Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian businessman, and philanthropist is set to visit Kampala next month. One of the entrepreneurs who received an email invitation informed us.
This was also confirmed by Jackie Tumuhairwe, the Head Marketing, and Corporate Communications at UBA Uganda, United Bank of Africa. A bank owned by Tony Elumelu through Heirs Holdings.
"Mr. Tony Elumelu cordially invites you to join him in Kampala at the TEF Ecosystem Event themed: Becoming Investor Ready," part of the email read.
"Come join policy makers, industry experts and business leaders like yourself from the Kenyan Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, to discuss how to survive the cut-throat world of business."
According to Jackie, Tony's visit will last three days; from April 10 - 13, 2018. Though the venue hasn't been decided yet.
Meeting entrepreneurs isn't the only reason for his coming. "He is coming for many reasons," Jackie informed Digest Africa in a phone call.
"Mr. [Tony] Elumelu will meet the president, governor [bank of Uganda], VC (Vice-Chancellor) of Makerere [University] and around 300 - 500 entrepreneurs," Jackie said.
This is coming a week after the announcement of 2018 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship program fellows were made in which 126 Ugandan entrepreneurs were selected. After Nigeria, Uganda has always had the highest number of representatives in the program.
Therefore, no doubt one of the reasons he is visiting is to interact with this growing community. "Definitely, one of the reasons is the TEF community in Uganda," Jackie added.
Beyond his philanthropic ambitions, Tony Elumelu will also be visiting the staff and leadership of UBA Uganda. Then, obviously, the governor because "he is their regulator".
The bank also recently opened a branch in Makerere University. Serving as one of the reasons to meet the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University.
According to Jackie, UBA is also working on several projects with the government MDAs. Laying the foundation for meeting President Museveni. "They'll discuss some projects with the president," Jackie said.
Currently, UBA offers "fuel cards for all government agencies", is working on an "e-Voucher project with the Ministry of Agriculture" and "other e-Projects with URA," said Jackie.
Beyond these, Tony will also use meeting the president to "present the case of the people [who have benefited from his TEF Entrepreneurship program]." Jackie pointed out that "he will go with some TEF beneficiaries who have performed extremely well."
UBA is listed Pan-African financial services institution, with more than 9 million customers and 25,000 employees in 19 African countries, and a presence in London, Paris and New York.
Beyond financial services, Heirs holdings also has interest in real estate, oil and gas, power, and healthcare.