AudiencScapes

By Joseph Were29 March 2010 Kampala, Uganda –There are plenty of blogs and microblogs focusing on Uganda. They are written by journalists and others here, by Ugandan expatriates abroad, by staff of international organizations and foreigners with a stake in Uganda. The sites cover a wide range of issues, from development to politics, social life to entertainment. But how many Ugandans actually read them? Probably not too many, given that access to the internet is extremely limited by a lack of telecommunications infrastructure and cost factors. Over 45 percent of the Ugandan population live on less than US$2 per day, and about 30 percent of those aged 15 years and above cannot read or write.

By Joseph Were17 March 2010Kampala, Uganda –The influence of new media in Uganda is showing up in high profile, as people and organizations tap these technologies as organizing and information-sharing tools. However, the reach of new media remains largely among affluent urbanites.New media’s impactNew media enthusiasts in Uganda scored a major achievement on 12 December 2009 when members of one Facebook network sent out word on the social networking site and on Twitter about an event, which succeeded in attracting a sizable crowd. Members of the 360° Network organized the “Old skool Re-union” at the main Rugby Grounds of the capital city. Attendees played childhood games such as rope skipping and dodge ball, and the crowd included top names in the country’s entertainment industry.