On November 19, 2024, Uganda’s Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance (MoICT&NG) validated a draft data strategy, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. This process follows a 2022 review that identified critical weaknesses in Uganda’s data-sharing ecosystem, including limited data sharing, fragmentation, silos, lack of common standards, and low trust in the system.
The strategy is a cornerstone of the Uganda Digital Transformation Road Map, which drives the Digital Uganda Vision and the country’s broader Digital Revolution agenda. Its goal is to foster a data-driven environment that stimulates innovation, economic growth, and social development. The strategy focuses on three main pillars: data governance, data infrastructure, and strategic data utilisation for efficient and effective use of data.
A robust institutional framework is central to the strategy, comprising a National Data Steering Committee, a National Data Office, and links to data personnel within various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). Additionally, the strategy emphasises the importance of a comprehensive legal and policy framework aligned with national, regional, and international standards.
Uganda’s data protection framework is still in its early stages, with enabling legislation passed in 2019 and implementing regulations adopted in 2021. However, the framework has faced criticism for lacking clear oversight mechanisms and prioritising government access to individuals’ data—justified under national security and lawful purposes—over the protection of data and privacy rights.
The adoption of this data strategy has the potential to introduce stronger oversight and policy guidance, effective stakeholder engagement, and improved monitoring and evaluation in data management processes. This would pave the way for a robust, data-driven economy in Uganda.
Dr. Wairagala Wakabi, Executive Director of CIPESA stated, “Uganda’s Data Protection Strategy coincides with the recent African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Resolution on Promoting and Harnessing Data Access as a Tool for Advancing Human Rights and Sustainable Development in the Digital Age (ACHPR/Res.620 (LXXXI) 2024). If rightly applied and implemented within the existing data governance frameworks at the African Union level, its aims, goals, and objectives cannot be defeated.”
As Africa slowly moves towards a harmonised data regime, Uganda’s strategy represents a key step toward achieving the African Union’s goals. It has the potential to enhance governance, public service delivery, and economic growth while contributing to the continent’s broader socio-economic transformation within the digital economy.
The sixth edition of the Business and Human Rights Symposium in Uganda marked an essential step in Uganda’s journey to foster responsible and rights-respecting business conduct. Hosted on November 4-5, 2024, the symposium brought together over 200 participants from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society. It offered a platform to reflect on Uganda’s advancements in implementing its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and to consider newer frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
As part of the two-day proceedings, the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) hosted a panel discussion on the interplay between digital innovation and the protection of human rights, highlighting both successes and challenges in Uganda’s tech ecosystem. The panel discussed the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and how they align with the technology sector.
Highlighting Uganda’s growing technology sector, including increased mobile and internet penetration as well as digitalisation of private and public services, the session also spotlighted pressing concerns, such as internet disruptions, labour rights violations, gender discrimination, and data protection and privacy, which continue to challenge human rights protections in the country’s growing digital economy.
Joel Basoga, Head of Technology Practice at H&G Advocates, stated that it was “essential” for businesses in Uganda to embed respect for human rights as a core performance indicator guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. He added that for a tech-driven business landscape, legal frameworks surrounding digital rights need to be prioritised.
According to Patricia Ainembabazi, a Project Officer at CIPESA, there was limited understanding of business and human rights in the technology sector. Platforms such as the symposium were crucial in building a thematic understanding of digital rights.
In 2021, Uganda became the first African country to finalise a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The plan strengthens the government’s duty to protect human rights, enhances the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, and ensures access to remedies for victims of human rights violations and abuses resulting from non-compliance by business entities.
In October 2024, CIPESA joined the first meeting of the Multi-Sectoral Technical Committee on Business and Human Rights, which supports the Uganda labour ministry’s role of coordinating the National Action Plan and provides technical guidance on all business and human rights interventions. At that meeting, CIPESA made the case for mainstreaming digital rights in the implementation of the action plan and also urged stakeholders to leverage innovative technologies to improve the outcomes of the action plan.
Similar to other countries in Africa, Uganda’s plan does not provide for digital rights protection, yet digital technologies have become central not only to how many businesses operate, but also to how individuals learn, work, socialise, and participate in community affairs. This increased digitalisation has had an impact on the ability of businesses to respect their human rights obligations.
Objectives of Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights 1. To strengthen institutional capacity, operations and coordination efforts of state and non-state actors for the protection and promotion of human rights in businesses; 2. To promote human rights compliance and accountability by business actors; 3. To promote social inclusion and rights of the vulnerable and marginalised individuals and groups in business operations; 4. To promote meaningful and effective participation and respect for consent by relevant stakeholders in business operations; and 5. To enhance access to remedy to victims of business-related human rights abuses and violations in business operations.
Speakers urged for increased cross-sector collaboration among stakeholders to align national frameworks more closely with the UN Guiding Principles. Opportunities for intervention include a push for robust data protection and privacy protections by the private sector; affordability of the internet and related technologies to ensure access to digital spaces; and raising awareness on digital rights roles and responsibilities for consumers and business owners. The symposium called upon stakeholders such as telecommunication companies, Internet Service Providers (ISP), financial institutions, innovators, and online platform operators to harmonise business goals with digital rights principles.
As part of the implementation of the NAPBHR, CIPESA is part of the newly launched Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda project led by Enabel and Uganda’s Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development. The project is part of the European Union’s support towards the implementation of Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and focuses on three thematic areas: labour rights in the agricultural sector, natural resource governance and land, and digital rights and internet governance. The project will work with six civil society organisations to drive advocacy, dialogue, and actions that strengthen Uganda’s Business and Human Rights agenda. Additionally, 50 businesses will receive support to implement human rights due diligence aligned with national and international standards.
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is seeking a Programme Officer to Support the implementation of activities that advance respect for human rights by businesses in Uganda.
Job Title: Programme Officer
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Duration: Two (2) Years
Reports to: Programme Manager
Deadline: October 31, 2024
About CIPESA
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) works to defend and expand the digital civic space to enable the protection and promotion of human rights and to enhance innovation and sustainable development. With a focus on disparate actors, including the private sector, civil society, media, policymakers, and multinational institutions, our work aims to engender a free, open, and secure internet that advances rights, livelihoods, and democratic governance. CIPESA’s work responds to a shortage of information, research, resources, and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights, and society. Indeed, CIPESA’s establishment in 2004 was in response to the findings of the Louder Voices Report for DFiD, which cited the lack of easy, affordable, and timely access to information about ICT-related issues and processes as key barriers to effective and inclusive ICT policy-making in Africa.
Job Summary
The Programme Officer will be responsible for planning, implementing, and reporting all project activities related to business and digital rights. Their duties will include organising and participating in training and mentoring partners, supervising research activities, and engaging with and maintaining relationships with various project stakeholders.
Key areas of accountability include:
Partnership Building
Identify project partners and develop sustained relationships with various stakeholders in the human rights, digital civic space and the private sector.
Build relationships with government actors, particularly those who work on human rights, labour, and digital policy.
Support the capacity building of various stakeholders in advocacy for respect of digital rights by businesses.
Participate in events by organisational and project partners.
Policy Engagement
Lead in the convening of digital rights and business policy dialogues.
Coordinate CIPESA research in the area of business and digital rights.
Support policy engagements with District Local Governments, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Training and Mentorship
Participate in the development of digital rights advocacy toolkits for businesses.
Participate in training civil society organisations and SMEs in advocacy for digital rights protection in the business context.
Mentor civil society, small business enterprise owners, and associations in implementing digital rights awareness campaigns.
Support the development and dissemination of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.
Project Management and Reporting
Ensure that project outcomes are delivered on time, on budget and according to the quality of standards of CIPESA and funding partners.
Prepare project reports and briefs and ensure timely submission to the CIPESA Management and funding partners.
Monitor the progress of project milestones and activities against the scheduled work plans and objectives.
Support the wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements among partners and other stakeholders.
Qualification and Experience
An undergraduate degree in human rights, law, social or development studies, governance, or project planning and management. A Post-Graduate/ Masters qualification will be an advantage.
Four or more years of experience in human rights, governance or humanitarian programming with a reputable institution, preferably in the civil society/ non-government sector.
An understanding of digital rights and human rights in the business context.
Effective communication, excellent written and presentation skills, and attention to detail.
Demonstrable experience in project management and implementation.
Experience in effective teamwork, as well as interpersonal and liaison skills.
Experience in coalition building, advocacy and working with civil society actors to deliver effective policy change.
Training and mentoring experience, particularly for adults.
Donor funds management and reporting experience.
Ability to conduct research and write policy reports and briefs is desirable.
Standards of Professional Conduct:
CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct, and the Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these, CIPESA operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.
How to Apply:
Applications, including a cover letter outlining how you fit the job requirements, your areas of expertise, and salary expectations, a CV, samples of your work, and the names and contacts of two referees, should be submitted in one PDF file to [email protected] with Application for Programme Officer in the email subject line.
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) is seeking a Driver to support the implementation of organisational activities.
Job Title: Driver
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Duration: Three (3) Years with possibility of renewal
Reports to: Procurement and Logistics Officer Deadline: October 31, 2024
About CIPESA
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) works to defend and expand the digital civic space to enable the protection and promotion of human rights and to enhance innovation and sustainable development. With a focus on disparate actors, including the private sector, civil society, media, policymakers, and multinational institutions, our work aims to engender a free, open, and secure internet that advances rights, livelihoods, and democratic governance. CIPESA’s work responds to a shortage of information, research, resources, and actors consistently working at the nexus of technology, human rights, and society. Indeed, CIPESA’s establishment in 2004 was in response to the findings of the Louder Voices Report for DFiD, which cited the lack of easy, affordable, and timely access to information about ICT-related issues and processes as key barriers to effective and inclusive ICT policy-making in Africa.
Job Summary
The Driver will be responsible for driving company vehicles to support the implementation of organisational operations. The Driver will also be responsible for maintenance of the organisation’s fleet of vehicles per CIPESA’s Travel and Fleet Management Policy.
Key responsibilities:
Vehicle maintenance
Ensure that all organisation vehicles are in sound mechanical condition and are serviced promptly.
Ensure that all organisational cars are kept clean and well-maintained.
Report any mechanical faults or accidents to the Procurement Officer.
Regularly check that the First Aid kits are complete and that every vehicle has the required spare parts and tools.
Regularly check vehicles and submit a checklist report to the Procurement Officer.
Where possible, perform minor repairs as required but recommend significant cases to a garage/auto repair shop.
Record keeping
Maintain vehicle log sheets and ensure the accurate record of all vehicle trips, fuel fill-ups, time and mileage readings.
Ensure a timely and accurate fuel fill-up of vehicle log sheets.
Monitor and ensure that vehicle request forms are filled out and submitted to the Procurement Officer for travel allocation.
Ensure that all vehicle repair reports are forwarded to the Procurement Officer every time a repair is done.
Regularly check and ensure that vehicle comprehensive and third party insurance is valid before any trip and inform the Procurement Officer a month in advance for renewals.
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum of O’Level certificate or equivalent
Valid driver’s licence of class ‘B’ and/ ‘D’
A Defensive driver’s certificate
Demonstrable experience of at least five years of class B and/or D driving
Experience working with an NGO, with at least three years in the field.
Excellent understanding of vehicle mechanics, maintenance and management
Clean criminal record.
Good command of the English language.
Good interpersonal skills.
Standards of Professional Conduct:
CIPESA staff and partners must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the Code of Conduct and the Safeguarding against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (SEAH) Policy. In accordance with these, CIPESA enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, and several others.
How to apply Applications, including a cover letter and CV with the contacts of two referees, should be submitted in one PDF file to [email protected] with “Application for Driver” in the email subject line.
The Collaboration on International ICT Policy has launched the 11th edition of the State of Internet Freedom in Africa report. This year, the report examines the interplay between technology and elections in Africa during the so-called Year of Democracy, when at least 20 African countries were scheduled to go to the polls.
While highlighting the growing influence of technology in elections, the study documents that much of the deployment has been characterised by risks and pitfalls where the majority of authoritarian governments have selectively deployed technology to entrench their power.
The increase in Internet and mobile phone penetration rates in recent years and the adoption of technology in electoral processes such as the use of biometric voter registration and verification applications by different governments, raised a the promise of better electoral outcomes due to the anticipated increased transparency, efficiency and affordance that technology would lend to the electoral processes, especially in 2024. However, in reality, many countries have failed to fully realise these benefits.
The study, conducted across several countries in Africa included interviews with experts in digital rights, electoral democracy, and technology. It was complimented with g literature reviews, legal and policy analysis resulting in a broad perspective on the intersection of technology and elections in Africa. Key Findings from the report including the following:
Democratic Governance is Under Siege: There is a significant decline in the state of democratic governance in Africa, with growing authoritarianism, coups, hereditary presidencies, weakened oversight institutions, political instability, and restricted political competition. The persistent failure to address corruption, social divisions, and economic inequality continues to undermine electoral integrity and public trust. In these contexts, political elites manipulate elections and exploit historical tensions and unresolved economic grievances to maintain power, thus eroding public trust in the democratic foundations necessary for fair and fair elections.
Intensification of Digital Authoritarianism: Digital authoritarianism is a growing concern in Africa as governments continue to deploy a combination of tools and tactics of repression, such as internet shutdowns, censorship of news outlets, targeted surveillance, and regressive laws to limit civic participation and suppress dissent. These practices have a significant social and economicimpacts resulting in an environment where technology and democratic processes can be exploited to undermine democracy rather than strengthen it.
The Persistent Digital Divide is Deepening Political Inequalities and Exclusion: Africa’s digital divide remains a significant barrier to inclusive political participation, with rural, underserved communities and marginalised groups disproportionately affected. High internet usage costs, expensive digital devices, inadequate digital infrastructure, and low digital literacy compound political inequalities, thus limiting citizens’ ability to engage in political discourse and access critical electoral information. In the year of elections, such a disconnect is profound.
The Rise of AI-Enabled Disinformation Narratives: The study underscores the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly AI-generated content, in shaping electoral outcomes. AI tools were used in countries such as Rwanda and South Africa Rwanda to create deep fakes and synthetic media, manipulating public perception. Social media platforms have been slow to address this issue, and where they have, the approaches have not been uniform across countries. Disinformation campaigns can make it difficult for voters to access credible information, stifle democratic participation online, and erode citizens’ trust in democratic processes.
Progress and Innovation in the Use of Technology during Elections: The study has established the progress in the adoption of technologies in Ghana, Namibia, and South Africa for voter registration, results tallying and transmission, voter education, and engagement. Despite challenges in deployment, these technologies have the potential to improve electoral transparency, efficiency, and accountability. Also notable were the various initiatives to combat disinformation, build solidarity for good governance, and increase access to election information.
The study concludes that the continent is at a crossroads as the use of technology in Africa’s 2024 elections presents both promises and pitfalls. On the one hand, technology has the potential to improve electoral transparency, promote citizen engagement, and ensure credible elections. On the other hand, the misuse of digital tools by authoritarian regimes, combined with the digital divide, the rise of disinformation, and declining constitutional governance risks undermining the democratic process. Governments, election management bodies, and civil society must work collaboratively to safeguard digital rights, promote digital inclusion, and build robust frameworks for the ethical use of technology in elections.
Secondly, while technology played a central role in the 2024 elections in several countries, one of the highlights has been the use of AI in ways that illuminate both its promises and dangers for electoral integrity and democracy. Clearly, few African countries have adopted the use of AI in elections, and this holds true for various election stakeholders, such as election observers, political parties, candidates, and Election Management Bodies (EMBs). Nonetheless, in the few countries studied where AI was adopted, some positive results could be discerned. Still, even in those countries where elements of AI were adopted, they were small-scale and did not fully exploit the promise that AI holds for enhancing the efficiency and transparency of elections.
Five Key Recommendations Emerged from the Report:
Strengthen protection for digital rights: Countries should adopt progressive legal and policy frameworks that safeguard digital rights, protect privacy, entrench transparency and accountability in the technology sector, and govern the use of technologies, including artificial intelligence, in elections.
Demand accountability: Civil society organisations, the tech community, media, and academia should leverage their watchdog role to document digital rights abuses, educate and raise awareness on the importance of internet freedoms, data privacy, AI governance, and their role in elections, in order to enable them to demand accountability from platforms and governments.
Address the digital divide: The study proposes wide investments to expand internet access, especially in marginalised and underserved areas, together with measures to reduce the cost of access, the promotion of digital literacy, and building resilient digital infrastructure.
Combat disinformation: Joint efforts bringing together social media platforms, election bodies, fact-checkers, civil society, academia, and media should be encouraged in efforts to combat disinformation.
Innovate election tech: Election management bodies should adopt transparent processes in the design, development, and deployment of election technologies, including disclosing independent audit and impact assessment reports, facilitating election observation, and independent monitoring of election technologies to promote and maintain public trust.
