By Ben Musanje
It was a powerful and emotional evening in Ntinda as Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), hosted a high-profile Iftar dinner at his residence. The gathering brought together Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, the Titular Head of Uganda’s Muslim Community, Supreme Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Shaban Galabuzi, Permanent Secretary Ministry of ICT and National Guidance Dr Amina Zawedde, Sheikhs, members of the UCC Muslim community, and other distinguished guests for an evening of prayer, unity, and reflection.
But behind the shared meal and warm atmosphere came a shocking warning about the future of Uganda’s children. Thembo raised deep concern over the fast-growing use of social media among young people, describing it as a serious threat to the next generation. He revealed that parenting has changed drastically, with children now more interested in mobile phones and internet data than traditional toys. Instead of asking for dolls, balls, or cakes as children once did, many now ask for data bundles to scroll through social media platforms like TikTok, where both good and harmful content exist.
He warned that most children lack the ability to filter what is right from what is wrong online, exposing them to dangerous influences at a very young age. In the past, children were guided closely by parents, schools, and their communities. Today, however, they are interacting with millions of strangers on the internet.
With over six billion people connected worldwide, the online space has become a vast and uncontrolled environment that children are navigating without enough protection. He described modern children as digital citizens growing up in a borderless world where harmful content spreads easily.
Thembo revealed that UCC is now planning to introduce systems aimed at restricting children from accessing certain harmful material on social media. He emphasized that protecting young people online will require strong support from the public to secure the country’s future generation.
The evening was not only about warnings and policy plans. Thembo also introduced his family, led by his wife Angela Naggayi, and recognized his staff at UCC. In a touching pledge, he reaffirmed his commitment to take all 15 Muslim staff members at the Commission to Mecca for Hajj before his contract ends in three years. He has already sponsored two staff members and plans to send two more female Muslim staff this year.
The night ended with a strong message that faith, leadership, and responsibility must go hand in hand as Uganda faces the growing digital storm. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
