With the rise in technology globally, Ugandans too have been rapidly growing their digital footprints. The country continues to experience growth in internet subscription, for example in 2016 the number of internet subscribers and users grew respectively by 30.2% and 19.6% resulting in a 42.5% internet penetration as of June 2016.  This has been largely attributed to proliferation of cheap smart phones and steady reduction in data costs.  In 2016 the average cost for the daily 10MB mobile internet bundle was at 300 Uganda Shillings (UGX) while in 2017 it went down further to UGX 250. Whereas monthly 1GB bundle currently costs between UGX 30,000- 35,000 depending on the provider compared to UGX 40,000 in 2016.

Pollicy and the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) have come together to create work on the web, about the web, for citizens to better understand important issues around online safety, privacy and participation, in an increasingly monitored and monetized world. The project will also explore themes around digital rights as it relates to freedom of expression and democratic participation in online spaces. 

Internet freedom can be a daunting topic from an outsider’s perspective given the breadth of the topic and the technicalities involved. We are seeking to break down these bigger ideas into simple bite-sized information for general consumption.

There is a vital role for art to play in advocating for internet rights and awareness by ensuring that citizens are informed and empowered when it comes to their digital lives.