. UWA ivory theft scandal.
A local daily reported about Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) missing ivory worth 3billion from its strong room.UWA rushed to issue a public notice but the content did not explain or deny the mentioned scandal.UWA head Dr. Andrew Sseguya has since been suspended to pave way for investigations though he maintains he is on leave. This was a commendable PR move by the Tourism Ministry, government and UWA board of Trustees.

4. MTN poor services
MTN Uganda admitted that their data service had faced some challenges for a specific period of time.. Some happy MTN customers went to twitter decampaigning the brand by rolling out drop your MTN line move. There were also social media rumours of preparations for a protest match against the telecom giant. The attacks on Twitter were under the hashtag#OccupyMTN demanding better services.MTN Uganda PR machinery moved first to organise an abrupt press conference which help release uniform messages. The MTN C.E.O Gouldie apologised, and communicated the official course of action.
MTN has since started the process to refund its customers all the credit which is goodwill.MTN is known for a robust social media customer care team that is swift and responsive. On the same day of the MTN press conference, a competitor British telecom firm Vodafone also announced its partnership with Afrimax to offer voice and data services in the country.

5. Margaret Zziwa suspended as speaker of EALA
The East African Legislative Assembly(EALA) suspended its speaker Margaret Nantongo Zziwa allegedly over incompetence and disrespect for 21 days.This soiled both Uganda's image and reputation for women leaders.Margaret Nantongo Zziwa was the first woman Speaker for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).This crisis needs faster action on her part since her troubles have not just started.Right from the day she was elected speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala),Ms Margaret Zziwa has not had a joy-ride. Early resignation in public interest will mean honour but late censure will be more damaging.Hon.Zziwa has since issued statements trading accusations rather than patching up her damaged reputation.She alleges rivalry and intrigue. This is the time to form alliances to play her cards.

6. NKumba University strike.
Nkumba university students striked over alleged university management's decision to increase selected fees. The strike dented institution's image and sent a bad message to future employers. The university issued a public notice in Newspapers dispelling reasons fronted by students for the strike. Another Public notice has been issued communicating penalties for all students following the strike asking them to pay for damages.
Did the public relations machinery of the university act appropriately prior to the strike? Strikes may arise if the right change management tools are not applied prior. All new strategies must be rolled out with more expectation management tactics. It’s hard to strike a balance between quality education and low fees. The cost of providing education will always increase but beneficiaries are determined to resist increments. There must be something Nkumba University needs to do. Other private institutions are doing the same and you never hear a strike. There are PR strategies to slowly introduce changes without causing resistance.

7. Warid ordered to pay Shs60million to obsessions over song copyright infringement.

The Commercial Division of the High Court ordered defunct telecom company Warid, now part of Airtel, to pay Shs60 million to Obsessions Music Group for illegally using its music content as caller tunes. This was no doubt a reputation damaging case to Warid.Court observed that Warid Telecom had infringed on the copy right of the group's music when it converted and sold it to mobile phone users as caller tunes. arid had, however, in its defence said it had lawfully obtained the right to use the songs

8. Urban TV scoop on scoop pastime presenters disappointments.
Urban TV's Mary Luswata went on leave and invited whoever could sit for her to turn up for auditions. Some show fans have gone to social media to express their displeasure with those who were standing in for her. Vision group seems didn't audition for quality presenters. It is a crisis since viewers may leave a show just because the current people do not measure with Luswata's expertise, humour and command of spoken English.

Ivan .N.Baliboola
PR and Organization diagnosis specialist

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

Disclaimer

This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create awareness about crisis PR communication management. Therefore it should be used for educational purposes and not viewed as an attack on institutions or individuals. It offers a professional PR insight into Crisis management in Uganda which is still a young profession. 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 be fully involved in crises from the start. The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

Blogs
http://nbaliboola.wordpress.com/
http://mediasurgeon.blogspot.com

Child death crisis: KCCA shocked on bad PR

The 2 -year old baby whose mother had been arrested by KCCA enforcement officers for hawking merchandise was run over by a KCCA vehicle in the Authority’s premises on November. This caused widespread public anger and condemnation. Any death occurrence will raise difficult questions and someone must take the blame. The arrest of mother of the child for violating existing city vending law was within the mandate of KCCA law enforcers. Removal of vendors from the streets by KCCA is commendable.

Accidents happen to good Companies all the time but the response matters.KCCA did not quickly act when it should have. This did not give KCCA more control of media coverage to lessen negative publicity. Information moves fast and the more reason KCCA had to be heavy on media. The KCCA PR Machinery failed to grow with the crisis.

The best option would be for KCCA to handle all burial arrangements not necessarily just shopping. This could have been a one day PR disaster. This KCCA oversight offered politicians an opportunity to take advantage of the sad situation to toss the   little one’s remains around to suit their objectives. The incident shows security weaknesses at City hall. Did the security team do their job?

No drastic moves with proper steps in line with the KCCA’s’ mission and values were done to protect the KCCA brand. KCCA never stated their values like Excellence nor did they explain training, recruitment, guidelines and discipline mechanism of its staff. There have been outcries against KCCA’s enforcers exhibiting heavy-handedness, even before this tragedy.

The only thing that could stop the scandal would be goodwill. There were little Goodwill activities on the side of KCCA.  Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive director Jennifer Musisi and the Kampala minister issued public apologies which are commendable but actions speak louder than words. The issue of issuing a statement to the media not in the grieving environment would not have much more impact. Certainly it didn't come across as heartfelt, if KCCA team handed over these items properly, it would not be that chaotic. A Public KCCA apology with a mother in sight would also help reduce the opposition. The KCCA team could have opted to visit the grieving family during the trying time. The Uganda police IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura has been able to calm PR Crises with simple acts like visiting victims or camping in such areas for some time.

Official facts from investigations are not out and so we can not tell who was negligent. The only immediate action that was taken was on the KCCA driver.KCCA cooperated with police and courts of law. As a number one citizen, this is commendable. The KCCA driver has since been arraigned in court. There is no mention of action to KCCA officials who   refused the mother to breastfeed.

In court of Public opinion, its emotions you have to deal with. Any move with logic may backfire. The officers on duty could be suspended pending investigations as the institution buys time for the crisis to quell.

Handover of burial material support items was not professionally done which affected KCCA brand. The KCCA ambulance from Mulago allegedly dropped the grieving family midway. No wonder the family rejected the money and items and instead returned them together with the dead body to City Hall in protest. Story portrays the absence of customer care and the inhumane behaviour among KCCA staff.

In a media interview with local daily, the mother of the child alleges that the baby did not die instantly but KCCA refused to give them an ambulance. They opted for a boda boda to rush the little one to Mulago. Click here

PR and Organisation diagnosis specialist.

Ivan.N.Baliboola

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

Disclaimer
This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create awareness about crisis PR communication management. Therefore it should be used for educational purposes and not viewed as an attack on institutions or individuals.  It offers a professional PR insight into Crisis management in Uganda which is still a young profession. 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 be fully involved in crises from the start. The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

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

Blogs
http://nbaliboola.wordpress.com/
http://mediasurgeon.blogspot.com

 

 

Backpacks- a must have trendy accessory

 bag.jpg

Make a fashion statement with a Backpack. Backpacks have been in existence since Stone Age period. According to Wikipedia, in ancient times, the backpack was used by hunters to carry meat after hunting.In many countries, backpacks are identified with students as a primary means of carrying school books.

Backpacks designers are now targeting different ages,uses,and professions. Backpacks are ideally suited towards the active lifestyle that has become so prevalent these days.

Today you find special backpacks to carry electronic gadgets, lunch boxes,clothes,bottles, flasks, documents, identity cards,raincoats, umbrellas,and sports equipment, books,baby items among other things.

Backpacks are preferred to handbags because of comfort when  carrying heavy loads.Features such as padded straps and waist straps distribute weight across the body.Backpacks are also more secure. For example if worn with two straps,its hard for anyone to snatch it.

Shopping    for the right Backpack

The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps. Narrow straps can dig into shoulders resulting in pain and restricted circulation. Backpacks with an extra strap that wrap around the waist offer better support.

Look out for suitably fashionable, attractive, health risk free backpack.Scientific studies have discovered that backpacks could cause injury if not properly used. Posture problems can also arise from improper use of backpacks

Backpacks must be comfortable. Look for padded shoulder straps, waist belts ,and sternum straps which  distribute the weight around your body to reduce the  risk of   back pains and neck pains. If you will be spending a lot of time moving with your backpack, then buy the one with rollers.

Also check if it is waterproof. It may rain and yet you have electronic gadgets inside. Feel free to confirm with the shop attendant before you buy.Zip type is also important. Look for strong zips with provisions of where to place a paddocks.

Ivan Baliboola

Are your valuables safe in that car?

In recent years,  the crime of  stealing  valuables in  cars  has  become a significant problem not only in the  city of  Kampala  Uganda , but in all major cities of the  world .

Today, breaking into a car takes seconds.Thief mainly target bags, car radios, DVD players, speakers, portable electronic Gadgets like laptops and cameras among other items.Risky places and situations include shopping malls especially  basement parking lots, social gatherings, parking lots  of residential areas like  estates, washing bays, traffic jam, poorly lit up areas, areas with many potholes, driveways ,and busy market areas with high traffic density.

Cycle of breaking into a car

 1. Target placement. Car owner leaves valuables in the car.

2. Thief window shops. Thief sees valuables or suspects a car has valuables.

3 .Temptation. Thief is tempted, evaluates the situation and makes up his mind to steal or not.

 4 . Actual break in. A thief finds means to enter the car to steal.

How cars are broken in

Easiest way is using a master key. There are a number of other sophisticated ways through which  a thief can find his way into your car besides using a master key. Recently a friend of mine had her car broken into in one of shopping mall’s parking lot in Kampala. Suspected criminals simply plucked out and dismantled the entire lock system on driver’s door to gain access to the car .They took a laptop. But how did the thief know the car had a laptop?

She adds on, the wallet with money was left alone on back seat. The whole process took mere seven minutes. The lock system was properly fixed by the thief. Car owners should not think that by hiding valuables under the seats is enough? The advanced technology helps them sensor lithium batteries. These batteries are used in laptops, cell phone and cameras.

Some people have lost their valuables in traffic jam and traffic lights junctions especially when their windows are down. In such situations chasing thieves is next to impossible as it can cause an accident. Other thieves con car owners into to offering them lifts. Along the way they turn against them.

 Some thieves apply shock and violence therapy to car owners in order to steal their valuables. They do this by smashing windscreen at once and in shock driver stops only to realise a group of thieves have surrounded the vehicle.

Precautions

Car owners should develop a mindset that a car can never be safe anywhere.  As one would not leave his television set outside on balcony or sidewalk when leaving home for work.Most important step is target removal. Thieves will target the car because of valuables. Remove valuables that can attract thieves to your car. This breaks the theft cycle by avoiding first step of target placement.

 Always leave someone in car to watch over the valuables or Park in open areas with many people and in well-lighted areas where your car can be seen. The poorly-lit isolated areas are insecure. If parking in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, or shopping areas, take a minute to check that all valuables are out of sight, or removed, before your arrival. Do not leave big envelopes on car seats. Simply remove all books and spread them. Big parcels may tempt  thieves.

Car owners who cannot avoid moving with valuables in their cars should consider on taking up an insurance policy.

Installing car alarm systems can be effective in detecting and scaring away thieves. Tinting   your car could safe guard valuables in the car. Thieves cannot see what is inside clearly.

Replace part of the original outside car lock system with a new one recommended by your mechanic to check on duplication and car thefts. Car owners should avoid giving car keys to strangers.When in public parking lots, kindly ask security personnel to watch over your car. If you can promise him a tip when you come back.

Before buying car gadgets like FM/CD/DVD radios, insist on those that are detachable. Car stereo radios, T.Vs and CD players are valuable and are targets for thieves. These can be easily detached into small portable parts and carried out of the car. Most of the car thefts can be avoided; it only takes resources and time to safeguard your valuables in that car. Remember the thief’s most valuable asset is time.

 

 

Ivan Baliboola

Top 6 Ugandan PR crises that rocked October.

October was a long month but surprisingly with few PR crises. Companies should stop assuming they can hide information or keep quiet about crises.

1. Miss Uganda leah Kalanguka crisis

Ugandans expressed mixed reactions over the new Miss Uganda Leah. The crisis arose from the disapproval of her beauty by some Ugandans online. This negatively affected the image of the current Miss Uganda and judges of the day. Their reactions are not farfetched. It was not the usual Miss Uganda that rewarded beauty. This year, Miss Uganda was for agriculture under the theme ‘promoting agriculture entrepreneurship among the youth’. There were also media reports before the Launch of this year`s Miss Uganda that it was taken over by the army, an allegation refuted by the organisers. The organiser has not come out heavily to defend their decision for Leah through public notices or more media interviews. Major opinion commentators and media have not been negative in traditional media. Miss Uganda Leah has managed well the crisis by not turning down any interview. She has also used every publicity opportunity to respond to those who think she is not beautiful.

2. Shell & Bolton International issues racist job advert

Shell & Bolton run a job advert for the post of an administrative Assistant in the a local Newspaper on October 20, 2014 restricting it to only Indian, phillipine or white applicants. This advert went viral and was a trending topic online. They were summoned by immigration department for the act. They have since run a public notice apologising and explaining the act which is a good PR move. The public notice also explains that the company had to do away with the Human resource person who was in-charge of the production of the advert. The crisis still points to the weak civil society in Uganda. We did not see activists, labour unions representatives or the HR association issuing a statement about the incident.

3. High court blocks factory from processing tobacco over pollution and health  concerns

High court ordered the removal of a tobacco and cigarette-making factory from kireka residential area within 60 days. Leaf Tobacco commodities (U) Limited was also ordered to pay costs of the case. The Judge noted that it was illegally in the area. The suit was taken to court by two university students and a city lawyer on behalf of about 500 residents who wanted court to compel them to foot their medical bills.

4. Sarah kagingo fired amidst statehouse social media fracas.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni fired Sarah who was the special assistant for communications to –update the president`s social media sites. President Museveni has since ordered police to investigate her over allegations that she directed the arrest of a person she accused of hacking into the president`s social media accounts and website. Local newspapers reported that there was a state house social media management crisis which lead to creation of parallel social sites.

 

5. Ambience closed by KCCA

 KCCA closed ambience in one of its moves to ensure safety in the city. The premises according to KCCA had no occupation permit and owners altered the initial Plan that was given by KCCA.The KCCA enforcement team backed by the Public Health and Physical planning team closed the premises as owners were preparing for their Friday Campus Nite event.KCCA alleges it wrote to management of the club demanding that he first fulfills the requirements of the occupation permit but they went ahead to  open the club to the public. The owners also altered the stair cases of the structure making them smaller than the expected size of the plan. The building also did not have fire extinguishers according to the required standards of KCCA.

    6. Court issues summons against Dr Ian Clarke for allegedly  impersonating the Kampala lord mayor.

Buganda road magistrate court issued criminal summons against Makindye division Mayor Ian Clarke for allegedly impersonating the Kampala lord mayor lukwago. Early this month Kawempe division Mayor Mubaraka Munyagwa filed a case against him.Mr Munyagwa alleged that on September 29 at a ceremony where the Mayor of Bujumbura, the capital of Burundi, was to hand over the seat of the East Africa local authorities and sports Cultural Association to his counterpart, Dr clark held out as Kampala mayor and received the instrument of power in violation of the law.Dr Ian Clark has since denied allegations.

This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create awareness about crisis PR communication management. Therefore it should be used for educational purposes and not viewed as an attack on institutions or individuals.  It offers a professional PR insight into Crisis management in Uganda which is still a young profession. I hope that Lessons shared can better the PR fraternity in Uganda. PR Practitioners need to be fully involved in crises from the start. The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands in construction, healthcare, Insurance, cosmetics, and banking. He carries a wealth of experience in marketing, Public relations, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of a prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence award. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

Blogs

http://nbaliboola.wordpress.com/

http://mediasurgeon.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Top 6 Ugandan PR crises that rocked October.

Top 6 Ugandan PR crises that rocked October.

October was a long month but surprisingly with few PR crises surfacing. Companies should stop assuming they can hide information or keep quiet about crises.

1. Miss Uganda leah Kalanguka crisis

Uganda expressed mixed reactions over the new Miss Uganda leah . The crisis arose from the disapproval of her beauty by some Ugandans online. This negatively affected the image of the current Miss Uganda and judges of the day. Their reactions are not farfetched. It was not the usual Miss Uganda that rewarded beauty not brains. This year, Miss Uganda was for agriculture under the theme ‘promoting agriculture entrepreneurship among the youth’. There were also media reports before the Launch of this year’s Miss Uganda that it was taken over by the army, allegation refuted by the organisers. The organiser has not come out heavily to defend their decision for Leah. Major opinion commentators and media have not been negative. Miss Uganda has well managed the crisis by  not turning down any interview. She has also use every publicity opportunity to response to those who think she is not beautiful.

2. Shell& Bolton International issues racist job advert

Shell& Bolton run a job advert for the post of an administrative Assistant in the a local Newspaper on October 20, 2014 restricting it to only Indian, phillipine or white applicants. This advert went viral and was a trending topic online. They were summoned by immigration department for the act. They have since run a public notice apologising and explaining the act which is a good PR move. The public notice also explains that the company had to do away with the Human resource person who was in-charge of the production of the advert. The crisis still points to the weak civil society in Uganda. We did not see activists, trade unions or the HR association issuing a statement about the incident.

3. High court blocks factory from processing tobacco over pollution and health  concerns

High court ordered the removal of a tobacco and cigarette-making factory from kireka r4sidential area within 60 days. Leaf Tobacco commodities (U) Limited was also ordered to pay costs of the case. Judge noted that it was illegally in the area. The suit was taken to court by two university students and a city lawyer on behalf of about 500 residents who wanted court to compel them to foot their medical bills.

4. Sarah kagingo fired amidst statehouse social media fracas.

President fired Sarah who was the special assistant for communications –updating president’s social media sites. President has since ordered police to investigate her Over allegations that she directed the arrest of a person she accused of hacking into the president’s social media accounts and website. Local newspapers reported that there was a state house social media management crisis which lead to creation of parallel social sites.

 

 

5. Ambience closed by KCCA

 KCCA closed ambience in one of its moves to ensure safety in the city. The premises according to KCCA had no occupation permit after owners altered the initial Plan that was given by KCCA.The KCCA enforcement team backed by the Public Health and Physical planning team closed the premises as owners were preparing for their Friday Campus Nite disco.KCCA wrote to management of the club demanding that he first fulfills the requirements of the occupation permit but he went ahead opened the club to the public. The owners also altered the stair cases of the structure making them smaller than the expected size of the plan. The building also did not have fire extinguishers according to the required standards of KCCA.

    6. Court issues summons against Dr Ian Clarke sued   for allegedly  impersonating the Kampala lord mayor.

Buganda road magistrate court issued criminal summons against Makindye division Mayor Ian Clarke for allegedly impersonating the Kampala lord mayor lukwago. Early this month Kawempe division Mayor Mubaraka Munyagwa filed a case against him.Mr Munyagwa alleged that on September 29 at a ceremony where the Mayor of Bujumbura,the capital of Burundi ,was to hand over the seat  of the East Africa local authorities and sports Cultural Association to his counterpart,Dr clark held out as Kampala mayor and received the instrument  of power in violation of the law.Dr Ian Clark has denied  allegations.

This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create awareness about crisis PR communication management. Therefore it should be used for educational purposes and not viewed as an attack on institutions or individuals.  It offers a professional PR insight into Crisis management in Uganda which is still a young profession. I hope that Lessons shared can better the PR fraternity in Uganda. PR Practitioners need to be fully involved in crises from the start. The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands in construction, healthcare, Insurance, cosmetics, and banking. He carries a wealth of experience in marketing, Public relations, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of a prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence award. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

Wellness Now!: Identity to the rescue!

Wellness Now!: Identity to the rescue!:  Have a nice, healthy, and most importantly correct opinion of yourself. It goes a long way. Just found this ...nice thoughts for moms to...

How to prepare beans faster.

Are you that kind of person who likes eating beans but you do not have much time to cook?

Below are the ways you can prepare beans faster

1. Rice cooker. Use a rice cooker with a steamer to cook beans faster.
2. Buy fresh beans. Instead of buying normal beans always buy fresh beans that are not dry. They take a short time to get ready.
3. Soaking in water. Soak the beans in water a day before so that they take a shorter time to get ready. When beans are soaked they become soft.
4. Pressure cooker. This is so far the most effective method to prepare them faster.

How to find out if your cooking gas cylinder leaks

Have you ever bought gas and later on realize you were cheated. Have you ever bought cooking gas cylinder that leaks. Cooking Gas leaking cylinder is will not only run out fast but it pause safety concerns. Gas cylinder may be bought leaking or the faulty old gas appliances may cause leaking An accumulation of gas can destroy a building if it finds a source of ignition. Something as simple as turning on a light switch can cause the explosion.

 

Below are the tips that you can use to detect leaking gas.

1. Observation method. Try lifting the cylinder to confirm if it is heavy before you buy

2. Weighing scale. . Some gas suppliers will weight it before they give it to you.

Go the extra mile of asking a supermarket or petrol station attendant to help you measure the refilled cylinder. Cooking gas cylinders are graded in kilograms. Make sure that what you are buying measures up to what is exactly labeled on the cylinder.

3. Seal. Look out for the seal on the cylinder. Most gas cylinders have seals.

4. Try lighting a fire. Try lighting a fire without turning on the gas. If it catches fire then the cylinder leaks. Contact the supplier for help.

 5. Smell. If Gas smells without turning it on then you it may be leaking.

Contact the gas company if you suspect a gas leak. Use an experienced repair person to fix the leak. Getting a receipt for any gas purchase is the most important thing you should never forget. This will be helpful when you experience quality challenges such as gas leaks. If there is any uncertainty about how severe the gas leak is, get all people out of the house and call for help.

 

AAR Acacia in seven months blood donation campaign

AAR Acacia clinic in partnership with Nakasero Blood Bank organized a blood donation exercise and health camp at Nakumatt supermarket Bukoto on Saturday June 21, 2014. Over 70 people turned up for exercise despite the rain in the morning. AAR Acacia Clinic had a health camp on the same day. This was the fourth blood donation drive under AAR Acacia’s ‘Seven months of saving a life’ The Campaign plans for one blood donation event every month till September this year. The campaign started in March this year. The event was also part of the activities to celebrate AAR’s 30years.AAR  has long understood the importance of donating blood to save lives and therefore continues to have blood donation drives and other health activities in communities.

AAR Acacia Health Centre Manager

encouraged the public to donate blood and better their health through regular checkups. The Health camp offered free doctor consultations, HIV testing and counselling, blood pressure check-ups, and BMI measurements. The event is part of our AAR CSR programme that is done monthly in selected areas. AAR gives back to communities in which it operates in. The event fits well with the AAR Healthcare mission of providing healthcare solutions that make a difference to life.

The hashtags for the campaign are.#AAR7MOSAL #AARgiftOflife

 

AAR Bweyogerere plants trees at Kamuli CU Primary School

AAR Bweyogerere Clinic  had a tree planting exercise at Kamuli Church of Uganda Primary School on Friday April 11, 2014. The AAR team was led by the AAR Bweyogerere Health centre manager    Dr.Stephen lugolobi.The event is under trees for health programme under the AAR Beckmann Trust. The Trees for Health programme combines health of environment with children's health. One of the ways the Trees for Health programme is achieved is by directly involving schools, communities, teachers and children, in the tree planting process right from  hole preparation to  care and management of  the tree, hence an environmental conscious generation.AAR Beckmann Trust was set up in 2007 with the aim to facilitate the development of a health care environment which impacts right down to the lowest income earners. AAR Uganda has been planting trees and undertaking deworming exercises at selected education institutions since 2012.AAR Uganda has carried out similar activities at Ntinda primary School, Kitante primary school and at St Mary's College Lugazi in the past 2 years. This is one of the many events that AAR is undertaking as it celebrates 30 years of  existence in East Africa.The team also had a health talk at the school. Uganda has lost about 28 per cent of  its cover with recent surveys pointing to annual losses of about 92,000 hectares (on public and private land). At this rate, reports indicate that if nothing is done to curb the trend, Uganda could lose its forest cover by 2040. This year we have visited three schools.

Ivan .N.Baliboola
AAR PR Administrator

ibaliboola@aar.co.ug

This email, including any attached files, may contain confidential and privileged information for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). Any review, use, distribution or disclosure by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not the addressee indicated in this message (or authorized to receive information for the recipient), please contact the sender by reply e-mail and delete all copies of this message (including any attachments)

AAR Bweyogerere plants trees at Kamuli CU Primary School

AAR Bweyogerere Clinic  had a tree planting exercise at Kamuli Church of Uganda Primary School on Friday April 11, 2014. The AAR team was led by the AAR Bweyogerere Health centre manager    Dr.Stephen lugolobi.The event is under trees for health programme under the AAR Beckmann Trust. The Trees for Health programme combines health of environment with children's health. One of the ways the Trees for Health programme is achieved is by directly involving schools, communities, teachers and children, in the tree planting process right from  hole preparation to  care and management of  the tree, hence an environmental conscious generation.AAR Beckmann Trust was set up in 2007 with the aim to facilitate the development of a health care environment which impacts right down to the lowest income earners. AAR Uganda has been planting trees and undertaking deworming exercises at selected education institutions since 2012.AAR Uganda has carried out similar activities at Ntinda primary School, Kitante primary school and at St Mary’s College Lugazi in the past 2 years. This is one of the many events that AAR is undertaking as it celebrates 30 years of  existence in East Africa.The team also had a health talk at the school. Uganda has lost about 28 per cent of  its cover with recent surveys pointing to annual losses of about 92,000 hectares (on public and private land). At this rate, reports indicate that if nothing is done to curb the trend, Uganda could lose its forest cover by 2040. This year we have visited three schools.

Ivan .N.Baliboola
AAR PR Administrator

ibaliboola@aar.co.ug

AAR Acacia Health Centre Medical events at Garden City Mall.

AAR Acacia Health Centre organised  two   medical outreaches  at Garden City Mall on Febraury 15  and February 22 respectively.The events started at 9am. The AAR team carried out free doctor consultations, blood pressure check-ups, BMI measurements and health talks.

2014 lessons from the 2013 PR crises that dominated Ugandan media.

PR is relatively a new profession world over but we saw different organization manage their crises head on. More PR agencies and organizations are seriously taking up crisis management as a pivotal function. Uganda’s PR fraternity witnessed extraordinary crises last year. These PR crises dominated international and local media.

 

UCU sex-video scandal

2013 was a year of  leaked sex tapes and celebrity nude pictures .Uganda Christian University (UCU) was in a media scandal involving two students who shot a sex video.UCU’s director of Student Affairs, Rev Milton Tweheyo publically apologized and confirmed that the two male students featured in the video were indeed UCU students except the lady. UCU did the right thing of forgiving the students and setting the record straight. Denying the incident would instead prolong the crisis. Expulsion has never helped people reform.Though UCU offered counselling and forgiveness to students, it condemned fornication. The story teaches us about the power of social media especially whatsapp,Youtube, and Facebook.

 

Royal divorce

End of princess Komuntale and Christopher Thomas’ marriage in October. Lots of counter attacks were shared on Facebook and in traditional Media within the county and the world over .Princess Komuntale accused Chris of domestic violence and unfaithfulness. The Princess did not withhold any information and she utilized social media to share her side of the story that yielded support and goodwill from the Public. If she remained silent then the crisis would may be a favourite negative media story. Media wants nothing but the truth.Chris later on apologized to the princess but it never yielded any public mercy.

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.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 new 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.The saga also attracted enough media attention. Fr Musala was hosted on highly rated TV shows and made it to the front page of daily Newspapers.

Police torture of Ex-Mukwano worker Kassim Suuna.

Ex-Mukwano worker Mr  Kassim Ssuuna was allegedly assaulted by police officers while he was protesting in front of  Mukwano factory in Kampala. The incident attracted media  attention and went viral online. The incident faulted the Uganda Police force on its human rights record and general operations. The Uganda police should be credited for setting up a an investigation to probe the officers expeditiously and have them go through the disciplinary process. The crisis highlighted the weak civil society in Uganda since there was no serious action by labour unions.Mukwano faulted on goodwill to an extent. The company could have publicly thanked Mr Suuna for his services before he was dismissed over indiscipline as a way of redirecting media attention. They did not also highlight their milestones especially CSR. Though Smart Mukwano team activated their PR tactics a little bit late, it helped clean their image. Releasing detailed information would always work against you in court of Public opinion. Good PR is communicating what the public needs to hear instead of what they want to hear. The public always reacts to a crisis based on emotions while supporting little David against Goliath which is not the case with the normal courts of law.

Alleged gang rape act by Yuasa Employees

A 23-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped and sodomised by five Pakistan nationals working with Yuasa.There have media reports about her being abandoned by some NGO. Government also tightened grip on work permits following Yuasa employee alleged misconduct incident. There was an apology from The Pakistani community to Ugandans for the alleged act and they also agreed to compensate her and clear medical bills. These acts were crucial in building goodwill. We saw growth of advocacy PR as women activists demonstrated outside the Yuasa Investment premises demanding its closure till all suspects were arrested and produced in court. Some suspects have since be produced in court. The Incident also shows the increasing power of the media.

Police probed Red Cross boss over smuggling

Police probed Red Cross boss over tax evasion. Uganda Red cross Society secretary General Micheal Nataka lost his Job over the incident.URA and police raided Nataka’s residence in Munyonyo seizing suspected contraband goods worth sh 800m.Integrity and goodwill of Red Cross was restored when he was replaced.

Uganda journalists Association election flop over irregularities

Elections to choose a new executive committee for Ugandan Journalists Association flopped last year after members complained about a bloated voter’s register  and stolen electoral materials. The incident renews the critical debate on professional standards for journalists. It is embarrassing to have society watchdogs who are supposed to oversee morals engage in physical fighting. Some candidates agreed to pull out of an election they suspected was marred with irregularities.

Youth minister was quoted to have allegedly endorsed rape of victims with revealing clothes.

A Local daily Newspaper ran a story titled “Indecent rape victims to blame” in which it quoted comments attributed to the Youth State Minister. As a result of the story, the minister was summoned to make a statement on the floor of   Parliament  in which he faulted the newspaper. This controversial statement caused a public outcry and some critics asked him to resign. A local daily also reported that he had opened up a Twitter account to manage the PR crisis. Opinion leaders like Dr Norbert Mao joined the critical side in an article. Youth Minister Kiwanuka openly came out to deny the statement and clear his name which was a good thing. To set the record straight, a local daily newspaper decided to upload the audio recording of the minister’s remarks made in Ntungamo on their website.

Woman dies at IHK under unclear circumstances.

A senior Parliament employee, Remmie Wamala Nanono, passed on under questionable circumstances at IHK.This crisis provoked a debate in parliament .MPs agreed to set up an ad hoc committee to inquire into the operations of private health service providers. Wamala’s close relatives quoted in one local Newspaper say her death should have been avoided had the hospital authorities taken an urgent decision to operate her since her cervix had opened up to four centimeters, not wide enough to allow for normal delivery. Ministry of Health was also tasked to commission a study on the status of maternal health in the country for the purposes of addressing the current challenges of maternal mortality.IHK rushed to release a statement which was a bit insensitive in the court of public opinion.

 

Irene Namubiru’s  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.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 dent on her image. There will always be online negative search results about her regarding event. 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.

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. Most East African Newspapers carried an editorial on the incident. The incident 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 incident. The most famous hash tag was ‘#mediasiege’. On May 30, 2013, Media houses were allowed to resume operations. Daily monitor’s reopening 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 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.

 

 Nince Henry sues Nakumatt over pirated music

The Police and court bailiffs seized merchandise over illegal sale of music. The artiste insisted he had never released the album nor given permission to Nakumatt to sell his music. It was also alleged that the supermarket had been running a promotion where, whoever buys a Hisense Plasma screen takes home the singer’s CD for free. The album on display was titled ‘Omukyala bamukwata Mpola’, which was a wrong title as the correct one is Mpola Mpola according to Nince Henry. The artiste has since opened a case against Nakumatt and X-Zone International. It projected the regional supermarket in a negative way.

Emin Pasha fined 20m for noise pollution

Emin Pasha Hospital was in the media for the wrong reasons. It was fined for noise pollution. This was a dent on her image as a tourist destination in one way or another.

 

Conclusion

Uganda has seen increased power of pressure groups and the media expansion. Best proactive PR Crisis management requires daily media monitoring for crises. With bad news, the best move is to own up and apologise if possible. The sooner the better. This may give you more control of media coverage. Remember PR takes time and requires a clear strategy.PR Practitioners need to stop leaving organisational  Crisis management tasks to only their legal and operation departments, they should fully be involved in every step.I commend the inclusion of Best Crisis Management Award category in the Public Relations Association of Uganda (PRAU) annual  Excellence Awards. This has created a greater understanding of crisis management.

 

Ivan .N.Baliboola

PR & Online engager

nbaliboola@gmail.com

 

Top four PR crises that ‘rocked’ August 2013

7 police drivers arrested

They were arrested in an operation aimed at targeting motorists who over lap during traffic jam. Seven police drivers were arrested for allegedly abusing traffic rules. The group was arrested in an ongoing operation, which begun in Central Division and mainly targets drivers who overlap in an attempt to dodge traffic jam. It is expected to be extended countrywide. The seven drivers were cautioned and penalized. Uganda Police's action yielded goodwill and showed that it is a reformed force.

 

Spanish national 'jumps to death' from Sheraton hotel.

The Police have kicked off investigations into the death of a Spanish national suspected to have committed suicide at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. Florensa Jaume Betran's body was found lying in a pool of blood on the hotel terrace located on the first floor .Police suspect that he allegedly jumped from the 12th floor of the hotel at about 11.00am local time (EAT), shortly after booking the room. The PR crisis was properly handled by the Uganda police and Sheraton.

Auditors find blood with maggots in hospitals

A report by the Auditor General portrayed a negative image of the Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS), with grave implications on public health. It raises serious questions about the quality of blood transfused to patients in health centres countrywide. The audit contains graphic details spawned out of gross neglect or inefficiency at UBTS, arising out of poor maintenance of the database, non-compliance to standards in seven regional blood banks as well as lack of routine maintenance, repairs and testing of equipment. The audit was carried out to ascertain whether UBTS is efficiently, economically and effectively performing its role of availing safe and adequate blood and blood products to hospitals and health centre IVs countrywide.

Six out of 10 hospitals and health centre IVs, including Arua, Mbarara, Soroti and Mbale regional referral hospitals, were found to be storing blood outside the required temperature range, thus posing a threat to the quality of blood.The UBTS principal blood donor recruiter William Mugisha defended the organisation, saying they explained a number of issues to the auditors, which they seem not to have captured.

 

 

Makerere HIV vaccine project sued

A senior data entry specialist has dragged the Makerere University HIV vaccine project –the Makerere University Walter Reed Project – to court for wrongful dismissal. According to documents filed on August 2 at the High Court in Kampala, Jacqueline Kemirembe, who was dismissed from the project on April 13, is demanding sh100m.She had worked with the project for nine years as a permanent employee.

The project was founded in 2002 for HIV vaccine development and building of vaccine testing capability in Uganda. It is one of the five international research sites set up by the American Department of Defence United States HIV Research Programme. Kemirembe alleges that on January 2 this year, the management of the project arbitrarily changed the employment terms.

Kemirembe is aggrieved because she was dismissed on grounds that were in breach of the project's human resource policy. Any legal suit is a crisis in a way.

 

Disclaimer: This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create awareness about crisis PR communication management. Therefore it should be used for educational purposes and not viewed as an attack on institutions or individuals.  It offers a professional PR insight into Crisis management in Uganda which is still a young profession. 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 be fully involved in crises from the start. The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

Ivan N. Baliboola 

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands in construction, healthcare, Insurance, cosmetics, and banking. He carries a wealth of experience in marketing, Public relations, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of a prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence award. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.

nbaliboola@gmail.com