Africa-Press – Uganda. Buganda Kingdom has pledged its support to High Sound for Children (HSC), a Ugandan non-profit dedicated to promoting online safety and amplifying children’s voices through media.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by HSC leadership to Bulange, Mengo, where they introduced their flagship program, the “Ekitimba Unpacked” Media Holiday Camp.
Scheduled for August 29–30 in Kisasi, the camp will bring together over 150 children for interactive sessions on online safety, mental health, and digital responsibility under the theme: “Creating a Clean Digital Footprint for Children.”
Kingdom Joins the Fight Against Online Risks
HSC’s delegation, led by John Walugembe Kakungulu, patron of the organization and Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Uganda, highlighted the growing risks associated with unregulated internet access among children.
“We see children with unlimited access to gadgets and social media platforms, often consuming content beyond their comprehension or inappropriate for their age,” Walugembe said. “This trend threatens their mental well-being and cognitive development.”
Representing Buganda Kingdom, Salongo Robert Sserwanga, Minister for Youth, 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 highlighted the urgent need to address challenges facing digitally immersed youth, such as exposure to harmful content and the long-term effects of excessive screen time on speech, social skills, and overall development. “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.
Building a Culture of Safer Digital Citizenship
Hadija Mwanje, founder and Executive Director of HSC, said the camp is part of a broader movement to equip children with digital literacy skills. “Ekitimba Unpacked isn’t just a holiday camp; it’s a national call to action. In five years, we have reached over 500 children across three Buganda districts. This year, we are scaling up our efforts,” she said.
HSC has partnered with Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS), which operates over 200 schools across Uganda, to extend its reach to both urban and rural communities. The upcoming camp also enjoys support from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the U.S. Mission in Uganda, which will address 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 just as we do their physical safety,” Mwanje added.
Supporting Vulnerable Children
Beyond online safety, HSC runs the Gold Star program, supporting young mothers and school dropouts affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as emergency food aid has evolved into a comprehensive initiative offering mentorship, education, and reintegration services.
A Unified Call to Action
As the 3rd Annual Online Safety for Children event approaches, the Buganda Kingdom is calling on parents, educators, media outlets, and regulatory bodies to actively participate 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.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
