By Dorothy Nakaweesi
The Monitor
Mar 12, 2005
KAMPALA - Microsoft - a global software developer - has expressed willingness to expand home, corporate and education markets in Uganda.
This is part of its mission to expand operational and business developments activities in the East African region.
“We have a strong and comprehensive operation that focuses purely on Africa,” Mr Kris Kego, a senior Microsoft East Africa executive, said.
He said of the countries Microsoft has visited in Africa, Uganda did represent a key developing market to which they believe they can add value. “Our operations here include a network of in-country nine Microsoft certified partners that are trained in Uganda,” he said on Thursday during a media presentation function held at Faze 2 in Kampala.
Kego also noted the importance of protecting Intellectual Property (IP) rights, which spurs growth and job creation that benefits consumers, industry and the economy at large.
He said protecting IP rights is vital and would save about $6 billion spend on research and development each year around the world thus a call for education of the business users.
The company also revealed its Local Language project of translating Microsoft programmes into local languages to reach masses who may not have knowledge of the English language.
So far, they are working on the Kiswahili version to be launched soon.
They also intend to partner with the government to make ICT part of school curricula. They signed an Partners in Learning memorandum of understanding with the government in December 2004.
LIKE THIS: The Microsoft East Africa’s Marketing Manager, Ms Tonia Mutiso (R), demonstrates how their product operates at a media presentation for journalists at Faze 2 in Kampala. Looking on is the Localisation Manager, Mr Patrick Opiyo
(Photo by Wandera w’Ouma).
© 2005 The Monitor Publications
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