Kampala, Uganda – The air at Mestil Hotel buzzed with urgency and purpose as Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa stepped up to the podium today to officially launch the Uganda Parliamentary Internet Governance Forum (IGF), a timely initiative tackling the pressing realities of digital life in Uganda.
In a country where internet penetration sits at a mere 28%, Tayebwa didn’t mince words when he said,
“We must never forget we control the internet, it should not control us.”
At a time when digital technology governs everything from parenting to politics Deputy Speaker’s address wasn’t just ceremonial, it was a call for responsible digital governance.
With the rise of cyberbullying, digital fraud, disinformation and mental health issues, Tayebwa challenged lawmakers to recognize the internet’s double-edged nature.
“The digital space influences everything around us. We need regulatory frameworks that don’t just react to problems but proactively build a safer, healthier internet culture for our children and communities,” he emphasized.
While tech-savvy elites tweet their way through political debates and stream high-definition videos from plush offices, millions of Ugandans remain digitally invisible. The Deputy Speaker pointed out a disturbing fact that only 28% of Ugandans are online.
In rural areas, access remains dismal and even in urban centers data prices continue to bite hard.
“If the internet is a basic need in today’s world, why are so many of our people priced out of it?” Tayebwa posed earning nods from the audience of MPs, ICT stakeholders and civil society leaders.
Tayebwa didn’t stop at Uganda’s borders. He boldly called for regional cooperation across Africa to tackle shared digital challenges from tax evasion by Big Tech companies to cross-border cybercrime.
“Tech giants must contribute to our economies just like any other industry. They must comply with our laws. Period,” Tayebwa declared.
He applauded ongoing continental efforts to harmonize tech regulations and stressed that data sovereignty, digital taxation and content moderation should reflect African values and realities.
A key driver of the Uganda IGF, Hon. Sarah Opendi was saluted for her foresight in rallying Parliament to confront Uganda’s digital dilemma head-on. Together with support from the Minister of ICT, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the forum promises to become a recurring national platform for shaping internet policy, cyber legislation and digital inclusion efforts.
“We’re not just reacting to global trends, we’re shaping them from the floor of our Parliament,” Opendi noted.
In the wake of rising online extremism, rampant digital misinformation and unregulated data surveillance, the Parliamentary Internet Governance Forum couldn’t have come at a better time. Uganda stands at a crossroads where it must decide whether to be a spectator in the global tech revolution or a powerful and proactive player.
The launch of the Uganda IGF is not just another government event. It’s a battle cry for digital equity a reminder that the internet while empowering, can also be exploitative if left unregulated. With leaders like Thomas Tayebwa, Sarah Opendi, and Chris Baryomunsi steering the ship, Uganda might just chart a course toward a digital future that is inclusive, affordable and secure for every citizen from the techie in Kampala to the farmer in Karamoja.
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