Fred Otunu, speaking on behalf of the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) Executive Director, warned that online harassment can have serious legal and psychological consequences. "Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, and reputational damage, while perpetrators may face criminal charges and civil lawsuits," Otunu explained.
As the world marks Safer Internet Day, parents and caregivers have been urged to deepen their online vigilance to protect children and young people from digital risks. Leaders, educators, and digital safety advocates have also called for increased awareness and collective responsibility in addressing online safety.
This call to action comes amid rising cases of cyberbullying, data breaches, scams, and misinformation. Experts warn that failing to address these issues could have lasting consequences for individuals and society. Speaking to schoolchildren about the importance of online safety, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahare, emphasized that the internet has become an integral part of daily life. Digital platforms now serve as both tools for empowerment and sources of risk. He noted that children and teenagers now spend more time online than ever before, engaging in social media, online gaming, and digital learning.
"This increased screen time has also made them vulnerable to online predators, cyber criminals, and harmful content," he stated. The Minister stressed that parents must play an active role in guiding their children’s online experiences by setting limits, monitoring digital interactions, and encouraging open discussions about internet safety. He cited these actions as essential measures in preventing negative online encounters.
According to Barugahare, cyberbullying has become a growing issue in Uganda, with many young people experiencing harassment, threats, and defamation online. "Social media platforms have given rise to a culture of anonymity, where individuals feel emboldened to insult, spread false information, or blackmail others, and I am also a victim of defamation," he said.
Fred Otunu, speaking on behalf of the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) Executive Director, warned that online harassment can have serious legal and psychological consequences. "Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, and reputational damage, while perpetrators may face criminal charges and civil lawsuits," Otunu explained.
"Youth need to understand that the internet is not a lawless space," he added. "Uganda has strict laws against cyber harassment and online fraud. Anyone caught engaging in such activities could face serious penalties." Otunu further addressed concerns about online scams and data breaches, which have become major issues. Fraudsters use phishing emails, fake job offers, and deceptive online forms to steal personal information.
"Most of the people who are defrauded have the same statement – I received a link asking for my bank details to 'verify' my account. A few days later, I noticed unauthorized transactions. By the time I contacted my bank, it was too late," he said. To combat this, Ugandans have been urged to adopt critical thinking and digital literacy skills when browsing online. "If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify sources before sharing personal details, and never click on suspicious links," Otunu advised.
He also stressed that ensuring a safer internet for young people requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving parents, schools, government agencies, and tech companies. "Parents and guardians must engage in their children’s digital lives, establish screen time limits, and educate them about online risks," he said. "Educators should incorporate internet safety lessons into school curricula and teach students how to recognize cyber threats," Otunu added that there is a need to enforce stricter cybersecurity laws, provide resources for victims, and take action against online criminals.
He also emphasized that technology companies must enhance privacy protections, improve content moderation, and implement digital well-being features. The UCC has pledged to crack down on cybercriminal activities and raise public awareness about internet safety. "We are working closely with law enforcement and digital platforms to ensure that online spaces remain safe, especially for children," said UCC spokesperson Ibrahim Bbosa.
In addition to protecting young people from cyber threats, youth are being urged to become responsible digital citizens by using the internet for positive purposes. Digital citizenship involves respect, empathy, and ethical online behavior. "Youth have a responsibility to use their voices for good. Instead of engaging in cyberbullying or spreading fake news, we should promote kindness and support victims of online abuse," Otunu said.
To encourage digital responsibility, experts recommend that young people think before they post to avoid sharing harmful or misleading information, respect others online just as they would in real life, report cyberbullying and harmful content to relevant authorities, and use the internet as a tool for learning and innovation rather than negativity.
Dennis Kasule Ssebunya
Freelancer