A very welcome addition to Uganda technology scene are the multiple consumer facing apps, from banks, to telecommunication companies to support mobile money services, to parastatals getting closer to their customers. The newest apps that I am aware of include (in no particular order): Airtel Money My MTN NWSC Mobile NSSF Go Stanbic Bank Mobile […]
Fundi Bots – A Relevant Alternate Approach to Science and Vocational Training in Uganda
Today I am a proud father, when my two daughters aged 8 and 10 show me their robots, after 8 weeks with the Fundibots Robotics for Kids training program – Season II . What makes me proud is the fact that the children have gotten their hands dirty, gluing, soldering, learning and implementing mechanics to put […]
Future of Software Development Industry In Uganda – 2015 Edition
These are my thoughts on the future of the software development industry in Uganda, after the official announcement of ThoughtWorks closure of the Kampala office (http://info.thoughtworks.com/Kampala-office.html). I would like to approach this first of all by analyzing the contribution of ThoughtWorks to the Ugandan technology space, then what I see the future as. ThoughtWorks contribution […]
Trunk or Branch based development
An interesting discussion that I had with my team mates over the last few days, whether we should create branches then merge later or keep working on the trunk within our Git based version control process. As the team is small, we are in the same premises but different locations, we agreed to move to work […]
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Launching Syzygy – Uganda Focused Utility Calculator
Just as Google has rebranded into Alphabet, on behalf of Styx Technology Group I would like to officially announce the launching of Syzygy which is a platform for a comprehensive utility calculator for Uganda based on PAYE Calculator (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.databud.payecalculator) which was released by myself in 2012. There are many calculators and utility apps out there, […]
GeekDIY – Manually Upgrading Samsung S4 to Stock Android Lollipop 5.0.1
I would not consider myself an early adopter, neither am I a laggard, but somewhere in the middle for software upgrades. So when I heard that my Samsung Galaxy S4 would be getting Android Lollipop in December 2014, I was over the moon. What made me envious was that my colleagues with LG, Nexus and […]
Uganda National Housing Census 2014: Completed, Results Out but What Next?
The Uganda National Census has wrapped up. Or has it? Really not sure, but my household is a statistic for the next 10 – 20 years as a basis for planning. There are outcries of enumerators not reaching some areas, children answering questions for households and the general apprehension that the census exercise is just […]
Uganda Youth – Radical Change Needed
This cold February morning signaled the start of the rain season in Kampala, which after the blistering heat is a welcome change before the populace starts complaining about the floods, mud and wanton debris associated with rain storms. That being said the morning was punctuated by an insightful article by Simon Kaheru titled “it’s no […]
Mobile Money will not die by 2020 but Evolve to Survive
Nicholas Kamazi has an interesting perspective in his article, 5 Reasons Mobile Money Is Going To Die By 2020, which I fundamentally disagree with. While he caters for challenges with Mobile Money (MM), he does not take into account who uses MM and why, which are the reasons for the pervasive nature. Rebutting each reason for […]
Utilities can Leverage Technology as a Competitive Edge
Utility companies are virtual monopolies in the sectors that they operate, however the stifling regulatory oversight coupled with fierce attacks from startup based innovation requires rethinking of how customers perceive and receive value. Technology can provide a catalyst for utility companies to improve their service, defend their positions and develop new business models to remain relevant […]