Despite the various benefits of social media, these online platforms have also been a source of violence and abuse targeting girls and women, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Judith Nabakooba said over the weekend.
Speaking to the media as Uganda joined the rest of world to Mark the International Day of the girl child, Nabakooba said every day, so many girls on social media are targeted through different forms of abuse.
“Some of the attacks target girls’ innocence by luring them into online sex trade that is now rampant. Others simply target girls by mocking the way they look or dress,” she said.
Nabakooba said such attacks are meant to attack the girl’s confidence making her feel inferior and worthless in the community.
“As government we condemn this kind of online abuse and call upon all those involved to stop it. I want to encourage all those girls and women who have been victims of social media abuse to stand up and take action,” Nabakooba noted.
She advised girls to block, ignore or even unfriend the online bullies and if the situation gets out of hand, they are free to report the matter to the nearest police station.
At a time when online spaces have become a necessity, Nabakooba said all Ugandans have an obligation to keep girls safe and protected all the time when online.
Nabakooba also said a lot of opportunities continue to open up every day in several sectors such as agriculture, ICT, Production, Service provision and others.
“The president made a special appeal to the youth to work hard and ensure that they improve their welfare.
“I want to use to inform all Ugandans that all wealth creation opportunities are available for all Ugandans regardless of your political or any other inclination,” she said.
Among these opportunities are the Emyooga, Wealth Creation funds among others.
“Last week, cabinet approved the administration of these funds to be taken closer to the people. Previously Emyooga funds have been managed at district level. Going forward, they will now be managed at parish and constituency level,” she said.
She said each constituency has up to Shs560million to give out for development purposes.
“I therefore call upon everyone to reach out to your parish chief or community development officer for information on how you can access these funds. Let us get organized in our SACCOs and ensure that no one is left behind in government’s wealth creation efforts,” said Nabakooba.