🚀 A New Era for Civic Engagement in Uganda Begins

In a time when civic space across Uganda is increasingly under threat, digital platforms offer a powerful opportunity to protect freedoms, organize safely, and amplify voices that too often go unheard. Today, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of SpaceUG - Uganda’s first community-driven digital platform designed to support civil society, human rights defenders, and grassroots organizers in navigating civic challenges through connection, collaboration, and digital action.

Launch Date: 📅 July 5, 2025

💡 What is SpaceUG?

SpaceUG is a secure, interactive civic engagement platform built under the CIVICUS Crisis Response Fund (CRF). It is created in response to the growing need for a digital sanctuary where civic actors can unite, mobilize, and build resilience amidst shrinking offline freedoms and increasing digital threats.

At its core, SpaceUG is a digital home for changemakers a platform where CSOs, activists, and communities can access resources, coordinate actions, tell their stories, and defend civic space safely and effectively.

🎯 Why SpaceUG Was Created

Uganda has seen a sharp rise in civic restrictions:

• Increased targeting of CSOs

• Online surveillance and disinformation

• Harassment of community leaders and HRDs

• Limited public access to legal tools and advocacy support

SpaceUG is a proactive response to these trends. It aims to:

• Create safe online spaces for civic dialogue

• Enable cross-sector collaboration among activists and organizations

• Bridge digital divides by hosting open-access resources

• Protect vulnerable voices and promote inclusion

• Encourage youth-led participation in shaping national civic narratives

🧭 What You Can Do on SpaceUG

SpaceUG offers an ecosystem of tools and community features designed for real civic impact:

✅ Create a Profile - Join as an individual or organization and share your work, campaigns, and networks.
✅ Join Groups - Participate in interactive forums based on interest or geography (e.g., land rights, SRHR, youth civic action).
✅ Share Stories - Publish blogs, updates, or community spotlights to inspire and inform others.
✅ Access Tools & Resources - Download legal aid guides, digital security manuals, advocacy templates, and more.
✅ Browse Opportunities - Discover jobs, fellowships, events, grants, and civic learning platforms.
✅ Engage in Safe Dialogue - Use real-time discussion boards to connect with like-minded civic actors in a secure, respectful space.

🛡️ Built with Security and Inclusion at the Center

We recognize the sensitivity and risks that come with civic work. That’s why SpaceUG is designed to prioritize your safety:

• Encrypted data and secure logins

• Minimal tracking and zero advertising

• Inclusive gender options and accessible user settings

• Moderation policies that uphold dignity, dialogue, and diversity

Whether you’re defending land rights, pushing for transparency, or promoting digital literacy, SpaceUG gives you the tools and community to do it better and safer.

🎉 Join Us on July 5, 2025

We officially go live on July 5, 2025. Ahead of that, we invite you to:

• Help spread the word using #ProtectCivicSpaceUganda and #SpaceUG

🗣️ Final Word

In a landscape where activism is increasingly digital and increasingly targeted SpaceUG is a bold declaration that civic space cannot be silenced. We are building more than just a website; we’re building a digital home for solidarity, safety, and strategy.

We look forward to welcoming you.

📧 For press, collaboration, or demo inquiries, email: space@spaceug.org 
🔗 Visit: www.spaceug.org