BUSIA: The Dhamira Moja Community-Based Organization (CBO), in collaboration with the European Union and other stakeholders, has launched a project to train media professionals in Busia on cybersecurity and empowerment.

The project, named Safe Voices 040, aims to empower media professionals to create a safe digital environment while working.

Dhamira Moja CBO Executive Director Sarah Martha said the training, held in Busia Town, was designed to enlighten journalists about their security while working in digital spaces and at their workplaces.

“We have had investigation officers and judiciary who have shared with us on the cyber security issues and cases that can lead for one to be charged according to law. This project will help to ensure their safety and security in the digital space to ensure that they can access mental wellness support services, psychosocial and legal support services when they become victims of cyber security breach.” She said.

Sarah indicated that a lack of space and channels for expression has been a major challenge affecting media professionals.

She explained further that the project will create a safe space for journalists, offering them opportunities for free expression whenever they encounter challenges.

The director further mentioned plans to establish a reporting mechanism and hotline to enable both media professionals and the community to report cases of online harassment, cyber-crime, and digital threats.

Busia Law Court Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti urged journalists to exercise caution while reporting news to ensure accuracy.

“Before a journalist publishes a story, it is good to do fact-checking to ascertain the credibility of the story. You should not use the stories published in social media. You also have to consider the rights of others by checking at if the story can harm the reputation of others to avoid defamation cases”

She also emphasized the need for proper public sensitization to promote responsible use of social media.

Nyaloti highlighted capacity building as a crucial tool to address cyberbullying, suggesting that the public, judiciary, security forces, and media professionals all need to be involved to build collective knowledge to combat the issue.

Busia County Director of Communication Winston Mbanda acknowledged the challenges media personnel face and said the training has come at a critical time to help them understand cybersecurity.

Mbanda also noted that regular training and capacity building will empower media personnel to recognize threats to their safety and seek appropriate redress.

Journalists, led by Emanuel Juma, expressed that the training will equip them to handle challenges in the digital space.

“We have been going through a lot of bullying and harassment in the digital space without clear understanding on how to handle the issues. We have been given the knowledge on how we can handle the issues to ensure our mental and psychological well being is guaranteed. We have also been given insights on the cyber-crime cases and how to avoid being in conflict with the law while on duty.” He said