McLaren
JF-Expert Member
- Feb 19, 2025
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Zikiwa zimebaki siku 5 mpaka kuelekea Uchaguzi Mkuu, App ya mawasiliano ya Bitchat imeshika nafasi ya 1 kwenye orodha ya apps za bure zilizopakuliwa zaidi nchini humo
Bitchat ni app inayojikita kwenye faragha na mawasiliano yasiyohitaji mtandao wa intaneti, ikitumia teknolojia ya Bluetooth kuwezesha mawasiliano. Nchini Uganda, app hiyo imepata umaarufu mkubwa kufuatia wito wa Kiongozi wa Upinzani Bobi Wine ambaye siku ya Jumatatu aliwahimiza raia kuipakua kama hatua ya tahadhari dhidi ya uwezekano wa kuzimwa kwa intaneti kabla ya Uchaguzi
Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari Januari 5, 2025 Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Tume ya Mawasiliano ya Uganda (UCC), Nyombi Thembo ameonya juu ya matumizi ya app hiyo akisema kuwa ni kosa kisheria
Will Bitchat keep Ugandans connected amid internet shutdown?
Top Apps in Appstore Uganda
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Last week, the National Unity Platform (NUP) unveiled Bitchat, an offline messaging application designed to function without mobile data, Wi-Fi, SIM cards, or cellular networks, positioning it as a contingency tool in the event of internet disruptions.
The application uses Bluetooth mesh technology to allow peer-to-peer communication between nearby devices, creating a decentralised network that does not rely on central servers. Independent software expert William Ssenteza describes Bitchat as a potential lifeline for communication during a blackout, noting that it operates entirely offline.
“The app works without internet, servers, or mobile networks,” said Mr Ssenteza. “Once users turn on Bluetooth, allow offline permissions, create a username, and open the app, they can communicate with nearby devices.” He advised users to disable GPS, avoid using real names, and verify information before sharing to minimise risks of tracing and misinformation. Mr Ssenteza said the decentralised nature of the platform makes it difficult to shut down.“To block it, authorities would need to deploy Bluetooth jammers across large areas, which is economically unviable,” he said. However, other experts caution that the app has significant limitations.
IT specialist Elvis Katumba said Bitchat’s reliance on Bluetooth restricts its effectiveness to short distances, typically between 10 and 100 metres, depending on device strength. “In densely populated urban areas, a mesh can form easily, allowing messages to propagate,” Mr Katumba explained.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has downplayed the significance of the app. Addressing journalists on Monday, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo urged Ugandans not to “over-excite” themselves over Bitchat, because misuse would attract legal consequences.
“We know this app very well. It is a small thing,” said Mr Nyombi. “Anyone who wants to commit a crime using it, my sympathies.” He reiterated that the internet would remain available during and after the elections. Uganda has an estimated 10.6 million internet users, according to UCC data, underscoring the economic and social stakes of connectivity.
Source: Daily Monitor
Bitchat ni app inayojikita kwenye faragha na mawasiliano yasiyohitaji mtandao wa intaneti, ikitumia teknolojia ya Bluetooth kuwezesha mawasiliano. Nchini Uganda, app hiyo imepata umaarufu mkubwa kufuatia wito wa Kiongozi wa Upinzani Bobi Wine ambaye siku ya Jumatatu aliwahimiza raia kuipakua kama hatua ya tahadhari dhidi ya uwezekano wa kuzimwa kwa intaneti kabla ya Uchaguzi
Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari Januari 5, 2025 Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Tume ya Mawasiliano ya Uganda (UCC), Nyombi Thembo ameonya juu ya matumizi ya app hiyo akisema kuwa ni kosa kisheria
Will Bitchat keep Ugandans connected amid internet shutdown?
Top Apps in Appstore Uganda
------------------------------------
Last week, the National Unity Platform (NUP) unveiled Bitchat, an offline messaging application designed to function without mobile data, Wi-Fi, SIM cards, or cellular networks, positioning it as a contingency tool in the event of internet disruptions.
The application uses Bluetooth mesh technology to allow peer-to-peer communication between nearby devices, creating a decentralised network that does not rely on central servers. Independent software expert William Ssenteza describes Bitchat as a potential lifeline for communication during a blackout, noting that it operates entirely offline.
“The app works without internet, servers, or mobile networks,” said Mr Ssenteza. “Once users turn on Bluetooth, allow offline permissions, create a username, and open the app, they can communicate with nearby devices.” He advised users to disable GPS, avoid using real names, and verify information before sharing to minimise risks of tracing and misinformation. Mr Ssenteza said the decentralised nature of the platform makes it difficult to shut down.“To block it, authorities would need to deploy Bluetooth jammers across large areas, which is economically unviable,” he said. However, other experts caution that the app has significant limitations.
IT specialist Elvis Katumba said Bitchat’s reliance on Bluetooth restricts its effectiveness to short distances, typically between 10 and 100 metres, depending on device strength. “In densely populated urban areas, a mesh can form easily, allowing messages to propagate,” Mr Katumba explained.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has downplayed the significance of the app. Addressing journalists on Monday, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo urged Ugandans not to “over-excite” themselves over Bitchat, because misuse would attract legal consequences.
“We know this app very well. It is a small thing,” said Mr Nyombi. “Anyone who wants to commit a crime using it, my sympathies.” He reiterated that the internet would remain available during and after the elections. Uganda has an estimated 10.6 million internet users, according to UCC data, underscoring the economic and social stakes of connectivity.
Source: Daily Monitor
