Santosh Gumte, the Kansai Plascon Uganda MD, made this statement recently at the beginning of the annual Paint and Win promotion dubbed “Ku Ground.”

“Feedback is the staple food for those that are always on the cutting edge of innovation and change. This explains why we are dedicating time and resources to ensure we have our eyes, ears and feet “Ku Ground”,” he said.

Moses Kato, Plascon’s sales manager, stated that despite Uganda’s growing internet usage, which stands at approximately 11.77 million users, and an internet penetration rate of 24.6% of the total population at the beginning of 2023, there is still a need for on-the-ground engagements with customers.

According to digital trends specialists Kepios’ January 2023 research, 20.5 million Ugandans use social media, accounting for 4.3% of the country’s estimated 47.9 million population.

“Being on social media or “Ku Ground” should not be a case of either, or. We are growing our footprint in both spaces. While we are investing in social listening tools, we are also engaging on ground activation teams. This enables us to tap into any developing cultural trends and gauge how the brand can leverage them for further growth. This is because feedback is key to tailored innovation,” said Santosh.

A total of ten town activations and one major activation per region have been scheduled in an effort for the brand to engage as many customers as possible during the promotion time-period. This is also meant to enhance believability and also reinforce faith in the brand.

The promotion will also have a Corporate Social Responsibility component embedded into it.

“This year alone, over Shs 800 million has been spent on social causes in health, education, religion, cultural preservation and sports development, and we are proud of the numerous success stories from these,” Santosh added.

The brand will continue to engage with the customers in several life-uplifting projects meant to leave a longer-lasting mark way after the promotion is concluded. Written by Geoffrey Serugo, The Observer

Children disproportionately affected by this crisis, with 1 in 5 UK youngsters at risk of 'hunger and hardship'

LONDON  

More than nine million people in the UK are living in such severe poverty that they are increasingly dependent on charity food handouts, according to a new research from the Trussell Trust.

The charity's report warns that Labour’s manifesto pledge to end food bank dependency will fail unless urgent action is taken to tackle the root causes of low household incomes.

The report found that one million more people are living in what it defines as "hunger and hardship" – those surviving on incomes at least 25% below the relative poverty line – compared to five years ago.

This brings the total number in this category to more than nine million, a sharp rise from two decades ago. These individuals regularly struggle to afford essentials such as food, heating, and clothing.

Children are disproportionately affected by this crisis, with one in five UK youngsters at risk of hunger and hardship. Larger families, particularly those with three or more children, face even greater vulnerability, with a third at high risk of relying on charity food, according to the report.

Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust, expressed deep concern over the surge in food bank dependency. “It’s 2024, and we’re facing historically high levels of food bank need. As a society, we cannot allow this to continue. We must not let food banks become the new norm,” she stated. By Aysu Bicer, Anadolu Agency

The Senate could extend the hearing to Friday, October 18, should parties require additional time to interrogate documents filed and cross-examine witnesses.

The Senate will conduct the impeachment trial of embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Senate could extend the hearing to Friday, October 18, should parties require additional time to interrogate documents filed and cross-examine witnesses.

He said the plenary will proceed to handle the matter but warned Senators against disorderly conduct. During the session, he ejected Kitui Senator Enock Wambua for heckling.

“As this matter comes before you, I cannot underscore enough the immense public interest that this matter has elicited and for good reason,” the Speaker observed.

“This is yet another opportunity for the Senate to demonstrate its fidelity to the Constitution and to live up to its reputation,” he said. 

Committee route rejected

Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyoit unsuccessfully moved a motion to install a special committee to consider the impeachment motion with the Deputy Minority Whip declining to second.

Speaker Kingi directed Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye to send invitations to parties in the matter — Deputy President and the National Assembly — by close of business.

The parties in the case will file their submissions by Monday, he directed.

Kingi asked Senators to refrain from discussing the matter in public.

“I wish to caution Honourable Senators to desist from publicly commenting on the merits or demerits of the impeachment Motion,” he directed.

“Doing so would amount to anticipation of debate, which is an infringement of standing order 99 of the Senate Standing Orders,” he remarked.

The impeachment trial on Gachagua proceeds to the Senate following Tuesday night’s resolution by the National Assembly to impeach the Deputy President.

National Assembly concluded the matter with 282 lawmakers voting to impeach Gachagua against forty-four who opposed the motion. One lawmaker abstained.

The motion requires support by two-thirds of members in the Senate for the impeachment to stand. BY Irene Mwangi, Capital News