IRO Joins CIPESA to Advance Digital Security at Uganda’s National Forum on Business and Human Rights 2026
The Integrated Refugee Organization (IRO) joined the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) in supporting a Digital Security Clinic during the National Forum on Business and Human Rights 2026, held on 27–28 October at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.
Convened under the theme “Promoting Responsible Business and Respect for Human Rights in Uganda,” the two-day forum brought together stakeholders to discuss the relationship between responsible business practices and the protection and promotion of human rights.
IRO’s participation, represented by its Founder and Executive Director, Donatien Niyongendako, contributed to efforts to strengthen participants’ awareness of digital safety and encourage practical approaches to protecting their devices, online accounts, and personal information.
Providing Practical Digital Security Support
Through the Digital Security Clinic, IRO contributed hands-on technical assistance to forum participants, including support with connecting to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network, reviewing mobile device security settings, checking pending software and application updates, and identifying potential security concerns.
Making Digital Security Awareness Accessible Through Interactive Learning
Beyond individual technical support, the Digital Security Clinic incorporated the Digital Security Bingo Game, an interactive awareness-raising activity designed to introduce basic digital security concepts and encourage participants to reflect on their own digital safety practices.
On the second day, the awareness-raising approach was expanded. Rather than relying exclusively on direct engagement at the Digital Security Clinic, the team worked with forum registration table staff to distribute a Digital Security Bingo Game paper to every participant registering for the event.
This approach aimed to extend the reach of the activity beyond those who directly visited the clinic, allowing more participants to engage with digital security topics and explore practical safety measures after the forum.
The initiative also created an opportunity for continued engagement through CIPESA andn IRO’s Digital Security Helpdesk, where participants can seek clarification, ask questions, and request further technical assistance on issues introduced through the activity.
Strengthening the Link Between Human Rights and Digital Security
The engagement highlighted that digital security is an increasingly important component of human rights protection and responsible participation in today’s digital environment.
The individual device assessments revealed gaps in basic security practices, including delayed software updates, applications requiring further security review, and limited use of available device protection features.
These observations reinforce the need for continuous digital security awareness, accessible technical support, and practical capacity-building initiatives.
For organisations, businesses, human rights defenders, journalists, and other stakeholders, protecting digital devices and online accounts is not simply a technical consideration. It is also an important part of safeguarding personal information, professional communications, and the ability to participate safely in digital spaces.
IRO believes that digital security awareness should be accompanied by accessible, practical support that enables individuals to translate knowledge into everyday protective practices.
Continuing Support Beyond the Forum
IRO’s contribution to the Digital Security Clinic forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening digital resilience and expanding access to digital protection services, particularly for refugees, human rights defenders, journalists, activists, and other communities facing digital security challenges.
Through its Digital Security Helpdesk, IRO provides accessible channels for individuals seeking guidance and assistance with digital security incidents, account security, privacy, and secure communications.
Participants who received the Digital Security Bingo Game materials are encouraged to continue exploring the topics introduced during the forum and to seek assistance whenever they encounter digital security challenges.
IRO will also monitor its Helpdesk communication channels for enquiries and requests for support arising from the initiative.
By combining practical technical assistance, interactive learning, and continued access to support, IRO seeks to contribute to a safer and more inclusive digital environment.
The National Forum on Business and Human Rights 2026 provided an important opportunity to demonstrate that respect for human rights must also extend to the digital environment. IRO remains committed to working with partners and stakeholders to advance digital safety, strengthen resilience, and ensure that individuals and communities can participate in digital spaces with greater confidence and security.
