As a way to be responsive to the ever-changing technological, innovational and harmfull content terrain, we have since our founding in 2023 invested ourselves into carving out a sustained voice on a cross range of issues under the wider scope of online safety rights and responsibilities for children, youths, educators and parent . OSFU has further grounded itself as a key field leader in advocating on the right to online Safety and online harm free content in Uganda, Africa and internationally, using its well-researched evidence-based on pertinent online safety issues.
Program Goal:
The overarching goal of the Campaigns, Partnerships, Collaboration & Networks Program is to facilitate the enhancement of policies, laws, social norms, and practices to effectively realize online safety rights and responsibilities. OSFU aims to create an enabling environment that ensures online safety for children, youths, educators, and parents within Uganda, the region, and globally.
We need a multi-prong approach to improve child online safety with the cooperation of all stakeholders. More support, investment, engagement and technical expertise from the private sector is also required.
We have an opportunity and an obligation to save millions of children from unnecessary suffering. Failing to do so will render our societies incapable of deriving the maximum benefit from the digital transformation. A safer online environment will only exist if everyone plays their role.
Program Objective
The primary objective is to position online safety rights and responsibilities as a fundamental strategy for sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels. OSFU endeavors to consolidate its position as a frontrunner in advocating for online safety rights and advocating against harmful content, utilizing evidence-based approaches to address pertinent online safety issues.
Approach
- Advocacy and Policy Analysis:
- Conducting in-depth analyses of existing laws and policies to identify gaps and shortcomings related to online safety rights and responsibilities.
- Designing targeted advocacy actions to address identified gaps, aiming for effective responses and remedies. This involves engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and relevant institutions to influence policy changes that prioritize online safety.
- Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration:
- Building and strengthening strategic partnerships with key government ministries and agencies, including but not limited to Parliament, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), NITA U, Uganda Police Force (UPF), universities, and other relevant institutions.
- Fostering alliances with national networks, alliances, NGOs, and child protection agencies to collectively advocate for the realization, respect, and protection of online safety rights and responsibilities.
Strategic Engagement Focus:
- Policy Advocacy and Reform: OSFU aims to drive policy changes and reforms by engaging with governmental bodies and advocating for comprehensive legislative measures that prioritize online safety rights and responsibilities.
- Community Mobilization: Engaging local communities to advocate for shifts in social norms and practices conducive to a safer online environment. This involves raising awareness, promoting responsible online behavior, and fostering a culture of digital citizenship.
- Networking and Collaborative Initiatives: Establishing and nurturing collaborative initiatives, alliances, and networks to amplify the advocacy efforts, sharing best practices, and collectively addressing online safety challenges.
