Child protection policy
Effective: 1 July 2026
AI for Uganda is an AI and data science education nonprofit based in Mbarara, Uganda. Our programs are designed primarily for adult learners and professionals. Where we design or deliver any program that includes or specifically targets persons under the age of 18 (such as school outreach sessions, youth workshops, or junior cohort programs) this policy applies in full and is binding on everyone involved.
Our commitment
We are committed to ensuring that every child who comes into contact with any AI for Uganda program, platform, or activity is safe, respected, and protected from harm. We maintain a zero-tolerance position on any form of abuse, exploitation, harassment, or neglect of children. No circumstance justifies deviation from this.
Who this covers
This policy applies to all AI for Uganda staff, instructors, volunteers, contractors, and partners whenever they are working with or in the presence of children through any AI for Uganda activity, whether in person or online.
Consent and data
- No child under 18 may participate in an AI for Uganda program without prior written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- We collect only the minimum personal data necessary to deliver the program. We do not share, sell, or use children's data for any purpose beyond what is stated in the consent form.
- We do not use any content, responses, or data generated by children to train or develop AI models without separate, specific written parental consent.
- Parents and guardians may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their child's data at any time by contacting info@aiforuganda.org.
Standards for our personnel
Everyone working with children through AI for Uganda must:
- complete mandatory child safeguarding training before the program begins;
- treat every child with dignity, respect, and appropriate professional distance;
- never be alone with a child without a second adult present;
- never communicate with a child participant privately through personal contact channels;
- report any concern about a child's safety immediately to our designated safeguarding lead.
Prohibited conduct includes any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; sharing personal contact details with children; meeting children outside of official program settings; and photographing or recording children without proper parental consent.
Online safety
Where children use our platforms or digital tools, we do not permit targeted advertising, behavioural profiling, or features that allow children to be contacted by unknown adults. Any AI-powered tool used in a child-directed program is reviewed for safety before deployment and is always clearly identified to the child as an AI system, not a human.
Reporting a concern
Any person with a concern about a child's safety in relation to an AI for Uganda activity should contact our designated safeguarding lead immediately.
Designated safeguarding lead: info@aiforuganda.org
For urgent matters, please also contact:
- Uganda Police Force (Child and Family Protection Unit): +256 41 4259 796
- Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development: +256 41 4347 854
All reports are treated seriously, handled confidentially, and responded to promptly. Anyone who raises a concern in good faith is protected from retaliation.
Legal grounding
This policy is grounded in Uganda's Children Act (Cap. 59, as amended 2016), the Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019 (Cap. 97), the National Child Policy 2020 to 2025, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. We also apply international best-practice standards including the UK Children's Code and the US COPPA 2025 amendments.
This policy is reviewed annually. The full detailed policy, including our complete code of conduct, safeguarding procedures, risk assessment requirements, and disciplinary framework, is available to download below.