Good evening, SautiTech readers!
This is your Tuesday evening briefing through which you will learn about the latest developments in the tech world in and out of Uganda. The information presented below is gathered from different media outlets. We present it briefly so that you can get the full story from the original publisher by clicking on the blue links (this is so that the original publisher can also benefit from our audience).
WhatsApp hacked, update your app
WhatsApp, the messaging service that has more than 1.5 billion users across the globe, was compromised by a software sold by an Israel-based cyber company, putting multiple accounts of users at risk of being hacked.
Now, though the company has plugged the vulnerabilities, it has asked users to update their apps to avoid putting their privacy at risk.
Below is how you can update your WhatsApp if you didn’t do so today:
On an iPhone
— Open the App Store and select updates.
— Select “WhatsApp” and Update.
On an Android device
— Open the Play Store and tap on the 3 lines in the upper left corner.
— Select “My apps & games” from the menu.
— Select “WhatsApp” and select Update.
Read more about the WhatsApp hack here.
Nira accused of not paying workers
NIRA, the government agency charged with the registration of Ugandan nationals, has been accused of not paying its workers in the recently concluded national ID registration exercise.
In the 3 months that exercise was carried out, according to an NBS TV report, the workers who were conducting the registration exercise — were to get Shs30,000 per day and an undisclosed (in the report) allowance for transport. But the exercise ended this past Friday and the workers hadn’t received the funds.
According to this @nbstv report, @NIRA_Ug hasn't paid certain staff for months.
Agencies, both public and private are leveraging the unemployment levels to exploit willing workers.#uganda #SDG8 https://t.co/zoRFmrKUjO— Tumwine (@tumwinevic) May 13, 2019
NIRA, in a statement, said these workers were going to be paid by May 15, tomorrow. The Authority also poked holes in the report.
Hello payments payments were effected and most of them have already received their payments save for those whose account details may be incorrect. Better still there's a platform in which they can forward their complaints and will surely be handled expeditiously https://t.co/AxfqrDh5R6
— NIRA (@NIRA_Ug) May 13, 2019
Microsoft rolls out $100m dev centers in Africa
Microsoft has committed more $100 million to the African innovation ecosystem by launching a Development Centre with offices in Kenya and Nigeria.
According to Forbes, 100 full-time engineers will be recruited by the end of 2019 and 500 by the end of 2023.
The technology giant will partner with local universities to improve talent in the tech and innovation space on the continent.
Read more here.
Huawei ICT Academy
Consumer electronics manufacturer Huawei has closed a deal with Makerere University to introduce an ICT Academy in Uganda.
The launch of the @Huawei ICT Academy at Makerere University marks a major milestone in the promotion of IT in Uganda. This should lead to innovations that will certainly spur economic development and social advancement for our people. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/qndE6xSnpx
— Barnabas Nawangwe (@ProfNawangwe) May 14, 2019
The launch of the Academy, which will enhance skilling of students in ICT, was graced by ICT and National Guidance Minister Frank Tumwebaze.
Pleased to launch this morning a partnership of @Huawei & @MakerereU of an ICT academy ( #HuaweiICTAcademyUg ) & flag-off students that have been selected to go to China for mentorship under the #HuaweiSeeds4Future programe. Let's continue skilling young talents to innovate pic.twitter.com/0U4iY2Lfh5
— Frank K Tumwebaze,MP : Psalms 124 : 1-8 (@FrankTumwebazek) May 14, 2019
At the event, Tumwebaze also flagged off 10 Makerere University students who will travel to China for Seed for the Future, a project funded by Huawei.
Huawei flagged off the top 10 students of the seeds for the future program of 2019. Various Awards were given to different winners in their respective positions. #HuaweiICTAcademyUg#UGSeeds4Future pic.twitter.com/NrQ7SLtGQq
— Huawei ICT Academy Uganda (@ict_huawei) May 14, 2019
Bolt Uganda new rates
Bolt Uganda, formerly Taxify, has introduced 15% discounts on Boda Boda riders to add to the different promotions ride-hailing companies are currently offering.
This means, where you’ve been paying Shs2,000, you’ll now pay Shs1700.
SafeBoda gives a discount of 20% on cashless rides. You can also check out the offers of Uber and Dial Jack in the tweets below.
Everyone loves a discount ?#RideCashless and get 20% off for every ride! To top up, look out for SafeBodas with the *Top Up with me* sticker on their helmets. pic.twitter.com/CNPtGeqtZj
— SafeBoda (@SafeBoda) April 16, 2019
It's yet another Friday and the Uber offer is still on! Enjoy 40% off your next 4 trips to and from selected venues in Kampala. Take our responsible drinking pledge and commit to responsible drinking. For more info https://t.co/T6AV653DpZ #UberNights19 #StandForSafety #YitaUber pic.twitter.com/YVizns0gGS
— Uber Uganda (@uber_uganda) May 3, 2019
Here's how you can win 2 free rides with Dial Jack by referring your friends:
1. Tap Menu
2. Tap Invite Friends
3. Use the share options to share your code with friends.It's as simple as that!
*Valid upto 10km#DialJack #RevolutionaryBoda #SheBoda pic.twitter.com/c40wqro8xd
— Dial Jack (@DialJackUG) April 26, 2019
