Facebook, News, Search Among The Top Most Used Online Applications In Uganda

If Google is the gateway to the internet, Facebook is the online destination in Uganda. The social giant’s rise to stardom began in 2007, the same year that Internet really began to make sense to many Ugandans.

Percentage of individuals using the internet in Uganda: Source ITU

2007 is the same year that internet usage in Uganda began to experience an exponential rise which can be attributed to two factors; the advent of Mobile internet which Africell (Orange Uganda then) popularized and the Mobile-friendly Facebook social networking application.

Facebook search popularity in Uganda since 2004

You could say that Facebook gave users something to do with the internet — whether that meant poking their friends, sharing their unfiltered thoughts, uploading and sharing photos or notoriously sharing celebrity nudes. Today, Facebook has as estimated 500,000 Ugandan users on the network.

But before Facebook gained traction among online users, search was no doubt the most popular online application. Google which dominates the search market remains the most visited website in Uganda according to Similarweb, a web analytics website.

To further understand what Ugandans are doing online, I used Google Trends , a tool from Google which analyses and measures the popularity of keywords based on how many times users have entered them on the search engine. I also used Similarweb which I consider to be a more accurate version of Alexa for web analytics. I analysed the top 50 most visited websites in Uganda to gauge where online users interests are.

From the 50 most visited websites in Uganda, we can see application categories such as Search, Social Networks, News & Media, Email, Arts & Entertainment, Sports featuring prominently. News & Media category has the most candidates featuring both local and international news media houses. New Vision and Monitor has the advantage of being recognized offline newspaper brands, but there are over 300 online Ugandan blogs according to Storipot , a blog directory and aggregator. However, these digital publications remain largely unknown compared to local and International re-known brands which still maintain offline media presence.

Google top search keywords for 2014

Even though Google failed to release the 2014 search results for Uganda as part of its annual Google Zeitgeist report, you can still access a summarized version of the most popular keywords using the Google trends tool. The results of the most most popular search keywords of 2014 closely correlate with Similarweb’s top 50 most popular websites if you take a closer look.

Sports in particular Soccer has a great representation from both Google trends and Similarweb’s top 50. Search terms like “Arsenal, Man u, world cup, Livescores” from Google trends together with sites such as Flashscore, SoccerVista, Soccerway, Goal.com from Similarweb show you just how popular Soccer is among Ugandans. These International sports sites topple local sports sites like Kawowo Sports which covers local sports scene. However, this isn’t all shocking since European soccer leagues are far more popular than the local ones even in the offline world.

You would have expected social media to “kill” Email, but that’s not the case. Ugandans are still using the application for work and personal communication. Gmail, Yahoo and Microsoft’s Outlook or Live Mail are the most popular Email providers. Even though Yahoo which is the 3rd most visited site in Uganda is largely a News and Media company, its Email service is still one of things that keep users coming back to the provider.

Video-sharing site Youtube features prominently in the Arts & Entertainment section. The video site is the 4th most visited website in Uganda silencing critics who are always crying foul of high data costs and slow internet speeds as severe impediments to consuming video-oriented apps. Think about it, who can resist watching skating dogs and singing cats? Kickass.so showing up among the top 50 means Ugandans are “pirates”. Yes, you reading this, did you buy that music from iTunes or torrented it from kickass.so? Don’t worry, you are not alone!

Wikipedia, Uganda Revenue Authority(URA) and Makerere University also showup. Wikipedia houses the vast majority of humanities knowledge although still very little content about Africa or Uganda is present on the online free encyclopedia. The Makerere university website isn’t a surprise too. The public University admits over 35,000 students who are most likely constantly checking the website for campus news, events and updates. URA, the countries Tax collector is a surprise entry in the list. However, it shows that the government body is serious about digitizing most of its processing as opposed to most government bodies which are still largely using paper-based methods to serve Ugandans.

These last entries are majorly as a result of direct visits since we don’t see much search terms that would indicate user interest in the area of Career & Education and Government services.

Top Google keyword searches in Uganda since 2004

To summarize the most popular applications that Ugandans are interested in online, I compared the popularity of select keywords from 2004 till today each representing a certain application category using the Google Trends tool. I used Facebook to represent Social Networking, News for News & Media, Gmail for Email applications, Youtube for Arts & Entertainment and Soccer to represent the Sports category. Google Trends has a limit of only 5 comparisons.

Again the results aren’t at all surprising from what we’ve already seen. Facebook which is the 2nd most visited website is way up there on the graph. News remains one of the most consumed content online and that goes way back as far as early 2000s, followed by Email, Video and Sports(Soccer). Bare in mind this is online or web activity only. The Mobile space is certainly somewhat a different ballgame and needs a set its own comparison metrics to understand what’s going on.

From the above data, its clear that local content or locally made application have a long way to go. The “local web” is mostly dominated by global application providers such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Microsoft, Facebook.

Image: nguyennghia.com

David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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How to Use GPT-4 Turbo for Free

The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is about to become even more accessible. OpenAI has announced that its highly anticipated ChatGPT app is set to be released on Android next week. This news comes as a delight to Android users who have been eagerly waiting for their turn to experience the AI-powered chatbot since its iOS release in May.

Starting today, Android users can pre-register for the ChatGPT app on the Google Play Store . This allows users to receive a notification as soon as the app goes live, ensuring that they are among the first to download and experience the AI revolution on their Android devices.

Related:

• Use ChatGPT in Telegram With this Bot
• How to Use ChatGPT Directly in WhatsApp with MobileGPT
• 7 Reasons Why ChatGPT Is Garbage In, Garbage Out?

Already, the developer community has come up with ingenious ways for users to access ChatGPT on their phones, with a number of ChatGPT-powered chatbots for WhatsApp and Telegram already available for users.

The release of the ChatGPT app on Android is a significant milestone in the journey of AI accessibility. It follows the successful launch of the app on iOS in May, which was met with widespread acclaim. iOS users have been enjoying the benefits of having a dedicated ChatGPT app, and now, Android users will be able to join in on the fun.

ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 , is a conversational AI that has been trained on a diverse range of internet text. It can generate human-like text based on the input it receives, making it a versatile tool for a variety of tasks, from drafting emails to writing code, and even creating poetry. The app’s release on Android will significantly expand its user base, bringing this powerful tool to the fingertips of millions more users worldwide.

Related:

• 5 Sites to Access or Use ChatGPT 4 (GPT 4) For Free
• 3 Main Reasons Why You Might Get Blocked on ChatGPT
• How to Access the Internet on ChatGPT with WebChatGPT

The accessibility of AI tools like ChatGPT is crucial in the current digital age. As AI continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, these tools must be made available to as many people as possible. The release of the ChatGPT app on Android is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

The democratization of AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives. From education and work to entertainment and personal productivity , AI tools like ChatGPT can provide immense value. By making these tools more accessible, we can empower individuals with the ability to harness the power of AI in their daily lives.

The upcoming release of the ChatGPT app on Android is a testament to OpenAI’s commitment to making AI accessible to everyone. It’s an exciting time for Android users and the AI community as a whole. As we count down the days to the app’s release, we look forward to seeing the innovative ways in which users will utilize ChatGPT.

• So, Android users, it’s time to head over to the Google Play Store and pre-register for the ChatGPT app . The future of AI is almost in your hands!

I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.

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