Posts

Project Concept: Mapping Conflict Hotspots in Uganda through Community-Driven PeaceTech

Uganda is home to one of the largest refugee populations in Africa and faces recurring tensions related to political unrest, land disputes, and ethnic divides. Yet, there is a critical gap in timely, localized conflict data that can inform early interventions. Our project bridges this gap by combining grassroots intelligence with digital innovation to map potential conflict hotspots in real time. We work with a trusted network of trained community reporters, including youth and refugees, who monitor and submit verified reports on incidents and tensions from vulnerable locations such as refugee settlements, host communities, and election zones. These reports are visualized on an interactive conflict map of Uganda, enabling humanitarian agencies, peacebuilders, and local governments to respond quickly and strategically. Our approach democratizes data collection, empowers marginalized communities, and strengthens local capacity for conflict prevention. The platform is user-friendly, m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Strengthening Democracy and Good Governance Through Digital Technologies

In today’s fast-changing world, the health of a democracy and the strength of governance are increasingly influenced by how effectively digital technologies are used. From social media platforms to open data systems and civic tech tools, digital innovations are reshaping how leaders are held accountable, how services are delivered, and how citizens engage with their governments. Below, we explore the core pillars of good governance and democracy , and how digital technologies can be powerful enablers for each.   1. Rule of Law Definition- Everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. Digital Advantage Ø   Online legal databases and e-justice platforms make laws and legal processes accessible to all. Ø   Digital court systems speed up case handling and reduce corruption. Ø   Blockchain technologies help in tracking legal records securely and transparently.   2. Accountability Definition- Public officials must explain...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Silent Survivors: Why Child Sexual Abuse Online Is a Feminist Issue

Image
Why Child Sexual Abuse Online Is a Feminist Issue In today’s digital age, harm doesn’t always begin in dark alleys or locked rooms, it often starts with a message, a friend request, or an innocent-looking link. Behind the glow of a phone screen, countless girls and young women are being targeted, exploited, and silenced through child sexual abuse online. And yet, these survivors remain largely invisible in conversations about tech policy, law enforcement, and digital innovation. At Shetechtive, we believe it’s time to say it plainly: Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) online is not just a crime, it is a feminist issue.   ✊🏾 Gendered Harms in Digital Spaces CSAM disproportionately affects girls. According to global statistics, over 90% of known CSAM victims are female. This isn’t accidental, it reflects broader gendered patterns of power, control, and sexualized violence that extend from offline patriarchy into online platforms. Girls, especially those from marginalized ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Swipe Safe: 5 Digital Rights Every Child Deserves in the Online World

Image
  In today’s world, childhood and technology are inseparable. From playing games and watching videos to learning and socializing online, children are navigating digital spaces more than ever before. But while the internet offers countless opportunities, it also poses risks, making it crucial to understand and protect children’s digital rights . Did you know that children have rights in the digital world just like they do offline? In 2021, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment No. 25 , which clarified how children’s rights apply in the digital environment. Let’s explore the 5 key rights every child should enjoy online :   🧒 1. Right to Access Information Every child has the right to freely access age-appropriate and diverse online content, whether it’s educational resources, games, or entertainment. Access should not be limited by geography, gender, or socio-economic background. Why it matters: This right ensures digital in...
Post a Comment
Read more

Reclaiming the Digital Civic Space: Why Uganda’s Future Belongs to Young Women in Tech

Image
By Rebecca Nanono | June 2025 “Our voices are not just hashtags, they are blueprints for building inclusive democracies.” 🌍 Uganda’s Civic Tech Ecosystem: A Quiet Revolution Across Uganda, a silent but powerful movement is taking root. Young people, especially young women, are building platforms, bots, podcasts, and networks that are transforming civic engagement. But it’s not just about technology. It’s about power. It’s about access. And it’s about reimagining democracy beyond elections, into our everyday lived experiences, online and offline. Civic tech in Uganda is no longer a niche. It is our generation’s answer to a broken system. And at its heart are youth, media, and women’s voices , driving change in digital spaces that were never built with them in mind.   👩🏽‍ 💻 The Rise of Digital Heroines From chatbots delivering SRHR information to girls in slums, to TikTok series unpacking constitutional rights in Luganda, Ugandan women are not just joining the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Protecting Refugee Data in Uganda’s Humanitarian Response: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Image
Protecting Refugee Data in Uganda’s Humanitarian Response: Why It Matters More Than Ever By Rebecca Nanono Uganda stands out globally as one of the most generous refugee-hosting nations. With over 1.5 million refugees, mostly from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, Uganda's open-door policy is often praised as progressive and inclusive. Yet, as digital systems increasingly underpin humanitarian operations, from biometric registration to digital cash transfers, new risks to refugee privacy and protection are emerging. One of the most pressing yet overlooked challenges is the protection of refugee data. Why Refugee Data Protection Matters Refugee data, such as biometric information, personal histories, health records, and legal status, is sensitive and can expose individuals to serious risks if mishandled. In contexts where people have fled persecution, conflict, or political oppression, even a small data leak can lead to severe consequences, includin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Digital Authoritarianism: How Technology Strengthens and Challenges Autocratic Rule

Image
In an era where digital technology is reshaping governance, its use is not always synonymous with democracy and freedom. While the internet, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data have empowered citizens, they have also been weaponized by authoritarian regimes to control populations, silence dissent, and manipulate information. This phenomenon, known as digital authoritarianism , refers to the use of technology by governments to reinforce their grip on power rather than to promote democratic values. Digital authoritarianism is a growing concern, as states deploy surveillance tools, internet censorship, and data-driven repression to maintain control. However, technology remains a double-edged sword ,while it enables autocratic rule, it also offers opportunities for resistance, transparency, and democratic resurgence. 1. Understanding Digital Authoritarianism At its core, digital authoritarianism involves the strategic use of digital tools by governments to monitor, restrict, a...
Post a Comment
Read more