Uganda focuses on children’s online safety to mark World Consumer Rights Day

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Yesterday, the world celebrated World Consumer Rights Day under the theme: Safe Products, Confident Customers.

Uganda Communication Commission Executive Director Nyombi Thembo said in a statement to mark the day, which was celebrated earlier on March 12, that UCC’s commitment to consumer protection is firmly anchored in the Uganda Communications Act.

“In particular, Section 5(k) mandates the Commission “to promote and safeguard the interests of consumers and operators as regards the quality of communications services and equipment.” Consumer protection is therefore not merely a desirable undertaking; it is a core statutory obligation,” his statement read by the head of UCC's head of consumer affairs, Joseph Kizito.

To commemorate the day, UCC organised four events at its regional offices in Gulu, Masindi, Mbale and Mbarara.

On that occasion in Masindi, district leaders, including the Residential District Commissioner, Police, community leaders, head teachers and secondary school students were invited to mark the day and create more awareness on child online protection.

Masindi District Education Officer, Monica Kiiza, highlighted the importance of consumer protection, saying: “When consumers are confident that the goods and services they receive are safe, they are able to participate fully in the economy and make informed decisions.”

She added that the theme is relevant in the education sector. “Our schools, teachers and learners are daily users of many products and services such as communication technologies, digital platforms, learning devices, Internet services and other educational materials. It is therefore very important that these products and services are safe, reliable and appropriate for learners.”

Kiiza strongly believes that consumer protection should start with education and urged schools to play a key role in helping learners understand their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

“When young people are educated about consumer rights and responsibilities, they grow into responsible citizens who can make wise choices in the marketplace,” she said.

Masindi Regional Office Manager JP. Patrick Owachgiu said the commission chose to focus on child online protection (COP) because three to 18 year-olds are very active online.

In that regard, he said UCC came up with a product for secondary schools called COP Ambassadors.

“COP is a collective responsibility for children, parents, teachers and community leaders. When children are protected online, they become safe, confident digital leaders,” he said.

Kizito said that COP Ambassadors are basically students they picked from St. Thereza Girls Secondary School, Ikoba Girls Secondary School, Masindi Army Secondary School, Masindi Secondary School and Kabalega Secondary School.

Their role, as explained by Kizito, is to disseminate information shared by UCC and collect information from children on COP and liaising with Police officers.

“We are piloting this [COP] campaign, and it will be national. The COP is also under discussion in East Africa. It is regional,” said Kizito, who nevertheless urged students and all present to “Be responsible online”.