Over the years, Uganda has remained in a perpetual state of limited Internet freedom and digital rights. The freedom of expression online is suppressed, posing threats to numerous media and digital rights activists in the country. Surveillance also remains a significant challenge for digital activists and human rights defenders working to protect media freedom and professional, responsible journalism. In 2021, during the last election, internet access was restricted, and Facebook (Meta) was shut down. This shutdown, which continues to this day, has barred access to valuable information, further infringing on fundamental human rights.
The Greater Internet Freedom project (GIF) has since inception worked with a Uganda based local partner, African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME), to advance towards an open and accessible Internet.
“I think it is important that we raise awareness about these issues because, as you engage with the people, you realize that they do not understand the importance of certain legislation, the implication of certain policies, and practices around digital rights. Some of them do not actually make a connection between digital rights and their online and offline rights. They do not appreciate that these things go hand in hand. Some of them are not even aware that digital rights are actually human rights. So, GIF has helped us to contribute to raising awareness about digital rights, especially in our country,” explains Apolo Kakaire, Communication and Advocacy Manager at ACME.
With support from GIF, ACME was able to share Uganda’s challenges in digital rights and Internet freedom at regional and international platforms. By advocating for improvement of their situation in international fora, ACME raised awareness and secured support from other actors in the region.
ACME has s also been able to profile its work and become recognized as a digital rights advocacy group. “Today, the people are able to make a connection between ACME and digital rights. For us, this is important because digital rights are an important component of our work,” says Apolo Kakaire.
One achievement the ACME team is particularly proud of under the GIF project is their research on the state of biometrics and digital identity in Uganda, titled “Biometric Digital Identity Programs and Independent Journalism in Uganda“.
“This research has gained significant traction, as evidenced by the numerous interviews and inquiries we have received from within the country, the region, and from Europe, including the Netherlands and Denmark. The report was also quoted in a Human Rights Watch report,” Kakaire reveals.
“Our partnership with Internews under GIF has raised our profile as a digital rights actor, and we are confident more opportunities for digital rights advocacy and engagement with different stakeholders will pop up and we will be ready to embrace and leverage those opportunities.”
