Uganda Government Seeks Robust Online Child Protection Measures

Mondo Kyateka, Assistant Commissioner for Children Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, has voiced serious concerns over the rising incidents of online grooming, trafficking, sexual extortion, and exposure to harmful content affecting children in Uganda. Speaking at a Kampala press conference, Mr. Kyateka emphasized the urgent need for enhanced child protection systems to combat online sexual exploitation.

He stressed that as internet accessibility grows, so does the vulnerability of children. Therefore, a concerted effort from parents, educational institutions, media outlets, and security forces is crucial to safeguard young individuals in the digital realm. This includes promoting digital safety, providing essential psychosocial support to those who have been exploited, and ensuring these children are viewed as victims requiring protection and justice, rather than facing punitive measures.

The call to action comes in the wake of recent arrests of young women in Kampala over alleged online prostitution, highlighting the severity of the issue. Ms. Hadijah Mwanje, Founder of High Sound for Children, echoed these sentiments, arguing that children involved in online sexual exploitation are often victims of trafficking and weak protection systems, and should not be criminalized.

Ms. Mwanje urged the government to bolster digital safety laws, regulate children’s social media access, and ensure survivors receive comprehensive support, including rehabilitation and legal aid. Ms. Tabitha Ssuubi of Raising Voices pointed out the critical role of parents, noting that unsupervised access to mobile phones, often given to children for distraction, can lead to exposure to adult-themed content. She advised parents to actively monitor their children’s online activities and guide them on safe internet practices.

The Uganda Child Rights NGO Network also called for immediate action, with its Executive Director, Domon Wamala, highlighting how the widespread use of smartphones, particularly among younger children and in some international schools, increases exposure to dangerous online content. He added that many children bypass age restrictions on social media without parental oversight, further endangering them.

Mr. Kyateka concluded by reiterating the call for stronger supervision from parents, schools, tech companies, and government agencies, alongside the enforcement of age-appropriate digital safeguards and robust online safety education to shield children from exploitation.