Ffene is a reasonably priced software package that helps small and medium businesses run more efficiently, make better decisions and save money on administrative costs. Ffene simplifies business management through easy accounting, managing customers, and tracking inventory through, instant reports on account transactions, clients and product management.
Sindika is an interactive SMS platform that allows a user organization to engage the citizens in a back and forth communication though short texts. This was specially built for controlled project environments, research, opinion studies and other related activities.
Tambula is saving lives of commercial cyclists in Uganda through the use of affordable GPS units that keep track of the rider’s whereabouts, caution them when they are in danger zones and aids them send out an SOS signal when in danger.
AFKInsider: What are the current stages of technology project developments?
Barbara Birungi: There are start-ups in all stages from those that are already on the market making money and others that we are helping figure out a business model.
AFKInsider: Please explain the Tech for Farmers Android app. How has it helped and contributed to farming in Uganda?
Barbara Birungi: Tech4Farmers is a start-up company promoting agriculture by leveraging uses of ICTs and phones. Its mobile (android) app provides market prices of agriculture products at real time, visualizes key industry trends using graph, maps and selling food items online.
AFKInsider: Please explain and give examples of how issues with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have affected Hive Colab.
Barbara Birungi: The high cost and instability of Internet still limits us on the number of tech members and well-wishers we can accommodate for the trainings, co-working, research and events. Poor regulation and policies to support ICTs from the government line ministries have discouraged setting up of ICT enterprises. For example, taxes on ICT equipment and infrastructure like computers, cables, software etc. is still expensive —especially in wanting to set up a training lab.
AFKInsider: How does Hive Colab recruit members to the hub?
Barbara Birungi: Through both physical events we hold within the hub and advertise through posters, attending tech events within the country and talking to different stakeholders about our existence. Hosting events like hackathons, trainings, inviting other organizations to host events at our hub and online platforms like twitter, Facebook.
