Uganda Social Media Conference – All you need to know

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Uganda and South Sudan announced the 6th installment of the Uganda Social Media Conference under the theme, Digital democracy in a Post Pandemic Era.

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.

“With this conference, we aim 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,”

Anna Reismann KAS Country Director for Uganda.

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 started
• This redirects you to a registstartion form. Fill in the required details and click Register
• You 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 UN
• Opolot Nicholas – Programme Officer, Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung Uganda and South Sudan
• Anna Reismann – Country Director, KAS Uganda
• Raymond Mujuni – investigative journalist
• Kwezi Tabaro – Deputy Director, LéO Africa Institute
• Wanjuhi Njoroge – Founder, People Planet Africa
• Besigye Andrew – Public Policy and Communications Expert, Ministry of ICT
• Awel Uwihanganye – Founder, LéO Africa Institute
• Dr. Paul Kasenene – Wellness and Nutrition Specialist
• Alex Taremwa – Digital Journalist and Academic, Aga Khan University, Kenya
• Moses Owiny – ED Centre for Multilateral Affairs Uganda (CfMA)
• Dr. Okello Ayen – Director Public Health & Environment, Kampala Capital City Authority
• Jacob Eyeru – Chairperson of the National Youth Council
• Mathias Kamp – Policy Advisor East Africa, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
• Abubakar Matanda – Advocate and ANT Youth Leader
• Adeke Anna – District Woman MP, Soroti
• Agnes Igoye – Deputy National Coordinator for prevention of trafficking in persons
• Solomon Serwanjja – Executive Director, AIIJ
• Lynna Abaho – Labour Support Officer, Ministry of Gender
• Ojok Okello – Social Commentator, Humanitarian and Entrepreneur
• Rushongoka Wa Mpiira – Sustainability ExpertBlanshe Musinguzi – Journalist, Africa ReportDenis Nabende – URSB Corporate Affairs Manager
• Dr. Benedict Akimana – Pyschiatrist, Butabika Hospital
• Susan Nandudu – Executive Director, ACTADE
• Peter Benhur Nyeko – CEO, Mandulis Energy
• Cathy Adengo – Stanbic Bank Uganda, Head of Sustainability
• Claire Leduc – Cooperation Attache, French Embassy
• Tricia Bigirwa – Feminist writer, lawyer and activist
• Patience Atuhaire – BBC Reporter
• Allan Chekwech – Co-head Production Hub, Nation Media Group Uganda
• Aka 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.