'People harming others online must be brought to book'
They warned that Uganda risks losing an entire generation of young people to the psychological harm on social media platforms.
Attendees of a youth-focused dialogue on digital harm pose for a group photo at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on December 11, 2025. (Courtesy photo)
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Members of Parliament Moses Kabuusu (Kyamuswa County) and Julius Tusiime Karuhanga (Rwampara East) have raised the alarm over the growing mental health burden linked to digital violence, urging action from stakeholders, including large-scale sensitisation and dialogues.
They warned that Uganda risks losing an entire generation of young people to the psychological harm on social media platforms.
Kabuusu and Karuhanga sounded the alarm during a youth-focused dialogue on digital harm held on Thursday (December 11) at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
Experts revealed that adolescent girls and young women are increasingly becoming victims of online harassment, exploitation and cyberbullying abuses, which are fueling depression, social withdrawal and suicide attempts.
Thursday's dialogue, organised under the 16 Days of Activism 2025 theme 'End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls', brought together more than 40 stakeholders to rally action against the growing threat of online abuse meted out against women and girls.
Kabuusu said digital violence has become a silent public health emergency, particularly in remote and underserved areas like his Kalangala island constituency, where limited digital literacy leaves young people vulnerable.
“Young people are destroying their own future because of what they post online, and others are being destroyed by what is done to them,” he said.
“We have enough laws to hold offenders accountable; what is lacking is enforcement. Those who are harming others online must be brought to book.”
Kabuusu was particularly critical of what he called the “reckless excitement” with which many youths use social media, noting that content shared in a moment of emotion can haunt individuals for years.
He urged stakeholders to expand sensitisation beyond urban centres, emphasising that rural communities face the same dangers but receive little attention.
On his part, legislator Karuhanga emphasised that digital harm is not only widespread but also deeply underestimated."
Australia has banned young teens from using major social media platforms for their safety
"A lot of the mental health burden from social media misuse is self-inflicted. Young people need to take responsibility for the choices they make online. Dialogue like this is where real advocacy begins," he said.
'Not unique'
The MPs’ warnings were reinforced by insights from Dr Peter Kirabira, the manager of the Home Care Programme at St Francis Hospital Nsambya, who described the far-reaching mental health toll of online abuse.
He narrated a case of a schoolgirl whose life was upended after a single photo of her was shared without consent, a violation that led her into isolation, shame and complete withdrawal from digital learning spaces.
“That experience isn’t unique,” said Kirabira.
“At Nsambya Home Care, we have over 1,800 adolescent girls and young women. Many are suffering psychological harm from digital violence. Some develop depression. Others attempt suicide. For some, the damage is so severe that they end up in psychiatric care.”
Kirabira said continued exposure to online hostility undermines treatment efforts. “You give a client antidepressants, but if the abuse is ongoing, recovery collapses."
He warned that unchecked digital violence is threatening Uganda’s social and economic progress. Victims abandon online education, shy away from digital entrepreneurship, and fear participating in virtual spaces meant to empower them.
Osborn Turyasingura, the executive secretary of the National Special Interest Groups (NSIG), said young leaders have a central role to play in combating digital abuse.
Daniel Ongom, the chairperson of the National Youth Council, called for stronger coordination among government agencies to enforce digital safety measures.
Lawmaker Kabuusu and Karuhanga urged fellow MPs to collectively work more closely with digital experts and youth groups to strengthen legislation and widen public awareness campaigns.
They stressed that while technology has opened opportunities for learning and innovation, unsafe online environments continue to sabotage the potential of young Ugandans.
Online safety campaign
Relatedly, Ugandan multimedia company Vision Group this week launched a nationwide multimedia campaign to safeguard children against the growing risks they face in the digital space.
The 'Keep Children Safe Online: Addressing Online Safety for Children' campaign will run throughout the school holiday season across the Vision Group's print, broadcast and digital platforms.
Farther afield, Australia has banned young teens (under-16s) from using major social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, X, SnapChat and Instagram.
The government's argument for the unprecedented move is that it will help reduce the negative impact of harmful social media content on this young demographic.