By Mike Rwothomio

A coalition of leaders in Zombo District has launched a concerted effort to counter the spread of digital disinformation and misinformation through information and communication channels.

The leaders warn that the unchecked dissemination of false information via online platforms and social media undermines the integrity of public institutions and hampers their ability to implement policies that promote societal well-being. 

While health-related misinformation poses a critical global challenge, limited research has explored solutions in low- and middle-income countries like Uganda.

The initiative seeks to safeguard the public from defamatory content, mudslinging, and misleading narratives that can sow confusion and erode trust. 

Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Festus Ayikobua, highlighted a recent case where he was targeted by fabricated claims circulated on social media.

Speaking at a district council meeting, Ayikobua condemned the misuse of digital communication channels, noting that such actions violate Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act, 2011, which prohibits the spread of false or misleading information online.

“We’ve observed a misuse of media platforms, and Parliament recently passed legislation to address this issue,” Ayikobua stated. 

He recounted a false claim alleging that he received funds from a Member of Parliament, emphasizing, “This is entirely fabricated information.”

In an era where the internet serves as a primary source of information globally, news consumers face an elevated risk of encountering and amplifying fake news. 

Ayikobua urged the community to refrain from spreading misinformation, underscoring its detrimental impact on democratic processes, particularly during politically charged periods.

Zombo’s Assistant RDC, Bruno Manano, recently addressed disinformation surrounding the Uganda People’s Defence Forces’ peacekeeping mission in Eastern DR Congo.

Speaking during a historic visit by the Acholi Paramount Chief to the Alur Kingdom in Zombo, Manano cautioned, “If you lack verified information about our peacekeeping mission, refrain from spreading falsehoods that could lead to legal consequences.”

Disinformation campaigns and fake news pose significant threats to democratic systems by influencing public opinion and disrupting electoral discourse. 

In Greater Nebbi, political operatives are reportedly using WhatsApp groups and other platforms to spread unverified claims, exacerbating tensions.

The LCV chairperson of Zombo James Oruna Oyullu, unlike other leaders frequently engaged users online to counter misinformation. He sometimes share information and photos of ongoing government projects.

Zombo’s leaders collectively assert that curbing disinformation is a shared responsibility.

District Council Speaker Hassan Ringtho in a recent council sitting, advised councillors to avoid disseminating unverified claims through mainstream media or social media.

The rise in misinformation is fueled by widespread access to digital platforms, particularly smartphones. According to DataReportal.com, Uganda had 13.30 million internet users in early 2024, with an internet penetration rate of 27%. The country also recorded 2.60 million social media users (5.3% of the population) and 33.34 million mobile connections (67.7% of the population).

Statista.com reports that global internet usage reached 5.56 billion users (67.9% of the world’s population) by February 2025, with 5.24 billion social media users.

Alex Pithua, Executive Director of the Zombo Press Association, stressed the importance of information verification before sharing content. “Verify information before accepting or disseminating it, and exercise caution to avoid spreading unverified claims,” he advised.

Navigating the digital news ecosystem is increasingly challenging, leading some global audiences to disengage from news altogether.

In Uganda, the Computer Misuse Act, 2011 reinforces responsible use of digital communication platforms, aligning with constitutional commitments to ethical media practices.

Francis Bolingo, District Councillor for Athuma Sub-County, called on technocrats to provide “accurate, timely, and relevant information” to the media to counter misinformation and build public trust.

By leveraging information and communication strategies, Zombo’s leaders aim to foster a more informed public and protect democratic integrity in the face of growing digital disinformation challenges.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at Zoomer Africa