The Online Safety Foundation Uganda (OSFU) was born from a deep concern shared by a group of passionate professionals—parents, educators, psychologists, advocates, and experts in cybercrime and child protection. Each of us came together with one goal: to make the online world safer for children and young people. As parents ourselves, we have witnessed both the incredible opportunities and the dangers that technology presents to the next generation.
The Impact of Real Lives
Stories like those of Carl Burke https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/1.7181427 and Breck Bednar https://www.breckfoundation.org/ourstory are painful reminders of the urgent need for change. Carl Burke’s son tragically died by suicide after being a victim of sextortion, an online crime where children are coerced into harmful situations through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Despite some efforts by social media companies to prevent such incidents, it’s clear there’s much more to be done to protect vulnerable teenagers .
Similarly, Breck Bednar’s story is heartbreaking. A 14-year-old boy, Breck was groomed online by a manipulative individual who gained his trust through lies and false promises. Despite his parents’ attempts to intervene, Breck was tragically lured into a deadly encounter. His story reminds us all that the threat is real and can have devastating consequences.
These stories, and many others, push us at OSFU out of our comfort zones. They fuel our mission to ensure that no family endures such suffering, and that every child can grow up in a world where technology is a tool for learning and connection, not for harm.
Our Vision: Safe and Empowered Children
In today’s world, technology touches every aspect of life. We know it has the power to inspire, educate, and open doors for young minds. However, with this potential comes the dark side—unseen risks that have grown exponentially with the rise of the internet, social media, and digital devices.
At OSFU, we are committed to ensuring that children are not only protected but also empowered. We focus on educating young people, parents, and caregivers on how to navigate the digital landscape safely. We recognize our shared responsibility as a community to protect future generations from online threats while equipping them with the skills they need to thrive in this digital age.
Our Mission
We don’t just react to risks—we work to prevent them before they ever reach our children. Through digital literacy, comprehensive safety education, and policy advocacy, OSFU is dedicated to building a culture of resilience and awareness. By teaching children and their families how to recognize dangers and protect themselves, we are creating a safer digital environment for all.
We believe in fostering a balance where children can enjoy the benefits of technology while being shielded from its harms. Together, we can create a future where technology enriches lives without putting our most vulnerable at risk.
Our Programs
OSFU offers a wide array of programs focused on empowering and educating communities across Uganda:
- Talks: Delivered in schools, to parents, caregivers, and businesses, these interactive sessions teach practical online safety skills. We offer both in-person and virtual workshops that cater to all audiences.
- eLearning: With potential donor support, we aim to develop self-paced, interactive online courses covering all the major areas of online safety, accessible to anyone seeking to protect their loved ones.
- Research: As part of our mission, we conduct our own research and collaborate with leading organizations to stay ahead of the evolving challenges in child online safety.
- Advocacy: OSFU partners with local and international bodies to push for stronger online safety policies and legislation. We are committed to influencing change where it matters most.
- Technological Solutions: Every challenge deserves a solution. That’s why we’re working with reputable partners with cutting-edge proven technology powered by AI as easy-to-use, scalable tools designed to moderate content, protect children and young people from online risks and harm.
