In a significant address during Buganda Women’s Day celebrations in Ssingo, Kyankwanzi, Her Majesty the Nnaabagereka of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda, issued a powerful and timely warning to parents: take an active and vigilant role in monitoring your children’s engagement with social media. Her message resonated deeply with the hundreds of women and families present, highlighting the escalating risks associated with unchecked digital exposure for young people.
While acknowledging the vast opportunities that technology presents, the Nnaabagereka emphasized the inherent challenges, particularly for children navigating the digital world without proper guidance. She cautioned that without active parental involvement, young individuals are increasingly susceptible to harmful online content and the insidious effects of cyberbullying, potentially damaging their self-esteem and overall emotional well-being.
This urgent appeal comes at a critical juncture in Uganda, where internet and mobile phone penetration continues its upward trajectory. Consequently, concerns surrounding screen addiction, the pressures of online peer influence, and the broader impact on mental health are becoming increasingly pressing societal issues.
In response to these growing concerns, the Nnaabagereka encouraged women not only to safeguard their children but also to leverage the power of technology to enhance their own lives. She highlighted the potential of digital tools to facilitate learning, foster valuable networks, drive innovation, and ultimately empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Beyond advocating for digital literacy, the Queen called upon women to actively mentor young girls in the responsible navigation of online platforms. She posited that when women lead by example in their own digital conduct, they contribute to creating safer and more empowering online environments for the next generation.
Christine Kaaya, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kiboga District, lauded the Nnaabagereka for her consistent and impactful leadership in championing both children’s development and women’s rights. She specifically commended the Buganda Kingdom’s Ekisaakaate programme, which instills crucial discipline, essential life skills, and core cultural values in the youth of Buganda. “She continues to shape a generation of morally grounded and empowered young people,” remarked MP Kaaya. Furthermore, she recognized the significant impact of the Nnaabagereka Development Foundation in critical areas such as maternal health, education, and women’s economic empowerment.
Buganda Women’s Day, an annual event of significant cultural importance, serves as a platform to honor the invaluable contributions of women while also addressing emerging challenges within the community. This year’s focus on the intersection of technology and mental health underscores the Buganda Kingdom’s commitment to harmonizing cherished traditions with the realities of modern innovation.
In her concluding remarks, the Nnaabagereka emphasized the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding the younger generation in the digital age. “Let’s guide our children to use social media wisely,” she urged. “And let’s use technology to strengthen our families and communities.”
Ultimately, Queen Sylvia Nagginda’s timely and pertinent warning serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of digital awareness, robust community support networks, and the pivotal role of female-led empowerment in navigating the complexities of our rapidly evolving digital world.
