For many female journalists in Uganda, the digital space has become both a powerful tool for storytelling and a source of intimidation.
Online harassment, cyberbullying, and digital threats continue to affect women in the media, often undermining their confidence, safety, and freedom of expression.
To address these challenges, the Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), in partnership with the Finnish Foundation for Media Development (VIKES), organized a two-day digital safety training for female journalists from Northern and Eastern Uganda.
The training was held at Mountain Inn Hotel in Mbale City and focused on equipping participants with practical skills to protect themselves online.
For Fibie Masongole, a journalist with the Daily Monitor, the training came at the right time. She recalled facing various forms of online harassment, particularly during election periods when journalists often become targets of abuse and misinformation.
“I have experienced several online challenges, especially during elections. This training has given me practical knowledge on how to stay safe online and use digital platforms responsibly,” she said.
Patricia Alany Sedu, a radio presenter at Voice of Lango, noted that cyber harassment remains a common experience for many women working in media.
“As a social media handler, I am optimistic that a lot will change in my digital space,” she said, expressing appreciation to UMWA for creating a platform where female journalists can learn and share experiences.
The training also highlighted the importance of protecting personal and professional data. Desire Alimocan of Radio Pacis said she gained valuable skills in digital security, including creating strong passwords and adopting safe computer practices.
“I now understand how to secure my data from threats and attacks. Simple practices like using stronger passwords and logging out after using a computer can make a big difference,” she explained.
