“The Kampala Express seeks as its principal goal to undo the damage done by social media to quality journalism and quality photography”. That is the principal goal behind a new no-nonsense Facebook-based online newspaper started around late this year by veteran journalist, researcher and political commentator Timothy Kalyegira.
With over half a million Ugandans on the mega social network daily crunching the pages of their social graphs to be abreast by what their friends are upto, it’s not difficult to understand why Timothy chose Facebook as medium of his new newspaper. Facebook in and of itself is a “newspaper” as Zuck put it.
Through the Facebook Newsfeed, users get the latest newstream about their social connections but also relevant content from mainstream media sources whose pages they have liked. Unlike mainstream newspapers who predominantly run offline newspapers and only graft-in digital channels as a secondary option, Timothy’s Kampala Express is purely digital. More accurately, it runs entirely on Facebook.
Facebook already provides Timothy a wide audience almost by default and a rich multimedia publishing platform without having him spend lots of money on his own content management system. That’s why the journalist is using quality photojournalism to bring out the best in Ugandans, their surroundings and their expressions;
“In an era where the Internet is awash with poor quality photos, instantly taken without much attention given to technique, the Kampala Express seeks to advance beautiful, thoughtful photography of the professional, non-smartphone kind, to evoke the best of the country, its geography and its people and places”
Besides quality photography, the journalist is providing analytical reporting on current affairs, something that is highly lacking in most of our media today. Timothy’s concise and in-depth reporting on ex-prime minister’s sacking last month garnered his social newspaper immense attention and praise. By providing minute-by-minute updates as the news unfolded mixed with historical context around the story, Timothy showed mature journalism neatly interwoven with the capabilities that new digital publishing platforms offer.
The Kampala Express also plays along with traditional media specifically radio stations. The paper curates popular radio talk shows from prominent stations such as KFM, Sanyu, Radio One, Power FM and transcribes the conversations for his Facebook audience that could have missed or doesn’t listen to radio anymore.
Social media propagating poor writing or merely a reflection of poor writing among Ugandans?
However, the journalist seems to be very critical (ironically) of the very platform that he’s using to run his publication. Timothy decries of the “careless writing” and “colloquial expressions” that are the norm in how Facebook users express themselves. That’s why the paper is on a mission on restore more serious writing starting with its own publication on Facebook;
“ In this era of informal writing, casual social media uploads, comments, most of them laced with slang, the Kampala Express seeks to restore the original beauty of the formal written word, with formal writing, formal punctuation and, as far as is possible, the avoidance of slang and colloquial expressions.”
Although there’s truth in Timothy’s observations, the fact that the average Facebook user in Uganda can barely construct a well thought-out and written English sentence which again is a reflection of our educational institutions, he also seems uninformed of the social networks and the internet culture.
These new social networks and technologies develop within themselves accepted forms of communication and self-expression properly understood by their users. Remember SMS for instance? SMS had its own fork of English that its users had created to suit or circumvent the limitations that the technology had imposed on its users. Twitter is another platform that has got its users develop a unique language particularly unique to the platform such “DM”, “GM”, “CYDM”, “GN”, hashtags and a new set of vocabulary like “tweet”, “tweeps”, “retweet”. The use of emoticons, phrases such as “LOL” on platforms such as Whatsapp and Facebook further “dilute” mainstream English and upset the likes of Timothy.
However, it’s undeniably true that some or if not most users blatantly refuse to write proper English on social media or even serious forms of communication like Email. They are under the impression that social media is not a place for writing “proper English” as one fan of the page noted; “ I don’t think writing (and speaking) proper English is that important – especially on Social media.”.
Timothy’s Facebook-only Newspaper joins a league of sprouting digital-only newspapers such as Chimpreports that are beginning to grace and redefine the media landscape in Uganda. These follow traditional journalistic standards with purely run on digital platforms for production and distribution of media. However, a new form of unconventional media catalyzed by our highly networked society and ubiquitous editing software is beginning to catch fire. This new form of media can’t be more evident than the abrupt sacking of ex-prime minister, Amama Mbabazi, in which political memes rocked the social media waves bypassing and maybe even surpassing conventional media channels in reporting the story.
Who’s Timothy Kalyegira?
Here’s a short Wikipedia except about him.
“Timothy Kalyegira (b. 26 June 1968),Ugandan writer, journalist, researcher and political commentator. Freelance contributor to Ugandan media (1991-); compiled Uganda Almanac (published 1997) and founded the Africa Almanac website (Dec. 2000). Became a controversial figure during the late 1990s for his reviews of Ugandan radio stations. Freelance correspondent for United Press International (1999-2000) and Janes Defence Weekly (1999-2000). Starting 2007, he initiated a controversial public debate when he questioned the widely-held belief that up to 500,000 Ugandans were massacred by the government of Idi Amin and was subsequently accused by many of seeking to absolve Amin of the atrocities attributed to him. He has variously also suggested that the 1994 Rwandan genocide was masterminded by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) guerrillas, against the mainstream world opinion that the genocide was planned and executed by the government of President Juvenal Habyarimana. Advertisement - Continue reading below Founded, July 2009, an online newspaper, the Uganda Record . Arrested, Aug. 2010, for publishing in the Uganda Record a series of articles appearing to suggest that the twin bomb blasts in Kampala, Uganda on the night of 12 July 2010 were not masterminded by the Somali militant group Al-Shabab, as widely believed, but by the Uganda government or security elements in it.”
The Paper currently has ( 1,033) 16,695 likes. Like The Kampala Express page here .
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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