The Buganda Kingdom has thrown its weight behind efforts to protect children from the risks of unregulated internet use, formally partnering with High Sound for Children (HSC), a non-profit dedicated to child online safety and media empowerment.
The partnership was sealed during a courtesy visit by the HSC leadership to Bulange, Mengo, where they introduced their flagship initiative, the “Ekitimba Unpacked” Media Holiday Camp.
Set for August 29–30 at Mama FM in Kisasi, the camp is expected to attract more than 150 children for interactive sessions on mental health, online safety, and responsible internet use. 
This year’s theme is “Creating a Clean Digital Footprint for Children.” Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Katikkiro, Buganda’s Minister for Youth, Robert Sserwanga, confirmed the Kingdom’s backing and outlined how the programs will be rolled out.
“I receive you on behalf of the Katikkiro, who sends his regards and appreciation. Buganda will collaborate with High Sound for Children through several youth engagement platforms, including Nkobazambogo for university students, Akaliba Akendo for secondary schools, and Emiti Emito for primary pupils,” he said.
Sserwanga stressed the urgency of tackling modern challenges posed by excessive gadget use among children.
“Children are isolating themselves, mimicking cartoon characters, and showing signs of delayed speech development. It’s time we took their digital welfare seriously.” 
The HSC delegation was led by John Walugembe Kakungulu, patron of the organization and Executive Director of the Federation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Uganda. He raised alarm over the growing exposure of children to harmful online content.
“We see children with unlimited access to gadgets and social media platforms, often consuming content that is beyond their comprehension or inappropriate for their age. This trend threatens their mental well-being and cognitive development.”
According to Hadija Mwanje, founder and Executive Director of HSC, the holiday camp is part of a broader movement.
“Ekitimba Unpacked isn’t just a holiday camp; it’s a national call to action. In five years, we have reached over 500 children across three Buganda districts. This year, we are scaling up our efforts.”
HSC is already partnering with Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS)—which runs more than 200 schools nationwide—to extend its reach to both rural and urban communities. 
The initiative has also secured the involvement of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and the U.S. Mission in Uganda, which will sensitize participants on how online activity today can affect future opportunities. 
“Our children’s online actions today can shape their opportunities tomorrow and we must prioritize their digital safety the way we do their physical safety,” Ms. Mwanje emphasized.
HSC’s interventions go further than the digital realm. Through its Gold Star Program, the organization supports young mothers and school dropouts—many of them victims of the COVID-19 pandemic—by offering mentorship, education, and reintegration support.
The upcoming holiday camp will also serve as the 3rd Annual Online Safety for Children event, bringing together parents, teachers, regulators, and the media.
Hon. Sserwanga urged families to take an active role:
“Let us not sit back. Let us monitor what our children are watching and guide them to use the internet responsibly. We commend High Sound for Children for championing this vital cause.”
Registration for the two-day camp is open, with organizers urging parents and guardians to equip their children with tools for safe and responsible digital citizenship.
