NGO takes digital literacy to schools, Masindi communities 

MASINDI, October 21, 2025 — In a bid to empower the youth and other community members with essential digital skills, Recreation for Development and Peace Uganda [RDP Uganda], a youth-focused organisation in Masindi district, has launched a comprehensive training programme focused on digital rights.

Jovia Oyungi, the organisation’s Project Officer, highlighted that while many young people are active on various media platforms, they often lack the knowledge necessary to use these platforms responsibly.

“Due to a lack of understanding, they sometimes abuse digital rights, leading to serious consequences. Our goal is to equip the youth and the community with knowledge about digital rights and the laws governing these platforms,” she explained.

This initiative falls under their project titled “Advancing Digital Rights by Business.”

Oyungi noted that misunderstandings about digital rights have sometimes led to youth being arrested.

“By focusing on school-aged youth, we aim to educate them to make informed decisions once they graduate. They need to understand that using social media comes with responsibilities, including respecting the rights of others. We are providing guidance to help them navigate these issues and ensuring they are aware of digital security,” she added.

The project, implemented in Buliisa, Masindi, and Hoima districts, is also raising awareness of various laws such as the Access to Information Act, Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection and Privacy Act, Electronic Transactions Act 2011, and the Uganda Communications Act, among others.

Statistics indicate a significant portion of the population lacks access to the Internet and modern digital technologies, which hinders the reach and effectiveness of digital rights initiatives.

According to the 2024 National Housing and Population Census, Uganda recorded 31.3 million telephone subscriptions, representing a 69 percent penetration rate, while 27.7 million subscribers have access to international Internet services, equating to a 61 percent penetration rate.

Recent findings from the National Information Technology Authority of Uganda [NITA-U] survey suggest that while 48.8 percent of Ugandans are aware of cybersecurity issues, only 13.6 percent fully understand data protection and privacy. The cost of cybercrime is projected to reach US$ 13.82 trillion annually by 2028.

Oyungi emphasised the importance of various aspects of digital literacy, including understanding data privacy regulations, identifying potential data threats, adopting advanced cybersecurity technologies, conducting regular security audits, collaborating with IT professionals, comprehending digital rights in Uganda, and fostering a proactive security mindset among community members.

“My appeal to the youth and the community is to embrace these training sessions to better understand their digital rights. Anyone online must ensure their devices are secure from people with ill intentions,” she urged in an interview with this reporter.

While addressing over 300 students at Bright High School Kisiita in Masindi on Saturday,Joab Businge, the Member of Parliament for Masindi Municipality, remarked on Uganda’s rapid technological advancement.

However, he noted that many individuals do not know how to utilize these digital platforms effectively.

“Schools should play a vital role in equipping youth with these skills, but many struggle due to a lack of resources. As a result, students face difficulties in embracing digital technology,” he stated.

He added that ignorance often leads to the misuse of smartphones and other digital tools, which can result in violations of others’ rights.

“It’s high time the government prioritizes training youth in the proper use of digital gadgets and equips schools with the necessary tools and experts,” he advocated, calling for increased funding for the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Biira Kiwanuka Nassa, the Executive Director of RDP Uganda, emphasised the need for youth to use digital platforms positively to improve their lives.

“We aim to educate youth on leveraging these platforms to generate income rather than abuse others’ rights. They can develop innovative ideas, market them online, and create beneficial content that opens up new opportunities,” she advised.

Goodman B. Farouk, the Chairperson of Social Services at Masindi District Local Government, welcomed the initiative, acknowledging that many youths have access to smartphones but often misuse them.

“This initiative is timely, and I am optimistic it will bring about positive change in our community. Many people are unaware of the repercussions of misusing these platforms. We encourage continued outreach to schools to enhance understanding,” he remarked.

Some students who spoke to this reporter expressed the need for such topics to be incorporated into the school curriculum, emphasising that technology is the future.

“If these lessons were integrated into our education, it would greatly benefit young people. I didn’t realize that I could generate income using my smartphone,” one student reflected.

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