Uganda has launched a nationwide campaign to help children recognise online risks, protect their personal information and report abuse, after a survey found that 88.5% of more than 5 000 students had experienced digital harm.
The Child Online Protection Campaign, launched at Kololo Senior Secondary School in Kampala by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, aims to strengthen children’s ability to navigate online spaces safely.
The survey found that 74.2% of learners who experienced online risks did not tell anyone, including their parents, while 70.1% had received sexual messages.
Other reported harms included cyberbullying, misinformation and hate speech, according to Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) director of economic regulation, content and consumer affairs Julianne Rwakakoko Mweheire.
“Children, you are exposed, but you are largely silent. That silence is a danger. A child who will not report abuse cannot be protected,” Mweheire said.
The campaign reflects growing concern over children’s exposure to online risks as digital platforms become increasingly central to how young people learn, communicate and access information.
Permanent secretary in the ministry, Dr Aminah Zawedde, said children should not be excluded from the digital world because of these risks, but instead equipped to navigate it safely.
“Children should not be kept out of the digital world; they should be equipped to navigate it safely,” she said.
Zawedde also acknowledged the work of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, UNICEF and other partners in tackling child abuse, trafficking and other violations of children’s rights. She encouraged learners to use technology for education, creativity and innovation.
UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo said protecting children online would require cooperation between families, schools, government, security agencies and technology companies.
“The internet brings enormous opportunities, but it also presents real risks to children,” he said.
The ministry has also launched the Schools Awareness Assembly Programme, a 90-day initiative that will distribute digital literacy toolkits to 100 schools nationwide.
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