The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has raised concern over the increasing abuse of social media platforms among young people, warning that harmful online content and digital misuse are becoming a major threat to children and youth.
Speaking during a technology competition at the Kampala campus of Islamic University in Uganda, UCC Manager for Information Technology Ronald Wabire said the country is experiencing rising addiction to social media and growing cases of online harassment and misuse of digital platforms.
“We are living in a world where many people are addicted to social media platforms, and we have seen the damage they have caused to many of our children,” Wabire said.
He said UCC has made child online protection one of its key strategic priorities and is implementing policies aimed at protecting children from online exploitation and harmful digital content.
“There is a big strategic programme on child online protection to ensure that the use of technology does not destroy the child, but instead helps the child become a better person,” he said.
Wabire also warned social media users against using digital platforms to insult, harass or attack others online, saying existing laws still provide for prosecution despite some sections of the Computer Misuse Act being struck down by court.
“You cannot just go around abusing people and using technology to disadvantage others. There are still many other laws that will catch up with you,” he said.
He added that UCC continues to enforce broadcasting standards while sensitising broadcasters, content creators and social media users on responsible communication.
The concerns were raised as universities and technology innovators called for increased government and private sector investment in student innovation and research.
Speaking at the same event, Eng. Usama Kassaga, a lecturer and founder of the annual FOSSA Challenge, said university students continue to demonstrate strong innovation potential despite limited funding and inadequate equipment.
The inter-university competition attracted students from several campuses and institutions who competed in networking, programming, quizzes and innovation exhibitions.
Kassaga said most universities can only support prototype development because of limited budgets and lack of sophisticated machines needed to develop complete systems and technologies.
“We can only afford to come up with prototypes, but to develop real systems and innovations, we need support from government and other stakeholders,” Kassaga said.
He noted that stronger partnerships between universities and industry players would help students transform their innovations into practical solutions capable of addressing national and environmental challenges.
Kassaga added that the annual competition is aimed at building confidence, creativity and practical technological skills among university students as Uganda continues to promote science, technology and innovation.