Angela Mirembe Ssemwogerere, also known as Angie, is a passionate tech advocate and leader in Uganda's tech industry. As the general manager of Spidd Africa and founder of Coding in Heels, she has a deep understanding of technology and its applications. Her family background is also notable, being the daughter of Mr. Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere, the former katikkiro of Buganda kingdom.
During Uganda's recent elections, the country experienced an internet blackout, which had a significant impact on Angie's life. She has a smart home, where almost every device is connected and controlled through technology. However, when the internet went down, her smart home shut down as well. This included her smart TV, cameras, and lighting system, which she usually controls remotely using her phone or voice commands through Alexa.
Angie described her experience during the internet blackout as a "mental cleanse" and a chance to detox from her highly tech-dependent life. She usually relies on her smart home devices to make her life easier, from controlling the lighting and temperature to managing her daily schedule. However, without internet access, she was unable to use these devices, and her home became like any other non-smart home.
Angie's smart home is equipped with various gadgets, including sensors, smart plugs, and a smart speaker, all of which are compatible with Alexa. She acquired these devices from Amazon UK, and they have made her life significantly easier. For instance, she can control her lighting system, play music, and even receive updates on her daily schedule using voice commands.
Angie's reliance on technology is not limited to her smart home. She also uses AI-powered tools, such as ChatGPT, to manage her daily tasks and interactions. She believes that AI has the potential to solve many problems in Uganda and is an advocate for its adoption. However, she also acknowledges the potential risks and repercussions of relying heavily on AI.
Angie's passion for technology has inspired others, including her friends and family. She has introduced her friends to smart home devices, which have made their lives easier. For example, she lent a smart plug to a friend who had just given birth, allowing her to control her home's lighting system remotely, making it easier to care for her newborn.
Angie's experience with her smart home during the internet blackout highlights the increasing reliance on technology in daily life. While it presented challenges, it also showed the benefits of having a smart home and the potential for technology to make life easier. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how people like Angie adapt and make the most of it.
Key points
- Angela Ssemwogerere's smart home shut down during Uganda's election internet blackout, highlighting the challenges and benefits of relying on technology in daily life.
