Securing Digital Futures: Women’s Digital Security Training in Lamwo, Northern Uganda

Transforming Digital Vulnerability into Digital Strength

AccessPlus recently conducted an intensive basic digital security skills training designed to ensure that the most vulnerable to digital threats become empowered digital citizens.

In Northern Uganda’s border districts, where communities are rebuilding after decades of conflict, women often face challenges of limited access to digital technologies, heightened vulnerability to online threats and often lack the digital literacy and skills needed to safely participate in the increasingly connected world. The digital vulnerability can perpetuate cycles of exclusion and limited opportunities for economic empowerment and social participation.

26 women and girls from Lamwo Town Council benefited from the training which consisted of practical, hands-on training sessions where participants learned to implement security measures on both device and mobile applications such as WhatsApp. The training was held from 2nd to 5th September 2025.

The 26 participants were trained into 2 groups, with each group having a maximum of 13 participants, for better learning and practical experiences. The training methods included theory, sharing experiences of digital fraud or abuse and practical, hands-on sessions.

The topics covered include:

• Personal Digital Security: Password management, two-factor authentication and secure browsing
• Digital Rights and Threats
• Communication Security: Encrypted messaging, safe social media practices and protecting personal information
• Misinformation and Disinformation: The impact and mitigation
• Financial Digital Security: Mobile money safety, online banking protection and avoiding digital fraud
• Best practices for online presence

This is just the beginning. AccessPlus remains committed to expanding these programs, reaching more women in conflict – affected areas and continuing to bridge digital divides in Border areas between Northern Uganda and South Sudan.

At AccessPlus, we believe that when we secure one woman’s digital future, we secure the future of the entire communities.