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Child rights groups demand tighter social media laws to protect minors
Tabitha Suubi, the violence against children influencing manager at Raising Voices, called for age-appropriate access controls on social media platforms and greater accountability from technology companies.
Child rights activists from various NGOs in a group photo at Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN) offices. (Photo by Rhyman Agaba)
By: Rhyman Agaba, Journalist @New Vision
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A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) advocating for children’s rights has called for stricter laws and stronger safeguards to protect children from online sexual exploitation, warning that Uganda’s rapidly expanding digital space is exposing minors to unprecedented risks.
The call was made during a thematic working group press conference organised by the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN) at its secretariat in Ntinda on June 17, 2026.
The conference brought together more than ten child-focused civil society organisations, including AfriChild Centre, the Uganda Community-Based Association for Women and Children Welfare (UCOBAC), High Sound for Children, Raising Voices, Concern for the Girl Child (CGC), Raising Teenagers Uganda, Zimba Child Hope Africa and Remnant Generation, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition on Ending Sexual Violence Against Children, UCRNN executive director Damon Wamara said recent security operations in Kampala that led to the arrest of 27 girls and young women accused of online prostitution should be viewed as a child protection issue rather than solely a criminal matter.
"The arrests should serve as a national wake-up call on the urgent need to make digital spaces, homes, schools and communities safer for all children," Wamara said.
He argued that children involved in online sexual activities are often victims of exploitation, coercion, manipulation, trafficking and weak child protection systems rather than willing participants.
Wamara noted that while digital technologies and social media platforms have expanded opportunities for learning, innovation and social interaction, they have also increased children’s exposure to online predators, exploitative networks and harmful content.
He warned that online sexual exploitation takes many forms, including online grooming, child sexual abuse materials, sexual extortion, trafficking facilitated through digital platforms and live-streamed sexual abuse.
"These incidents should promote national dialogue and collective action to address the growing problem of sexual violence against children," he said.
"The arrests should serve as a national wake-up call on the urgent need to make digital spaces, homes, schools and communities safer for all children," Wamara said.
He argued that children involved in online sexual activities are often victims of exploitation, coercion, manipulation, trafficking and weak child protection systems rather than willing participants.
Wamara noted that while digital technologies and social media platforms have expanded opportunities for learning, innovation and social interaction, they have also increased children’s exposure to online predators, exploitative networks and harmful content.
He warned that online sexual exploitation takes many forms, including online grooming, child sexual abuse materials, sexual extortion, trafficking facilitated through digital platforms and live-streamed sexual abuse.
"These incidents should promote national dialogue and collective action to address the growing problem of sexual violence against children," he said.
Tabitha Suubi, the violence against children influencing manager at Raising Voices, called for age-appropriate access controls on social media platforms and greater accountability from technology companies.
"This includes establishing and enforcing age-appropriate access to social media platforms and holding technology companies accountable for not implementing robust measures to protect children from online exploitation, abuse and other digital-related harm," Suubi said.
She urged parents and caregivers to educate themselves on online safety, maintain open communication with children and encourage responsible internet use.
Suubi added that schools should strengthen digital literacy programmes and closely monitor computer use, while media organisations should report children’s issues ethically by protecting victims’ identities and avoiding sensational coverage.
"We also want to remind security agencies to treat children who have experienced sexual violence as those in need of protection and support," she added.
Hadijah Mwanje, executive director of High Sound for Children, said protecting children online requires coordinated action involving government, technology companies, civil society organisations, communities and families.
"The digital transformation of society is irreversible. We cannot stop the digital age. But exploitation of children online is not inevitable," Mwanje said.
She urged stakeholders to strengthen prevention systems and build robust child protection mechanisms that safeguard children both online and offline.
Representing the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), acting commissioner for youth and children affairs, Mondo Kyateka, acknowledged growing concerns over children’s exposure to age-inappropriate online content.
"What we are seeing on the internet and social media is information that is not commensurate with the age of many children in this country, and it is driving them into actions beyond their age," Kyateka said.
He stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient and called for a multisectoral response involving parents, schools, communities, civil society organisations, security agencies and the media.
Kyateka linked online exposure to wider challenges affecting children’s wellbeing, including teenage pregnancy and school dropout.
"Every child deserves the right to go to school, and every child must be helped to live to their full potential," he said.
Responding to questions on proposals emerging from international discussions on child online safety, Kyateka said Uganda could consider stronger legal and policy measures to regulate children’s access to harmful online content.
"Since people are misusing the internet and misusing information, it may be a good idea to have laws and policies that will protect our children," he said.
He expressed confidence that such proposals could be considered by government institutions, including Cabinet and Parliament, when they reconvene.
The civil society coalition urged government, technology companies, parents, schools and communities to collaborate in preventing online exploitation and ensuring children safely benefit from digital technologies without exposure to abuse.
"This includes establishing and enforcing age-appropriate access to social media platforms and holding technology companies accountable for not implementing robust measures to protect children from online exploitation, abuse and other digital-related harm," Suubi said.
She urged parents and caregivers to educate themselves on online safety, maintain open communication with children and encourage responsible internet use.
Suubi added that schools should strengthen digital literacy programmes and closely monitor computer use, while media organisations should report children’s issues ethically by protecting victims’ identities and avoiding sensational coverage.
"We also want to remind security agencies to treat children who have experienced sexual violence as those in need of protection and support," she added.
Hadijah Mwanje, executive director of High Sound for Children, said protecting children online requires coordinated action involving government, technology companies, civil society organisations, communities and families.
"The digital transformation of society is irreversible. We cannot stop the digital age. But exploitation of children online is not inevitable," Mwanje said.
She urged stakeholders to strengthen prevention systems and build robust child protection mechanisms that safeguard children both online and offline.
Representing the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), acting commissioner for youth and children affairs, Mondo Kyateka, acknowledged growing concerns over children’s exposure to age-inappropriate online content.
"What we are seeing on the internet and social media is information that is not commensurate with the age of many children in this country, and it is driving them into actions beyond their age," Kyateka said.
He stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient and called for a multisectoral response involving parents, schools, communities, civil society organisations, security agencies and the media.
Kyateka linked online exposure to wider challenges affecting children’s wellbeing, including teenage pregnancy and school dropout.
"Every child deserves the right to go to school, and every child must be helped to live to their full potential," he said.
Responding to questions on proposals emerging from international discussions on child online safety, Kyateka said Uganda could consider stronger legal and policy measures to regulate children’s access to harmful online content.
"Since people are misusing the internet and misusing information, it may be a good idea to have laws and policies that will protect our children," he said.
He expressed confidence that such proposals could be considered by government institutions, including Cabinet and Parliament, when they reconvene.
The civil society coalition urged government, technology companies, parents, schools and communities to collaborate in preventing online exploitation and ensuring children safely benefit from digital technologies without exposure to abuse.