The sun was rising over the vibrant city of Kampala as Python enthusiasts from all corners of Africa and beyond converged at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa for a 3 day Python adventure. It was a historic moment, the inaugural PyCon event in Uganda, and the excitement was palpable.
With over 150 attendees, a dedicated organizing team of more than 20 members, and a diverse lineup of speakers and exhibitors, PyCon Uganda 2023 promised to be a remarkable three-day journey through the world of Python.
Related: Uganda Set to Host its First PyCon Event this September
Day 1: Python’s Grand Kickoff ?
The conference opened with a burst of energy as Elijah Okello, the Chair for PyCon Uganda, welcomed everyone. His words set the tone for what was to be a memorable event. Anthony Shaw, our opening keynote speaker, took the stage and reminded us of Python’s immense potential. The day unfolded with sessions that spanned data science, artificial intelligence, web development, and more.
Attendees were mesmerized as they learned about unleashing the power of data. In parallel, Bethany Jepchumba, Josh Ndemenge, and Joylynn Kirui explored the use of LLMs (Language Models) and Python for in-depth document analysis in one of the breakout rooms (PIP).
During the lunch break, participants had the chance to connect, share insights, and forge new friendships. The sense of community was strong.
Joannah Nanjekye, representing the Python Software Foundation (PSF), delivered a heartwarming message as our sponsor. Her words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of PSF’s support.
The day concluded with an engaging session of lightning talks, where attendees had the opportunity to share their thoughts, projects, and ideas. The diversity of topics covered showcased the breadth of the Python community’s interests.
Related: Here are Top 5 Online Code Editors for Programmers
Day 2: Python in Action ?
The second day commenced with an inspiring keynote by Stephen Senkomago Musoke. Attendees were treated to insights from outreachy internships, demonstrating Python’s role in open-source machine learning projects.
The Django Girls workshop, facilitated by Dorothy Kabarozi .B. and Eva Nanyonga, empowered aspiring programmers with the skills they needed to embark on their Python journey.
Brayan Kai Mwanyumba delved into the fascinating world of word embeddings, and Mwangi Kabiru enlightened us on real-time data processing with Apache Beam and Python.
Wesley Kambale introduced attendees to automation and integration using Python, a topic that left everyone eager to explore more.
The day also featured a panel session on diversity and inclusion, highlighting the importance of these principles in our Python community. It was a conversation that resonated with many.
Olayinka Atobiloye took the virtual stage to reveal the magic of GitHub Copilot, sharing tips, tricks, and best practices. The day reached its zenith with Monica Oyugi’s closing keynote, leaving us inspired and ready for the final day of the conference.
Day 3: Empowerment and Community ?
The third and final day commenced with a spotlight on the community, recognizing the invaluable contributions of its members.
Lorna Aine took us on a virtual journey into the Azure cloud, showcasing its potential for data scientists. Noble Mutabazi, Richard Sserunjogi, and Noah Nsimbe shared their experiences with Python in robust data infrastructure, specifically in AirQo’s air quality monitoring initiative.
Gift Ojeabulu explored machine learning experimentation with DVC and VS Code, highlighting the power of collaboration in Python development.
Wesley Kambale returned, this time to delve into automation and integration using Python, offering practical insights that resonated with many attendees.
Monica Iyabo hosted the Pyladies Luncheon, a celebration of women in Python, highlighting their incredible contributions to the community.
A panel session on careers opened up discussions about various paths in the Python ecosystem, providing valuable insights for those navigating their careers.
Omotola Omotayo inspired us with her talk on building and influencing the open-source ecosystem. Bethany Jepchumba, Josh Ndemenge, and Joylynn Kirui shared their expertise on creating secure chat applications.
Sumaiya Nalukwago gave us a glimpse into the state of our Python community, a fitting end to this journey.
The conference closed with gratitude as Elijah Okello returned to the stage to wrap up the inaugural PyCon Uganda 2023. It was a momentous occasion filled with knowledge sharing, networking, and celebration.
A Well-Organized Affair ?
One of the standout aspects of PyCon Uganda 2023 was its impeccable organization. The organizing team, comprising more than 20 dedicated individuals, worked tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly. From registration to breakout sessions, everything was executed with precision.
I am personally glad to have been a part of the organizing team in charge of tech and media.
Exhibitors like Waape, Microsoft, Dataladies, FundiBots, Crane Cloud, and others added vibrancy to the event, offering valuable insights into their contributions to the Python ecosystem.
The conference venue, the ICT Hub in Nakawa, provided the perfect backdrop for this Python extravaganza. Its state-of-the-art facilities and welcoming atmosphere contributed to the event’s success.
Conclusion: Python’s Future in Uganda is Bright ?
As the sun set on PyCon Uganda 2023, one thing was clear—the future of Python in Uganda is incredibly bright. This inaugural event was a testament to the passion, dedication, and innovation of the Python community in Uganda.
From diverse sessions and empowering workshops to insightful keynotes and engaging panel discussions, PyCon Uganda 2023 left an indelible mark. The sense of community, the celebration of diversity, and the pursuit of knowledge were the hallmarks of this exceptional event.
As attendees departed with new knowledge and lasting connections, they carried with them a shared belief in the power of Python to transform lives and industries. PyCon Uganda 2023 was not just a conference; it was a celebration of Python’s impact and a promise of a brighter future.
We look forward to PyCon Uganda 2024 (October 9th-13th), where we will continue to explore, innovate, and empower through Python. Until then, keep coding, keep sharing, and keep the Python spirit alive!
For more images and social coverage visit the official PyCon Uganda X account here .
Ronnie Atuhaire is a passionate geek with a deep love for all things tech—from hardware and operating systems to programming. Driven by a desire to learn and share knowledge, Ronnie is committed to helping fellow tech enthusiasts by providing valuable insights and guidance on their tech journeys.
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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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