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Female journalists trained on digital safety amid escalating cyber harassment,

18 June 2026, 10:59 am

Female journalists from Northern and Eastern Uganda.

By Agness Agilo.

Female journalists  from Northern and Eastern Uganda have undergone a training on digital safety  and security to enhance their skills in responding to mash- rooming online threats and cyber harassment.

The two day training which commenced on 15th May,2026 and ended on 16th  at Mountain Inn  hotel in Mbale city was organised by the Uganda Media Women’s Association -UMWA in partnership with VIKES- the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development.

Catherine Apalat,the project coordinator asserted that UMWA in partnership with VIKES- The Finnish Foundation for Media and Development is implementing a four year program aimed at promoting ; media equality,rights and inclusion.

Apalat emphasized that one of the project objective is to promote safer working environment especially for female journalists ,enhanced quality journalism and support independent media in Uganda.

She also highlighted that the training follows a survey conducted by UMWA in 2023 which indicated that female journalists often face cyber harassment when using digital spaces.

Additionally,the study further revealed that those involved in these abuses are the sources and colleagues working  with female journalists in media houses.

Project coordinator explaining the urgent need for conducting digital safety training.

Meanwhile Laila Ndagire ,Media trainer with UMWA mentioned  that the training focused on digital safety and security for female journalists.She acknowledged that  female journalists from the selected regions have not been getting the opportunity to acquire skills  and knowledge on digital literacy and online safety.

Group discussion led by Trainer Madam Laila Ndagire

Ndagire further stressed that the training was geared towards empowering female journalists on how they can protect themselves against cyber harassment and online threats.

Media trainer empathizing the importance of digital safety and security.

Some of the digital skills learnt included; setting strong password for various social media platforms,protecting data and  responding to online threats among others

Pheobe  Masongole,a journalist working with Daily Monitor based in Mbale city confirmed that the training will enable her over come online harassment since she has learnt how to respond to threats associated with  the vice among other digital safety tools leant during the training.

A journalist reaffirming the relevancy of the training.

Female journalists are hopeful that the engagement will help  them use the digital space  effectively as well as respond to associated  threats targeting them.