Founded in 2012, Unwanted Witness (UW) is a civil society organization that was established to protect online freedoms and protect digital rights in Uganda.
Unwanted Witness has become a leading voice in Uganda and increasingly across the rest of Africa, in advocating for internet freedoms, and digital rights, particularly the right to privacy, data protection and freedom of expression. Through research, advocacy and capacity building, the organization aims to empower citizens to use technology in a safe, secure, and effective manner while holding public and private entities accountable for digital rights violations.
Unwanted Witness conducts research to identify digital rights violations, trends, and threats and uses this information to advocate for policy and legal reforms. The organization also provides digital security training and support to human rights defenders, journalists, and vulnerable groups to help them protect themselves online.
In addition, Unwanted Witness Uganda engages in public education and awareness campaigns to promote digital literacy and responsible online behavior. The organization also monitors internet shutdowns and other forms of digital censorship and responds to them by raising awareness and advocating for the restoration of access to the internet