Airtel’s MyAirtel app hits 500,000 monthly active users
Airtel Uganda’s MyAirtel app has surpassing 500,000 monthly active users, the telecom giants have said.According to the company, the app’s popularity is further underscored by the fact that it has amassed over three million downloads.Daniel Odaka, the Airtel Uganda Digital Channels Manager expressed his delight at the milestone.“We are happy to see the numbers growing on the MyAirtel App, which reveals that customers are now confident in transacting using our app. The growth also highlights the ease and convenience of transacting using the Airtel network reducing the need to banks visits, shops, or rely on USSD codes,”Odaka said.“At Airtel, we strive to make the app a better platform that caters to Airtel customers’ needs. We want our customers to feel like they have a direct lifeline to Airtel in the palm of their hands. The app streamlines everyday transactions and empowers Ugandans to take control of their finances and digital life.”The success of the MyAirtel app highlights the expanding digital landscape in Uganda.According to the Datareportal, Digital 2024 report, there are over 13.3 million internet users, representing roughly 27% of the population which is a clear indication of a shift towards digital solutions.Moreover, mobile phone penetration is even higher at nearly 68%, indicating a strong mobile-first approach.With the growth of internet use and mobile phone penetration, new ways of accessing various essential services are becoming available.This signifies a future where digital platforms will play an even more prominent role in Uganda’s economy.As internet penetration continues to rise, Uganda can expect a surge in mobile app usage acrossvarious sectors, further streamlining daily activities and driving financial inclusion.“The app makes it easy for me to send money to a person and to a bank account. Immediately you place in someone’s name, it confirms and you don’t need to go through the long process. I also love the freebies you get when you spin the wheel, ” said Racken Kobusingye, an Airtel Uganda customer and MyAirtel App user.Another user, Brian Balmoi, said, “I love using the Airtel App because it makes purchasing voice/data bundles easy for myself and purchasing for other people. I no longer have to remember so many USSD codes.”Airtel Uganda’s commitment to user experience goes beyond just convenience.The recent launch of the data usage manager feature within the MyAirtel App empowers users with the ability to track their data usage.This valuable tool allows Ugandans to understand how different applications consume data, enabling them to optimize their mobile data plans and avoid unexpected depletion.“MyAirtel app serves as a prime example of how digital solutions can empower Ugandansand pave the way for a more convenient and interconnected future. The app’s focus on user experience, with features like data usage management and rewards, reflects Airtel Uganda’scommitment to innovation and responsible digital participation,” Odaka remarked.https://www.ugbulletin.co.ug/airtels-myairtel-app-hits-500000-monthly-active-users/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum