Kampala is arguably the party capital of East Africa. The people will go miles ahead to jump over creeks clogged with debris just to attend a social event. Nevertheless the people are very warm, welcoming and, must I say, very social.
On 30th June, the world celebrated Mashable’s popularised international social media day but in Kampala, we celebrated it on the 28th — a day prior. That is just how much we were excited about it.
The ultimate spoiler is that the day was such a huge success and the conversation under the hood was filled with such intensity.
How I saw it…
First things first, I attended the event in the capacity of a tech journo on an assignment of live tweeting the proceedings, which I did in earnest.
An hour after the scheduled time, the event kicks off: The moderator is quick to introduce the panelists accompanied with a fine grain humour — an arsenal of digerati who I will reference to, subsequently in the post.
“What is the internet?” a warm-up question for the audience was received with such contempt. A horde of beautiful girls behind collectively said “duh!” Signifying that the answer was pretty obvious. Not for this nondescript technical guy, “it’s a gargantuan network that links several nodes so as to enable communication..” The little mozarts behind me now seem lost. But at the end of the conversation, it was generally agreed that the internet is now a lifestyle. And also a basic human right.
As a reporter, alot of questions were already buzzing in my mind. I knew that if I didn’t wait to listen out to what the rest of the panelists and the audience had to contribute, I was destined to ask something really stupid, tainting every future conversation I’d come up with. I was glad enough that the question surfaced before it become a bummer.
“What is social media?”
To many, social media is the internet. In fact, Facebook is the internet — at least this side of the globe. Perhaps social networking is all they do while online. Before we rush to assure these guys that the internet is such grandiose repository of all things information, let’s not forget the vital roles telcos have played; they have provided free social media packages to customers as a way lure them into their customer bases. Most renown is MTN’s facebook zero and Orange’s mobile facebook which were all free tiers. Now here is the banter: social media is looked at as the conduit to the access of information on the internet and besides the access is absolutely free of charge. (Net neutrality mongers, we shall talk next time)
Our windows to the digital world may not always be the same — sometimes it might be circles on our wrists, other times it might be rectangles in our hands — but social media promises that we’ll always have access to the same information. As more content emerges on the social streams, social media channels are spending significant amounts of their research budgets on making the most out of users’ overtly minuscule attention spans. And their efforts are paying off. The gravitational pull is so evident, the addiction is so real that majority of the users have to walk heads down in order to tend to their conversations in “real-time!”
An interesting question, this time, was fired to the panel, “does social media make us anti-social?” From the above, real life communication has been vastly cut, relationships have suffered and many are headed to the obese territory –not working out. Patricia Kahill , a social media consultant, was quick to state her stance on the need to practice self-discretion and balance both the social media and real life presences. “when you go to a bar, you put your phone down, grab a drink and enjoy your peers’ company, not pull out your phone and start whatsapping away” Ironically, she is such an avid social media buff. But according to Michael Niyitegeka , a renown business consultant and trainer, Patricia has all rights to hang out late online because she actually earns from social media. How about the significant majority who are wasting millions of seconds online, doing nothing that can be measured in terms of Return On Investment (ROI)? Perhaps those are target groups that brands are scouring for, for their next lot of customers. Maybe we could be mistaken, the users are raising awareness about particular causes that they hope to change. Social media is promoting interaction and debate and is therefore a tool for citizen journalism. The panelists — Albert Mucunguzi , Unnie Wamala , Daniel Mumbere , Angelo Izama and Esther Kalenzi — contributed in eerie. Social media’s potential is limitless, no body can authoritatively predict the next big thing thereof. Probably, that is why we’re seeing a rise in ephemeral networks such as Snapchat, which apparently should have self-destructed on it’s way to Kampala (I mean, nobody uses it here) and the latest sensational prodigy, Yo — a ridiculously stupid app .
Evolution theorist, Charles Darwin, discovered the Selfish-gene. Social media discovered the Selfie-gene!
For every action on social media, there is an equal but opposite reaction
This universal law plays a pivotal on social media, for every action done on social media, there is an opposite reaction. It could be either in terms of validation inform in likes/retweets/shares/follows or on the other hand, a way of indirectly giving away your data to the social networks. For example Facebook’s continuous tweaking of its news feed is a short hand reference on what has become of social media. These guys are evil, they will manipulate whatever you see on your social streams for the sake of targeting personalized adverts to you. Albert, one of the panelists blantantly disqualified the importance of Facebook and social media at large as the major conduit of information on line. He even argued that he had statistics to support his position. True, there is a modicum of truth in his argument, we are no longer humans when it comes to the social networks and the internet at large, we’re products being vended by these digital social merchants. So, as long as we use their services, we will always abide by their terms, conditions and whims. Actually, the scientific way of opting out of these devious pangs is to deactivate your social media accounts.
But that is not the point, deactivating won’t help much. Neither will switching to Twitter (or any other social network) nor entirely relying on Google for content will save the already dire situation. It’s simple, all of these guys follow the same psychology, build a user base, milk as much data as possible from them, use this data to target adverts. Ads vary in nature and they are a huge deal on the internet.
And the last speaker of day
Lillian from the Internet Society of Uganda talked about the need to practice self-censorship online as a prerequisite for privacy and security. Unfortunately, this was such an interesting topic that wasn’t given enough attention because of time constraints. This is the topic I was itching to shoot down straight away, privacy is a concept we used to know . In fact the internet is the most public of public places and if one wanted to keep their information private, especially on the social web, they should desist from posting online and instead write in their well hidden diaries. Yes, it’s that bad. The concept of social media borrows a lot on flawless freedom — it gives absolutely anyone to say what ever they like. No, that doesn’t mean giving up all details about you. There is a need of some internet street smarts.
Of course, with continued surveillance, a couple of rules are changed overtime. A bunch-load of words are added into Social platforms’ privacy policies every other day. For example, Facebook’s having more words than those in the U.S constitution. It’s mind boggling!
So that is what I was supposed to say at Social media day but didn’t. Right now, probably someone, on the other end, has their armour set ready to fire back, but well, that is social media (or life) for you, everyone has an opinion and it matters.
How many shares for this blog post to make it atop the validation list? Oh, well, never mind!
A round of applause for Aaron Musoke of Virtualtrends for making the event happen (while you’re at it, also applaud the event sponsors and various stakeholders who made the event a success)
All Images courtesy of Malaika Media
Daniel Mwesigwa is a curious mind at the intersection of technology, media, and politics. Passionate about emerging trends and critical thinking, he’s known for cutting through noise—calling out conspiracy theories when they don’t hold up. When he’s not writing or analyzing the digital world, Daniel enjoys listening to music and playing soccer.
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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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