In Uganda’s fast-growing digital world, information travels faster than ever. A single post, screenshot, or forwarded message can reach hundreds … sometimes thousands … within minutes. But not everything we see online is true. And when false information spreads, it can cause real harm: confusion, fear, conflict, and even danger.
That’s why the SMS tip—“Think before you share online. Verify sources to avoid spreading misinformation” … is more than advice. It’s a skill every young person needs.
So, what does it mean to verify a source?
It means checking where the information came from before you pass it on. For example, if you see a post claiming that a school is closing or a politician has been arrested, don’t just forward it. Ask yourself:
- Who wrote this?
- Is it from a trusted news outlet like New Vision, NTV Uganda or Daily Monitor?
- Can I find the same story on other reliable websites?
- Is the date recent, or is it an old post being recycled?
If the post comes from an anonymous account, a blog with no author, or a headline that sounds too dramatic to be true … pause. It might be fake or misleading.
UNICEF suggests a simple method: Stop. Verify. Correct.
- Stop before reacting emotionally.
- Verify by checking multiple sources.
- Correct by sharing the truth or reporting false claims.
Let’s take a real example. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a message circulated on WhatsApp saying that drinking hot water every hour could cure the virus. Many people believed it … but it wasn’t true. Another is that drinking mirinda fruity prevents your HIV status from reading “positive” when you go for a test. Health experts have never made these claims!! Sharing it gives people false hope and distracts them from real safety measures.
Misinformation isn’t just about health. It can affect elections, fuel tribalism, or damage someone’s reputation. That’s why projects like the Digital Democracy Project are helping students across Uganda learn how to spot fake news, question sources, and become responsible digital citizens.
Here are five quick ways to verify before you share:
- Search for the same story on trusted news sites.
- Check the date … old news can be misleading.
- Look for quotes or data from official sources.
- Use fact-checking platforms like Africa Check or PesaCheck.
- Ask yourself: Does this post help people, or does it stir anger and fear?
As the Jed Foundation says, “Being able to identify trusted sources can help you cope with information overload and feel more confident online.”
So next time you’re about to share something, take a moment. Think. Verify. Because peace and truth online begin with you. Your choices can protect your friends, your community, and your country.
