This convening seeks to bring together academics, policy-makers, industry professionals, and civil society activists to discuss the role of social media in Africa and globally, mobile technology, big data, and digital innovation. The Uganda Social Media Conference will be held virtually in August 2021 on 25th – 26th, at Kampala Sheraton Hotel. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, March 2020, Social Media has grown to become one of the major communication tools driving conversations about government policies, current affairs, activism, and interpersonal communication. This was evidenced in January 2021 where the different platforms were major tools used for mobilization and campaigning in the General elections since they happened at a time when crowds couldn’t gather physically due to Covid19. In reference to the growing influence of social media, the conference will provide a unique platform for theorizing, dialoguing, and engaging on how the growing relevance of social media shapes our social and political interactions and changes the way we access and process information. Internet shutdowns by African governments will also be a topic to be covered with a major focus on the recent occurrence in January during Uganda’s General elections and internet restrictions in Tanzania, also during their general elections.
Key topics to be discussed
Among the topics that will be covered at the conference will be the Gig economy which is currently a major source of income for unemployed youths in urban centers, and the crisis of state surveillance, digital privacy, and data protection. Below are more topics;
Social media & elections in Africa,Citizen journalism vs digital newsrooms,Digital diplomacy,Impact of social media on mental health,Tackling emerging digital threats (including extremism, trafficking, radicalization)The rise of global social movements & social media,Re-framing the climate change agenda on social media
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How to register and attend the Uganda Social Media Conference
The Uganda Social Media conference will be hosted in a virtual format. Delegates will be required to sign up/register to attend online. The event will also be broadcast live on KAS Uganda’s social media channels and television.
Go to the Uganda Social Media Conference website: www.socialmedia.ug using your Web Browser (mobile or with a laptop)Locate and click on the Register button to get startedThis redirects you to a registstartion form. Fill in the required details and click RegisterYou are DONE: You will receive the Webinar ID and Password to attend the Event on the email you filled.
The full list of 34 speakers lined up for the Conference
Dr. William Tayebwa – Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow of American council of Learned Societies Advertisement.Adonia Ayebare – Ugandan Ambassador to the UNOpolot Nicholas – Programme Officer, Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung Uganda and South SudanAnna Reismann – Country Director, KAS UgandaRaymond Mujuni – investigative journalistKwezi Tabaro – Deputy Director, LéO Africa InstituteWanjuhi Njoroge – Founder, People Planet AfricaBesigye Andrew – Public Policy and Communications Expert, Ministry of ICTAwel Uwihanganye – Founder, LéO Africa InstituteDr. Paul Kasenene – Wellness and Nutrition SpecialistAlex Taremwa – Digital Journalist and Academic, Aga Khan University, KenyaMoses Owiny – ED Centre for Multilateral Affairs Uganda (CfMA)Dr. Okello Ayen – Director Public Health & Environment, Kampala Capital City AuthorityJacob Eyeru – Chairperson of the National Youth CouncilMathias Kamp – Policy Advisor East Africa, Konrad-Adenauer-StiftungAbubakar Matanda – Advocate and ANT Youth LeaderAdeke Anna – District Woman MP, SorotiAgnes Igoye – Deputy National Coordinator for prevention of trafficking in personsSolomon Serwanjja – Executive Director, AIIJLynna Abaho – Labour Support Officer, Ministry of GenderOjok Okello – Social Commentator, Humanitarian and EntrepreneurRushongoka Wa Mpiira – Sustainability ExpertBlanshe Musinguzi – Journalist, Africa ReportDenis Nabende – URSB Corporate Affairs ManagerDr. Benedict Akimana – Pyschiatrist, Butabika HospitalSusan Nandudu – Executive Director, ACTADEPeter Benhur Nyeko – CEO, Mandulis EnergyCathy Adengo – Stanbic Bank Uganda, Head of SustainabilityClaire Leduc – Cooperation Attache, French EmbassyTricia Bigirwa – Feminist writer, lawyer and activistPatience Atuhaire – BBC ReporterAllan Chekwech – Co-head Production Hub, Nation Media Group UgandaAka Dope – Band
Social media now makes a huge part of our modern society. On average, an adult Ugandan spends roughly 3 hours of every day on their mobile devices. This makes discussions like this timely and of much interest to the netizens. Which topic or speakers are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.
