Let’s explore some use cases …

1. Climate Modelling

One of the more compelling applications of AI is in climate modeling. Traditional climate models are robust, but normally incongruous with the processing of vast reams of data needed to predict future patterns of climate. AI analyzes such large data sets at speeds previously unattainable, therefore underpinning the accuracy of climate forecasts and allowing scientific understanding of complex changes that are happening in the environment. It is this enhanced capability in modeling that will be important in formulating strategies to mitigate climate change impacts.

2. AI for Renewables

AI also has a huge role in the initiation of renewable energy solutions. By optimizing production and distribution for sources like solar and wind power, AI can increase efficiency. AI-managed smart grids would be better positioned to balance demand and supply of energy more effectively, hence integrating renewables in the energy mix and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. AI is also currently used for its predictability variable in solar energy and wind farming for Germany and Denmark respectively as well as revolutionizing the operation of smart grids in California and carbon capture in Canada. This lowers greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and paves the way for a sustainable energy future.

3. Manufacturing and Transportation Sectors

Manufacturing is one of these large emitters worldwide, in which huge differences can be made by AI-powered efficiencies through the optimization of production processes and waste reduction, as well as energy use processes that will hugely reduce GHG emissions. Another major way AI spearheads the big urban GHG slice to cleaner air is through AI-regulated public transport, electric and autonomous automobiles, and intelligent traffic management. This helps the entities to comply with the National Climate Change Act Cap. 182, the National Environment Act Cap. 181, and other relevant legislations.

However, as we embrace AI’s potential, we must also address associated ethical challenges.

4. Environmental Monitoring

AI is going to change the way we think about environmental monitoring and conservation. From satellite images showing deforestation and melting of the glaciers, AI has huge potential to provide critical insights into setting up conservation strategies in the areas of biodiversity and wildlife habitats. AI-driven pollution control technologies can detect and mitigate pollution in real time, hence contributing to a healthier ecosystem and community. But with this ability comes great associated ethical challenges we must address.

What needs to happen

Bias-free AI applications in society, therefore, hold paramount significance. Individual privacy in environmental monitoring applications has to be critically observed to retain civic trust and support for AI initiatives. That is to say, we, Uganda and Africa, still need appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks since they are the enabling frameworks for developing, deploying, and using AI responsibly in solving climate change. We can also turn to the 2024-27 work plan of the UNFCC’s #AI4ClimateAction Initiative to guide us on some aspects.

What the future looks like …

Looking ahead, AI is going to underpin our response and resilience to climate change. Across borders, AI will continue to enhance data sharing and predictive modeling that calls for a unanimous global response in the fight against climate change. The collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to fully tap into the potentials of AI is expected to grow in a bid that AI serves for good.

In other words, AI and climate action are companions offering much-needed hope within this otherwise daunting landscape. We shall go further to the extent of harnessing AI capability in making headway on understanding, mitigating, and adapting to climate change. This should serve as a call to action for all actors to embrace this technology and work together toward a sustainable future.

See also: OPED: How technology can mitigate climate change

The post OP-ED: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence For Climate Action appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Under the theme “Economic Competitiveness through Strategic and Sustainable Digital Transformation,” the inaugural summit will be held at the Kampala Serena Hotel from 9-10, September and it will focus on fostering digital inclusion, enhancing automated trust, and highlighting the pivotal role of technology leaders in driving sustainable growth.

The National ICT Summit is set to convene government officials including; policymakers & regulatory authorities, IT security leaders, SPVM (Sourcing, Procurement, and Vendor Management) leaders, decision-makers, industry leaders, Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, and technology enthusiasts, among others committed to advancing Uganda’s ICT sector.

Several topics including (1) Transforming procurement with digital solutions & regulatory insights, (2) AI in supply chain management (AI vs Myths), (3) ESG integration in business, and (4) Uganda’s roadmap to digital transformation & digital strategies for social impact, among others will be discussed.

See also: ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin applauds Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap

Among the speakers confirmed to grace the summit by ICTAU include; Elizabeth Ntege; CEO and Co-Founder of NFT Consults, Patrick Kadama; Project Manager at MTN Uganda, Jackie Namara Rukare; Marketing & Business Consultant, Michael Niyitegeka; Director of Refactory Academy, Grace Labong Achire; Team Leader at Vantage Communications, and James Byaruhanga; Managing Director of Roke Cloud.

The Inaugural ICT National Summit will facilitate thought leadership, and policy influence —and showcases groundbreaking projects that attract investment and drive digital transformation. These interactive components will ensure participants gain valuable insights and build meaningful connections, making the summit a must-attend event for anyone invested in the future of technology in Uganda and beyond.

The ICT Association of Uganda (ICTAU), a pivotal non-profit, member-based organization dedicated to advancing Uganda’s ICT sector is therefore calling the following to grace the summit;

1. Policymakers and regulatory authorities who influence digital transformation strategies.
2. Experts in cloud computing interested in exploring advanced cloud strategies and solutions.
3. SPVM leaders focused on optimizing procurement processes and vendor relationships through innovative technologies.
4. Individuals working on the technical aspects of ICT and looking for the latest advancements and practical solutions.
5. Leaders focused on infrastructure and operations security aiming to integrate robust security measures into their digital ecosystems.
6. CEOs, CIOs, and Directors from various sectors looking to leverage technology to enhance their operations and competitive edge.
7. NGOs and humanitarian agencies that are dedicated to leveraging technology for social impact and improving operational efficiency.
8. Investors seeking to identify and support promising technology startups and innovations.
9. Decision-makers overseeing infrastructure management, keen on modernizing and enhancing their technological infrastructure.

To be part of this inaugural ICT Summit, visit the summit website to register.

The post The Inaugural ICT National Summit: Speakers and Topics to be Discussed appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Right after the end of the launch of the Tecno Camon 30 series, Tecno announced its new products in the market including laptops, Tecno Watch Pro 2, and the True 1 & Buds 3 earbuds. Earbuds in particular, Tecno is phasing out the standard 3.5mm earphone jack to go wireless and this is evident on the Camon 30 series which comes with the TWS earbuds.

Earbuds are now the new norm. Smartphone manufacturers including Tecno Mobile are doing away with the earphone jack getting rid of the wired earphones for cordless earphones that receive audio through a wireless technology, Bluetooth.

The Tecno Buds 3, is the third generation of the Tecno Buds family and comes with sound and battery improvement. In an advertisement, the company said, “The Bud 3 not only delivers extremely deep, refined, natural-sounding bass and lets you feel the music in the vibrant definition, but provides you up to 37 hours long-lasting battery life.”

The Tecno Buds 3 comes in two color options, black and white. The buds come with a battery capacity of 37mAh each while the battery capacity of the charging case is 500mAh. The charging case is charged with a Type-C cable and takes approximately 2 hours to charge fully. The earbuds on the other hand take approximately 1 and a half hours to charge fully. The transmission range is 10 meters and beyond that you lose connection. The buds support up to 2 days of playing time on a single charge.

In summary;

• Earphone Battery Capacity: 37mAh (each bud).
• Charging Box Battery Capacity: 500mAh.
• Charging Cable: USB Type-C
• Charging Voltage: 5V/1A , 5V/0.12A.
• Music playing time: 7H+28H.
• Standby Time: Approx 70H.
• Transmission Range: 10m.
• Time for fully charging the earbuds: 1 and a half hours.
• Time for fully charging the case: Approximately 2 hours.

Unboxing the Tecno Buds 3

The buds come in a thin blue and grey rectangular box. Inside the box, you have a color of your choice for the Buds (black or white). The package comes with a pair of Tecno Buds 3, a charging case, a USB Type-C charging cable, different size ear tips (small, medium, and large), and a user manual.

The charging case and earbuds by default come with some battery. We advise that you fully charge the two before using them. Once fully charged, you can then pair them with a smart device that supports Bluetooth technology. This can be any smartphone, laptop & PC, tablet, or TV. To connect them to a smart device of your choice;

1. On your smart device eg. a smartphone, turn on the Bluetooth mode.
2. Open the charging case, the earbuds will enter into a TWS pairing mode. The earbuds will connect automatically and then enter into pairing mode.
3. On your smartphone, from your Bluetooth list, search and connect/pair with the Tecno Buds 3.
4. The lights on the buds will go off upon successful pairing.
5. You can now use your buds. The buds can be used to listen to music, watch movies, gaming, and answer calls.

Design and Comfort

Not so different from other charging cases —you get the same soap-shaped charging case with a smooth-gradient finish and a two-tone color, white on the outside and bright turquoise on the inside. The bottom of the case has a pairing button and a USB-C connector for charging. The charging case is well-designed with an attractive look and a good finish. The build quality is decent although, unlike the earbuds, there is no ingress protection (IP) on the case.

As for the earbuds, they have a standard shape with stalks that hang outside your ears. Unlike other stalks that have an interesting tear-drop shape that gets wider as you go further down, on the Tecno Buds 3 the stalks are slim. The back of the stalks features a touch-sensitive area for adjusting media (when listening to music) and answering calls.

The inner side of the earbuds has a capacitive area that activates when in contact with skin and is used for wear detection. The earbuds have L and R symbols carved onto them to easily tell which ear they go to. There seems to be a grille on the inside so stuff like earwax won’t just fall in. And yes, the earbuds are IPX5 dust and water-resistant.

The earbuds are very lightweight and compact. The soft silicone ear tips (I’ve been using the default size M silicone ear tips) are a great fit in the ears and you can wear them for hours without discomfort or accidental falls.

Tecno continually refined the design to strike a balance between aesthetics, comfort, and functionality, ensuring that users can enjoy their music without discomfort or fatigue.

Features, and Functionality

The Tecno Buds 3 pairs with Android and iOS devices as all functionality is built directly into the Bluetooth settings. Utilizing the latest v.5.3 Bluetooth, the Buds 3 provides you with a stable transmission and a long-distance connection range of up to 66ft.

The Buds 3 is equipped with features designed to enhance usability and versatility. Touch controls, and voice assistants allow for effortless navigation. The touch options available are long press and tap. The single tap option is assigned to play/pause, answer/end calls, go to a previous/next song, and enable voice assistant while on the other hand, the long press option rejects calls, and enables/disables noise cancellation. To increase and decrease the volume you have to swipe up and down (respectively).

The left earbud is used to go to the previous song and to decrease the volume while the right earbud is used to go to the next song and increase the volume. Both buds can be used to play/pause media.

Unfortunately, the Tecno Buds 3 doesn’t support in-ear detection, which pauses media as soon as you remove either of the two earbuds from your ears and resumes playback when reinserted.

The downside here is that the response is lagging/slow. We were having a hard time with every action so the best solution for this is to use the controls on your smart device.

The Bud 3 also features noise cancellation which was incredible. With an omnidirectional mic system made your voice clearer and reduced environment noise allowing you to have clear calls and always be heard with perfect clarity.

Performance and Sound Quality

The Tecno Buds 3 offers a lively sound with a bright treble and strong bass. The buds surprisingly delivered spacious sound with enough detail and great separation between the different sound frequencies. These buds get plenty loud too. As for the microphone, well, the performance was decent. The background noise cancellation works well and it’s hard to hear anything unless when it’s really loud.

Battery Life

The buds can go upto 2-days on a single charge which is impressive since they have been omptimzed for low power consumption. A full recharge for the buds and the USB-C charging case takes around two hours.

Verdict: The Tecno Buds 3 are an affordably priced pair of earbuds and for the price, you get a comfortable design, impressive noise cancellation, decent sound quality, and good battery life. They may not be the greatest value at the moment, but we already see rebates here and there so we can definitely recommend them for those looking for a pair of earbuds with a premium design, rich feature set, and decent battery endurance.

The post Tecno Buds 3 Earbuds Review: Could be Audiophile’s Delight appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The expo featured a digital products market that showcased a variety of technology products and services such as cloud services, legal AI solutions, and legal management software, among others that can be employed by lawyers to enhance the efficiency of their legal practice.

In his remarks, James Byaruhanga, the Chief Commercial Officer at Roke Telkom remarked how technology could easily enhance service delivery, improve access to justice, and build greater public trust. “The expo represents a significant step towards a more modern, efficient, and accessible legal system,” he said while highlighting the importance of digitalization to the legal industry. “By embracing digitalization, the legal industry can enhance its service delivery, improve access to justice, and build greater public trust.”

“As partners in this innovation drive, we are committed to leading this change and supporting the legal community in navigating the digital era,” he added.

Hellen Mukasa, LegalTech Lab Lead at The Innovation Village explained how the Legal Tech Lab can enhance the adoption of digital technologies in the legal industry. In her explanation, she said that the LegalTech Lab focuses on enhancing the adoption of digital technologies in the legal industry by supporting innovators to design solutions that solve the most pressing problems of the industry, such as access to justice, information, and legal service delivery —intended to yield rich customer experience journeys and build public confidence and trust in the justice system.

Although he acknowledged that there are still challenges in the legal industry when it comes to practicing digitalization, Bernard Oundo, President of the Uganda Law Society, said that the legal system has slowly adopted some of the various technology innovations like; video conferencing for court hearings, e-case filings, digital exhibits and evidence presentation which are used during legal processes.

“Technology has the potential to transform and improve the entire legal system,” said Oundo. “If well leveraged, digital tools can enable law institutions to optimize and refocus their business processes, improve service delivery to users, protect individual human rights, and democratize access to justice.”

While the digitalization of the justice system has begun, unifying legal institutions, practitioners, and the entire justice system in the digital era is a complex, monumental, and ongoing challenge that requires collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders.

With joint forces combined, these efforts can help bridge the digital divide and ensure a more efficient, accessible, and just legal system for all.

See also: 4 ways technology can help your law firm grow

The post Experts Advocate For Digitalization to Break Barriers in Legal Industry appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

TICON Africa Awards celebrate outstanding industry professionals and tech innovators who have boosted their country’s and Africa’s ICT industry, making contributions that have progressed technology and communication sectors in Africa —and created new opportunities for its people.

Dr. Jannie Zaaiman, Secretary General of TICON Africa, says the awards will be bestowed on Africa’s leading ICT minds at a time when the industry is undergoing rapid change with the advent of new technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“The ever-changing landscape of technology is a key aspect of what will be navigated at our conference, so it makes perfect sense to reward those who are already excelling in advancing ICT for our beautiful continent and its people,” said Dr. Zaaiman in a press statement.

Awards will be granted in the categories of, ICT Young Professional of the Year, ICT Professional of the Year, and Tech Business Leader of the Year. “Through these awards, we also hope to encourage more innovation in the sector,” says Dr. Zaaiman.

He explains that rewarding young people who show exceptional enthusiasm for the ICT sector and have spent time learning is of particular importance. The ICT Young Professional will be awarded to people under 30 years old and employed in the ICT sector. They will have actively pursued at least 30 hours of learning new knowledge a year over the last 2 years and are currently employed in an ICT role or managing an ICT team or project of note.

The ICT Professional of the Year award will go to someone conscious of the latest developments in their field, who displays the highest standards of professional ethics and has made a significant contribution to the profession. Dr. Zaaiman says, “They use their technical knowledge to be a positive role model in their country and influence the workplace to the highest standards, professionally and ethically”.

The ICT Africa Tech Business Leader of the Year on the other hand will be awarded to someone who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of ICT across at least three African countries. “They use their technical knowledge to be a positive role model in not only their own countries but also the countries they operate in, demonstrating the highest professional and ethical standards,” says Dr. Zaaiman.

The awards are open to all ICT professionals currently working in TICON Africa member countries, which are Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Zambia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Lesotho and meet the specific entry requirements for each award.

All nominated candidates must have work or industry contributions completed during 2023/2024.

Nominations (nomination form) close on August 30th, 2024. “If you have seen a bright star among your colleagues, we encourage you to nominate them for this prestigious award,” urged Dr. Zaaiman.

Winners will be announced at the TICON Africa Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.

See also: Rowena Turinawe, Cente-Tech Digital Gru crowned ICT Young Professional of the Year at TICON Africa awards

The post TICON Africa Opens Nominations For its 2024 Awards to African ICT Professionals appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Having won the bid, Paris was awarded the position of host of the games at the 131st IOC Session in Lima, Peru, on 13 September 2017.  According to reports, Paris 2024 will be the final Olympic Games held during the IOC presidency of Thomas Bach.

As such, a total of 206 Olympic National Teams are represented at the 2024 Summer Olympics with 54 from Africa, 48 from Europe, 44 from Asia, 41 from North & South America, 17 from Oceania, the Individual Neutral Athletes, and the Refugee Olympic Team.

While a majority won’t be in physical attendance, they will be watching the games from home, in their favorite sports bar, and streaming on their mobile phones, computers, and other portable devices with access to the Internet. While you can stream the games on a laptop, desktop PC, tablet and mobile phone are still the favorites because you can stream while on the move. So here,’s how to stream the 2024 Summer Olympic Games on your phone.

Firstly, you can use the Olympic Channel Website or the Olympic Channel App. The channel gives you access to the greatest movement in sport up close. Through all-in, all-out coverage, original programming, unseen footage, and interviews that get you closer than ever before. From sports, you’ve never heard of to the ones you love already.

How to Use: Download the Olympic Channel app from the App Store or Google Play Store, or visit Olympics.com on your phone’s browser. No subscription is required; simply navigate to the live events and highlights sections.

Secondly, if you’re in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the U.S. you can stream the games on Peacock, Sling, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV), NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, the NBC app, NBC Olympics app, BBC iPlayer, 9Now, Stan Sport, CBC Gem.

Thirdly, in Africa where MultiChoice has operations, you can stream the games via DStv Stream, formally DStv Now. If you have a subscription you don’t have to rush home or to a sports bar to watch the games. Download the DStv Stream app on your phone, and log in with your subscription details to start streaming the games.

Lastly, if you find yourself unable to view the games locally, you may need to use a VPN. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone to get access to the game. Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming.

The post 2024 Summer Olympic Games: How to Watch on Your Mobile Phone, on the Move appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

In his opening remarks, Nicholas Mbonimpa, the Chief Executive Officer of RENU said the RENU ICT Directors Forum is a crucial platform for their members’ accountability. “When we come together in this forum, we reflect on the services we offer to our members through the feedback they give us, and that is how we have managed to stay as a strong National Research and Education Network (NREN) community,” he said.

Dr. Francis Tusubira, who was the Guest of Honour at the Forum in his speech said, “As ICT Directors, we need to think a lot about the future to excite the younger teams that are coming up. We need to change our mindset and liberate ourselves from the confines of technology to solutions that speak directly to the people.”

The RENU ICT Directors Forum featured various presentations and discussions by experts highlighting the latest developments and best practices in ICT for education and research institutions.

Godfrey Sserwamukoko, the General Manager of Raxio Data Centre, delivered an insightful presentation on colocation and how educational and research institutions can harness the power of a Tier III certified carrier and cloud-neutral data centre.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) report, higher education institutions produce around 300 petabytes of data yearly. This data comes from various sources, including research activities, student information systems, learning management systems, and other academic and administrative processes.

The importance of research repositories within higher education institutions underscores the need for effective data management and accessibility, according to expert consultants’ 2024 predictions on emerging trends in higher education.

Raxio Data Centre is committed to supporting industries facing complex ICT and regulatory challenges with the state-of-the-art technological infrastructure needed to transform their businesses. Raxio’s commitment to digital transformation spans multiple sectors, including education and research, which generate large volumes of data as digital transformation accelerates. Such data must be stored and processed optimally in a state-of-the-art facility.

“Raxio Data Centre is the only Tier III certified facility in the country that operates carrier-neutral and cloud-neutral. It has best-in-class equipment and the capacity to house 400 racks at full capacity, allowing businesses to scale up based on their rack space requirements,” remarked Sserwamukoko. “We ensure 99.982% uptime via a fully redundant and concurrently maintainable design offering 2N+1 design on power, cooling, connectivity, space, and 24/7 CCTV monitoring, in addition to 7 layers of onsite physical security between the entrance and servers.” He adds “With over 14 connectivity providers/carriers in the data hall, customers can connect and choose from various carriers.”

See also: Raxio Data Centre will support the growth and digitalization of Uganda’s economy, Abdul Rahman

Sserwamukoko encouraged education and research institutions to approach their networks from a business continuity perspective and explore the opportunities offered by the advanced technological infrastructure of a Tier III data centre to address mission-critical needs for data storage, business continuity, and disaster recovery.

“You want to be in a situation where the internet is a minimum requirement for academic institutions to compete on a global stage because everything runs online. You can also leverage technology to support research,” said Prof. Madara Ogot, CEO Ubuntunet Alliance.

Andrew Otim, Head of Strategy at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), emphasized the Commission’s role in collaborating with ICT sector players. “Convenient, faster, affordable, integrated solutions are what is needed from the players to make a difference, and UCC is doing what it takes to provide a dynamic regulatory framework to facilitate this,” he said.

The RENU ICT Directors Forum was attended by ICT directors from education and research institutions and regional and international IT infrastructure providers. Other sponsors included AWS, Mantra Technologies, Renu Mesh, Redington, Simplifi Networks, Gold Star Insurance, Soliton Telmec, Raridali Company Limited, and Flexoptix.

See also: ICTAU Set to Convene an Inaugural ICT National Summit in September

The post Raxio’s GM, Godfrey Sserwamukoko Urges Educational and Research Institutions to Harness Tier III Certified Data Centres appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The National e-Mobility Strategy, drafted by the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat, outlines a comprehensive approach to integrating electric buses, motorcycles, and trains into the country’s transport infrastructure, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable urban mobility.

In it, the Ugandan government envisions a future where electric vehicles (EVs) dominate public transport, significantly curbing the reliance on fossil fuels. This initiative is poised to cover major urban centers, including Kampala and Jinja, to transition to a fully electric public transport system by 2040.

The strategy outlines the establishment of 3,500 charging stations nationwide, equipped with over 10,000 fast chargers, ensuring accessibility across the country.

Charging infrastructure development

A major challenge facing this initiative is the current lack of charging infrastructure. To mitigate this, the government, in collaboration with private sector stakeholders, is set to deploy at least 1,500 charging points by 2028. This effort is essential to alleviate range anxiety among potential EV users and ensure a smooth and efficient transition to electric transport.

Kiira Motors Corporation, one of Uganda’s home-grown automotive manufacturers, plays a pivotal role in this transition. The company is ramping up its production capabilities, with plans to manufacture around 5,000 electric vehicles annually once fully operational. Their facility is already powered by renewable energy sources, with a solar capacity of 7 megawatts, and aims to achieve 100% solar energy usage in the future.

Economic implications

The financial commitment to this initiative is substantial, with the government estimating a need for approximately USD$1.74 billion (approx. UGX6.42 trillion) over the next five years to implement the strategy effectively. This investment is expected to yield significant returns, contributing 12.5% to Uganda’s gross domestic product (GDP) and creating over 500,000 green jobs.

The strategy also aims for a 65% localization rate in the e-mobility value chain, encouraging domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles and components, which is crucial for economic sustainability and job creation.

The shift to electric transport is not just an economic opportunity; it is also a crucial step toward environmental sustainability. Uganda’s transport sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for over 10% of total emissions. By electrifying public transport, the government aims to reduce transport-based emissions by more than 25% by 2040, contributing to cleaner air and healthier urban environments.

See also: Government pledges UGX32.5bn for completion of Kiira Motors’ Industrial Plant

Collaborative efforts

The successful implementation of the e-mobility strategy hinges on a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. The government is working closely with private companies, local authorities, and international partners to develop the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.

This multi-faceted approach ensures that all aspects of the transition—from manufacturing to charging infrastructure—are addressed comprehensively.

The post A Brief Inside Uganda’s Plan to Electrify Public Transport by 2040 appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

TekJuice addresses a critical challenge faced by many companies in Uganda and beyond finding and hiring qualified software developers efficiently. By creating a curated marketplace of vetted tech professionals, TekJuice streamlines the recruitment process, saving time and resources for both employers and job seekers. The platform’s launch comes at a crucial time when the demand for skilled developers is soaring across industries, and traditional hiring methods often fall short in identifying the right candidates.

Nakiganda’s role as TekJuice’s pioneering employee is pivotal. As a software engineer with a degree from Makerere University, she brings technical expertise and a deep understanding of the local tech ecosystem. Her journey from a fresh graduate to a team lead at TekJuice exemplifies the platform’s mission to nurture and showcase Uganda’s tech talent.

On the sidelines of the just concluded Uganda Developers Summit, we had the opportunity to sit down with Nakiganda to discuss her experiences, insights, and the impact she hopes to make through her work at TekJuice. Her story is one of determination, continuous learning, and a passion for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems.

When we asked about her motivation to pursue a career in tech — “It’s the enthusiasm to create and to impact the world positively,” she explained. “We fit into each sector and are able to come up with solutions to problems that people are facing. That’s exciting.”

Nakiganda’s journey into tech has not been without its challenges. She candidly discussed the process of unlearning and adapting that comes with being a young developer.

“There are certain software skills that are extremely crucial in making a good software engineer/developer,” she noted. “Skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. As a young developer just starting my career, I had a lot of unlearning to do, and that was unsettling but necessary.”

This willingness to adapt and grow caught the attention of TekJuice’s CTO, who had previously worked with Millie on other projects. Impressed by her skills and work ethic, he brought her on board as the company’s first employee.

“It was a smooth experience,” Nakiganda recalled, “but as more projects came in, there was a need for more resources.”

As TekJuice has grown, so has Nakiganda’s role within the company.

“I’ve grown into the role of team lead,” Nakiganda told PC Tech Magazine. “This doesn’t necessarily mean that I am the best on the team. It just means I spearhead coordination, ensure that we are meeting objectives as a team and that we are staying on track.”

For young women looking to break into the tech industry, Nakiganda offers encouraging advice. “Everyone started from the bottom, so it’s okay to make mistakes, just learn from them,” she emphasized. “Don’t be scared to ask stupid questions or to look stupid, that’s how we grow, and that’s how you beat imposter syndrome.”

Nakiganda’s passion for her work is evident in the way she describes the tech industry. “Creating and problem-solving —that’s what I enjoy most,” she said. “Most of the world’s problems can be solved by tech. That’s a powerful position if you ask me. It’s the ability to impact the world positively by solving problems.”

To maintain her motivation and continue growing professionally, Millie stresses the importance of community.

“You grow better in a community,” she explained. “Tech is very wide, and it’s exhausting to follow up on every new thing with just you doing the research yourself alongside your job.” She actively participates in online communities, attends events, and stays current with industry trends.

Outside of work, Millie is a woman of diverse interests. “I love reading African literature books, hiking, and spoken word poetry,” she shared. “I probably make the best playlists you will come across,” she added with a laugh. “I love LOVE music, all genres.”

Nakiganda’s approach to work-life balance is refreshing. “Keeping a good work-life balance is important to make sure that you don’t burn out,” she stated. Her routine includes daily stretches, evening walks, and varied weekend activities. “It could be partying, any activity, I’m usually down. All this keeps me rejuvenated to go on about my work.”

As our conversation drew to a close, we asked her about her future aspirations. With a twinkle in her eye, she revealed, “I want to get over my fear of needles and get a tattoo sometime.”

The post Millie Nakiganda, TekJuice’s Very First Tech Talent appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

TekJuice’s journey began in the UK, where it was initially established to support legal firms with software solutions. The company’s CEO, Jason Hathaway, shared the story of how TekJuice transitioned from a UK-based operation to a Ugandan enterprise.

“TechJuice started life in the UK, established to support the legal firms I have there and provide them with software solutions. In doing so, we hired Ugandan talent, and it was that talent and the beauty of this country, which I’ve completely fallen in love with, that made me move everything here,” Hathaway explained.

Hathaway’s relocation to Uganda in April marked the beginning of TekJuice’s new chapter. “I came out here on the 24th of April, landed in Kampala, and the last three months have been the most hectic and exciting months I can possibly imagine. We’ve opened an office, recruited staff—about 20 to 25 people—and we’ve approached everything with total confidence,” he added.

A customer-centric approach

One of the unique aspects of TekJuice is its customer-centric approach to technology. Hathaway emphasized that the company’s focus is on building technology that creates an emotional connection with the customer.

“The best technology has an emotional connection with the customer and has the right journey with the customer. That’s why marketing leads [to] it. We ask the customer, ‘How can we build something that helps you connect with your customer, enhance your sales, and keep your customer?’ It’s about understanding the relationship between technology and the user,” Hathaway stated.

Bridging the gap between Technology and Marketing

Isaac Odongo, Deputy CEO of TekJuice, elaborated on the company’s strategy to integrate technology with marketing talent placement.

“Much as we are a technology company, we decided to focus on technology marketing talent placement. If you’re a technology business owner needing a website, we can build that for you. But we also realize that most people don’t understand the digital assets they have. That’s where we bring in talent to show you what plugins you need, how to rank on Google, and how to use tools like chatbots to get and run business,” Odongo explained.

Odongo highlighted the importance of marketing in driving business growth. “As a business, you need to make sales, and that’s where the marketing person comes in. We take risks that most companies are not willing to take, but we have a great team—90% of our staff are ladies, which has given us an opportunity to innovate and create together,” he said.

Empowering Ugandan youth

Addressing the issue of youth unemployment in Uganda, Odongo pointed out that it is partly a mindset issue.

“We have events like the Uganda Dev Summit, and the turnout is great. But imagine if three times that number attended. People need to take opportunities to meet mentors and employers. Instead of spending money on betting or buying shoes, they should invest in environments that foster growth,” he stated.

TekJuice aims to transform the Ugandan economy by providing training and employment opportunities for tech talent.

“We want to match talents with training. It’s not enough to have a database of developers; we need to provide them with employment and opportunities to learn. We want to add value to their skill sets and show them how to market their skills,” Odongo added.

Looking ahead

TekJuice’s launch in Uganda marks a significant milestone in the country’s tech industry. The company’s commitment to customer-centric technology, integration of marketing and tech talent, and focus on empowering the youth positions it as a key player in driving innovation and growth in Uganda.

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