9 in 10 Ugandan children exposed to online risks, UCC warns parents

12 March 2026, 8:23 pm

By Walter Kidega

As Uganda marks World Consumer Rights Day 2026, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is urging parents to closely monitor their children’s internet use to protect them from harmful online content.

The call was made during a digital safety engagement and commemoration held at Sacred Heart Secondary School on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Representing the UCC Executive Director, Engineer Arnold Mujuni said that although the internet provides learning opportunities, it also exposes children to serious risks if not properly supervised. He encouraged parents to use free applications that can help track their children’s online activities.

Meanwhile, UCC Senior Officer in charge of Consumer Welfare Bayusuf Katyokori warned that misinformation and explicit online content are increasingly affecting children. He revealed that nine out of ten children have encountered digital risks, including cyber bullying, misinformation, hate speech, and inappropriate materials.

Denis Ociti of Gulu High School urged fellow students to be cautious online,

while Pitty Daniel said his key takeaway was UCC’s message: “Think before you click.”

The Guest of Honour, Ambrose Onoria, the Resident City Commissioner of Gulu City, also cautioned students against overreliance on Artificial Intelligence, urging them to use technology responsibly.

UCC statistics show 94.8% of children use the internet, yet 75.3% never report onlineproblems, while 69.7% have encountered sexual messages or images online. Children also spend over four hours on screens during holidays, increasing their exposure to digital risks.

World Consumer Rights Day 2026 will be officially observed on March 15 under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”