UCC To Host a Panel Discussion on Safe Internet

Nathan Ernest Olupot February 5, 2019

1 minute read

Uganda Communication Commission Executive Director; Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi. (Photo Credit: Eagle Online)

Government regulatory body of the communications sector; Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) in partnership with Internet Society Uganda Chapter (ISUC) will today — ‘Safer Internet Day’ host a panel discussion on how internet usage can be better used by Ugandans especially the youth.

The discussion will be held at the company’s head offices in Bugolobi, Kampala starting from 2PM (EAT), moderated by NTV Uganda’s news anchor, Josephine Karungi.

Today, the number of internet users continues to grow exponentially. With a greater internet penetration, comes bigger concerns of internet safety among children and adults. This has necessitated the ongoing dialogue about internet security and internet safety.

Uganda, according to UCC, has nearly 18 million people using the internet, with a great portion being the youth. The country’s internet market is dominated by mobile internet compared to fixed internet. Meaning consumers are using mobiles more to access the internet than any other device. Mostly because people can easily access social networking sites (widely used today compared to browsing, shopping online, streaming etc.) including; Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, among others on their phones. With this comes access to endless supply of information which does come with consequences i.e. internet safety.

Internet Safety has been defined as the knowledge of maximizing the user’s personal safety and security risks to private information. While most talk of internet safety sounds like grave paranoia, people who have had to obliterate horrible experiences of cyberbullying, internet scams, online stalking, hate speeches — from their minds know otherwise.

Uganda has an legal and regulator framework that includes; the Computer Misuse Act, the Electronic Transaction Act, the Uganda Communications Act and an online portal where internet users can report online abuses. However, seems a lot of people are not using these platforms.

While today, the world at large celebrates Safer Internet Day — under the theme, “Together for a better internet”, UCC and its partner ISUC will gather with stakeholders to discuss how the internet can better Ugandan, and how to fight/reduce (on) online abusers.

Safer Internet Day is celebrated every February to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology children and adults, as well as inspire a national conversation.[related-posts]