By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
The African Centre for
Digital Justice (ADIJUST), in collaboration with the Personal Data Protection
Office Uganda (PDPO) and the University of Warwick, has conducted a community
outreach programme in Katanga, Kampala, to raise awareness about digital health
data rights and responsible data governance.
The outreach brought
together youth leaders, healthcare workers, Village Health Teams, boda boda
riders, business operators, women leaders, and other community members to
discuss the importance of protecting personal and health information in an
increasingly digital society.
Katanga, one of Kampala’s
largest informal settlements, was selected for the engagement due to growing
concerns around the collection and use of personal data in communities where
awareness of data protection rights remains limited.
Through participatory
approaches including local language discussions, storytelling, art, World Café
sessions, and peer learning, participants explored issues related to privacy,
digital health rights, and accountability in health data management.
During the engagement,
community members highlighted the potential consequences of poor health data
governance, including stigma, discrimination, profiling, loss of opportunities,
and reduced trust in digital health systems.
Participants called for more
community-focused awareness initiatives that make data protection concepts
easier to understand and apply in everyday life.
The programme concluded with
the development of a Youth Community Call to Action on Digital Health Data
Governance and Accountability, alongside a community skit demonstrating the
importance of safeguarding health information to promote dignity, trust, and
justice.
ADIJUST said the initiative
reflects the importance of taking digital justice discussions to communities
and empowering citizens to understand their rights, demand accountability, and
contribute to responsible digital transformation.
The organisation added that
continued collaboration among communities, government institutions, academic
partners, and technology stakeholders will be essential in strengthening
digital health data governance in Uganda.
