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UCC to Narrow Digital Divide by Empowering Farmers With Digital Skills

By
Davis Kawalya
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In collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) under the auspices of the Uganda Communications Universal Service Access Fund (UCUSAF), Eight Tech Consults Limited undertook a transformative initiative aimed at narrowing the digital divide and empowering farmers across Uganda with digital skills, fostering enhanced agricultural practices and sustainable livelihoods in the numerous districts of Bushenyi, Isingiro, Kirihura, Napak, Namisindwa, Sironko, Palisa, Mbale, Moroto, Amudat, Manafwa, Sironko, Karenga, Kabong, Kotido, Budaka, Nakapiripirit, Kibuku, Ibanda, Nabilatuk Karamoja, Bududa and Budaka in the months of April and May 2024.

Despite the challenge of limited formal education, the initiative witnessed remarkable enthusiasm among older members of these communities, with almost over 55% of participants in the different districts being 30 years and above. The training involved a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from basic familiarity with digital devices to advanced utilization of software applications, participants were empowered with the requisite skills to navigate online platforms effectively, including social media marketing, content creation, online safety and data backup protocols enabling farmers to optimize their agricultural endeavors through digital tools and resources.

One of the core objectives of this training is to facilitate access to E-government services, thereby streamlining administrative processes and enhancing overall efficiency of their practices. Participants were educated on various e-government services, including Tax Identification Number (TIN) registration, National Social Security Fund (NSSF) enrollment, and online bill payments. By demystifying digital processes and instilling confidence in utilizing e-services, the initiative empowers rural communities to harness technology for their socioeconomic advancement.

Beyond the immediate impact on individual participants, the training holds profound implications for the broader community and the nation at large. By fostering digital inclusion and capacity building at the grassroots level, the program contributes to the realization of a more equitable and prosperous society. Moreover, by promoting the adoption of technology in agriculture, the initiative aligns with broader national objectives of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By bridging the digital gap and empowering rural communities with the tools and knowledge to leverage technology effectively, the initiative lays the foundation for a better, greener future for Uganda.

Google’s Gemini Chatbot May Adopt a Valuable Feature from ChatGPT

By
GURU8 Staff
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Google may soon introduce a “Memories” feature to its AI chatbot Gemini, aimed at enhancing user interaction and personalization.

Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, already boasts the capability to fetch real-time information from various Google apps through its Extensions feature. However, one limitation users face is Gemini’s inability to remember past interactions and preferences, requiring them to repeat information during subsequent conversations.

The upcoming “Memory” feature seeks to address this limitation by enabling Gemini to retain user details and preferences over time. With Memories, users can engage with Gemini without the need for repetitive input, as the chatbot will leverage past conversations to provide relevant and personalized responses.

Leaked screenshots suggest that the Memories feature will allow Gemini to progressively learn more about users, further improving the relevance and usefulness of its interactions. This development marks a significant step forward for Gemini, potentially revolutionizing the way users engage with AI-powered chatbots.

Interestingly, the concept of memory recall in AI chatbots is not entirely new. OpenAI’s ChatGPT already offers a similar feature, demonstrating the growing trend towards personalized and intuitive AI interactions.

In addition to Memories, Google is also reportedly working on a feature called “Gems,” which will enable users to customize Gemini according to their specific preferences and requirements. This customization capability aims to provide users with a more tailored and personalized chatbot experience.

Overall, the introduction of Memories and Gems represents Google’s commitment to advancing the capabilities of its AI chatbot Gemini. With these new features on the horizon, users can expect a more seamless, personalized, and efficient interaction with Gemini in the near future.

East Africa Facing Slow Internet Speeds Following Sub-Sea Fiber Cuts

By
Boses Muhinda
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SEACOM Fibre map

Internet users across East Africa experienced sluggish internet speeds on Sunday due to a significant sub-sea fibre cut that triggered internet outages and disruptions in the region.

Multiple internet service providers (ISPs) in East Africa, along with South Africa, faced disruptions following the damage to the submarine cable.

Network providers assured users that efforts were underway to restore a stable internet connection. Safaricom, a leading regional telecom company, acknowledged the issue and activated redundancy measures to mitigate service interruptions while awaiting full restoration of the cable.

Liquid Telecom’s Group Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Ben Roberts, confirmed faults in the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and the Seacom cables. He noted that all sub-sea capacity between East Africa and South Africa was affected, with faults identified in the EASSy Cable and ongoing observations of faults in the Seacom Cable.

Additionally, Roberts highlighted unrepaired cuts in three other critical submarine cables in the Red Sea: Seacom, EIG, and AAE1.

Apple Set to Utilize Its Own Processors for AI Cloud Servers

By
GURU8 Staff
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0

Apple is set to revolutionize cloud AI services by leveraging its own processors, as revealed in a recent Bloomberg report. Dubbed ACDC (Apple Chips in Data Centers), this project signifies Apple’s bold venture into the realm of cloud-based artificial intelligence. While the forthcoming iOS 18 and macOS 15 prioritize on-device processing, the demand for advanced AI capabilities necessitates the deployment of robust server infrastructure.

Initiated three years ago, Apple’s plan to utilize its own chips for cloud infrastructure has gained momentum, driven by the urgency to introduce cutting-edge AI features to the market swiftly. The project is set to kick off with the deployment of M2 Ultra processors as AI server chips, with future upgrades slated for chips based on the M4 series.

Apple’s approach involves leveraging on-device processing for simpler AI tasks, safeguarding user privacy by keeping sensitive data on their iPhones. However, more complex AI tasks, such as image generation and email composition, will harness the power of cloud resources. While an upgraded version of Siri may utilize cloud processing, routine tasks are expected to remain on-device.

Initially, Apple will utilize its own data centers for the project, potentially expanding to incorporate third-party data centers, similar to its iCloud infrastructure. Expect further insights into Apple’s AI endeavors at the upcoming WWDC event.

WhatsApp Unveils App Redesign: Green Takes Over, Blue Lovers Mourn

By
Remmy Bisimbeko
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WhatsApp New Design

WhatsApp has announced a significant redesign for its iOS and Android apps, but the reception on X has been mixed at best.

The updated layout, while not a complete overhaul, introduces notable changes. On both platforms, the search function takes center stage at the top, followed by tabs for quick access to unread messages and groups. Additionally, a row of icons at the bottom grants users easy access to Chats, Updates, Communities, and more. Notably, this bottom row of icons is a new addition for Android users.

However, the most noticeable change for iOS users is the shift from the traditional blue color accent to a predominant green hue, bringing the app in line with its Android counterpart.

While maintaining visual consistency across platforms is understandable, the departure from the familiar blue has sparked discontent among some users on X. Comments expressing nostalgia for the old blue theme and dismay at the green takeover abound, with some users passionately pleading for the return of the beloved blue.

“I seriously freaked out when that green came into my face. We need the blue back,” lamented one user, echoing the sentiments of many others. “I still have the blue and I hope it stays like this forever,” chimed in another.

In all this everyone is just yelling “BRING THE BLUE BACK.”

OpenAI could unveil a Google search competitor

By
Boses Muhinda
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0
Open AI logo

Get ready for a battle of the search titans! OpenAI is reportedly unveiling its long-awaited AI-powered search product next Monday, aiming to dethrone Google’s dominance in the online information arena. This strategic move strategically places the announcement just before Google’s annual I/O conference, where they’ll be showcasing their own AI advancements like Gemini and Gemma.

This isn’t the first hint of OpenAI’s search ambitions. Reports from Bloomberg and The Information previously suggested they were developing an AI-based competitor. Bloomberg even hinted at citations being integrated into ChatGPT, the popular chatbot, while The Information speculated a potential “partly powered by Bing” element.

OpenAI previously experimented with granting ChatGPT access to live web data through plugins, but those were phased out. While users embraced ChatGPT for information gathering upon its 2022 launch, its accuracy and information freshness have been criticized, a common concern for large language models (LLMs) in general.

Regardless of whether next week’s rumors materialize, Google is acutely aware of the looming threat. As reported by CNBC, Google’s search boss, Prabhakar Raghavan, recently warned employees that their market dominance isn’t guaranteed. He emphasized the need for agility and innovation. Raghavan further stressed the importance of trust, suggesting users might turn to novelty options for exploration but ultimately rely on Google for verification due to its established reputation.

OpenAI seems to be actively targeting this trust factor. According to The Verge, sources report them aggressively poaching Google employees to bolster their search team. Additionally, Perplexity, a $1 billion AI-focused startup led by an ex-OpenAI researcher, boasts 10 million monthly active users for its own AI-powered search product.

This search showdown unfolds amidst the ongoing DOJ antitrust case against Google’s search monopoly. OpenAI’s potential Monday announcement likely serves as a bold message, especially considering ChatGPT’s phenomenal growth. Google would be wise to take this challenge seriously as the future of web search navigates an exciting, yet potentially disruptive, AI landscape.

FTX Assures Most Customers Will Recover Funds After Exchange’s Collapse

By
Brian Code
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0
FTX Logo
FTX Logo

FTX cryptocurrency exchange has announced that the majority of customers affected by its collapse will receive full reimbursement of their assets. Bankruptcy lawyers overseeing the case have revealed that they’ve amassed assets worth up to $16.3 billion, surpassing the company’s $11 billion debt.

John Ray III, FTX’s chief restructuring officer, expressed satisfaction with the situation, stating, “We are pleased to propose a chapter 11 plan that contemplates the return of 100% of bankruptcy claim amounts.” Upon court approval, FTX plans to commence fund distribution within 60 days, with customers receiving the value of their assets at the time of the exchange’s collapse.

FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022, following the resignation of former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, who is now serving a 25-year prison sentence. John Ray III, tasked with managing the fallout, likened the situation to the Enron scandal. Despite the challenges, FTX’s restructuring team successfully recovered billions by liquidating the company’s assets, including an $884 million stake in the AI startup Anthropic.

ByteDance Challenges U.S. Government’s TikTok Sale Mandate in Court

By
GURU8 Staff
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0
TikTok

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has taken legal action against the U.S. government to contest a bill requiring TikTok’s sale to a non-Chinese entity within a tight timeframe. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, passed in April, stipulates that ByteDance must divest its ownership of TikTok within nine months, with a potential three-month extension if negotiations are ongoing. Failure to comply would result in a ban on the TikTok app in the U.S., slated for January 19, 2025.

Describing the act as “unquestionably unconstitutional,” ByteDance asserts that the proposed timeline is impractical and challenges the government’s authority. The lawsuit contends that granting the government the power to compel divestiture violates the First Amendment by restricting TikTok’s free speech rights. ByteDance argues that concerns over security and content manipulation, which it deems speculative and flawed, do not justify curbing the speech of TikTok’s 170 million U.S. users.

ByteDance further maintains that a U.S.-owned TikTok platform would be financially unsustainable due to content limitations, undermining the platform’s value and appeal. Additionally, the company asserts that transferring ownership and source code to a new entity within the given timeframe is technologically unfeasible, as it would require extensive re-architecting and training of personnel.

Complicating matters, the Chinese government has expressed opposition to selling TikTok to a U.S. entity and would need to approve any such transaction. ByteDance has already relocated U.S. user data to Oracle servers, but U.S. lawmakers remain skeptical of this arrangement’s effectiveness in safeguarding user privacy.

With few U.S. companies capable of acquiring TikTok and antitrust concerns hindering potential buyers among tech giants, ByteDance’s lawsuit seeks to invalidate the bill on constitutional grounds and prevent its enforcement by the U.S. Attorney General. The legal battle underscores the complex interplay between national security, free speech, and corporate interests in the digital age.

West Nile’s ICT Innovation Hub unveiled at Muni University

By
Brian Code
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0

The Ministry of ICT & National Guidance of Uganda has inaugurated a modern hub to foster digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

The West Nile regional ICT Innovation Hub, situated at Muni University in Arua city, was officially launched on Friday, May 3rd, 2024. Presided over by Dr. Aminah Zawedde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the event marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to enhance digital infrastructure and empower local entrepreneurs.

Dr. Zawedde highlighted the ministry’s focus on bolstering infrastructure, connectivity, and access to affordable devices to drive digital transformation across the country. The launch was attended by key dignitaries, including Hon. Feta Geofrey, Area MP for Ayivu East Division, and members of the ICT Parliamentary committee.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Noah Musa, MP Koboko North County, emphasized the importance of reducing taxes on ICT devices to ensure accessibility for end-users. He urged youth to leverage ICT in various sectors, including livestock farming, to spur economic growth.

The establishment of the regional hub at Muni University addresses the challenges faced by West Nile entrepreneurs, providing vital resources, mentorship, and training opportunities. Prof. Robert Kajobe, Director of Graduate Training, Research, and Innovation at Muni University, underscored the hub’s role in facilitating collaboration and addressing key gaps in the ecosystem.

Prof. Simon Anguma Katrini, Vice Chancellor of Muni University, highlighted the university’s partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to establish the hub, supported by a grant of UGX 250 million. He emphasized the hub’s contribution to accelerating the growth of Uganda’s ICT sector.

Dr. Zawedde outlined the five pillars of digital transformation, including infrastructure, digital skilling, e-services, cybersecurity, and innovation. She encouraged young people to leverage the hub’s resources to develop innovative solutions for regional challenges and drive socio-economic development.

Ugandan Parliament Grants Stamp Duty Exemption to Electric Vehicle Manufacturers

By
GURU8 Staff
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0

In a move aimed at improving investment in eco-friendly transportation, the Ugandan Parliament has approved an amendment to the Stamp Duty Act granting exemption to companies manufacturing electric vehicles, batteries, charging equipment, and fabricators of electric vehicle frames and bodies. The exemption, part of the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed on May 6, 2024, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and local job creation.

To qualify for the exemption, companies must employ at least 80 percent Ugandan workers and utilize a minimum of 80 percent locally sourced raw materials, contingent upon availability. Additionally, foreign investors are required to have a minimum investment capital of US$10 million, while citizens must invest US$300,000, or US$150,000 for investments in upcountry regions.

The Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Amos Kankunda, emphasized the measure’s intent to incentivize investment in environmentally friendly transportation solutions within Uganda. Lawmakers hailed the initiative, noting its potential to harness Uganda’s abundant resources, including herbs, and promote youth engagement in science and innovation.

However, dissenting voices, including Shadow Minister of Finance Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju, raised concerns about the effectiveness of tax exemptions, citing Auditor General reports indicating underperformance in job creation by previous beneficiaries. Despite dissent, the Parliament proceeded to approve the amendment, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies on tax exemptions’ impact.

In a related development, the Parliament also approved a proposal for stamp duty exemption on shares or securities by investors in private equity or venture capital funds regulated under the Capital Markets Authority Act. Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi, highlighted the measure’s potential to stimulate economic growth and attract capital investment, particularly in emerging sectors such as private equity and venture capital.

Legislators further passed the Tax Procedures Code (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which mandates taxpayers intending to claim deductions or credits for destroyed goods to inform the Uganda Revenue Authority’s Commissioner General beforehand, ensuring greater transparency and compliance in tax procedures.

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