The Pearl of Africa is under attack. The land that is "Gifted by Nature" has now been afflicted by a truly hideous shade of pink, courtesy of the telecommunications giant, Zain. To borrow from its largest competitor's slogan, Zain pink is now "Everywhere you go" from Bugolobi market in Kampala (pictured above) to the smallest village in Northern Uganda. Zain's slogan is "A wonderful world". With that color?
The Zain group acquired the highly successful Celtel business in 2006. Hailed as Africa's largest ever private equity deal, Celtel had over its brief lifespan created a strong brand, despite an advertising campaign designed to upset a lover of the correct use of the English language. This campaign consisted of inane three word phrases and invariably included a full stop between the first and second words. For instance, Uganda residents were urged to "Make. New Friends." or "Change. Your World.". But I'd take the bad grammar over Zain Pink, any day.
In fairness, Zain is not the only painter of buildings in Uganda. Here's another example, from Namuwongo in Kampala:
MTN yellow is every bit as visible but, at least in my book, nothing like so offensive, and Warid red and Uganda Telecom blue are positively attractive.
Come back Celtel! All. Is Forgiven.
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