Rampant digital violence against People with Disabilities (PWDs) is exposing victims to widespread harm, activists have warned, calling for urgent reforms to make online spaces safer and more inclusive.
Speaking at the 5th Integrated Disabled Women Activities (IDIWA) Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Disability Symposium in Iganga on Friday, Ms Shamim Wokobera, Chairperson of Girls and Young Women with Disabilities in Iganga, emphasised the need to protect PWDs’ rights online.
“Digital spaces should not become a place where their development is treated as a game. We must empower them to speak out and ensure their cases are heard,” Ms Wokobera, a little person, said.
Ms Sylvia Nangobi, who has a hearing impairment, shared her experience of digital violence, saying some people intentionally call her knowing she cannot hear them.
“This is a form of digital violence,” she said, adding that such actions “violate my rights as a person with a disability.”
Ms Anna Aparo, the Chairperson of IDIWA, highlighted the need for accessibility and inclusive digital design, including accessible websites and apps with features such as text-to-speech, adjustable font sizes, and high-contrast modes.
“Assistive technologies such as screen readers, braille displays, and wheelchairs must be provided, and content should include audio descriptions, closed captions, and sign language interpretation,” she added.
Mr. Wasswa Henry, Coordinator of the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action Programme, emphasized the importance of involving PWDs in digital programs from the design stage.
“The nature of their physical appearance or disability sometimes prevents them from adopting technology, leaving them behind as the world goes digital,” Mr Wasswa said.
Ms Brenda Namata, who coordinates Gender Development Programmes at Pollicy Uganda, warned that cases of digital exploitation against PWDs are escalating.
“Some people impersonate PWDs online to make money or use them for personal gain, and this creates mistrust that harms genuine PWDs who truly need help,” she said.
Ms. Esther Adikini, a Grade One Magistrate at Luwero Court, noted that although laws exist to protect digital users, enforcement remains weak.
“Photos of PWDs can be misused on platforms like TikTok without their consent, and culprits are rarely prosecuted. Many victims do not know where to report,” she said.
The symposium highlighted key legislation such as the Computer Misuse Act (2011) and its 2022 amendments, and presented data showing significant levels of digital abuse, though many cases remain unreported.
To address this issue, IDIWA has trained PWDs on digital literacy, online safety, and cybersecurity, and established mentorship programs to guide PWDs on safe online practices.
Mr Abdallah Mujoma, the Legal Officer at IDIWA, emphasised the need for inclusive policies that address digital violence with clear consequences for perpetrators.
“We have appealed to the government and Members of Parliament to revise these laws to better protect women and girls with disabilities,” he added.