Tayebwa wants total ban on pornography in Uganda

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has asked the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to block all pornographic sites in the country saying pornography is killing the population.  

Tayebwa raised the concern during at high-level policymakers’ engagement on financing for young people at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel organised by the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Children in conjunction with the AfriChild Centre of Makerere University, and ChildFund Uganda.  

"What value does pornography add to Uganda for it to be held onto by the ministry of ICT? Block all pornographic sites in the country. What is pornography adding to the economy?” he asked.  

Tayebwa said the digital era has eased access to pornography for adolescents.   

“We need to look at the dangers of ICT exposure to children. Our children are exposed to cartoons of violence and this is killing the moral value in our children,” he said.  

Tayebwa urged the presidential advisor for youth and children, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, together with the ICT and national guidance ministry to look into the blocking of these sites if children are to be protected.  

Telecom companies and internet service providers in 2018 started blocking access to websites that were banned under the Anti-Pornography Act 2014. Users however bypassed the blockade using VPN apps. 

The law was annulled by the Constitutional Court in August 2021, after the panel of five justices unanimously ruled that sections of the law that defined pornographic offences were unconstitutional and that no harm would occur to society if certain bans on acts or material that elicit sexual excitement were lifted. 

According to Tayebwa, there is a need for campaigns on family and children as a core of society.   

“Community is the core for child protection yet it has nowadays abandoned the duty of child raising like in earlier days. The country will continue facing more child abuse like sexual harassment, street children and more if we don’t wake up,” he said.  

Tayebwa noted that women's empowerment is a big tool if Uganda is to succeed in child protection, adding that he believes children are safer in women's hands.  

Timothy Opobo, the executive director of AfriChild Centre, highlighted how the neglect of children is facilitating more violence against children.  

“We continue to witness the heart-breaking reality of children suffering from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence. It is our duty to address these issues head-on and create a society where every child can grow up in an environment that nurtures their rights and protects them from harm,” he said.  

By allocating increased resources to child protection, Opobo said Uganda can strengthen its child protection systems, and enhance the capacity of social workers, law enforcement agencies, and legal institutions to effectively respond to cases of child abuse, exploitation, and violence.  

However, Tayebwa noted that issues of child protection are beyond funding. He said they need the government and the community on board.  

“I urge each and every one of us to recognise the urgency and importance of child protection in Uganda. Together, let us work tirelessly to ensure the safety, well-being, and protection of our children,” he said, and added that by doing so, “we are not only safeguarding their future but also building a society that is compassionate, just, and inclusive.”  

The country director of ChildFund Uganda, Moses Otai, said that investing in prevention programs and campaigns will help create awareness and educate communities about child rights and the consequences of abuse.  

“We must foster a culture of respect and zero tolerance for any form of violence against children. Additionally, providing parents and caregivers with support, counselling, and parenting skills training can help prevent child abuse and neglect, ensuring a nurturing environment for our children to grow,” he said.