At the onset of the covid-19 pandemic, experts warned about the expected surge in cases of domestic violence citing that lockdowns would force people to be isolated with their violent partners. Since the creation of the SafeBangle technology in Uganda, it has helped police authorities report crimes by enabling victims of gender-based violence and other violent crimes to quickly alert the people they trust when threatened or at risk.
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A possible end to violent crimes with SafeBangle technology in Uganda
This impressive invention was created by a group of youth from Makerere University who were inspired by the high rate of crime at the university. They then decided to work together to come up with SafeBangle technology in Uganda that would help reduce crime by ensuring that victims can easily alert others when they are in danger.
Several violent crimes may have been stopped or avoided if victims had better means to contact others as soon as they feel threatened or uncertain. Now, it is easier and quicker to intercept crimes with technological advances such as this, and potentially save the lives of people as victims can be found within the shortest possible time.
The SafeBangle technologies founder, Kabali said in just five seconds, one is able to report or alert their closest people for rescue. During kidnaps, he said, the bracelet would be triggered to alert your family and friends on how to trace you.
The wearable safety tool, designed as a bracelet enables potential victims of Gender-Based Violence to quickly reach out for help when threatened.
Great progress has been made so far as the prototype has been tested and proven effective. According to The New Vision, Saul Kabali said “We have tested it already in northern Uganda. It has reported some cases of domestic violence.” He made the statement on Friday, at the DataFest Kampala 2021, an event organized by Makerere University through Resilient Africa Network (RAN).
Dr. Roy Mayiga, the RAN deputy chief of party at Makerere University, said the innovation would help security forces detect and respond to crimes in real time. “These innovations are good. What the innovators need now is financial support to commercialize their ideas to bring money to the country,” he said.
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How the SafeBangle works
When discretely triggered, the bracelet sends an alarm by SMS to a chosen group of individuals with the wearer’s live location to be rescued immediately.
The bracelet is connected to at least five mobile phone numbers of trusted people who can rescue the victim in case of any danger. It can also be connected to authorities to detect whoever calls for help.
For instance, if a student attended a party and is connected to five friends via the bracelet, the student can simply press the bracelet to alert friends if in danger. The alert will also give the location of the person.
Saul Kabali went on to explain that this innovation has been made in such a way that it maintains discretion-capturing little to no attention from others so that it is not easily identifiable nor traceable.
The prototype is similar to a wristwatch, but Kabali said he is developing some that are similar to bangles.
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