Who We Are SpaceUG is a civic space and digital safety platform created to protect, support, and amplify the voices of human rights defenders, journalists, activists, and civil society actors in Uganda. We respond to the growing risks faced by civic actors both online and offline by combining protection-oriented support, digital resilience resources, and evidence-based advocacy. SpaceUG is hosted by Rural Smiles Foundation, a Ugandan civil society organization working to advance health, digital, and economic rights through community empowerment and advocacy. Why SpaceUG Exists Across Uganda, civic actors increasingly face: Online harassment, doxxing, and coordinated digital attacks Surveillance and misuse of personal data Intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and legal harassment Restrictions on freedom of association, expression, and assembly These threats are often interconnected what begins online can quickly escalate offline. SpaceUG exists to bridge protection, digital safety, and advocacy, ensuring civic actors are not isolated, uninformed, or unprotected. Our Vision A safe, open, and inclusive civic space where individuals and communities can freely express themselves, organize, and advocate for their rights online and offline without fear. Our Mission To protect and strengthen civic space in Uganda by equipping civic actors with digital safety knowledge, protection pathways, and platforms for collective action and accountability. What We Do SpaceUG works at the intersection of protection, technology, and civic action through four core areas: 1. Civic Space Protection We provide safe channels for reporting threats and incidents affecting civic space, and we connect at-risk individuals to relevant protection pathways, including legal and psychosocial support referrals where available. 2. Digital Safety & Resilience We offer practical, context-specific guidance on: Secure communication and messaging Account protection and recovery Device safety and data protection Responding to online harassment and digital intimidation Our resources are designed to be accessible, low-bandwidth, and practical, especially for grassroots and rural civic actors. 3. Documentation & Evidence SpaceUG documents trends and patterns of civic space violations, including digital threats and offline intimidation. All public insights are aggregated and anonymized to protect individuals and communities. This evidence supports: Local and national advocacy Policy engagement International human rights reporting and solidarity efforts 4. Advocacy & Amplification We amplify civic space issues through storytelling, data-informed advocacy, and partnerships with civil society networks, media actors, and international allies to promote accountability and reform. Who We Serve SpaceUG is designed for: Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) Journalists and media practitioners Youth and community activists Civil society organizations and grassroots movements We prioritize inclusion, recognizing that women, youth, rural activists, and marginalized communities often face heightened digital and physical risks. Our Values Safety & Do-No-Harm: We prioritize the security, dignity, and consent of all users. Accountability & Integrity: We act transparently and responsibly in how information is handled and used. Inclusion & Solidarity: We center marginalized voices and foster collective protection. Evidence-Based Advocacy: We ground our work in documented realities and lived experiences. Data Protection & Trust SpaceUG applies strict data-minimization and privacy principles: Anonymous reporting options are available Personal data is never published publicly Information is used only for protection and aggregated advocacy Consent guides all referrals and follow-up actions Our approach is informed by a do-no-harm framework, ensuring that engagement with SpaceUG never increases risk for users. Our Approach SpaceUG is not just a website it is a protective civic infrastructure. We work through: Community-informed design Partnerships with trusted protection and digital rights actors Alignment with national and international human rights standards Continuous learning and adaptation to emerging threats Looking Ahead As Uganda approaches critical civic and electoral moments, SpaceUG is committed to expanding: Digital safety awareness and literacy Civic space monitoring and early warning Protection pathways for at-risk civic actors Collaborative advocacy at national and international levels Get Involved Whether you are seeking support, looking to collaborate, or interested in strengthening civic space, SpaceUG welcomes engagement rooted in safety, solidarity, and shared responsibility. 📧 [email protected]