Buganda Kingdom Pledges Support for Online Safety of Children Initiative (HSC)Drive.
Reporter Kizindo Lule
Kampala, Uganda
In a significant step towards safeguarding Uganda’s children in the Digital Age, Buganda Kingdom has formally pledged it’s support to High Sound for Children (HSC), a local Non-Profit Organization dedicated to promoting Online Safety and Amplifying Voices of Children through Media.
This came during a Courtesy Visit by the (HSC)leadership to Bulange Mengo Monday 25th Aug 2025 where they introduced their Fagship Program, the “Ekitimba Unpacked” Media Holiday Camp is
scheduled for August 29th to 30th at Mama FM in Kisasi.The camp is expected to gather more than 150 children for Interactive Sessions on Online Safety, Mental Health, and Digital Responsibility, under the theme: “Creating a Clean Digital Footprint for Children.”
The HSC Delegation, led by John Walugembe Kakungulu, the Organization’s Patron and Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Uganda, highlighted the growing danger of unregulated Internet Access among Children.
“We see children with unlimited access to Gadgets and Social Media Platforms, often consuming Content that is beyond their Age,” Walugembe noted.
“This trend threatens their mental well-being and cognitive development.”Representing Buganda Kingdom, was Ow’Ekitiibwa Ssaalongo Robert Sserwanga, Minister for Youth, received the delegation and confirmed the Kingdom’s full support.
Ow’Ekitiibwa Sserwanga said,“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.”
He also underscored the urgent need to address the challenges facing today’s digitally immersed youths, such as harmful content exposure and the long-term effects of digital over-use on speech and social skills.
“Children are isolating themselves,imitating cartoon characters, and showing signs of delayed speech development.It’s time we took their digital welfare seriously,” he added.
Hadija Mwanje, founder and Executive Director of High Sound for Children, said” the camp is just one piece of a much larger movement.”
“Ekitimba Unpacked isn’t just a holiday camp, it’s a national Call to Action,” Mwanje explained. “In a space of five years, we have reached out to over 500 Children across three Districts of Buganda. This year, we are scaling up our efforts.”
HSC’s work includes Partnerships with Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS), which runs over 200 schools across Uganda, helping the organization expand its reach to both urban and rural areas.
The upcoming Camp also will enjoy support from key national stakeholders such as the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Education and Sports. The U.S. Mission in Uganda is also supporting the camp and will speak to 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 tommorow and we must prioritize their digital safety the way we do their physical safety,” Ms. Haddijah Mwanje added.
Beyond online safety, HSC also runs the Gold Star program, which supports young Mothers and School Drop-outs, particularly those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “What began as an emergency Food Aid Initiative has since evolved into a comprehensive support system offering mentorship, education, and reintegration services,Mwanje says.
As the 3rd Annual Online Safety for Children event approaches, the Buganda Kingdom is calling on parents, educators, media outlets, and regulatory bodies to become actively involved in creating safer digital spaces for children.
“Let us not sit back. Let us monitor what our children are watching and guide them to use the internet responsibly,” Hon. Sserwanga urged.
“We commend High Sound for Children for championing this vital cause.”
Parents and Guardians are encouraged to register their children for the two-day media camp in Kisasi, where future digital citizens will gain critical tools for navigating the online world safely and wisely.
