On December 10, the global community marks the close of the #16DaysOfActivism. This date is not chosen by chance; it coincides with International Human Rights Day. It serves as a powerful reminder that digital safety is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right.
As this year's campaign ends under the theme of tackling digital and technology-facilitated violence, we must transition from raising awareness to demanding accountability.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) can complement these efforts, but the primary duty to protect citizens' rights lies squarely with the Government of Uganda.
3 Critical Actions the Government of Uganda Must Take
To transition from words to impactful change, we call on our duty bearers to prioritize these three pillars:
1. Prioritize Public Awareness and Education
Many survivors suffer in silence because they do not recognize the legal definitions of digital violence, or because they fear societal stigma. The state must fund and implement nationwide campaigns detailing:
The various forms of digital violence (such as non-consensensual sharing of intimate images, catfishing, and online harassment).
The deep psychological, social, and economic impacts on survivors.
The clear legal consequences awaiting perpetrators under Ugandan law.
2. Strengthen and Enforce Legal Frameworks
Existing legislation must be actively updated, harmonized, and enforced to reflect the realities of the digital age. The state must build the capacity of law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary to effectively investigate cyber-harassment, trace digital perpetrators, and issue deterrent sentences that discourage future abuse.
3. Institutionalize State-Led Survivor Support
Civil society cannot be the sole safety net. The government must establish and finance robust, state-led support systems for survivors of digital abuse. This includes:
Accessible mental health and psychosocial counseling.
Specialized legal aid to help survivors navigate digital evidence collection and prosecution.
Clear, safe, and digitized reporting channels that prevent re-traumatization during the justice process.
Standing United for Digital Justice
The fight does not end when the 16 days are over. We continue to work alongside the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), and our civil society partners—including Perry Aritua, UWONET, FOWODE-UGANDA, and the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network—to ensure the digital world is a safe space for every Ugandan.
Digital rights are human rights. It is time for the state to act.
#ActtoEndViolence #NoExcuse #16DaysOfActivism
