Category Archives: digital democracy project

Think Before You Share: How Youth Can Stop Misinformation Online

Think Before You Share: How Youth Can Stop Misinformation Online

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 […]

The Digital Battlefield: Ending Gender-Based Violence in the 16 Days of Activism

The Digital Battlefield: Ending Gender-Based Violence in the 16 Days of Activism

As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the 2025 theme … UNITE to End Violence Against All Women and Girls, rings with urgency and clarity. At BARO, we embrace this call with a deliberate focus on ending violence against women and girls in digital spaces. Because digital violence is not abstract. It is real, relentless, and deeply harmful. It affects one in three women globally, and its impact reverberates through every corner of society. Picture this: a young girl in Uganda receives threatening messages after refusing to share intimate photos. A woman’s private images are leaked without consent, her reputation shredded overnight. A student is […]

Digital Safety and Online Scams: Protecting Vulnerable Communities

Digital Safety and Online Scams: Protecting Vulnerable Communities

Introduction Across Uganda, mobile phones and social media have opened doors to new opportunities. Farmers can check market prices, students can access online learning, and families can stay connected across districts. Yet, these same digital platforms have also created fertile ground for online scams. Rural communities and people with limited literacy are particularly vulnerable, often falling prey to fraudsters who exploit trust and lack of awareness. Protecting these groups requires not only warnings but also practical digital literacy and relatable examples that resonate with everyday life. The Reality of Online Scams in Uganda Scams in Uganda often arrive in the form of text messages or phone calls. A common trick […]

Peaceful Voices, Powerful Change

Peaceful Voices, Powerful Change

Today, September 21st, the world pauses to mark the International Day of Peace … a day not just for reflection, but for resolve. The United Nations’ theme this year, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” is a rallying cry for communities across the globe to move beyond platitudes and into purposeful action. In Uganda, where the countdown to the 2026 national elections has begun, this call could not be more timely, or more urgent. Peace is not a distant dream reserved for diplomats and declarations. It is a daily decision, shaped by how we speak, how we lead, and how we engage, especially in the digital spaces that now define […]

How to Identify and Avoid Online Scams: A Guide for Safer Digital Engagement

How to Identify and Avoid Online Scams: A Guide for Safer Digital Engagement

In today’s increasingly digital world, online scams have become more sophisticated, targeting individuals across all demographics, especially those with limited digital literacy. From phishing emails to fake job offers and fraudulent websites, these scams exploit trust, urgency, and lack of awareness. For communities in Uganda and across Africa, where mobile internet access is growing rapidly, understanding how to identify and avoid online scams is essential for digital resilience and safety. Online scams often begin with messages that seem legitimate. These may come via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or social media platforms. A common tactic is to impersonate trusted institutions such as banks, NGOs, or government agencies. For example, a scammer might […]

Empowering Girls in ICT: A Step towards Inclusive Digital Transformation

Empowering Girls in ICT: A Step towards Inclusive Digital Transformation

As we celebrate International Girls in ICT Day 2025, today, Thursday, 24th April 2025, we are reminded that “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” (Eleanor Roosevelt). In today’s digital age, technology plays a vital role in shaping the future of various careers. However, the ICT sector still faces a significant gender gap, with girls and women underrepresented. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM education and careers in ICT can help bridge this divide and foster inclusive digital transformation. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” emphasizes the importance of bridging the digital divide and promoting equal access to […]

Empowering Uganda’s Youth: Advancing Child Online Safety

Empowering Uganda’s Youth: Advancing Child Online Safety

The internet is like a vast library, but without the right guidance, it’s easy to get lost in the pages. As we navigate the digital age, it’s crucial to equip our children with the knowledge and skills to stay safe online. To address this need, BARO (Bridge Africa Research Organisation) and ISOC (Internet Society, Uganda Chapter) are jointly organizing a one-day digital camp, “Advancing Child Online Safety in Uganda,” scheduled for April 24th, 2025, at Fort Portal SSS. A Safe Online Environment for All “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” (Eleanor Roosevelt) Our children are the future, and it’s our responsibility to ensure […]

Empowering Women: A Misconception Debunked

Empowering Women: A Misconception Debunked

The notion that upraising women means undermining men is a pervasive misconception that has persisted for far too long. This misguided thinking has led to a misguided narrative, where the advancement of women is seen as a threat to the status quo, rather than a necessary step towards a more equitable society. As the African proverb goes, “When you empower a woman, you empower a nation.” This wisdom highlights the transformative impact that women’s empowerment can have on communities and societies. The Zero-Sum Game Fallacy At the heart of this misconception lies the zero-sum game fallacy. This flawed logic assumes that the empowerment of women must necessarily come at the […]

Empowering Women in the Digital Age

Empowering Women in the Digital Age

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize the significant strides women have made in various fields, from science and technology to arts and entrepreneurship. However, despite these advancements, women continue to face unique challenges, particularly in the digital realm. The internet has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact. It has opened up new opportunities for women to connect, learn, and thrive. However, it has also created new barriers and risks, including online harassment, cyberbullying, and digital exclusion. According to a recent report, women are more likely to experience online harassment than men, with 53% of women reporting online abuse. This can have serious consequences, including anxiety, depression, […]

Promoting Online Safety and Empowerment for Women: A Collective Responsibility

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we are reminded of the significance of promoting online safety and empowerment for women. The internet has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact, but it also poses unique challenges, particularly for women. Online harassment, cyberbullying, and digital exclusion are just a few of the obstacles that women face in the digital realm. According to recent statistics, women are more likely to experience online abuse than men, with devastating consequences for their mental health, well-being, and economic empowerment. However, we believe that together, we can create a safer internet for all. By promoting online safety and empowerment for women, we can unlock their […]