A growing number of digital rights groups warn against Uganda’s move to expand social media surveillance ahead of the 2026 elections.

On April 8th, 2025, the Daily Monitor reported that the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is moving forward with procuring a social media monitoring tool. While the government frames this as a public safety measure ahead of the 2026 General Election, this tool could become a direct threat to the digital rights and freedoms of structurally silenced womxn including journalists, womxn in politics, female sex workers, feminists, and grassroots activists.

A Pattern of Digital Repression in Uganda

Uganda has a well-documented history of digital shutdowns, especially during election seasons. In 2016 and 2021, the state blocked platforms, arrested critics, and shut down the internet. Laws like the Computer Misuse Act, originally meant to fight cyber-crime, have often been used to arrest journalists, activists, and everyday users for online speech. With plans to monitor activity across platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Telegram, the threat is no longer just about what you say, it’s about being watched for existing, connecting, and resisting.

What This Means for Womxn Who Rely on Digital Spaces

For many womxn, digital platforms are spaces for survival. They offer room to share information, find care, build movements, and speak freely when offline spaces are unsafe. This new surveillance plan puts all of that at risk. Fear will push people offline. Speaking out may feel too dangerous. Networks that took years to build could start to disappear. Organizing for justice, healing, or survival becomes harder when you have to look over your shoulder every time you log in.

What Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI) Said

The Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI) raised alarm over this surveillance development. They warn that this move marks a dangerous shift toward institutionalized digital repression especially given Uganda’s history of social media shutdowns, digital censorship, and election-related crackdowns.

In response, DPI is:

• Building coalitions across civil society, tech, and legal spaces to resist digital repression.
• Hosting digital security clinics for HRDs, journalists, and CSOs.
• Offering emergency support to people already facing surveillance threats.
• Leading policy advocacy for rights-respecting digital governance.

What Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium (UMSC) Said

The Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium (UMSC), which supports homeless and marginalized communities, many of whom rely on digital spaces for survival, also issued a strong statement of concern. In their words:

“Social media is not just a communication tool, but a lifeline. It allows all of us to access services, build communities, express our identities, and raise awareness about the injustices we face.”

UMSC warns that this surveillance move could lead to:

• The silencing of already vulnerable voices
• Deepened mistrust between civil society and the state
• Profiling based on identity, opinion, or affiliation

They are calling for immediate transparency, inclusive dialogue, and protections for groups historically excluded from decision-making.

Our Commitment: Protecting Digital Freedoms

HER Internet stands with all those resisting this expansion of state surveillance. We believe digital platforms must remain spaces for expression, resistance, care, and connection, not channels for control.

We will continue to:

• Advocate for digital freedom and safety.
• Support structurally silenced womxn in defending their rights online.
• Partner with coalitions like DPI and UMSC to push back against oppressive tools and policies.

A free, inclusive internet is a necessity for everyone, especially those whose lives and truths are often pushed out of public view.

According to UN Women, over 44% of Ugandan womxn have experienced technology-facilitated gender-based violence. This means that nearly half of all womxn in the country have faced harassment, surveillance, cyberstalking, or other forms of online abuse. The reality is even harsher for structurally silenced groups like LBQ womxn, who are often targeted simply for existing in digital spaces.

HER Internet, a feminist-led organization working to create safer digital environments for womxn, has long prioritized equipping structurally silenced communities with the tools to navigate online threats. Recently, Mulungi Sanyu, Communications Director at HER Internet, joined the Q-Media Advocacy podcast to shed light on the pressing need for digital safety for LBQ womxn living in urban areas. Speaking about the threats that come with being visible online, Mulungi noted, “Where there is an opportunity, there is a threat.” She emphasized that while the internet provides a powerful platform for advocacy, networking, and visibility, it also exposes womxn to targeted attacks such as online harassment and digital surveillance.

In Uganda, womxn face an unsettling range of online threats, including phishing scams, cyberstalking, hate speech, doxxing, and digital blackmail. Their online presence is often weaponized against them, leading to fear and self-censorship. Many womxn are forced to constantly assess the risks of speaking up, connecting with others, or even existing visibly online. Mulungi pointed out, “If an LBQ womxn knows how to safely navigate the internet, she won’t have to exclude herself because of cyber threats.” However, the challenges they face vary depending on where they live. In urban areas, access to technology is higher, and digital literacy levels are generally better, but this also means greater exposure to online risks. On the other hand, womxn in rural areas have limited access to digital literacy programs and fewer resources to protect themselves online, leaving them even more vulnerable to online attacks.

The consequences of online violence go beyond just internet access and extend to mental health, activism, and professional opportunities. “When a womxn is constantly harassed online, it creates emotional and psychological stress. She may withdraw from advocacy or even the internet altogether,” Mulungi explained. This kind of suppression is particularly harmful for LBQ activists, as it prevents them from mobilizing, participating in discussions, and exercising their right to freedom of expression. Over time, this withdrawal contributes to a shrinking civic space where fewer voices are able to challenge harmful narratives or fight for change.

Mulungi stressed that digital safety is not just about individual protection but also about sustaining advocacy and community connections. HER Internet works to ensure that LBQ womxn have the knowledge and tools to navigate the internet securely. One of the key ways to stay safe is by practicing strong security measures such as enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), using secure messaging apps like Signal, and protecting devices with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Another important aspect of digital safety is building community support by creating trusted networks where womxn can share safety tips and report threats. Digital literacy is also a critical part of online safety, and womxn can strengthen their knowledge by participating in workshops, following cybersecurity campaigns, and staying informed about emerging digital threats. HER Internet provides direct support for LBQ womxn who experience online harassment and runs capacity-building workshops to strengthen digital resilience, ensuring that structurally silenced communities are not forced into digital invisibility due to fear.

While personal safety practices are important, real change must happen at a systemic level. Mulungi emphasized that tech companies and policymakers have a responsibility to create safer online environments. “We need to promote digital inclusion to reduce the gender divide in internet access. It’s also crucial for tech companies to be held accountable for addressing online harassment and hate speech,” she stated. Beyond corporate responsibility, stronger laws must be enacted to criminalize cyberbullying, digital blackmail, and online violence against structurally silenced groups.

Mulungi concluded with a call to action, reminding all womxn that digital security is a continuous effort. “We must continue empowering ourselves with digital security skills. Something as simple as creating a strong password can make a difference,” she urged.

To listen to the full conversation and gain deeper insights into digital safety for LBQ womxn, check out the Q-Media Advocacy podcast here: https://youtu.be/V8_LpkWNzJ4?si=RSRrC3L0Yvo-s5sA

In November 2024, HER Internet took part in the African School on Internet Governance (#AfriSIG2024), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, organized by Association for Progressive Communications (APC). Mulungi Sanyu, Communications and Advocacy Lead at HER Internet, joined over 16 African countries’ participants including civil society, technical experts, government representatives, academia, the media, the private sector, and members of parliament, all coming together to discuss the digital governance challenges and opportunities facing Africa today.

AfriSIG 2024 focused on key themes, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (#ACFTA) and the African Union Data Privacy Framework (#AUDPF). These discussions examined how the frameworks intersect and the challenges of aligning the Digital Protocol with the AU Data Policy Framework. Participants collaborated on proposing practical strategies for better alignment and implementation.

Building Collaborative Engagement Through the Practicum

A highlight of AfriSIG 2024 was the practicum—an immersive, hands-on experience where participants practiced multi-stakeholder negotiations. This year’s practicum focused on aligning the objectives of ACFTA with the principles of AUDPF, providing a space for participants to explore solutions and build consensus on complex issues.

Mulungi Sanyu actively participated in the practicum, stepping outside of her usual role to take on new perspectives. This experience gave her a deeper understanding of the various viewpoints involved in digital governance policymaking and the complexities of reaching agreements. HER Internet’s contributions underscored the need for gender-sensitive data governance policies and the importance of ensuring that marginalized groups, such as structurally silenced womxn, are properly represented in discussions about digital rights.

A Vision for Africa’s Digital Future

AfriSIG 2024 highlighted the need for collective action to shape Africa’s digital governance landscape. The dynamic discussions and the expertise shared by the faculty emphasized the importance of working together to address the unique challenges the continent faces in the digital age. As Africa navigates the crossroads of trade, data privacy, and internet governance, HER Internet remains committed to advocating for policies and frameworks that ensure no one is left behind.

On September 11–12, 2024, HER Internet was honored to attend the East Africa Internet Governance Forum (EAIGF), convened under the theme “Building Our Multi-Stakeholder Digital Future for East Africa.” The forum hosted in Uganda, brought together a dynamic mix of policymakers, civil society organizations, tech innovators, academics, media and private sector leaders.

This year’s #EAIGF was more than a conference—it was a call to action. With East Africa’s digital landscape evolving rapidly, the forum addressed the critical challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s online ecosystem. Central to these discussions were key issues, such as bridging the digital divide, strengthening cybersecurity, safeguarding data privacy, fostering youth innovation, and embedding gender equity in internet governance. The forum was a hub for thought-provoking conversations and collaborative solution-building. Participants explored strategies to address regional disparities, including the gender digital divide, where 19% of Ugandan womxn are online compared to 27% 0f men reported by the World Wide Web Foundation—a stark reminder of the work still needed to ensure equitable access.

Among the highlights were panels that examined the rise of East Africa’s digital economy. Experts emphasized the importance of robust policies to promote internet accessibility while safeguarding users’ rights. “A truly inclusive digital future for East Africa begins with policies that serve everyone—especially womxn, youth, and marginalized groups,” one panelist remarked.

Discussions also spotlighted the role of young innovators in driving the region’s digital transformation. Programs supporting youth in tech through mentorship and funding were hailed as critical investments in the region’s future.

The #EAIGF 2024 concluded with a series of commitments aimed at fostering collaboration and inclusivity in internet governance:

• Regional collaboration: Strengthening partnerships across East African nations to address cross-border issues like cybersecurity and internet accessibility.
• Gender-inclusive policies: Integrating gender responsiveness into all aspects of internet governance to close the digital gender gap.
• Youth empowerment: Establishing mentorship programs and funding opportunities to nurture young tech innovators.

This year’s forum underscored the immense potential of East Africa’s digital landscape and the collective power of multi-stakeholder collaboration. It set the stage for a future where the region’s digital advancements are inclusive, equitable and secure ensuring that East Africa thrives in the global digital era.