Ugandan Startups Secure Major Deals with Asian Tech Companies
Young Ugandan entrepreneurs have won major deals with Asian technology companies, at the Global IT Exhibition (Gitex) Africa 2024 in Morocco.
The three are part of a 15-strong delegation of Ugandan startups from the Youth Startup Academy Uganda (YSAU), and Hive Colab which has played a pivotal role in nurturing startups, that represented Uganda at the three-day GITEX Africa event in Marrakech.
“It is proof of the dynamism and promise of Africa’s tech scene, where opportunity and innovation converge on a worldwide scale,” said Dina Sava, the Programmes and Projects head at Hive Colab.
Hive Colab formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dain Leaders Corporation, a digital technology firm that focuses on digitisation of educational programs.
“This historic event is more than simply a business deal; it is an important step towards developing closer ties between Uganda and Korea and furthering joint initiatives to support entrepreneurs in Uganda’s developing tech sector,” said Sava.
By signing this Memorandum of Understanding, both parties affirm their dedication to advancing their respective businesses’ continued growth and mutual benefit.
The deal aims to see a series of exchange activities, tailored to address the specific needs and priorities of their startups across various sectors, including ICT, healthcare, education, and training.
These activities encompass strategic partnerships, joint research, and training initiatives, as well as the exchange of crucial resources such as ICT training materials, publications, and information.
Another startup, Ntakye Holdings signed an MoU with Jubix, another prominent South Korean company, focusing on collaborative efforts in solar-integrated technology.
Ntakye’s operations are based on a sustainable agriculture approach, focusing on producing long-term crops and livestock with minimal environmental impact whilst contributing to the economic stability of local farms and communities.
“More recently we have piloted productive use of energy agricultural equipment such as solar integrated/battery operated knapsack sprayers used in both crop and livestock farming,” says Alan Mugalu, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder.
The partnership underscores the increasing importance of renewable energy solutions in addressing global challenges and highlights the potential for impactful collaborations between Ugandan and South Korean firms.
On their part, Canine Safaris entered into a strategic partnership with the Korean AI company, Flitto, with a unique focus on preserving culture through AI-driven solutions.
“By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Canine Safaris aims to digitally preserve local dialects and cultural heritage, showcasing the transformative potential of technology in safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity,” explained Sava.
She added that these partnerships not only exemplify the growing recognition of African startups on the global stage but also demonstrate the tangible impact that collaborative efforts between African and Asian tech companies can have on addressing pressing societal challenges and driving positive change.
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Ugandan Startups Secure Major Deals with Asian Tech Companies
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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