Uganda’s Cyber Laws Under Fire: Activists Demand Reforms to Combat Online Gender-Based Violence
Women’s rights advocates in Uganda are sounding the alarm over the country’s outdated cyber laws, urging immediate reforms to address the escalating threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). With digital harassment, misinformation, and AI-generated content on the rise, activists warn that the current legal framework fails to protect women and girls from online abuse.
Gaps in Legislation Leave Women Vulnerable
The Computer Misuse Act, Uganda’s primary legislation governing cybercrime, has been criticized for its inability to combat modern digital threats effectively. Yasmin Ahmed, a lawyer with the Femtech Law Initiative, argues that the law does not adequately address emerging issues such as doxing—the malicious release of private information online—or the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
“Every day, women and girls face online harassment, threats, and public humiliation, yet these crimes are not properly addressed by the law,” Ahmed said. She emphasized that victims often suffer in silence, fearing ridicule or dismissal when they report incidents.
Ahmed also highlighted the rapid expansion of AI tools in Uganda without clear legal and ethical guidelines. AI is increasingly used in workplaces, courts, and daily communication, but the lack of accountability and transparency in its deployment has created opportunities for misuse. Deepfakes, AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and other harmful content are proliferating online, posing significant risks to individuals and communities.
Calls for Inclusive Policymaking
One of the key concerns raised by activists is the limited involvement of civil society organizations in Uganda’s AI governance discussions. Although the government has established an AI task force, organizations that work directly with victims of online abuse have largely been excluded from the process.
“Civil society organizations engage daily with communities affected by digital violence. Their insights are crucial for crafting effective laws,” Ahmed said. She called for inclusive consultations to ensure that policymakers understand the realities of online abuse and design legislation accordingly.
Ahmed, who has undergone training in AI governance and ethics through institutions like the International Telecommunication Union, stressed the need for Uganda to leverage such expertise to build robust legal frameworks.
Law Enforcement Struggles to Respond
Even with legal reforms, activists warn that law enforcement agencies lack the technical knowledge to investigate and address digital crimes effectively. Victims who report online harassment often encounter police officers ill-equipped to handle such cases.
“There is no point in creating laws that law enforcement does not understand or cannot enforce,” Ahmed said. She urged authorities to provide specialized training to police and other justice sector actors to ensure they can properly investigate digital crimes and support victims.
Ahmed also emphasized the importance of adopting survivor-centered approaches when handling cases of online abuse. Too often, victims are blamed for their experiences, particularly when intimate images or personal information are leaked online. This culture of victim-blaming discourages many from seeking justice, allowing perpetrators to operate with impunity.
TFGBV Widening Uganda’s Digital Gender Divide
The impact of TFGBV extends beyond individual cases, exacerbating Uganda’s digital gender divide. Diana Karungi, CEO of Internet for Her, noted that harassment and intimidation online are pushing many women out of digital platforms, limiting their participation in discussions and opportunities.
“Many women own devices but lack the knowledge to navigate digital spaces responsibly and securely,” Karungi said. Social and cultural norms further discourage women from engaging in digital spaces, perpetuating the perception that technology is a male-dominated field.
Karungi cited UN Women findings showing that 58% of women globally have experienced some form of digital violence, with Uganda experiencing a rapid increase in cases. Forms of TFGBV include cyberbullying, cyberstalking, threats of violence, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Urgent Reforms Needed
Activists are calling for comprehensive reforms to address these challenges. Key recommendations include updating cyber laws to reflect the realities of modern technology, improving digital literacy among women, and ensuring consistent enforcement of existing legislation.
Karungi stressed that addressing TFGBV requires coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, law enforcement, and the technology sector. Without urgent action, Uganda risks allowing online spaces to become increasingly hostile for women and girls, undermining efforts to promote digital inclusion and gender equality.
As technology continues to evolve, activists warn that the stakes are high. “Online spaces should empower women, not silence them,” Ahmed said. “Uganda’s cyber laws must catch up with the times.”
— Reported by Nexio News
