Protect Children from Online Exploitation, Minister Sebugwawo tells Parents, Caregivers

The Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo, has appealed to parents to protect their children from online exploitation.

The minister, who also doubles as the patron of the Decent Africa Foundation, was speaking at the Decent Africa Summit held at Serena Hotel in Kampala on Tuesday.

She noted that parenting is “the most important role one can take.”

“We aren’t just raising children. We are nurturing Africa,” said Sebugwawo.

In Africa, she added, culture is deeprooted. “We should emphasize parenting and a home as the first school. Ssebugwawo was, however, cognizant of the many challenges affecting families.”

However, she said that “we must not remind ourselves by the wealth we possess but by the wisdom to, among others, love.”

She tasked policymakers to make sure that young people access quality education and healthcare and put up a safe environment for the young people. 

The minister warned that although the digital age presents opportunities, it also equally presents risks. 

“Protect the children from online exploitation,” Ssebugwawo urged parents. “Your influence on your children extends beyond the confines of your home.”

While delivering a keynote speech, the Nnabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda Luswata, said there is a need for gender-responsive health and education policies as well as the resources and the political will to see to it that there is healthcare and education for all.

According to Henry Lutwama, the co-founder of the Decent Africa Foundation, children in Uganda are increasingly susceptible to easily accessing harmful online content, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

To address this, Lutwama said, “We must work together as parents, government, and other stakeholders to create a safer online environment.”

He added that this can be achieved through programs that equip children, parents, and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to navigate the internet safely. 

At Decent Africa, he said, “We are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that the digital world is a safe space for all Ugandan children to thrive.”