When I first met Gerald Abila over a cup of coffee two years back, I was more than convinced that this young man full of vitality and vision was about to change the law fraternity. Like all small beginnings, what he was working on at the time — BarefootLaw Uganda — didn’t show any signs of meteoric growth that is the norm of his venture today.
Gerald mused about how disruptive technologies particularly the internet would change professions, businesses and individuals. How the new open hyper-connected world and a set of network technologies such as social networks would liberate information that was previously shackled under the heavy chains of legacy institutions and structures. That sort of foresight and disruptive thinking, fueled with unrelenting passion is what drove Gerald to crunch and contextualize the law for the ordinary user.
Today, his social enterprise BarefootLaw, is a multiple award-winning Social enterprise dedicated towards the smart synthesis of Information Technology and the Law in order to improve access to justice and legal services in Uganda for the under-served communities. Contrary to excuses such as capital that you would expect from thousands of people that could have or should be doing something similar, the organisation is self-funded and relies on the generosity of the team members who each contribute 10% of their personal earnings towards running the organization.
“We are a self-funded initiative and rely on individual contributions and generosity by the team (10% tithe of everyone’s monthly earning are dedicated towards running this organization).”
Such humble beginnings are not unique. We have previously written about the story of Addmaya , a highly successful film and design firm run by Peter Mukiibi and Arthur Nakkaka that like BarefootLaw, was started by sheer passion amidst shoe-string budgets. This of course is rightfully diversionary from the Silicon Valley model currently propagating through the continent in which raising huge amounts of capital from venture capitalists is now glorified as the express highway to success.
BFL team with beneficiary
Gerald and his team is using existing information distribution channels to provide access to free legal services with remarkable success. We first wrote about the venture last year when they introduced a video conferencing solution dubbed “BAREFOOTLAW V-COUNSEL” which would enable it combat the challenging problem of lack of adequate access to legal services across the country. The organisation’s use of simple text-driven platforms such as Facebook and the use of more sophisticated video conferencing tech is part of the startup’s innovation DNA that’s giving it a competitive edge against other legal service providers;
“We have pioneered the smart synthesis of Information Technology as a backbone for access to free Legal Service, education and Justice, Law and Order Sectors and has since become the largest and most active online legal social media portal in Uganda with a monthly reach of over 150,000 individuals.” Advertisement - Continue reading below
Gerald is using Facebook predominantly which can be accessed for free by over half a million users on the giant social network thanks to several Telecom promotions such as MTN Uganda’s Facebook Zero.
I caught up with him over a Facebook chat to get his insightful views on disruption and the future of Law.
Geeks in the courtroom
How did a geek end up in the courtroom
I have some experience both in I.T and the law and as I studied law. I realized that many of the challenges faced could actually be overcome with smartly fusing law and IT (Information Technology).
I always say, the future of law is not only in the law itself, but in IT as well. The internet and IT are tools of the new age of enlightenment and once enlightenment starts, then it goes on and on.
What sort of response have you got from your users
The response is very good actually, we do receive now on average 60-80 legal issues a day on our online platforms.
In total, our monthly reach is on average 170,000 which is an increase of 20,000 since the award from the American Bar Association and the media coverage that came with it. If you look at our ratings on Facebook, we have about 4.5 stars out of 5 , which is not a bad thing I must say.
The future of Law and the role of disruptive innovation
How do you take seemingly boring information (the law) and turn it into piece of content that many ordinary users want to consume and relate to?
At BarefootLaw, we believe the law should not only apply, but be relevant and easily understandable, so we take complex legal topics, and strip them of the complexity, and reduce them to every day vocabulary, which is easily understandable. We also relate the law to everyday occurrences and get people interested. For example, during the Oscar Pistorius trial, we related that trial to the offence of murder and manslaughter in Uganda, and to a prominent ongoing case based on the same principles, which really generated much debate and discussion on our various forums.
It is also important to note the media that we use to drive this “information”; we present this “stripped down” content across different platforms that the public relate to everyday and every time. That is why technology and indeed social media are critical drivers for this content.
Is there a possibility that we shall see other professionals borrow a leaf and turn their knowledge into a weapon of public good given the ubiquitous publishing tools and connectedness we have today?
Yes. That should be the way. The future of everything is in IT. IT is the new factor of production and is very low cost that the computing power at ones fingertips could accomplish tasks that could take lots of people to complete. For example, we’ve developed a Law Firm software which can enable a lawyer to have the power of over 50 lawyers at his or her disposal.
We sacrifice a lot to offer free legal services. In turn, we challenge our clients to pay it forward. What have you given to your community? If you are a taxi driver, why not go on a Sunday to the nearest medical unit and offer free transport for a sick person to hospital or back home? If you are a doctor, why not offer your services free of charge to your community for at least a certain number of hours? All this can be easily achieved by one adopting technology.
Previously, lawyers hid themselves behind the high fences of the knowledge of the law that was inaccessible or not understood by the ordinary people. Doesn’t this paradigm introduced by barefoot lawyers “keep the lawyer a way” now that information is readily available?
Much as BarefootLaw is a disruption, we are also generating awareness of the existence of these laws and the need for legal services. We are helping people understand their laws and know when they have a cause of action, or a case and when they don’t. This eventually will lead to a reduction in the case backlog faced by the current Justice, Law and Order sector. So now, where people thought of dealing with issues by themselves, they prefer to get a lawyer because BarefootLaw told them to find a lawyer to handle the matter.
This kind of impulse is important for societies trying to develop and prosper. When the law gets more and more available, it becomes more entrenched: that means more people doing trade the right way, more tax compliance, more opportunities for the law to be correctly applied for justice to prevail. This is what every lawyer and all well-meaning citizens support. We also hope this approach will reduce on incidences of mob justice in society.
What can you tell us about your near-term plans
We are in the process of upgrading our infrastructure, including the website. We also launched our beta version of the BarefootLaw App, and are currently getting reviews to be included in the final version. We have partnered with Bribespot which uses technology to report corruption incidents around the world.
We are also looking at ways of providing legal information to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME’s) because from our 2 years of interaction, we have come to realize that many of them collapse because of lack of legal information and knowledge which affects their business decisions.
We are in the process of expanding in form of partnerships, and are actively looking for partners in order to increase our threshold and reach. We have also launched BarefootLaw tube , where we make educational videos about the law freely available for anyone to access on YouTube. We are also improving our infrastructure for the Virtual Counsel service, in terms of hardware upgrades to increase on our capability. Be on the look out for our new interactive website coming out next week.
Recognition and Awards
Barefootlaw recognized at ACIA Awards under the ICT for Development Category
BarefootLaw has taken home several awards. Among the awards won so far are the Lady Justice Award, Social Justice Award, Uganda Communications Commission- ACIA Awards under the ICT for Development Category, overall winners of the Judge’s Choice Awards at the Uganda Communications Commission- ACIA Awards. BarefootLaw was also among the only three organizations recognized by World Wide Web Foundation , headed by Sir Timm Bernes, who invented the internet, during celebrations to mark 25 years of the internet as bringing a “Positive development” to the internet.
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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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