The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched a nationwide child online protection campaign in schools, targeting thousands of students and teachers with digital safety awareness sessions.
The multi-day outreach programme, running from March 9 to March 12, is being conducted in the districts of Masindi, Mbarara, Gulu, and Mbale.
Through the initiative, students and teachers are being trained on how to identify cyberbullying, share information responsibly online, and report digital threats.
Participants are also being sensitized on how to use the toll-free reporting line 0800 222 777 to report online abuse and harmful content.
Protecting Millions of Young Internet Users
According to UCC, the campaign comes at a time when nearly 22 million children under the age of 15 in Uganda are increasingly engaging with social media platforms, online learning tools, and digital communication channels.
The rapid growth of internet use among young people has created new opportunities for learning and connectivity, but it has also exposed children to risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and harmful digital content.
Officials say empowering children with digital literacy and safety skills is critical to ensuring that they can navigate the internet safely.
Linked to Global Consumer Protection Efforts
The school outreach programme also forms part of activities marking World Consumer Rights Day, observed globally on March 15.
This year’s approach emphasizes that digital platforms should be treated as consumer products that must be safe for users, especially children.
Partnerships for Online Safety
The campaign is being supported by partners including the Uganda Computer Emergency Response Team (UgCERT), which is providing practical resources from the Online Safety Educational Toolkit.
The toolkit helps schools teach students about safe digital behavior, privacy protection, and responsible social media use.
The initiative also builds on previous surveys conducted by UCC and its partners that revealed widespread online harms affecting children and young internet users in Uganda.
Call for Community Involvement
UCC has called on parents, teachers, and communities to actively participate in protecting children online.
Officials say creating a safer digital environment requires collaboration between schools, families, regulators, and technology providers.
As internet access continues to expand across Uganda, authorities stress that digital safety education must become as important as traditional classroom learning, ensuring that young people can benefit from technology without falling victim to online dangers.
