By Chipo Brenda
The government of Uganda has urged various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and well-wishers, to prioritize children’s safety in accessing digital technology, as it is a new trend of life.
The appeal was made by Amina Zawede, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and National Guidance (ICT), while addressing a gathering during World Children’s Day celebrations at the Golf Hotel in Kampala.
Zawede highlighted both the benefits and risks of digital access for children during the event, which was themed “Empowering Children through Digital Technology and Design.” She emphasized the need for safe online environments, despite existing laws on cyberbullying, privacy, and security.
“It is paramount that our Ugandan children have the necessary resources and opportunities to benefit them for the near future of the 21st century,” Zawede affirmed.
“Technology is a double-edged sword; it can open doors, but only if ICT is used responsibly can we reap the benefits it is designed to offer,” she cautioned. Zawede added that while technology creates amazing opportunities, it also poses significant risks to children, hence the call for proper usage of the digital revolution.
Dr. Robin Nandy, the UNICEF Representative in Uganda, noted that this year’s World Children’s Day marks the 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Nandy assured the delegation of UNICEF’s commitment to protecting children’s rights regardless of age.
“Working with the government of Uganda to harness technology for improving social services like health, education, and child protection is defined as a clear priority in the fourth national development plan,” said Dr. Nandy. He added that digital connectivity is one of the six transformations the UN Secretary-General has brought on board as catalytic towards achieving government goals in the next five years.
Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, pledged regulatory and infrastructure support to involve Ugandan children in the digital revolution, aligning with the country’s Vision 2040 goals.
“It is our responsibility to empower children to use the available opportunities,” Nyombi said, calling on parents, teachers, and policymakers to join the UCC in ensuring that ICT benefits children.
“I encourage children to use the digital world responsibly and creatively in education, from coding programs to e-learning platforms, to discover new talents and participate globally,” Nyombi explained. He concluded by stating that ICT is a gateway to numerous possibilities.
Through its $57 million partnership with UNICEF, Airtel aims to bridge the digital divide for vulnerable children in remote areas. Celebrating World Children’s Day, Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar emphasized Airtel’s focus on accessible online learning and teacher training for equitable education. Airtel Uganda spokesperson David Birungi noted that the partnership with UNICEF has witnessed a transformative impact on education through digital resources.
Action Step
UNICEF, in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission, organized school competitions encouraging children to use digital tools to promote awareness of their rights. Airtel Africa has connected over 1,500 schools to the internet, trained 17,000 teachers, and provided quality digital education to nearly a million learners in 13 African countries.
