Unwanted Witness in collaboration with the Digital Human Rights Lab and Eight tech consults as the lead researcher conducted a cross-sectional research on the current state and development of digital human rights and internet governance in Uganda.
We employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection to ensure quality in the process. The research was carried out in six regions of Uganda i.e. Eastern, Albertein, WestNile, Central, Greater Masaka, Rwenzori and the respondents were segmented as included sector opinion leaders, citizens, journalists, special interest groups, state actors and development partners.
The specific objectives include:
- To establish the current status of Internet governance and citizen enjoyment of digital human rights in Uganda
- To investigate factors hindering the enjoyment of digital rights and Internet Freedoms in Uganda.
- To make recommendations for policy formulation on internet governance and digital human rights guarantees.
We note that, the research attention is focused on citizen enjoyment of the following 7 human rights;
i). Right to Internet access and affordability to foster universal and equal access to the Internet, including fair and transparent market regulation, universal service requirements and licensing agreements.
ii). Right to access Information from both state and non-state actors to be made publicly available unless there are legitimate grounds for restriction.
iii). Right to Privacy and protection of Personal Data emphasizing a transparent privacy policy that allows people to know all what concerns their data.
iv). Rights of the Marginalized groups and Groups at Risk relationships all individuals have a right to have and use the Internet.
v). Right to Due process no one should be arbitrarily arrested, detained or punished for any legal claims or violations of the law regarding the Internet.
vi). Rights to democratic Multi-stakeholder Internet Governance involving the improvement in decisions and policy formulations at national level to ensure full participation of all interested parties.
vii). Right to Gender equality concerns of women and men online having access and use the digital space taking into consideration the underrepresentation, exclusion of women in relation to the Internet and digital technologies.