Four years back, together with a friend, we created something that would be fit to be termed as a Facebook Cult. It was a Facebook group created to share Technology tips, offer solutions to Technology problems experienced by people and generally offer whatever we had as far as Technology is concerned. The Group was named Technology Wizards. I have since then left the group and thus I am no longer an Admin there, though the group still exists under different Admins at the moment.

How did it all start? It starts when as a Student in his Vacation; I join a group called “TechWeKnowItAll”. This Group basically had the same goals and model as the one we were to create later on. It was a closed group where many tips were shared. We shared everything to do with getting free internet in that group, someone shared tips on how to get free DSTV subscriptions. And programming was at its best. There were people who helped unlock group member’s modems for free while others were coding experts.

The names of the founders of that group have skipped my mind. However, I remember a special incident. The founders of the group decided to organize awards for group members that were to be followed by a Group meet at Sheraton Hotel. The award winners were announced but the Group Meet never took place. One member, a one Mohammed Escobar traveled all the way from Kenya only to find that the founders had fooled us. They had been playing on our heads about the group meet.

I was the first one to speak out in protest. I began questioning the Technical Expertise of the founders. I dared them to prove that they were indeed as good as they said when it comes to programming. This was a crash of egos. Truth be told, I didn’t have much Technology Expertise at the time but I was a fast learner, thus I was one of the leading contributors in the group. I had my own following within the group.

The founders of the Group decided to delete me from the Group. I was annoyed and vowed to avenge when the time was right. Days later, two other members who happened to be my close friends were also fired from this great group. The pain of being deleted from this group meant that one would no longer have access to free internet. At that time, there were loopholes in Orange Uganda and we were using free internet through proxies. There were MTN Uganda loopholes that we also capitalized on in order to get free Airtime. For starters, I was just 18 years old at the time but I had a following of people who were way older than me.

So we get fired. Mohammed Escobar begins a new Facebook Group and he invites me to be part of it. This Escobar guy being a member of MENSA had a burning ego himself thus, we were soon to fall out over the same issues that saw me get deleted from the previous group. I had had enough and I was now ready to begin my own group. Being fired from Two Groups taught me that in order to be safe; you must be in control of all the variables that influence your safety. By simply being a member, I wasn’t in control.

The other guy who was fired from Escobar’s group was General Sweetman. He was a very popular guy on Facebook back then. He could be compared to the Ritah kaggwas, Kakensa Davids and Peng Pengs of today.

Together with General Sweetman, we created our group which we named “Technology Wizards.” Our goal was to make it the biggest Facebook group as far as Technology was concerned and true to our words, it became the biggest (as of 2012). I am not sure about that record at the moment. The name of the group was suggested by me. I have always loved picking the right name first when it comes to anything to do with a business or movement. The name should be captivating right away.

In Technology Wizards, we assumed a god-like status. We made sure, we deleted any dissenting voices. We didn’t leave any room for rebellion. As far as building movements are concerned, never be apologetic, set your path and follow it regardless of what happens. That’s what we did with Technology Wizards.

I thus learned, that when it comes to online cults, you must never show signs of weakness when it comes to your brand. Let your followers believe in your perfection, be a demi-god of sorts to them. You must set rules which they must follow and be very unforgiving, when anyone breaks those rules. Ban them, punish them, and let them face the full consequences of breaking the rules.

Thus when we started BigEye.ug , I made sure I carried forward those principles. Days back, we published a story that said the Video of a House maid torturing the baby was unauthentic. A group of online users decided to call on us to issue apologies. They even asked people to boycott our Website. We stuck to our story and vowed never to apologize.

This is not the first time a story has landed us in trouble. Last Year, we fell out with Pepsi because we published a story that didn’t please them concerning their Konshens concert that was poorly organized. They asked us to put down the story. We refused. They threatened never to give us any adverts; we told them we cared less. Because of that single fact, we were able to build a strong brand built on values.

If we were to give in to every threat we receive every day, if we aimed at pleasing people, trust me, we wouldn’t have 99 percent of the stories on our website. Thus, our business model is to build a cult-like following, very loyal members who want to be associated with the brand.

Thus here’s what it takes to build an online cult; 1. Decide on the name of your cult 2. Decide on the values of your cult 3. Decide on the mission and goals of your cult 4. Decide on the rules of your cult 5. Prescribe punishments for breaking any of the rules of the cult Don’t forget these five rules. Never forget the core values of your online cult. Our cult with Technology Wizards was to offer solutions. We had rules that barred members from posting spam in the group and this would result in immediate bans from the group. And no one was exempted from the rules, friends and family were not above the law in the group.

We’ve done the same with BigEye.ug. Our fans know beforehand that if they find themselves at the wrong side of the news, they will feature on our website. We won’t spare them. Just because Bebe Cool is my favourite music artiste doesn’t mean he won’t get critiqued when he does something wrong. And we are very unapologetic about the work we do. The BigEye.ug stuff have the values of the brand embedded in them, this is one big family. No one betrays the family. Even when one is no longer an employee of this family, they stick to the oath of allegiance to the greatness of the brand.

Why does one have to build an online cult? Because it’s the only surest way of succeeding online and being anti-fragile even in the face of storms. If people realize that you have a cult-like following and thus regardless of what any hater says about you, you have people ready to fight on your behalf, and then you will be respected and feared. I have a loyal following of Facebook friends who will fight tooth and nail to see that my name never gets blackmailed in any way. And a cult-like business model is one built on a strong foundation, words or blackmail can’t destroy it.

And remember; always purge those who begin to become disloyal. Show them that they are not indispensable, prove to them that they are replaceable and let them pay the consequences of betrayal. Thus today, look at the business model you have online. Is it one where people are willing to follow you regardless of what you do, or is it one where your audience is not static, it’s always open to the highest bidder? Compare the business models of Apple and Samsung. Apple is a cult; Samsung’s following is simply dependent on its ability to continue producing worthy products. For Apple fans, every new product must be bought whether it’s great or not. Apple is the god they worship. For Samsung fans, they only buy Samsung products if they prove to be good. Apple’s business model is sustainable even in the worst of conditions, it’s anti-fragile. Samsung’s business model is built on sand, anything can disrupt it. Anyone who makes better products can steal their fans. Apple fans on the other hand have signed blood pacts of sorts. And that’s basically what I try to do with every business I start. I try to build a family of loyal fans, who won’t be swayed by anything. They may get annoyed, but they will never vent out their anger and they will always stick to whatever I have built.

Now join me, and become a cult member of my personal blog (www.ortegaian.com)

Watch this video and learn about leadership and making a movement:

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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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