Published on 01/08/2025
Human rights and social justice activists in Uganda are now better equipped to protect their online platforms from cyber threats and amplify their advocacy campaigns, thanks to a comprehensive digital security training held on July 31, 2025, at Eureka Hotel in Kampala.
Organized by the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) and Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF), the initiative is part of a broader Public Awareness and Digital Literacy Campaign aimed at fostering safer, more inclusive and impactful online civic engagement.
Antonio Kisembo, a digital trainer with the Media Challenge Initiative, underscored the critical need for both technical and legal awareness in safeguarding digital spaces. “Prioritizing security is non-negotiable for anyone operating online,” Kisembo said. “From choosing secure apps to implementing protective web tools, activists must adopt multi-layered security strategies to prevent hacks. A robust digital security plan is essential.”
CEPA Executive Director Timothy Chemonges emphasized the transformative role of digital platforms in civic expression, particularly for marginalized groups. “Digital spaces have created unprecedented opportunities for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and rural communities to engage in governance,” he said. “Yet, with Uganda’s digital freedoms increasingly under threat, this training equips civil society to navigate risks and advocate effectively.”
ASF Uganda’s Project Coordinator for Transitional Justice, Jimmy Wamimbi, highlighted the initiative’s goal of preserving civic space and ensuring access to justice. “As Uganda’s civic environment continues to shrink, we must strategically leverage online platforms to protect and expand these spaces,” Wamimbi said.
Gideon Nova Kwikiriza, activist and President of Ugandans on Twitter (X), hailed the training as both timely and empowering. “This program has helped us address the risks and opportunities of digital literacy in combating misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information,” he said. “To drive real change, we must extend these tools and knowledge to rural and underserved communities. An informed citizen is an empowered one.”
Kwikiriza stressed the importance of inclusivity: “Change cannot be driven by a small group of intellectuals. We need the masses. The challenge is reaching those left behind.”
Dr. Frederick Sekindi, a lawyer and academic, warned that digital security is a collective responsibility, not just an activist concern. “Protecting your online presence is about safeguarding your dignity,” he said. “Threats don’t only come from the state, indifference is equally dangerous. When civil society was targeted, some dismissed it as ‘not their business.’ Now, proposals to regulate religious institutions are emerging. Rights and safety are interconnected.”
Marie Nanyanzi, Senior Program Officer at Twaweza East Africa, presented findings from a January 2024 study, Ugandan Citizens’ Opinions and Experiences on Media Engagement and Citizen Participation. Based on a survey of 2,741 respondents conducted between January 9 and February 13, 2024, the study revealed a shift in information sources. While radio remains dominant, its influence is waning, with social media gaining ground. Alarmingly, word of mouth has become a primary information source for many. “
Those excluded from public decision-making are often absent from digital conversations,” Nanyanzi noted. “As discussions move online, we risk leaving most Ugandans behind. Activists must prioritize accessibility and language to ensure inclusivity.”
Rising Cybercrime in Uganda
Digital security is critical to protecting online presence, much like physical security safeguards homes and communities. In Uganda, the Department of Cyber Crime plays a pivotal role in recovering forensic evidence, restoring compromised devices, analyzing cloud and IoT data, and providing expert testimony in court. The department also handles audio-visual forensics, including CCTV analysis.
The Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024 highlights a sharp rise in cybercrime, with cases increasing from 366 in 2019 to 1,318 in 2024. These include bank fraud, system intrusions, cyber harassment, and financial crimes, such as the diversion of national park revenues. Case processing rates have varied—34% in 2019, 36% in 2020, 26% in 2021, 42% in 2022, 47% in 2023, and 34% in 2024—due to growing case complexity and limited resources.
Experts urge annual investments in advanced forensic tools, updated software licenses, and continuous training for digital examiners to address these challenges. In 2024 alone, 446 cybercrime reports were filed, underscoring the urgent need for robust digital security measures.
