Speaker

Lubowa Hood

Lubowa Hood

Civic Engagement & Digital Rights Lead-Oxfam

Kampala, Uganda

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Hood Lubowa is a lawyer with extensive expertise in human rights law and a deep understanding of various fields of tech law, including data protection, digital rights, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. As an internationally published author, Hood has contributed insightful literature on the intersection of law, technology, and human rights. Currently, he runs the Civic Engagement and Digital Rights work at Oxfam Uganda, where he leads initiatives focused on empowering communities, safeguarding digital spaces, and advocating for inclusive policies. With a passion for justice and a commitment to digital equity, Hood continues to influence the discourse around human rights in the digital era, striving to create a more open, safe, and accessible internet for all.

Area of Expertise

  • Energy & Basic Resources
  • Environment & Cleantech
  • Information & Communications Technology
  • Law & Regulation

Topics

  • Law and Public Policy
  • Automation Technology
  • Emerging Technology
  • Digital rights Human rights

The Last Mile to Inclusion: Rethinking Access for All Africans

This session delves into the persistent challenge of digital inclusion, focusing on those trapped in the "last mile"—the often-overlooked segment of the connectivity journey. While Africa has made significant strides in digital transformation, millions remain disconnected due to barriers beyond infrastructure—such as gender inequality, economic constraints, digital illiteracy, and cultural exclusion. This session challenges participants to rethink access, shifting the focus from mere connectivity to meaningful participation and empowerment for all Africans.
Through interactive discussions and thought-provoking activities, the session explores key issues: How can we redefine access to reflect African realities? What systemic challenges prevent inclusion, and how can policies evolve to address them? Participants will brainstorm solutions on critical themes, including rural connectivity, digital literacy, affordable access, and gender-responsive technologies. The role of emerging technologies like AI and satellite internet will also be discussed—both as potential tools for inclusion and as risks for deepening inequality.
This 90-minute session integrates video storytelling, expert panel discussions, group activities, and a fireside chat with a futurist. Participants will leave with actionable insights, policy recommendations, and personal commitments to drive change. Together, we aim to turn the "last mile" into the first step toward a fully inclusive digital future for every African.

The Future of Digital Rights: Safeguarding Human Rights in a World of Evolving Technologies & Policy

As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, the protection of human rights in online spaces becomes more urgent and complex. This session will explore the intersection of technology, policy, and human rights, addressing how innovations like artificial intelligence, big data, and surveillance technologies challenge fundamental freedoms such as privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. The panel will examine the crucial role of civil society, government, and tech companies in advocating for digital rights and creating policies that empower individuals while upholding human dignity.
Key topics include how to create human-centered digital policies that balance innovation and respect for rights, the accountability of tech companies, and the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. The session will offer concrete policy recommendations, highlight the importance of digital literacy, and propose actionable strategies to ensure equitable participation in the digital economy. Through a panel discussion followed by interactive Q&A and breakout group discussions, participants will engage in thought-provoking dialogues that contribute to building a sustainable, rights-respecting digital future for all.
Target Audience: Civil society organizations, policymakers, tech industry leaders, human rights defenders, and community activists.

Lubowa Hood

Civic Engagement & Digital Rights Lead-Oxfam

Kampala, Uganda

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