“My Grandchildren Are Being Spoilt” Says Janet Museveni
Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has expressed her deep concern about the impact of modern technology on her grandchildren’s upbringing.
In a candid discussion with Inkhosikati Make LaMashwama, the Queen of Eswatini, at State House Entebbe, Mrs. Museveni lamented the excessive exposure of young children to mobile phones and the internet.
“I have cautioned my own children against allowing their children access to mobile phones at such a young age,” Mrs. Museveni emphasized. “There has to be some vigilance even when we embrace technological advancements.” She stressed the need for parents to be mindful of the potential risks associated with early exposure to technology.
The First Lady and the Queen of Eswatini concurred on the urgent need for African governments to implement internet censorship policies to restrict access to inappropriate content for young people. They noted that children today can easily access harmful information online, which can have detrimental effects on their lives, as parents are often unaware of what their children are viewing.
Mrs. Museveni pointed out that some countries, including Arab nations, have already implemented policies regulating undesirable internet content. She wondered why African countries have not followed suit, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from the potential dangers of the internet.
The Queen of Eswatini also expressed concerns about the ease with which young children can access unlimited internet content. “Parents cannot effectively monitor what their children access,” she said. Besides social media, young people have access to things like video games and webcams, which can be used to manipulate them.
The discussion between the two leaders highlighted the need for African governments to take a proactive approach to regulating the use of technology among young people. They emphasized the importance of finding a balance between embracing technological advancements and protecting children from potential harm.
The visit by King Mswati III and Queen LaMashwama to Uganda aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advocate for a unified African market and political federation. The discussions between the two leaders underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in addressing common challenges facing African nations.