In a significant step toward safeguarding Uganda’s children in the digital age, the Buganda Kingdom has formally pledged its support to High Sound for Children (HSC), a local non-profit dedicated to promoting online safety and Amplifying voices of children through media.
The announcement came during a courtesy visit by the HSC leadership to Bulange, Mengo, where they introduced their flagship program, the “Ekitimba Unpacked” Media Holiday Camp.
Scheduled to take place from August 29 to 30 at Mama FM in Kisasi, the camp is expected to gather more than 150 children for interactive sessions on online safety, mental health, and digital responsibility, under the theme: “Creating a Clean Digital Footprint for Children.”
The HSC delegation, led by John Walugembe Kakungulu, the organization’s patron and Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Uganda, highlighted the growing danger of unregulated internet access among children.
“We see children with unlimited access to gadgets and social media platforms, often consuming content that is beyond their comprehension or inappropriate for their age,” Walugembe noted. “This trend threatens their mental well-being and cognitive development.”
Representing Buganda Kingdom, Salongo Robert Sserwanga, Minister for Youth, received the delegation and confirmed the Kingdom’s full support.
“I receive you on behalf of the Katikkiro, who sends his regards and appreciation. Buganda will collaborate with High Sound for Children through several youth engagement platforms, including Nkobazambogo for university students, Akaliba Akendo for secondary schools, and Emiti Emito for primary pupils,” Sserwanga said.
He also underscored the urgent need to address challenges facing today’s digitally immersed youth, such as harmful content exposure and the long-term effects of digital overuse on speech and social skills.
“Children are isolating themselves, mimicking cartoon characters, and showing signs of delayed speech development. It’s time we took their digital welfare seriously,” he added.
Hadija Mwanje, founder and Executive Director of High Sound for Children, said the camp is just one piece of a much larger movement.
“Ekitimba Unpacked isn’t just a holiday camp; it’s a national call to action,” Mwanje explained. “In five years, we have reached over 500 children across three Buganda districts. This year, we are scaling up our efforts.”
HSC’s work includes partnerships with Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS), which runs over 200 schools across Uganda, helping the organization expand its reach to both urban and rural areas.
The upcoming camp also enjoys support from key national stakeholders such as the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Education and Sports. The U.S. Mission in Uganda is also supporting the camp and will speak to participants on the long-term implications of digital footprints including effects on scholarships and visa eligibility.
“Our children’s online actions today can shape their opportunities tomorrow and we must prioritize their digital safety the way we do their physical safety,” Ms. Mwanje added.
Beyond online safety, HSC also runs the Gold Star program, which supports young mothers and school dropouts, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as an emergency food aid initiative has since evolved into a comprehensive support system offering mentorship, education, and reintegration services.
As the 3rd Annual Online Safety for Children event approaches, the Buganda Kingdom is calling on parents, educators, media outlets, and regulatory bodies to become actively involved in creating safer digital spaces.
“Let us not sit back. Let us monitor what our children are watching and guide them to use the internet responsibly,” Sserwanga urged. “We commend High Sound for Children for championing this vital cause.”
Parents and guardians are encouraged to register their children for the two-day media camp at Mama FM, where future digital citizens will gain critical tools for navigating the online world safely and wisely.
