Shetechtive Uganda blog

By Rebecca Nanono | Shetechtive Uganda A Marketplace Built on Misinformation Disinformation is no longer just a political weapon or an online nuisance. It is a booming global industry. From troll farms to clickbait factories, from deepfake software to data-driven propaganda, disinformation has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar market that shapes elections, polarizes societies, and undermines public trust in truth itself. A 2023 study by University of Baltimore estimated that the global economic cost of disinformation exceeds $78 billion per year , including losses from stock manipulation, reputational damage, and public health misinformation. Behind this staggering figure lies a thriving ecosystem of digital mercenaries, content farms, and algorithmic amplifiers profiting from deceit. The Business Model of Deceit The disinformation market thrives because attention equals profit . Every click, view, and share, no matter how false, translates into advertising revenue. Tech ...

  The internet is more than just a tool for connection, it has become a powerful stage where women in Africa are rewriting narratives, resisting oppression, and demanding justice. In societies where traditional power structures often silence women’s voices, digital platforms offer new ways to be heard, to organize, and to influence change. This is the essence of digital feminism : the use of technology to advance women’s rights and challenge inequality. 1. Social Media as a Megaphone From Twitter to TikTok, African women are using social media to amplify issues that were once ignored by mainstream media. Hashtags like #BringBackOurGirls , #JusticeForNoura , and #MeToo have mobilized communities, drawn international attention, and pressured leaders to act. Online campaigns transform local struggles into global conversations. 2. Breaking the Gatekeepers of Information In the past, traditional media and institutions controlled what stories reached the public. Today, women can...

The internet was once celebrated as a space for connection, learning, and the free exchange of ideas. Today, it still serves those purposes, but it has also become a powerful accelerator of polarization. From political debates to social justice conversations, online platforms can turn differences of opinion into deep divides. 1. Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles Algorithms are designed to keep us engaged. By recommending content that aligns with our existing beliefs, they create "echo chambers." In these digital bubbles, people rarely encounter opposing viewpoints. Instead of healthy debate, users are constantly reassured that their side is right and the other is wrong. This reinforcement hardens positions and makes dialogue more difficult. 2. Virality Rewards Extremes The internet thrives on attention. Posts that are sensational, controversial, or emotionally charged spread faster than balanced, nuanced arguments. As a result, extreme voices often drown out moderate o...

In today’s world, the internet is at the center of almost everything we do. From connecting with friends and family, to learning new skills, running businesses, or advocating for change. Digital technology has become a powerful part of our daily lives, but along with these benefits, comes a new challenge: digital anxiety . Digital anxiety is the stress, worry, or discomfort that people experience when engaging with digital tools and online spaces. It can show up in many ways such as feeling overwhelmed by constant notifications, comparing yourself to others on social media, worrying about online safety, or even fearing that you are “not tech-savvy enough” to keep up. Why Are So Many People Feeling Digitally Anxious? Information Overload – We are constantly bombarded with news, updates, and opinions online. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – Social media often makes us feel like everyone else is doing better, achieving more, or ...

Uganda is home to one of the largest refugee populations in Africa and faces recurring tensions related to political unrest, land disputes, and ethnic divides. Yet, there is a critical gap in timely, localized conflict data that can inform early interventions. Our project bridges this gap by combining grassroots intelligence with digital innovation to map potential conflict hotspots in real time. We work with a trusted network of trained community reporters, including youth and refugees, who monitor and submit verified reports on incidents and tensions from vulnerable locations such as refugee settlements, host communities, and election zones. These reports are visualized on an interactive conflict map of Uganda, enabling humanitarian agencies, peacebuilders, and local governments to respond quickly and strategically. Our approach democratizes data collection, empowers marginalized communities, and strengthens local capacity for conflict prevention. The platform is user-friendly, m...

In today’s fast-changing world, the health of a democracy and the strength of governance are increasingly influenced by how effectively digital technologies are used. From social media platforms to open data systems and civic tech tools, digital innovations are reshaping how leaders are held accountable, how services are delivered, and how citizens engage with their governments. Below, we explore the core pillars of good governance and democracy , and how digital technologies can be powerful enablers for each.   1. Rule of Law Definition- Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. Digital Advantage Ø   Online legal databases and e-justice platforms make laws and legal processes accessible to all. Ø   Digital court systems speed up case handling and reduce corruption. Ø   Blockchain technologies help in tracking legal records securely and transparently.   2. Accountability Definition- Public officials must explain...