Social media is clearly like a fire; It can cook your dinner but it can also cook you too. This has been the case with Ugandan telecom giant MTN that among others is known for a robust social media customer care team that is swift and responsive. Hell broke loose on the 17th November 2014 when a stream of tweets started jetting in with the hashtag #OccupyMTN.

Multiple tweeps and MTN customers jumped on board to express their frustration with the telecom giant. Most Occupy MTN tweets centered around not being able to load data bundles and the data running so fast or abnormally. Data bundles are loaded by customers via USSD and MTN has had an issue with the platform for a few weeks.

MTN made an official statement about the issue on their website citing various issues that they have discovered customers are facing. These included multiple data bundle activation failure which causes multiple charges, delayed data bundle loading, failed activation, Inaccurate data bundle billing and bundle charged but not activated. According to MTN, the problem has affected 7800 customers and they are encouraging them to call the data help line 126 or reach them via Facebook or email (Somehow Twitter wasn’t an option to be reached on this time).

MTN also announced via Twitter that they are refunding all the customers whose data or airtime was used up in the process. Orange Uganda also had a USSD downtime last week but quickly rectified the issue putting to rest a possible social media attack.

We have already refunded the 7,800 customers who lost their airtime. #MTN CEO Brian. — MTN Uganda (@mtnug) November 18, 2014 Advertisement - Continue reading below

This is one among many incidences where we have seen consumers congregate to exercise consumer power especially in a country with the no effective consumer bureau. But MTN is not alone. There was a time when UMEME had a row with city lawyer David Mpanga over the forced attempt to install the Umeme Yaka at his premises. This also went viral on social media and Umeme received a lot of criticism over the issue.

Not so long ago, Nada Anderson a social influencer, took to twitter to express her frustration with MTN shops not being able to give her an invoice which she is entitled to by law. After her tweets went viral under the hashtag # GiveNadaHerTaxInvoice , some shops now give her an invoice but it’s still an issue that hasn’t been completely resolved. Thousands of customers are not getting their invoices and this poses a potential tax problem.

As you read this article right now, the USSD problem has been partly resolved and customers can now load data bundles with a few cases still having issues. Here is a stream of the top tweets about Occupying MTN. You can check here for a selection of the most funny tweets and memes #OccupyMTN Tweets

Image: ITNewsAfrica

About Onyait Odeke

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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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Do you like to organize events for work, travel or your hobbies? Perhaps you prefer to find in-person networking events, social activities and being part of a community. Meetup as the name implies is an app that brings people with similar interests together. Here, you can get a group to read with, practice your new language with, go hiking or whatever your interests are.

In this post, we’ll share practical tips on how to find these events and create one yourself on the Meetup app. Keep reading for more details.

How Does it Work?

Meetup is a great way to meet new people, learn new things and get involved in your community. It’s also great for exploring a new city, building your career or even growing your creative side.

There are several categories available on this platform. Some of them include – travel, outdoors, technology, gaming, art, culture, nature photography, social activities and so much more. You can find an event for pretty much anything here.

Why Should You Signup to Create and Find Events on MeetUp?

While there are several other platforms you can use to organize social events, here are some of the benefits of using Meetup instead;

  • Meet new people with similar interests: Perhaps one of the biggest perks of this platform is that you meet a lot of new people. Once you join a group, you automatically have a community of people who share the same interests. You can talk about it, and even make new friends you can go to brunch with. It’s also a great way to forge new professional connections.
  • You learn new skills: Whether you’re joining a group to improve your programming skills, learning a new language or even a new skill, you’d get an enabling environment that’ll foster it. You also have people learning the same skill that’ll hold you accountable and give you actionable feedback.
  • Find social activities and events: If you have very unique hobbies, a meetup is a great place to start. You can find new activities like food tasting, hiking, wine tasting, boot camps, hackathons, career fairs, stageplays, and so much more.
  • Be actively involved in a community: Since most of the groups on Meetup are closely knit, you’d find yourself actively contributing to the group. It might be through mentorship, delegated tasks or even organizing the event itself. What’s certain is that you’d be heavily involved in a community.

How to Find Events on Meetup

Ready to start attending events you’ll be interested in? Start by creating a free profile.

  • To find events in your area, simply visit the Meetup Find URL .
  • Choose to filter by date, category, location, interest and even distance. You can choose to see only in-person events or even online events too.
Meetup - 1
  • Once you find an event, RSVP to attend
  • You can also join the discussion forum to talk about the event beforehand.

Some tips we recommend to keep in mind when finding an event is to read the event description carefully. This way you’re absolutely sure it’s something you’re interested in. Also, look at the reviews of previous events.

How to Create and Organize an Event on Meetup

If you’d want to create an event or group instead, it’s pretty straightforward. Simply create a free profile and then create a group. Your group will then be reviewed and shared. Choose a topic and then invite your friends to join in. You can also post it publicly so you can attract new members.

Some tips for organizing a successful Meetup event;

  • Choose a topic that people are interested in.
  • Make sure the event is well-promoted.
  • Provide clear and concise information about the event.
  • Be responsive to RSVPs and questions.
  • Arrive early to set up and greet attendees.
  • Be prepared to have fun!

Ajibola Winner is a tech writer based in Nigeria with a talent for curating the most useful apps and services from SaaS companies, social media platforms, and web 2.0 businesses. She specializes in recommending the best products across the web from various online retailers and offers valuable how-tos and guides to help users make informed decisions. Ajibola’s keen eye for trends ensures her recommendations are always practical and up to date.

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