{"active":true,"resource":"MTN Pulse Blog","data":[{"categories":[{"name":"Featured","tagg":"featured","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/featured"},{"name":"News","tagg":"news","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/news"},{"name":"Next Big Stars","tagg":"next-big-stars","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/next-big-stars"},{"name":"Pulse Achiever","tagg":"pulse-achiever","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-achiever"},{"name":"Pulse Fashion","tagg":"pulse-fashion","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-fashion"},{"name":"Pulse Hustler","tagg":"pulse-hustler","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-hustler"},{"name":"Pulse MCM","tagg":"pulse-mcm","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-mcm"},{"name":"Pulse Movies","tagg":"pulse-movies","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-movies"},{"name":"Pulse Music","tagg":"pulse-music","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-music"},{"name":"Pulse Plot","tagg":"pulse-plot","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-plot"},{"name":"Pulse Rewind","tagg":"pulse-rewind","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-rewind"},{"name":"Pulse Tech","tagg":"pulse-tech","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-tech"},{"name":"Pulse Tips","tagg":"pulse-tips","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-tips"},{"name":"Pulse WCW","tagg":"pulse-wcw","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/pulse-wcw"},{"name":"Social Media Kings and Queens","tagg":"social-media-kings-and-queens","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/social-media-kings-and-queens"},{"name":"Youth Skilling","tagg":"youth-skilling","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/youth-skilling"},{"name":"Yo\u2019 Say","tagg":"yo-say","link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/category\/yo-say"}],"content":[[{"title":"Pulse Feature: Rising Star Joshua Baraka Opens Up; Music, Studies, Family and More","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/Joshua-Baraka-2.jpg","summery":"\"My name is Joshua Baraka. I am Ugandan musical artist.\"","date":"2021-12-22 10:49:59","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/pulse-feature-rising-star-joshua-baraka-opens-up-music-studies-family-and-more\/","body":"Our guest feature today is Ugandan music artist Joshua Baraka, whom critics have described as the rising star, the early morning sun for the industry, the next big thing after Mowzey Radio and Azawi and everything nice for a young budding musician whose future looks really bright.\r\n\r\nBut they\u2019re not flattering him, and if you listen to his music you will agree. His unique style of music has set him apart in the new generation of artists in Uganda and that\u2019s partly credited to a very rich musical background.\r\n\r\nBaraka writes, sings, produces, plays piano and guitar, drums and is learning to play with so many other musical instruments. He has refused to associate himself with a particular music genre and insists that his music style depends on what he wants to say at that moment.\r\n\r\nMTN Pulse caught up with him for a quick chat and below are the excerpts;\r\n\r\nPulse: Who is Joshua Baraka? \r\n\r\nMy name is Joshua Baraka. I am Ugandan musical artist. I am a singer and multi-instrumentalist. I went to many schools for primary but finished from Kitante Primary School. I then joined Makerere College School for my O-level and finalized my A-level at Mengo Senior School.\r\n\r\nPulse: When did you start singing? How did you get inspiration to kick off?\r\n\r\nMy life has always been musical thanks to my mum who was a leader in a church choir. This made me exposed to different musical concepts and singing from as long as I can remember. Finally, the urge to let my art out took over and I decided to pursue this. As plainly as that.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPulse: Is the music industry a career choice you\u2019d recommend young people to focus on?\r\n\r\nI would but it's no easy road. You will need focus, understanding of the music business, sleepless nights practicing and a great team. Plus, just as any other business it takes time and investment. So, if you have the talent and passion for it, go ahead and follow your heart.\r\n\r\nPulse: Are you doing anything else besides music?\r\n\r\nAt the moment I am focusing on the art and business but 2022 am surely starting music school.\r\n\r\nPulse: Tell us about your debut EP? How is it fairing on the market?\r\n\r\nMy debut EP is called 'Baby Steps'. It's a four-track project that introduces the listener to me. It has had more success than I anticipated in the time from when it was released which is August 2021 to now. It is doing well and hopefully only going higher.\r\n\r\nPulse: Which song off the EP has performed better than you anticipated?\r\n\r\n\u201cBe Me\u201d because I initially felt like it was too personal.\r\n\r\nEditor\u2019s note: Baraka describes \u201cBe Me\u201d as; \u201cAn open letter to the world asking it to let me be me. Something we all want to say sometimes but never get the courage to.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPulse: What is your advice to fellow young people trying to make it in life?\r\n\r\nA lot of things actually. Know what you want and start working towards it, the time to work is now. Have the right people around you. Do what you love. Listen to 'Baby Steps\u2019. [Chuckles]. Social media is not real life.\r\n\r\nPulse: How can you be located on social media?\r\n\r\nI am at @itsjoshuabaraka on every social media platform. Hit me up, let\u2019s connect.\r\n\r\n"}},{"title":"Buzz Teenz Awards 2021 Winners - Full List","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/buzz.jpg","summery":"Full List","date":"2021-12-20 12:45:19","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/buzz-teenz-awards-2021-winners-full-list\/","body":"Yesterday the long awaited and prestigious Buzz Teenz awards took place. Many of your favourite individuals and artists were awarded thanks to you, for voting. Incase you missed it, here is the full list:\r\n\r\nArtist of the year - Azawi\r\nTeenz Male Artist - Pallaso\r\nTeenz Female Artist - Azawi\r\nTeenz Hottest Song Writer - Azawi\r\nTeenz Next Big Thing - Brennan Baby\r\nTeenz Breakout Artist - Liam Voice\r\nTeenz Hottest Song of the year Slow Dancing - Azawi\r\nTeenz Flyest Video Slow Dancing - Azawi\r\nTeenz Hottest Collabo - Abeggume DJ Ali Breezy Ft Eezzy\r\nTeenz Gospel Song Mbeera \u2013 Levixone Ft Grace Morgan\r\nTeenz Hottest TikToker - Mickey Seams 2 Funny\r\nTeenz Hottest Radio Station XFM\r\nTeenz Hottest Radio Program Xplosion - XFM\r\nTeenz TV Station -\u00a0 NBS TV\r\nTeenz Hottest TV Personality - Douglas Lwanga\r\nTeenz Hottest TV Show - NBS After 5\r\nTeenz Fashion Star -\u00a0 Solomon Kampala\r\nTeenz Hottest DJ - DJ Ali Breezy\r\nTeenz Hottest Audio Producer - Nessim\r\nTeenz Hottest TikTok Sound of the year - Omwana Wabandi Daddy Andre\r\nTeenz Cultural Icon by Reach A Hand Naava Grey"}},{"title":"\"Stop comparing yourself to people on the internet.\" Edna Kanyesigye, a Mental Health Advocate Advises Pulsers","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/Edna-Kanyesigye.jpg","summery":"\"If the story is too deep and I feel triggered I refer the person to someone who could help them\"","date":"2021-12-13 10:30:28","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/stop-comparing-yourself-to-people-on-the-internet-edna-kanyesigye-a-mental-health-advocate-advises-pulsers\/","body":"MTN Pulse caught up with Edna Kanyesigye, a lover of Love who is passionate about teaching young people how to have healthy dating relationships because in her journey as a mental health advocate, she has realised that a big number of people she talks to about mental health challenges, the challenges stem from dating or relating with the wrong people. She tells us about her journey...\r\n\r\nWho is Kanyesigye Edna?\r\nKanyesigye Edna is a 23 year old Christian Ugandan girl from Western Uganda, Mukiga from Rubirizi District. Edna is an industrious young girl who loves family , friends and anything that brings happiness to her or the people around her. Edna enjoys celebratory\/milestone parties like weddings etc. a little too much because people are normally happiest at these parties and that\u2019s her kind of energy.\r\n\r\nTell us about your education background and courses pursued?\r\n\r\nI went to Christ the King Nursery School for Kindergarten education, Nakasero Primary School for primary school, Maryhill High School for secondary School, and currently a final year student of Environmental Science Technology and Management at Kyambogo University.\r\nWell I have also pursed some professional courses but the one I am most proud of is Project Planning and Management at MS-TCDC Arusha Tanzania in 2019.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat do you do currently?\r\n\r\nAside from being a full time student, I have a 9 to 5 which is Programs and Advocacy officer at Faraja Africa Foundation. I also host a mental health show at Faraja Television.\r\n\r\nYou recently have become internet famous among certain sects of internet users, what would you say made you famous?\r\n\r\nFirst of all whaaaattttttt <surprised face> I am FAMOUSS???? Where? When? How? Anyway I will talk about my social media audience ; I know about 70% of my followers personally( I think some of them will be surprised when they see this; but either I know them from my academic journey or mutual friends or even family, so I like to refer to them as friends because most of them have actually met me and know me. I think they follow me because I post more often haha and also because I am myself really and some of them have actually told me that I am relatable. I feel like I am talking to my friends via my insta-stories (which I update on a daily) or I am updating people who already know me about what is happening in my life in my posts.\r\n\r\nWhy Mental Health? What sparked your desire to advocate in that space?\r\n\r\nI was or I am a victim of some mental health challenges; so during that dark time of my life I really didn\u2019t want to feel alone or crazy. So I felt like there\u2019s a girl like me out there going through the same and would like to know that they are not crazy and that its okay not be okay. In 2018 when I was diagnosed with anxiety, I started looking for information about what was wrong with me because I thought I was crazy or not appreciative of my surroundings and it was difficult for me to find that space so I decided to be that space for someone else.\r\n\r\nInstagram is one of your strong tools to advocate, what benefits have come with this as opposed to operating in a time where the internet wasn\u2019t a thing?\r\n\r\nI find it easier to use Instagram as a platform because the people on it are more welcoming, less judgemental and civilised group so it\u2019s easier for me to pass on whatever message I want to pass on without being worried if some people will take it the wrong way. A time when there was no internet <cringe face> I cannot say much about that time because as a gen-z, I cannot imagine a world without it.\r\n\r\nJudging from your instagram content, you seem an empath. Are you an empath? What would you say makes one an empath?\r\n\r\nYes yess, I am a big big empath. I think what makes me an empath is my ADHD and anxiety because I think of all the bad things that could happen to someone for them to reach the point of opening up. Then I build scenarios of what could happen if couldn\u2019t help them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe topic of Mental health is such a sensitive one, how do you manage to deal with all that people share with you, especially emotionally?\r\n\r\nHonestly at first their stories used to affect me because I am an empath but now I have learnt to compartmentalise these. If the story is too deep and I feel triggered I refer the person to someone who could help them.\r\n\r\nTherapy is such an alien thing to many young people especially in Uganda. What can be done better to encourage young adults to seek professional help?\r\n\r\nYoung adults need first of all to understand that mental health challenges are the same as any other health challenges and should treat them as such. For example if you have a stomachache you get pain killers to cure it right, that\u2019s the same way you go for therapy that has been prescribed so cure a mental health challenge.\r\n\r\nMental health is a topic that many people shy away from, especially the elder folk. How can we young people help them in this regard? \r\n\r\nWe need to explain to the older generation that mental health challenges have been there since time immemorial only that in their generation, people didn\u2019t talk about them that is why the rates of suicide were high and the number of \u201cmad people\u201d were high. The only difference these days is that people are talking about these mental health challenges and people are able to put a name, solution and face to them.\r\n\r\nGive us some Pro tips: How can one identify themselves as a potential case for immediate help? How can I tell that I need help?\r\n\r\nPro tip: read, make as much research as possible. Just because it is not affecting you doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t have knowledge about it. That way you\u2019re able to easily identify the signs of some of these mental health challenges.\r\n\r\nSocial media is such a trigger in different ways. How can we balance using social media for the right things and at the same time avoid the triggers that we could potentially come across?\r\n\r\nI am going to talk about what I have used to prevent that: stop comparing yourself to some guy on the internet who is showcasing their wins, different people have different levels, pace, stages of growth and that\u2019s okay. 90% of the people on social media don\u2019t share with you their real life. Please know that you have control over what you consume on the internet i.e. you are the one who decides who you follow on social media and who you don\u2019t. If you feel pressured by someone\u2019s account, please unfollow them for sanity. Control your phone, don\u2019t let the phone control you.\r\n\r\nWhat can one do when they feel triggered?\r\n\r\nActually identifying the trigger is the first way of self-care or self-treating for most mental health challenges. You definitely need to solve the trigger; move away , minimize contact or eliminate the trigger of these mental health challenge.\r\n\r\n\u00a0What are your hobbies?\r\n\r\nAttending milestone celebrations haha, watching movies, singing worship songs, I love a great conversation, definitely cooking and baking, sleeping, can I add dancing? haha\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nTell us something that many people do not know about you.\r\n\r\nI PRIOTISE MY SLEEP\/REST, I zone out during conversations, I love Christmas and everything that comes with it.\r\n\r\n\u00a0How would you like to be remembered on this earth?\r\n\r\nI would like to be remembered as a kind person and someone that loved with everything that I had.\r\n\r\nWhat advice would you leave with young people? \r\n\r\nREAD a lot so that you don\u2019t make mistakes that people have written about. Make your own mistakes and learn from them. Be Kind it\u2019s a harsh world out there. Jesus is the actual answer to literally everything. Have a circle of faith, support and love; you will need them. IT IS NEVER THAT SERIOUS so don\u2019t over think it.\r\n\r\nCourtesy photos\r\n\r\n "}},{"title":"Pulse Feature: Lucky Agaba's Take A Break Uganda and How Young People are Tapping Into Opportunities in Tourism","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/Lucky-Agaba.jpg","summery":"Take A Break is a tour and travel organisation whose core values are to promote domestic tourism through organised fun trips to different tourism destinations and towns in Uganda.","date":"2021-12-09 11:03:23","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/pulse-feature-lucky-agabas-take-a-break-uganda-and-how-young-people-are-tapping-into-opportunities-in-tourism\/","body":"Tourism is a fast-growing business venture in Uganda and personally, I am glad to see young people involved in exploiting the sector\u2019s potential. From tour guides to running crafts shops, young people have immersed themselves in the sector and are not only helping it recover from the hit it got from the COVID-19 pandemic but are also making a living for themselves and eliminating unemployment.\r\n\r\nLucky Agaba is one such person that is tapping into the sector using a necessary work stress reliever to promote the country\u2019s tourism, create memories with her friends and help her predominantly online business start-up prosper. We caught up with her to discuss about her, her plans and vision for tourism, and what she thinks about the online and social media space.\r\n\r\nMTN Pulse: Briefly tell us about yourself.\r\n\r\nMy name is Lucky Agaba. I am a female Ugandan; a professional Land Surveyor and founder Take A Break Uganda. I am passionate about connecting with nature, connecting with people and connecting people to nature.\r\n\r\nMTN Pulse: What is Take A Break? When did you start it? \r\n\r\nTake A Break is a tour and travel organisation whose core values are to promote domestic tourism through organised fun trips to different tourism destinations and towns in Uganda. We (along with my co-founders) started in it 2018 and it\u2019s been fun, educating, challenging, and everything else that start-ups go through. But we are glad that we are still here and exploring with something we believe in and are passionate about.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMTN Pulse: Do you think social media has helped you in any way to put Take A Break where it is now?\r\n\r\nSocial media has played a big role in promoting Take A Break and tourism in general. We have used social media for networking and connections. With socials we get to advertise, connect, show the world how beautiful Uganda is and get feedback. We've utilized social media to grow.\r\n\r\nIf your question is if I think we would be where we are without social media, the answer is no. I don\u2019t think we would be. Start-ups of young people don\u2019t always have that much capital and you can\u2019t break barriers without that much capital. Social media has helped us break our barriers.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMTN Pulse: Are there downsides in relation to the above? Is there a time you\u2019ve felt social media was limiting or disastrous in pursuit of your goals?\u00a0 \r\n\r\nNone I can think of. Social media has been positively impactful in general.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMTN Pulse: What good things have you personally derived from Take A Break so far?\r\n\r\nI have travelled to many destinations in Uganda because of Take A Break. It's really more affordable to travel as a group than as an individual. I have gained many connections with people through Take A Break, most of us have, from just travel buddies to family, friends, jobs, gigs, sponsorships, name it.\r\n\r\nSo, you realize it is not just about the money. We still have a long way to go and God willing, the money will be made. For now, we are establishing suitable ground for that time and connections coupled with a good understanding of our country\u2019s tourism are everything someone in the sector would want. Don\u2019t you think?\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMTN Pulse: What challenges have you faced so far, if any?\r\n\r\nThe biggest working challenge has been the COVID-19 pandemic. It has stolen time from us and affected our short- and long-term strategies. However, I trust we are recovering.\r\n\r\nNone of us saw it coming. And like any other businesses that were affected by the same, we were not spared. We had wonderful plans for tweny tweny, but you saw how it turned out.\r\n\r\nWe are trying to devise means of implementing them in the coming years and hoping for the best. But yeah, COVID-19 messed up with our plans big time.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMTN Pulse: Parting shot?\r\n\r\nI am grateful to everyone of us that has supported Take A Break. And a huge thank you to the amazing organising team that I work with. Thank you to the team at MTN Pulse for this opportunity as well. Is MTN Pulse into travel? We have amazing ideas that we could work out with you.\r\n\r\nMs Agaba is on social media. You can connect with her on Twitter: @LuckyAgabaa and Instagram: agabalucky\r\n\r\nTake A Break is also on social media - Twitter\/Instagram\/Facebook: @TakeABreakUg\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOh, and while we are talking travel, remember MTN Pulse has a partnership with ride hailing app SafeBoda where Pulsers can get up to 5K worth of top up for their rides. Download or updates the #MTNPulse app and check out freebies. https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/app"}},{"title":"World AIDS Day: What is Your Status? Make an Effort to Know How You Stand Today","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/World-Aids-Day-December-1.jpg","summery":"AIDS is avoidable and getting it is not the end of the world.","date":"2021-12-01 09:56:23","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/world-aids-day-what-is-your-status-make-an-effort-to-know-how-you-stand-today\/","body":"It is World AIDS Day; a day we should all commemorate for everyone that lost the fight against AIDS and recognize victories thus far like increased access to treatment, medicines and improved awareness and sensitization of the virus.\r\n\r\nWhile Pulsers are rebellious and they\u2019re known for checking the status quo across all fields of life, they do that with proper reflection to the things that affect their lives and livelihood. As such, Pulsers are not rebellious when it comes to topics like healthy living and taking necessary steps to prevent or treat infections.\r\n\r\nOn this World AIDS Day, therefore, we challenge every Pulser to take an effort and establish their status as regards HIV\/AIDS. That is the first step to good living. Because the sooner you\u2019re aware of your status, the better you will be equipped to control the spread of HIV\/AIDS and help the world get an inch closer towards an AIDS free generation.\r\n\r\nWe cannot tire to remind Pulsers that HIV\/AIDS is avoidable and that you can live with it if you got it. Getting it is not the end of the world. So, if you fall in the former category, strive to practice ABC. Abstain until such a time when you\u2019re ready, Be faithful to your partner (get off the sexual network) if abstinence is not for you and if all these fail use a Condom.\r\n\r\nThis year, we are proud to see young people deeply engaged in the conversation on #WorldAIDSDay. It shows us how aware a generation we are growing to be. Keep it up.\r\n\r\nThere is free HIV\/AIDS testing and counselling at Makerere University today organized by Human Diagnostics Uganda Limited, a leading human diagnostics medical equipment supplier. If you can make it to the hill, get updated and know what your status is and that will usher you into the good life \u2013 the one where you\u2019re aware of your status and living comfortably with whatever it is.\r\n\r\nWe also bumped into something cool on Twitter from @JoshTheFixer, a graphics designer. Took some creativity to pull it off and we celebrate him on this day.\r\n\r\n "}},{"title":"Pulse Feature: Israeli Trained Brian Byaruhanga Discusses Plans to Transform Commercial Agriculture in Uganda","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/2470C2A9-6ED9-4EA8-99FB-5378A41DAF57.jpeg","summery":"By 2050, Uganda\u2019s population will be at over 100 million. We shall need food.","date":"2021-11-18 10:42:10","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/pulse-feature-israeli-trained-brian-byaruhanga-discusses-plans-to-transform-commercial-agriculture-in-uganda\/","body":"One of the biggest hurdles the nation\u2019s agricultural sector has faced is attitude among young people towards it. Even when they\u2019re aware of the potential it has and the benefits of food security, they have ditched it for white collar jobs and other startups.\r\n\r\nMTN Pulse interacted with Brian Byaruhanga, a youth who has decided to tap into the potential of commercial agriculture after a 2 year internship opportunity in Israel.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBriefly tell us about yourself.\r\n\r\nMy name is Brian Byaruhanga. I am an agriculturalist by profession. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Dairy Industry and Business from Makerere University, and I have two diplomas in Advanced Applicable Agriculture of Agrostudies Israel.\r\n\r\nI am a Director at AutoAgri Technologies Ltd, a company founded in October 2021, to empower farmers to produce year-round sustainable optimum production through provision of efficient, affordable, and quality irrigation systems.\r\n\r\nInteresting. What motivated you to take that route? I know youths who studied Agriculture and decided to do different things after campus. Why did you persist?\r\n\r\nWhile in Israel, I was impressed by how the country managed to transform from desert land to arable land.\r\n\r\nDespite being a desert, Israel not only managed to create a remarkable agricultural transformation, securing national food security and establishing thriving export industries, but also emerged as a global leader in agriculture and water management. Israel has managed all this by use of smart irrigation systems.\r\n\r\nUganda is more blessed naturally. Imagine what we can be if we exploited our full potential! That\u2019s what motivated me.\r\n\r\nFarmers in Uganda depend on unpredictable weather patterns. This leads to inadequate harvests. In order to give farmers capacity to predict when and how much to produce, we pride ourselves in availing irrigation systems to them.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHow special is that system you\u2019re talking about?\r\n\r\nOur systems are automated, and do not require use of electricity to run them.\r\nThey can be programmed to open and stop water for a required amount of time automatically.\r\nThese systems help save water because just the right amount of water will be released. (Unlike when you hand water, when you can easily use more water than you need.)\r\n\r\nYour company is just one month old. Have you made any strides towards using your systems and helping farmers better their yields? Are there any challenges?\r\n\r\nWe are in the phase of training farmers about how these systems work, and we are happy about how farmers have embraced the idea.\r\nOur challenge is inadequate funds to approach more farmers to educate them about how irrigation can help to increase their output and have year-round production.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat\u2019s your advice to young people out there that are trying to make ends meet in life?\r\n\r\nBy 2050, Uganda\u2019s population is anticipated to clock 100 million. This means the country will grapple with hunger management. I encourage youths to engage themselves in farming so as to promote sustainability in food production.\r\n\r\nSustainability improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem and preserves natural resources for future generations.\r\n\r\nTo have this conversation with Byaruhanga and other prospects in Agriculture contact him on brian.bb444@gmail.com or call him on +256787725272. His WhatsApp number is +972552725118. On Twitter, he is @briovc and Instagram @bryan_herder\r\n\r\nWATCH a video of Byaruhanga\u2019s work at AutoAgri Technologies here;\r\n\r\nIMG_0652"}},{"title":"CAREERS: Not Just About Court Rooms, Explore Opportunities Available After Studying Law","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Law-Graduates.jpg","summery":"\u201cYou must practice law if you study law.\u201d","date":"2021-11-09 10:54:30","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/careers-not-just-about-court-rooms-explore-opportunities-available-after-studying-law\/","body":"The single most disturbing and career restricting aspect that has had many law graduates unemployed in Uganda or withstanding poor working conditions in law firms that cannot cater for them is that stray talk that \u201cyou must practice law if you study law.\u201d\r\n\r\nAnd sadly, our society is not enlightened enough to forgive anyone that doesn\u2019t practice law with a law degree. They look at it as a waste of the 4-5 years you went through at university. For them, you would rather earn 300,000 working as a lawyer than get say, 2M as an accountant.\r\n\r\nSurprisingly, and employers and human resource managers agree, a law degree teaches you to think critically, solve problems, research, communicate, work in teams and distil large, complex rafts of information into succinct writing. While these skills are important in almost any job, here are 10 careers that value law graduates highly.\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. Accounting\r\n\r\nIt is not a secret that the big four accounting firms in Uganda; PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, Ernst & Young and Deloitte are \u201cpoaching\u201d lawyers\u00a0for their own growing legal services arms. In fact, so many law graduates (top of their classes most of the time) have made the switch into these accounting and audit firms and boy are they making money. Let alone developing steadily in their careers. In fact, moving to an accounting firm has the added bonus of expanding your skill set, as most firms will require (and pay for) you to obtain the Chartered Accountants qualification.\r\n
      \r\n \t
    1. Journalism and Communications\r\n\r\nAs you may already know, most lawyers make excellent journalists because of their attention to detail, natural skepticism, writing skills, and knowledge of the complexities in politics and the legal system. As a media owner for instance, you would be sure that a lawyer as an editor of your outlet wouldn\u2019t let mistakes like the difference between advice and advise or affect and effect pass them. I am not saying that guys in other career sets wouldn\u2019t distinguish them but a lawyer is trained to pay that attention to detail.\r\n
        \r\n \t
      1. Politics\r\n\r\nHaha, you thought Politics was just about service? Think again! There are careers in politics and we know people around us that are doing politics full time. Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, DP President Norbert Mao and JEEMA\u2019s Asuman Basalirwa are some of the many Ugandan Politicians with law degrees. The skills learned in law school such as argumentation, advocacy and an understanding of Uganda\u2019s political system have been very useful in their careers.\r\n
          \r\n \t
        1. Human Resource (HR)\r\n\r\nAt law school, there is a Labour Law course unit where law students are exposed to all the nitty gritties of employment law in Uganda and what should be done and not be done on either side \u2013 employer or employee. A move into human resources (HR), therefore, makes sense for many lawyers as it requires an ability to apply employment laws and mitigate risks relating to the employees\u2019 health and safety while keeping the employer\u2019s interests at hand.\r\n
            \r\n \t
          1. Service\/ the Forces\r\n\r\nSomeone said that the reason forces violate human rights is because they don\u2019t have enough lawyers and there could be some element of truth. And recently, we\u2019ve seen an insatiable hunger for law graduates by the forces be it the Army or the Police.\r\n\r\nSources in the Army have in fact intimated to me that the starting rank for a law graduate in the Army is Lieutenant. A whole Lieutenant. Have you heard thoughts about serving in the forces and have a law degree that could propel you? The ball is in your hands.\r\n\r\nNOTE: This is just a tip of the iceberg, I could go all day.\r\n\r\nJoin the Pulse Nation and Cr8 Yo Bundle in the Pulse App. These tailored bundles will best satisfy your needs. You\u2019re too young to be struggling with date."}},{"title":"Facts about the Uganda Shilling that Every Pulser Should Know","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Uganda-Cyres-800x450-1.jpg","summery":"Uganda is the first country in Africa to use the advanced optical security feature","date":"2021-11-04 13:27:27","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/facts-about-the-uganda-shilling-that-every-pulser-should-know\/","body":"You use it every single day and you probably think it's as basic as a medium of exchange, but we would like to break your heart by giving you a capital NO! Let's talk about the Ugandan money;\r\n\r\nTraveling and Tourism\r\n\r\nWell Uganda airlines, hotels, safari agencies, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority will charge you in U.S. dollars, but you can pay in Ugandan shillings if you wish. Yes, it's a myth that airports only work in dollars and now you know.\r\n\r\nHistory and Family of Banknotes of the Uganda Shilling\r\n\r\nYou probably won't believe it, Uganda currency has changed seven times in the last 50 years.\r\nAfter Uganda\u2019s independence from Great Britain in 1962 and consequently the collapse of the Eastern African Currency Board in 1966, the Bank of Uganda introduced its first banknotes of 5, 10 and 20 shillings. As Uganda politics evolved and changed with various leaders so did the currency with many different banknotes being introduced and modified to reflect the leadership present at the time. The latest change was in May 2010.\r\n\r\nUganda Heritage Symbols on Ugandan Bank notes\r\n\r\nEvery single depiction on Ugandan money has its meaning; take a look at the emblems on Uganda banknotes, and you will get an insight into the country\u2019s natural, cultural, and historical heritage.\r\nFor example, on the 50,000 shillings note, you will see an image of the Independence Monument, a crested crane, the Bwindi tropical rainforest, silverback mountain gorillas, and the outline of a man wearing a Karimojong headdress. The International Bank Note Society has rated this Ugandan banknote as one of the most beautiful currency in the world.\r\n\r\nThe 20,000 shillings note depicts the country\u2019s coat of arms, a traditional drum, the Nile River, the Parliament Building in Kampala, and the Ugandan kob. You will also see symbols of coffee and cotton because these two cash crops are important to the country\u2019s economy.\r\nMusical instruments on the 10,000 shillings note signify Uganda\u2019s musical heritage while the coat of arms symbol displays spears and the waves of Lake Victoria. On the backside of this note, you will see an image of the Kiira Hydroelectric Power Station. In addition to the coat of arms on the 5,000 shillings note, you will see illustrations of Lake Bunyonyi and the MV Kaawa Ferry on Lake Victoria.\r\n\r\nOn the 2,000 shillings note are the illustrations of the Speke Memorial, an outline map of Uganda with the equator, a woman uplifting a child, the Nile River, and the crested crane.\r\nThe 1,000 shillings note depicts Uganda\u2019s agriculture with symbols of a farmer working on a banana plantation and trucks in front of grain silos.\r\nUganda Shillings is the first currency to apply counterfeit security features\r\n\r\nUganda is the first country in Africa to use the advanced optical security feature against counterfeiting known as SPARK. Other security features on Uganda banknotes include: High-quality paper that is difficult to reproduce, Watermark image of the crested crane with the denomination below the beak, Special thread woven into the paper that changes colors when tilted, Foiled images on each denomination that change patterns at different angles, See-through section that displays symbols from the back and front sides simultaneously when held to the light, Advanced optical security feature (SPARK)\r\nThe Uganda shilling is a stable, convertible Uganda currency that floats against foreign currency on the international market.\r\n\r\nDid you know that you can save without exorbitant charges on MTN MoKash? Try it now and make the maximum use of the Ugandan currency!"}},{"title":"Buzz Teenz Awards 2021 Return, Nominations officially Open","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/IMG-20211101-WA0013.jpg","summery":"www.vote.buzzteenz.com\u2002","date":"2021-11-02 11:44:05","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/buzz-teenz-awards-2021-return-nominations-officially-open\/","body":"Despite the outbreak of the pandemic last year, Buzz Teenz awards are back for the 15th year running. The awards are catered to people below 20 years to award the biggest achievers in television, radio, movies, music etc as well as celebrate their peers, idols and businesses that influence them in positive ways.\r\n\r\nNominations for the awards are officially open on www.vote.buzzteenz.com\u2002and will close on the 19th of November. The 4 most nominated personalities in each category will be announced on the 19th November to move on to the voting phase.\r\n\r\nVoting will start on 20th November leading to the grand finale on 19th of December.\r\n\r\nThe Buzz Teenz Awards Categories 2021\r\nThis year, 4 new categories have been added to the awards- Nxt Big Thing which is a category that is for someone who has been recognized by young people as a talented person but has not yet got their big break. Another category added is TikToker which will award the hottest and most popular and most creative TikToker and TikTokSound which will award the TikTok song challenge or sound that rocked for many pulsers.\r\n\r\nBrought to you by MTN Pulse and Buzz Teenz. Here is the full list of the categories;\r\nTeenz Artist of the Year\r\nTeenz Male Artist\r\nTeenz Female Artist\r\nTeenz Hottest Song Writer\r\nTeenz Next Big Thing\r\nTeenz Breakout Artist\r\nTeenz Song of the Year\r\nTeenz Flyest Video\r\nTeenz Hottest Collabo\r\nTeenz Gospel Song\r\nTeenz Hottest TikToker\r\nTeenz Hottest Radio Station\r\nTeenz Hottest Radio Program\r\nTeenz TV Station\r\nTeenz Hottest TV Personality\r\nTeenz TV Show\r\nTeenz Fashion Star\r\nTeenz Hottest DJ\r\nTeenz Hottest Audio Producer\r\nTeenz TikTok Sound of the year\r\nTeenz Cultural Icon By Reach A Hand Uganda\r\n\r\nThe Buzz Teenz awards finale 2021 which are brought to you by MTN Pulse and Buzz Teenz will stream live Sunday 19th December on Magic 1 TV and on social media via buzzteenz Facebook page and MTN YouTube channel at 2pm. Start nominating your favorite personalities for the different categories to have them stand a chance in winning the awards.\r\n\r\n "}},{"title":"Youth Skilling: The Youth Must Evolve; A Kagoya Melanie Perspective","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/10\/3ed7e3e5-73f6-4e8c-b890-0ea3cdc37e8e.jpg","summery":"Melanie is the first-ever vice president of the MTN Youth Skilling Alumni Council, a nucleus that spearheads the activities of the MTN Youth Skilling Alumni Program.","date":"2021-10-07 06:43:20","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/the-youth-must-evolve-a-kagoya-melanie-perspective\/","body":"If there is anything Melanie has learned over her youthful life, it is the fact that nothing is impossible for a young person who sets their mind to it. However, it is also not a matter of jumping onto tasks and challenges; one needs to develop a skillset and grow into a person who can do just about anything.\r\nThey must evolve.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMelanie is the first-ever vice president of the MTN Youth Skilling Alumni Council, a nucleus that spearheads the activities of the MTN Youth Skilling Alumni Program. She was selected for this role after her tremendous progress in the Youth skilling training, where she displayed charisma, self-drive, and innovation.\r\n\u201cI think I\u2019d describe myself as an innovative communicator, with self-motivation and stamina,\u201d she says with a smile.\r\n\r\nTestimony to that, Melanie has served as a moderator for the first Youth Skilling Webinar, where she showed great control of over 100 online attendees for 2 hours. She kept the webinar active and engaged, only cutting it short because there wasn\u2019t enough time to carry on. On top of that, she has tried her hand in the food business, experimenting with a roadside chips stall while still in school.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cBack then, my work was determined by how the days came by. I didn\u2019t plan or take anything into account. However, I have now learned from the MTN Youth Skilling Program about all the processes to consider for a proper business and I am looking forward to expanding\u201d she adds. Melanie is very eager to take on the new leadership role, because to her, it is more than just holding a title.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt means I get to work collectively with the others to ensure the sustainability of the project and achieve my set objectives as required of me\u201d Melanie notes. She hopes that with the role and the knowledge acquired from the youth skilling program, she can empower other youths and create new amazing ideas.\r\n\r\n\u201cI hope the IT and Human Resource skills I gained in the training will help me to revamp my work and also, be useful to my other peers that I will share them with,\u201d she says.\r\nShe urges other youth to join the MTN Youth Skilling Program in the future cohorts to harvest networking and partnerships and to keep dedicated to what they are doing because it is only then that they will achieve their best."}},{"title":"Leader, Rotarian, Reader; Being Mukalu Meddie","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/09\/IMG_5616-min.jpg","summery":"The incoming President of the MTN Youth Skilling Alumni Council has an undeniably strong profile around his home area.","date":"2021-09-02 04:39:20","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/leader-rotarian-reader-being-mukalu-meddie\/","body":"The name Mukalu Mohammed, or simply Meddie, hangs like a souvenir around Iganga town in Iganga District. That is no surprise, given his involvement with the 256 Youth Platform in Iganga, a Community Based Organisation that works to carve out better fortunes for young people through rehabilitation, education, and talent promotion.\r\n\r\nThe incoming President of the MTN Youth Skilling Alumni Council has an undeniably strong profile around his home area. On his average day, he can be traced down at the 256 Youth Centre, having a good time with fellow youth who use the platform to sharpen their talents, share and learn from each other. There are boxers, poets, rappers, dancers and so many more. It\u2019s a place of good vibes.\r\n\r\n\u201cMost of these guys are reshaping their lives,\u201d Meddie says about the youth at the Centre. \u201cThe majority of them have gone through nasty childhood and teenage challenges and therefore rely on this expression of talent to change their outlook on life,\u201d he adds.\r\n\r\nMeddie joined the MTN Youth Skilling Program because he felt the need to develop himself to guide his passion.\r\n\r\n\u201cI have been building myself into a community mentor for the last 15 years. If you are such a person, joining the MTN Youth Skilling Program enables you to do it right,\u201d he notes. He says that the skills he has harnessed include team building and working with people.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBefore joining the MTN Youth Skilling Program, Meddie was already working on a more stable mentorship program for the 256 Youth Platform. He hopes to reach more youth and mentor them into influential leaders who will impact the world.\r\n\r\n\u201cI'm using the knowledge to create a sustainable and effective mentorship program that will benefit the youth countrywide. With my team, we intend to build a mentorship model that can be used to reach other youth in the East African region and in the future to cover the entire African continent,\u201d Meddie adds.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHe will be among 58 youths graduating from the MTN Youth Skilling Program, but with new responsibilities now that he is the President of the first Alumni Council, which will spearhead the activities of the entire alumni program.\r\n\r\n\u201cI am happy about this opportunity. It is a chance for me to express and improve my leadership ability and work with others to do great things. I have to leave a legacy,\u201d Meddie says.\r\n\r\nHe urges other youth to prepare for when the opportunity to join the MTN Youth Skilling Program comes calling.\r\n\r\n\u201cFind something you love, do it slowly but consistently such that when the program comes on board, it finds you with something to offer,\u201d he concludes.\r\n\r\n"}},{"title":"Meet Impis Rugby Club\u2019s Henry Nsekuye, a Sportsman, Architect & Photographer","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/08\/Henry-Photo-BlackRaymie.jpg","summery":"a student of life that\u2019s passionate about Sports, Design & Photography.","date":"2021-08-18 10:20:14","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/meet-impis-rugby-clubs-henry-nsekuye-a-sportsman-architect-photographer\/","body":"Henry Nsekuye has been described by colleagues as a young Architect, Athlete, Photographer and Leader. He is a graduate of Architecture from Makerere University and a rugby player at Impis Rugby Club.\r\n\r\nHe is also a FISU (International University Sports Federation) Ambassador, a Committee Member at FASU (Federation of Africa University Sports) Commissions and Working Groups and (in his own words this time), a student of life that\u2019s passionate about Sports, Design & Photography.\r\n\r\nIn an exclusive interview with MTN Pulse, Nsekuye disclosed that he started playing rugby as early as Senior One back at Ntare School in Mbarara after he was introduced to the game by a one Ian Tayebwa.\r\n\r\n\u201cAfter a couple of touch rugby games, I was then introduced to the Senior School team in the same year by Zeno Othieno Owora. I have never looked back ever since.\u201d He says.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThroughout his six years in secondary school, he passionately played rugby and grew to love it and make it an essential part of his life. With rugby, Nsekuye had found a companion that would help him achieve so much in his life including a National Team call up in 2015.\r\n\r\n\u201cI joined Impis Rugby Club in my freshman year at Makerere University. Not only did I play for the club but also represented the University at National and East African University Games. That\u2019s how I earned myself a National Team Call Up in 2015.\u201d Nsekuye recalled.\r\n\r\nAsked if he would sideline Architecture for a fully blown sports career in rugby, he is hesitant. He says the sport hasn\u2019t been appreciated enough in the country and that he wouldn\u2019t consider that option at the moment. \u201cMaybe in the future.\u201d He said.\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s no prize for guessing where he\u2019d rather focus his attention then. Nsekuye is working with PHD Modelers\/Group who are mainly focusing on architectural physical modeling, 3D Visualization and branding. Not to mention, the personal projects that he is pursuing on the side. From his professional study, he has established a stable source of income to maintain him in life and facilitate his other growth as a sportsman.\r\n\r\nMuch as he\u2019d rather focus on Architecture, Nsekuye recognizes that both Sport and Architecture have been very instrumental in his life. He intimated to MTN Pulse that the social capital and exposure he has gained from Sport is actually immeasurable.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201c[Also] Sport has been my escape route whenever I\u2019m stressed & losing it. Equally, I\u2019ve gained a lot from Architecture. So, I would say; the two have really complemented each other and I\u2019m very grateful for that.\u201d\r\n\r\nWe also went informal with him and asked him about his most favorite social media platform. We caught him spoilt for choice between two or three platforms but he explained why he couldn\u2019t come down to just one.\r\n\r\n\u201cI\u2019d say Twitter & Instagram are my favorite. Twitter \u2013 to keep up to speed with the news & what\u2019s happening. Instagram \u2013 for inspiration, ideas and because I enjoy taking & looking at pictures. Besides the bougie lifestyle most people tend to post on Instagram, there\u2019s a lot of people who actually post impressive & fascinating content on the app.\u201d He explained.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cMaybe I should also add that TikTok has been \u2018stealing\u2019 some of my time lately. It\u2019s such an incredible app. Interesting how it can take only one TikTok video to lift your mood from 0 to 100.\u201d He added.\r\n\r\nHis advice to Pulsers that are juggling work and life skills is to \u201cwork hard & smart.\u201d He implores young people to learn to balance the time for their several skills & hustles emphasizing that at the end of the day, one has to deliver. Most importantly, he advises Pulsers to avoid regrets by knowing when to say NO, especially when they feel they\u2019re being cheated or taken for granted.\r\n\r\n\u201cPeople need to be kind & empathetic. And maybe, help someone in need whenever you can. Everyone is fighting some demons in one way or another.\u201d He concluded.\r\n\r\nConnect with Nsekuye on social media today by activating an MTN Daily Data Bundle and have it doubled as part of this week\u2019s MTN Dabolo celebration for Joshua Cheptegei\u2019s double Olympics gold medal win.\r\nHis personal handles are @henrynsek on all social media platforms and Hensek Photography for his Photography, Hensek Studio for his Design Page and PHD Modelers for his Modeling Page."}},{"title":"July in The Eyes of a Pulser","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/08\/july.jpg","summery":"July generally saw the rise of Twitter spaces on Ugandan Twitter.","date":"2021-08-02 12:41:26","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/july-in-the-eyes-of-a-pulser\/","body":"2021 seemed to have started yesterday but it is already August and the year keeps going at a pace that some of us have not yet grasped. Unlike many previous years, this one started with an ongoing pandemic and that has been the talk of everyone since 1st January till date.\r\n\r\nJuly which marked half the journey through 2021 was special because the second lockdown was imposed in Uganda and it started in June and happened all throughout July and was only lifted on 30th which was literally the end of July.\r\n\r\nAs pulsers, the lockdown meant staying home, no physical interaction with friends, online classes and meetings. If you used your time well, a short course could have been started and finished by the end of July and you could have improved on your skill set.\r\n\r\nJuly generally saw the rise of Twitter spaces on Ugandan Twitter. Twitter spaces are live audio sessions that can be hosted by a user and have other people speak while others listen in to the discussions. Although they were introduced before the lockdown, because people were basically stuck at home, spaces became popular to keep people entertained with topics on business, savings, music, and any trending topics. Whether these will remain popular after the partial lifting of the lockdown is not certain but you can buy yourself a Pulse Data Bundle by dialing *157# so that you stay locked on your Twitter and you don\u2019t miss out on Spaces.\r\n\r\nJuly also saw the return of Club Beatz At Home, the release of great movies like The Tomorrow War, Resort to love, Fear Street Trilogy, Black Widow, Jungle Cruise, etc.\r\n\r\nSince the lockdown has been partially lifted, hopefully August will have much more fun for the pulsers.\r\n\r\n "}},{"title":"Is Rocket Health the Hero of Tele-medicine?","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/07\/rocket-health.jpg","summery":"I rate them on a scale of 8\/10 because they are effective, friendly and convenient","date":"2021-07-15 10:34:43","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/is-rocket-health-the-hero-of-tele-medicine\/","body":"Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to visit your doctor or head to the pharmacy but for one reason or another, you just could not make that journey? Well guess what? You do not have to wait another millennium to experience this because Rocket Health is already spearheading a paradigm shift in Uganda's healthcare industry.\r\n\r\nRocket Health Uganda was founded in 2012 by Dr. Davis Musinguzi with the aim of fixing healthcare to make it a better experience for the patient\/customer. \u201cAt Rocket Health, we know that your time is valuable. Through our service you can conveniently make an appointment at the clinic that fits into your schedule with a doctor in real time,\u201d Musinguzi said in a recent interview. \u201cIt\u2019s outdated to rely on physical presence and getting stuck in overcrowded clinics and hospitals to get treatment. Especially when you can use available advanced mobile applications to access doctors at convenient time possible in real time,\u201d he explains.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor Rocket Health, their aim is convenience. A subsidiary of the Medical Concierge Group, the service enables one to get all the standard services offered by a clinic without leaving the comfort of your home or work place. All one has to do is send an SMS, call or visit their website to receive services like doctor consultations, vaccinations, drug purchases, laboratory tests, sexual reproductive health services and much more.\r\n\r\nRocket Health has delivered mobile healthcare services to thousands all over Uganda and keeps growing its clientele due to the efficient and quality services provided, as evidenced by the rave reviews from a couple of their customers.\r\n\r\nMercy, a customer of Rocket Health says they are efficient, deliver on time and are very professional especially with remote consultations, and that payments can be made through Mobile Money. \"I bought covidex recently from them as well as did remote consultation with a doctor. I paid using mobile Money\", she recalls.\r\n\r\nAnother customer, Lamaro, says she rates Rocket Health highly because their medication is \"way cheaper than all the other hospitals I've been too\". \"I rate them on a scale of 8\/10 because they are effective, friendly and convenient. I don\u2019t have to leave my work desk to go line up at a hospital, I can get a diagnosis right there and get my medicine where I'm at\", she adds.\r\n\r\nAs positive and rosy as all those reviews may sound, running a tele-medicine service is not easy. And one of those challenges relates to dealing with an overwhelming amount of orders and traffic on their communication lines. \"Their shortcoming is maybe from the fact that they have gotten a large customer base now, so they might need to hire more riders because sometimes there are delays in delivery or their phone lines are too busy\", Lamaro explains.\r\n\r\nWhen asked about the challenges faced when using Rocket Health, Mercy says, \"Sometimes when there are many people ordering medicine, for instance Covidex, you aren't sure if the product is still available, and because demand is sometimes very high, you may not make the cut to get product.\" She goes on to say that response time is an area they'll need to improve upon, especially when they're overwhelmed with orders.\r\n\r\nDespite all the short falls, Rocket Health continues to pave the way as the leading tele-medicine service provider in the country on account of their efficiency in delivery, discreet nature of their doctor consultations, as well as affordable medication and convenient methods of payment.\r\n\r\nAll one has to do is dial *280#, call 0800277015 or visit their website (rockethealth.shop) to receive services like doctor consultations, vaccinations and a lot more."}},{"title":"Working From Home is Not Just Thorns, There are Roses Too; Benefits of Remote Working","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/06\/Remote-Working.jpg","summery":"You can make your home a work space and actually be productive. Yes, productive in boxers and that MTN Marathon vest.","date":"2021-06-15 11:07:49","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/working-from-home-is-not-just-thorns-there-are-roses-too-benefits-of-remote-working\/","body":"Last year, with the first mass spread of the COVID-19 virus, companies and work places blended in and resorted to remote working or what you'd call working from home. The virus spread reduced and we all returned to work but alas, a new strain is here and most of us have been forced to go back to the same.\r\n\r\nApart from reductions in payment, working from home is not actually as bad as it seems. You can make your home a work space and actually be productive. Yes, productive in boxers and that MTN Marathon vest.\r\n\r\nI took the liberty to list down the best of the best benefits of working from home to show you that not all is lost. You can still be Employee of the Month without wearing a tie and keeping yourself isolated and safe from the virus.\r\n\r\n1. Better Work-Life Balance\r\nWorking from home comes with a flexible schedule. This means that you can start and end your day as you choose. It wouldn't matter to your boss if you woke up at 5 and slept at 10 for the rest of the day as long as your work is complete and leads to strong outcomes.\r\n\r\nAs such, you get time to attend to your personal needs. You can wash dishes that would otherwise have to wait for the weekend, attend an online fitness class in the morning, or even sleep the whole day.\r\n\r\n2. Less Taxi Stress\r\nUnless your work place is just next door, there is clearly some travelling you do to reach work. For an 8-5 job, you have been waking up at 5am to prepare. Now you can wake up at 7:59am and start on your work before you even shower.\r\n\r\nResearch has even shown that spending time in the commuter taxis has its risks as well. Higher cholesterol, elevated blood sugar and increased risks of depression.\r\n\r\nDitching that will help you to support your mental and physical health. The time savings can allow you to focus on priorities outside of work, like getting extra sleep in the morning, spending more time with family, getting in a workout, or eating a healthy breakfast.\r\n\r\n3. Location Independence\r\nThe other obvious advantage is independence to take on several income generating gigs that don't mind your physical\/geographical location.\r\n\r\nAlso, depending on how long your work from home is going to be, you can avoid rent. If you're working from home for the rest of the year, why bother yourself with high end suburbs for rent. Go to Buwate or even Mukono. There's cheaper housing.\r\n\r\n4. Money Savings\r\nImagine all that money you've been burning on gas, car maintenance, transportation, parking fees, lunches bought out, and more which will all be reduced or eliminated from your spending entirely. These savings will add up and put more money back into your pocket.\r\n\r\n5. Increased Productivity and Performance\r\nYou thought productivity can only be achieved in a work environment? It is just a mind set. Working from home usually leads to fewer interruptions, less office politics, a quieter noise level, and less (or more efficient) meetings. Add in the lack of a morning taxi\/boda schedule, you typically have more time and fewer distractions, which leads to increased productivity\u2014a huge benefit of working from home for both employees and employers alike.\r\n\r\n\"When done right, remote work allows employees and companies to focus on what really matters\u2014performance. Unfortunately, the office environment can create \u201cfalse positives\u201d that can lead to bias and favoritism. After all, coming in early and leaving late may \u201clook\u201d like more work, but actual performance is a much better indicator of productivity.\" Experts say.\r\n\r\n6. Better Health in a Variety of Ways\r\n\r\nWorking from home avails you more time for physical activity, the ability to eat healthier, less exposure to illnesses among other things. So its not just thorns, there are roses."}},{"title":"Pulse Hustler: Meet Nakalegga Phionah, A Pulser Who Left Formal Employment To Start Her Own Bakery","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/06\/nakalega.jpg","summery":"A Pulser Who Left Formal Employment To Start Her Own Bakery","date":"2021-06-07 12:53:01","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/pulse-hustler-meet-nakalegga-phionah-a-pulser-who-left-formal-employment-to-start-her-own-bakery\/","body":"Last month Makerere University held its 71st graduation ceremony and it issued another group of Pulsers who were out in the world to look for employment. Some might be able to get into formal employment, some might get into business and some might get into formal employment and later divert into business just like Nakalegga Phionah did.\r\n\r\nAfter graduating with a Bachelor\u2019s degree in financial management at Makerere University Business School, Phionah got a job as a cashier in a restaurant in Entebbe but she later quit it in January 2019. Like many unemployed Pulsers, she suffered trying to decide on a business to jump into to make a living for herself.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAfter doing research here and there, she finally settled for baking. Like many Pulsers today, she first learnt a few basics from Youtube and later when to baking school to improve and polish her skill set so that she could commercialize her skill.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFinally, in December 2019, Goldie\u2019s cakes which is named after her son-Goldie was opened. \u201cMy cakes stand out because of the love that I put in while baking each and every single cake,\u201d Phionah told MTN Pulse.\r\n\r\nHer cakes range from Ugx 70,000 onwards depending on a client\u2019s order. She also has customized cake cups that go for Ugx 13,000 each. She currently does her baking from home but hopes to eventually expand.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJust like that, Phionah now solely depends on her learnt skill-baking to take care of her and her 3-year-old son.\r\n\r\nLike Phionah, you can find and learn a new skill from the internet, all you need is a pulse data bundle that is available on the MTN Pulse app and you can begin the journey to find a skill that best suits you.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFollow Phionah on social media, you never know you might need to place a cake order from her.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nTwitter: @phionacaroline \/ @Goldiescakes"}},{"title":"Youth Skilling: From the depth of my soul, my love for MTN anecdotes","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/06\/Youth-Skilling-Ssemayengo-Joseph-Image.jpg","summery":"The program and knowledge gained will remain invaluable to me. I can now be my own CEO to run and operate my\r\nbusiness for the training and skills ascertained from the cohort.","date":"2021-06-07 10:53:28","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/youth-skilling-from-the-depth-of-my-soul-my-love-for-mtn-anecdotes\/","body":"Many thanks to the company plus partners who work tirelessly to bring the youths\u2019 dreams into reality by training us in skills to impart into our businesses and in general life as well - learning never stops! You deserve a thumbs up.\r\n\r\nThe program has been a tight one since we started in February this year, where the new trend of studying online needs patience plus determination.\r\n\r\nI have and continue to enjoy the program because it has taught me life lessons to set my to-do list for the new things learned in financial management, sales and people performance, human resource, legal and\r\ntaxation, product management, not forgetting the hectic ICDL modules that are a no joke, among others.\r\n\r\nThe accomplished modules have allowed me to share the experience with other fellow youth by mentoring them, coming up with creative ideas to improve something new, handling different life problems and getting\r\nsolutions to them, and getting new vibrant friends with different ideas that solve problems in our societies. \r\nThe program and knowledge gained will remain invaluable to me. I can now be my own CEO to run and operate my\r\nbusiness for the training and skills ascertained from the cohort. Thank you!\r\n\r\n#GoodTogether.\r\nBy Ssemayengo Joseph"}},{"title":"Next big Star: Meet Graham Shema, 7 year old Who Adores Elon Musk","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/05\/Graham-400x400-1.jpg","summery":"Graham has flown three times as a co-pilot and that alone marks the beginning of his dreams.","date":"2021-05-25 11:46:45","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/next-big-star-meet-graham-shema-7-year-old-who-adores-elon-musk\/","body":"At only 7 years of age, Graham Shema a student at Kampala International School Uganda is one of the forces to reckon with. He has over time earned the nickname \u201cCaptain Shema\u201d due to his impressive aircraft knowledge and flying skills. At such a tender age, Graham has flown three times as a co-pilot and that alone marks the beginning of his dreams.\r\n\r\nThis little Ugandan boy being sponsored by Elon Musk is one of the luckiest and blessed we have on this land. Yes, I said Elon Musk and this might come as a surprise but if you think about it; Elon Mask\u2019s second home is the Space so it\u2019s safe to say he was intrigued by Graham\u2019s knowledge and passion for aircrafts.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSee at his tender age, he has met prominent people over his expression of acquired knowledge in this field. By the end of last year, the Germany's ambassador and Uganda\u2019s transport minister had invited him for meetings.\r\n\r\nA lover of math and science, in the 3 times he has flown as co-pilot, it was on a Cessna 172. He says he wants to be a pilot and an astronaut and he would wish to travel to Mars. \"My role model is Elon Musk,\" he said. \"I like Elon Musk because I want to learn with him about space, to go with him in space and also to get a handshake.\"\r\n\r\nShema grew the love for aircrafts when one day a police helicopter flew so low to the ground that it blew off his grandmother\u2019s roof. At that time he was only 3 years but he was intrigued to learn more. His mother In 2019 contacted a local aviation academy and Shema began lessons at home on aircraft parts and aviation vocabulary. After five months of coursework, she paid for practical flying lessons for her son.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFor the three times he flew as co-pilot, it was between January and March before the pandemic stopped his practice. He has since been focusing on aviation theory, and immersing himself in videos about aviation and space exploration on his virtual reality viewer.\r\n\r\nLet your child or little sibling be inspired by Graham. Simply load yourself a pulse data bundle and enjoy the numerous videos of the brilliant Graham on the internet.\r\n

            "}},{"title":"Pulsers Set to Enjoy a Variety of Games on MTN Uganda's New Gaming Platform Dubbed \u2018MTN GoGames\u2019","image":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/05\/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-07-at-1.12.22-PM.jpeg","summery":"For advanced players, the service also has a selection of premium games, which may be played at a small fee of as low as Ugx 500 per day or UGX 3000 per month.","date":"2021-05-10 11:27:40","content":{"link":"https:\/\/pulse.mtn.co.ug\/pulsers-set-to-enjoy-a-variety-of-games-on-mtn-ugandas-new-gaming-platform-dubbed-mtn-gogames\/","body":"MTN Uganda launched the first FREE gaming service of its kind in Africa on 7th May 2021. Dubbed \u201cMTN GoGames\u201d, the service offers MTN customers access to a huge catalogue of mobile games, for FREE! Customers can access and play games without paying a fee or buying data. For advanced players, the service also has a selection of premium games, which may be played at a small fee of as low as Ugx 500 per day or UGX 3000 per month.\r\n\r\nMTN GoGames is accessed www.mtn.gogames.run on almost any web browser on your phone or device making it easy and convenient for customers to play games, without having to download additional apps. The range of games is diverse from sports, action, education and simple games Snakes and Ladders, Number Memory, Candy Rush and Crappy bird, among others. It also includes our own native games such as Mweso, Ludo, Kwepena, Hide and Seek locally known as Kakebe.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cAt MTN, we know that gaming is fun, so we created a platform that delivers simple fun to any of our customers at any point in time. The past year has without a doubt been intense, and even as we take on this year, several serious situations lie ahead of us. We however believe that MTN GoGames will enable us to take a break from all the seriousness and have some fun even if it is just for a few minutes as we unwind\u201d, said Somdev Sen, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN.\r\n\r\nMTN GoGames is a fun product that can be enjoyed by all people ranging from children to adults, men, and women; including those without prior gaming experience since the games are simple and intuitive with the sole aim of delivering fun and relaxation. We are excited to partner with MTN to offer this service; said Apurv Modi, MD & Co-Founder of ATechnos.\r\n\r\nA recent December 2020 study by Research gate scholars asserts that gaming in moderation has been found to be beneficial in the cognitive, motivational, emotional and social domains of life.\r\n\r\nTo play games follow these steps:\r\n