Building Digital Resilience Ahead of Uganda’s Elections

Uganda is heading into another election season, and for many communities, the internet feels less like a safe space and more like a battleground. Abrupt internet shutdowns, surveillance, and harassment are not just abstract risks they are lived realities, especially for structurally silenced womxn and female sex workers.

That was the heart of the conversation during a recent Digital Security and Resilience Webinar hosted by HER Internet, where activists, organizers, and community of structurally silenced communities came together to have conversations about digital safety and resilience throughout the upcoming election period. The session was also part of the ongoing Cohort 4 of HER Internet’s Digital Security and Safety Trainings, which brings together structurally silenced communities from across the country to strengthen their knowledge, share experiences and strategies and build collective resilience.

In her opening remarks, Sandra Kwikiriza, Executive Director at HER Internet, set the tone with a reminder of what’s at stake: “Uganda election cycles have historically been marked with volatility… we’ve seen internet shutdowns, intimidation of opposition voices, and heavy surveillance of citizens. For structurally silenced womxn and female sex workers in particular, past elections have increased the risks of online harassment, state surveillance, and outing.” For many, the internet is more than a place to post opinions. As Sandra put it, “Online spaces are not just platforms for expression. They are lifelines for many in our communities… avenues for advocacy, organizing, economic survival, and connection.” That lifeline, however, becomes fragile during elections.

The panel, moderated by Sanyu Mulungi, HER Internet’s Communications Director, unpacked the real dangers silenced communities encounter. John Grace, Coordinator of the Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium, pointed out how election seasons magnify existing threats: “Elections have historically magnified the risks, activists’ posts are used as evidence against them. We’ve also seen targeted misinformation campaigns scapegoating our community for failures of government or politicians.”

Kamagara Editah from the Alliance of Women Advocating for Change (AWAC) explained how laws are weaponized: “During the election period, we see a lot of online surveillance… laws like the Anti-Homosexuality Act are misinterpreted and used against our communities. Many face illegal arrests and delayed justice as cases are paraded in court but never tried.”

For Monalisa Akintole, Coordinator of the Uganda National Trans Forum, the risks extend to organizations themselves: “One of the risks is organizational vulnerability. We witness heightened surveillance that endangers our work. During elections, even shelters risk being seen as centers of political organizing, which makes it very hard for us to serve our communities.”

What happens online doesn’t stay online: For structurally silenced communities already living on the margins, a hacked account, a leaked screenshot, or a malicious post can quickly spill into real-life harm. Grace captured this reality clearly: “For structurally silenced communities, digital threats are not just inconveniences, they mirror the hostility we face offline. A leaked WhatsApp screenshot or hacked email can set off a chain reaction leading to eviction or physical violence.” And because of stigma, there’s little sympathy to fall back on.

As Grace noted, “Reporting can lead to further victimization. For us, digital insecurity often translates directly into physical insecurity.” Despite these risks, the panelists stressed that communities don’t need to disappear from online spaces, they need to be smarter and more deliberate in how they engage.

Monalisa celebrated grassroots workshops and organizations that equip people with tools and safer apps: “Technology evolves, and so must we. Everything about our lives is technologically intertwined. Communities need to share knowledge continuously.” She also called for collective care: “Checking in about security should be as normal as asking about someone’s health. We need collective response protocols for when someone is doxed or exposed online.”

Editah emphasized legal literacy, reminding participants that ignorance doesn’t shield anyone from the law: “Ignorance is not a defense but the language you use while communicating is what matters. What you post and how you post it could determine whether the law is used to criminalize you.”

Grace encouraged people to think about their digital presence the same way they think about physical safety: “Plan it, protect it, and know your exit. Decide what you will and will not post. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and have trusted emergency contacts.”

Another thread running through the conversation was the importance of remembering that the internet is not the only space where connection happens. Monalisa reminded everyone: “Your safety and well-being matter more than any post or retweet. There is life after the internet. Sometimes the best step is to step away, debrief, and connect with people in person.”

That perspective feels especially urgent in a country where internet shutdowns during elections are almost guaranteed. Panelists encouraged participants to prepare for those moments, stocking up on airtime, using coded language in phone calls, and planning offline ways to stay in touch. As Sandra put it, “Let’s plan for offline security as much as online. Have airtime, know where your people are, and be ready to communicate even if the internet goes off.”

The session wrapped up with a collective understanding that resilience is something communities build together. It’s about sharing knowledge, looking out for each other, and refusing to carry the burden of safety alone. As Mulungi concluded, “Security during elections is something we build together. It is not for one person to carry alone.”

Resilience isn’t just about surviving another election cycle. It’s about strengthening community bonds, reclaiming agency, and reminding one another that even in hostile environments, there is power in care and solidarity.