Milestone: Uganda Launches Locally-Built Smartphone
LifeMobile, the first smartphone assembled in Uganda for Ugandans has been launched at the National Enterprise Corporation, the business arm of the Ugandan Peoples Defense Forces.
According to a statement sent to newsrooms, the mobile phone is well priced for consumers and will solve everyday life problems in work, health and agriculture. They will be available on the market in the first quarter of 2019.
The Guest of Honor at the launch, Hon. Evelyn Anite during the officiation of the event said: “Using technology to improve the livelihoods of Ugandans is a step-forward and we should be proud.”
Anite encouraged for more initiatives that stimulate economic growth adding that the government is willing to support in any way possible.
‘‘Over 600m people in Sub-Saharan Africa live off the grid, spending an equivalent of $20 a month on basic needs such as water, healthcare and charcoal. We’re deploying a smart-village solution to cut that cost to $8 and provide access to clean water, renewable energy and healthcare services.” Michael Landau CEO CTI Africa said during the launch.
Additionally, he pointed out that this is not just a phone, but the beginning of a stronger economy, healthier and educated communities.
During the launch, 3 models were released; a low range, mid-range and a tablet, each come with specialized inbuilt applications for healthcare, mobile banking, insurance, microfinance and education, tailored to improve people’s lives, and add value to the phone.
These applications will mainly be used on a pilot project in Buikwe that is focused on livelihood development of its residents.
Prospective partnerships with Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau (UPMB), Jumia Uganda, Medical Concierge, Ecobank and Microfinance Service Centre will make this possible.
About CTI
CTI Africa is a social enterprise focused on leveraging newly converging leapfrog technologies to offer rural, underserved communities affordable and holistic solutions for their basic needs. Currently in Central Uganda- Buikwe on a project providing quality healthcare, electricity, agriculture solutions, clean water, financial services, entertainment and educational opportunities to the underprivileged communities.
