On July 14, 2020, I had the opportunity to participate in a live stream with Mr. Joel Boutroue, the UNHCR Uganda Representative, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on refugees in Uganda. This event was part of Sheila Nduhukire’s #SheilasDigiTalks series, and as a Social Media Associate at UNHCR Uganda, my role was to support the organization’s global communication and social media objectives.
I spent over a month preparing for this livestream, working independently without involving my supervisor, the representative, or Sheila, who would be hosting. This approach allowed me to conduct extensive tests on the platforms I planned to use and to practice thoroughly, ensuring a successful broadcast. Initial testing began in May but paused for preparations around World Refugee Day in June.
Through my trial runs, I realized that standard live-streaming tools like Facebook, Periscope (Twitter), and Instagram wouldn’t offer the engagement needed for our audience, which could compromise the effectiveness of the livestream. While experimenting with various platforms, I ruled out OBS, as I lacked the hardware to support a camera setup, and training someone else would consume time I didn’t have.
I sought a straightforward solution that the host could manage without a steep learning curve, eventually discovering StreamYard. This browser-based live-streaming platform allowed me to record or stream directly to Facebook, YouTube, and other channels. With features like custom text overlays, screen control, and affordable pricing, StreamYard enabled me to create a professional, customized live show, and I was thrilled with the possibilities.
With a streaming platform in place, I focused on finding an ideal host. Based on my social media and communication experience, I determined that hosting on UNHCR Uganda’s accounts wouldn’t capture our target audience effectively. At the time, Sheila Nduhukire’s #SheilasDigiTalks, powered by Jumia Uganda, had gained traction. Her background, values, and skills aligned closely with UNHCR’s mission, making her a perfect fit. As a seasoned journalist with integrity and professionalism, Sheila embodied the profile needed to lead this discussion.
After confirming Sheila as the host and StreamYard as our platform, I initiated the internal UNHCR approval process. With everything in place, we scheduled the livestream date. The preparations had only just begun.
A week before the event, Sheila and I started final rehearsals on StreamYard, and we even prayed together, hoping for a smooth experience. Together, we designed the necessary graphics using Microsoft PowerPoint since I didn’t have access to Adobe or Canva. As the date approached, the pressure mounted, but I remained steadfast.
The morning of July 14, 2020, arrived, and everything that could go wrong seemed to. As I prepared the office setup, I checked in with Sheila, who was also facing some technical issues on her end. I was running around, troubleshooting last-minute issues, relying on two laptops, an iPhone, cables, a tripod, a makeshift stand (courtesy of a dustbin), livestreaming software, and a strong internet connection—all while ensuring our UNHCR branding was visible.
Sheila was grappling with unexpected technical problems as well, though our rehearsals had been smooth. In this moment of urgency, I met her sister Jean, who was helping solve the issues. We prayed together, seeking God’s guidance to resolve the challenges. I witnessed Sheila and Jean’s professionalism, which contributed to the livestream’s success.
Finally, nearly an hour after the scheduled start, we went live. It was a testament to resilience and teamwork—stories to share for generations. We had two laptops: one for Mr. Joel Boutroue to connect with Sheila, and one for me to monitor the viewer experience, while the smartphone served as a high-quality 4K camera for the representative. The livestream was a success, and that’s the story behind the picture.
Watch the video here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iScHbvEXIE
The End.
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