The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched the Be a Cyber Hero campaign, calling on Ugandans to take collective responsibility for protecting children and young people from online dangers as digital technology continues to shape everyday life.Speaking at the launch, UCC Director of Corporate Affairs Fred Otunnu said protecting children online cannot be left to regulation alone, urging individuals, families and communities to recognise their responsibility in creating safer digital spaces.
Otunnu said UCC continues to strengthen Uganda’s digital safety through regulation, awareness campaigns, research and cybersecurity initiatives, but stressed that these efforts must be supported by people who are willing to recognise online harm, speak up and act.He said the campaign seeks to encourage Ugandans to carry the same sense of responsibility into the digital world, where users must be prepared to identify harmful behaviour and protect others from potential online threats.UCC Head of Consumer Affairs Joseph Kizito said the Commission has been engaging students in schools and communities to understand their knowledge, experiences and behaviour online while promoting safer and more responsible use of digital platforms.
According to Kizito, the engagements are part of UCC’s broader efforts to equip children and young people with the knowledge and confidence needed to identify online risks, make informed choices and navigate the digital environment responsibly.Kizito also highlighted the UCC Debate Series as an important tool for peer-to-peer learning, saying it has shown that young people can positively influence one another by sharing experiences and knowledge about online safety.
Chief Guest and Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, called for parents, schools, media organisations, technology providers, civil society and young people to work together to protect children online. She reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a secure digital environment through policy, legal frameworks and partnerships, officially launching the Be a Cyber Hero campaign and urging Ugandans to use technology for empowerment rather than harm.
