Shetechtive Uganda blog

2025 was supposed to be the year artificial intelligence and data-driven systems finally delivered on their promise: efficiency, inclusion, and innovation. Instead, it became a year of hard lessons. Across governments, corporations, and platforms, repeated data and AI failures exposed a familiar truth.  Technology is only as ethical as the systems of power that shape it. For women, marginalized communities, and digital rights defenders, these missteps were not abstract “tech problems.” They had real consequences: surveillance without consent, automated exclusion, silencing of voices, and deepened inequalities. As we move forward, ending data and AI disasters must start with naming what went wrong. 1. Treating Data as a Resource, Not a Right One of the biggest missteps of 2025 was the continued framing of personal data as a commodity rather than a human rights issue. Governments and companies rushed to collect, share, and monetize data without meaningful consent, transparenc...

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 ...

Protecting Refugee Data in Uganda’s Humanitarian Response: Why It Matters More Than Ever By Rebecca Nanono Uganda stands out globally as one of the most generous refugee-hosting nations. With over 1.5 million refugees, mostly from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, Uganda's open-door policy is often praised as progressive and inclusive. Yet, as digital systems increasingly underpin humanitarian operations, from biometric registration to digital cash transfers, new risks to refugee privacy and protection are emerging. One of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges is the protection of refugee data. Why Refugee Data Protection Matters Refugee data, such as biometric information, personal histories, health records, and legal status, is sensitive and can expose individuals to serious risks if mishandled. In contexts where people have fled persecution, conflict, or political oppression, even a small data leak can lead to severe consequences, includin...

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has transformed the way we communicate, access information, and participate in society. However, this digital revolution has also brought significant challenges, including concerns over privacy, online safety, digital inequality, and the role of big tech companies in governance. To address these challenges and create a more inclusive and fair digital future, the United Nations has proposed the Global Digital Compact (GDC) —a framework aimed at setting global principles for digital cooperation and governance. What is the Global Digital Compact? The Global Digital Compact is an initiative proposed by the United Nations to establish a set of global principles to guide the use of digital technologies. It is expected to be a core part of the Summit of the Future in 2024 , bringing together governments, private sector actors, civil society, and other stakeholders to build a more open, safe, and human-centered digital space . The Compact seeks...