On 15th and 16th December 2025, Donatien Niyongendako, Executive Director of the Integrated Refugee Organization (IRO), joined the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) to deliver a Digital Security Surgery aimed at strengthening the digital safety and resilience of journalists from Ukweli Africa.
The two-day clinic was designed as a hands-on, practical, and needs-based intervention, responding to the increasing digital threats faced by journalists, particularly those reporting on sensitive issues such as governance, accountability, human rights, and social justice.
Addressing growing digital risks faced by Journalists
Journalists across the region continue to face serious digital threats, including surveillance, account compromise, data loss, online harassment, and device targeting. These risks not only endanger individual journalists but also threaten press freedom, source protection, and the integrity of information.
Recognizing these challenges, CIPESA, in collaboration with IRO, organized a digital security surgery focused on practical solutions rather than theory, ensuring journalists leave with safer devices, secured accounts, and improved digital habits.
A hands-On digital security surgery approach
Unlike traditional workshops, the digital security surgery emphasized one-on-one support and tailored interventions. Donatien Niyongendako worked closely with journalists from Ukweli Africa to assess their specific risks and provide customized support.
Key areas of support included:
Device security and maintenance
- Security audits for laptops and mobile phones
- Identification and removal of malware and suspicious applications
- Operating system updates and secure configurations
- Performance optimization and basic device maintenance
Account security and protection
- Strengthening email and social media account security
- Setting up strong passwords and password managers
- Enabling and configuring two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Recovery planning for compromised or at-risk accounts
Data protection (Online and At Rest)
- Securing sensitive journalistic data and sources
- Encryption of files and storage devices
- Safe backup strategies and data organization
- Guidance on secure cloud usage
Secure communication practices
- Safer use of encrypted messaging tools
- Secure file sharing and collaboration
- Phishing awareness and prevention
- Risk-aware communication workflows
Each participant received practical configurations and real-time guidance, ensuring immediate improvement to their digital safety posture.
Building long-term digital capacity
Beyond immediate fixes, the surgery focused on building sustainable digital security capacity. Journalists were guided on how to maintain secure devices, recognize emerging threats, and adopt safer digital behaviors in their daily work.
The approach reinforced:
- Digital hygiene as a continuous practice
- Risk assessment before using digital tools
- Collective responsibility for newsroom and organizational security
This long-term perspective is critical in ensuring that journalists remain resilient in evolving threat environments.
Collaboration for safer journalism
The collaboration between IRO, CIPESA, and Ukweli Africa reflects a shared commitment to defending digital rights, press freedom, and the safety of journalists. By combining policy expertise, technical support, and community-based digital security practices, the initiative contributed meaningfully to protecting journalists and their work.
Commitment to ongoing support
IRO remains committed to supporting journalists, Human Rights Defenders, refugees, and at-risk communities through its Digital Security Helpline and Resource Center based at Human Rights House, Nsambya, Kampala, as well as through secure remote support.
Through continued partnerships and hands-on interventions like this digital security surgery, IRO will keep advancing digital resilience, safety, and freedom of expression across the region.
