Create online environment where every child is safe, protected — UCC boss

As the world prepares to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day on March 15th, the Executive Director of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Hon. Nyombi Thembo, has issued a clarion call to parents, teachers, and tech providers: the digital safety of Uganda’s children is no longer just a regulatory issue, but a "shared social responsibility."

The global theme is Safe Products, Confident Consumers, and Thembo stated, “Our guiding belief is simple: the most effective consumer protection strategy is an empowered consumer.”

His speech was read by Joseph Kizito at the UCC Masindi regional office to commemorate the day in advance on March 12th. It was a well-attended event by district leaders, educators, police, head teachers, and students.

Kizito, the UCC head of consumer affairs, read that UCC chose to focus on child online protection (COP) this year because children often interface with technology.

“This year, we place special focus on an issue that demands urgent and collective attention: Child Online Protection. The digital environment has transformed how we learn, communicate, and conduct business. Our children are growing up in a highly connected world where the internet supports education, creativity, innovation, and social interaction. The digital space offers immense opportunities for their growth and development.”

In spite of the opportunities the digital space has, Thembo stated that it also has risks and needs a concerted effort to combat them.

“As regulators, industry players, parents, educators, and policymakers, we must acknowledge that the online world is not automatically safe for children. Safety requires deliberate, sustained, and coordinated action.”

The executive director highlighted a grim list of digital threats facing the younger generation, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and exposure to harmful content.

He noted that beyond external predators, excessive screen time is increasingly linked to anxiety and social isolation among Ugandan youth.

“And to our young people: you too have a role to play. Think before you click. Protect your personal information. And speak up when you encounter harm online,” his speech read.

The commemoration was marked in UCC’s four regional offices of Masindi, Gulu, Mbale and Mbarara on March 12th.