Cyber MultimediaAccount recovery guidance
Step-by-step help for people who have lost access to WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) or Snapchat, using the platforms’ official recovery routes.
Home/Community programme
Community cyber safety programme
Free help with hacked accounts, scams and online abuse for people who cannot pay. Run by Cyber Multimedia Solutions in Kampala, Uganda, and funded by the company itself since 2018.
Why this programme exists
A hijacked WhatsApp, a fake profile or a blackmail message can cost someone their income, their studies or their peace of mind. Many people in Uganda cannot pay a security professional, and many small businesses move online with no guidance on staying safe.
We started the programme in 2018 to close that gap. Our team already does this work professionally, so we give some of that time and skill back for free. Our approach is simple: plain language, respect for the person, honesty about what is possible, and no promises we cannot keep.
At a glance
- Started: 2018
- Cost to the people we help: nothing
- Funding to date: by Cyber Multimedia Solutions. No donor or sponsor money received.
- Based in: Kampala, Uganda
- Led by: Amanya Peter and Mugasho Lincoln
What the programme offers
Phishing and vishing defence
Plain-language training on how scam messages and fake phone calls work, and what to do the moment one arrives.
Two-factor authentication set-up
Hands-on help turning on two-step verification and securing the recovery email and phone number behind an account.
Digitalisation for small businesses
Basic help for small businesses to get online safely: a business page, a simple website or a safer way to receive orders.
Cyberbullying and online abuse support
Calm, practical guidance for people facing harassment, impersonation or blackmail, including how to keep evidence and report.
Community outreach and safety talks
Cyber safety sessions for schools, families and community groups, delivered in clear language with practical take-aways.
Who we help
- Students and young people
- Community members and families
- People who have been hacked, phished or bullied online
- Small businesses that need a safe start online
Our reach so far
These are Cyber Multimedia Solutions’ own counts since 2018. They have not been independently audited.
- 500+ people helped
- 200+ accounts recovered
- 50+ small businesses taken online
How a case works
Contact us
Message us on WhatsApp or email. Tell us briefly what happened. There is no fee.
Safe intake
We ask only for what we need, explain how it will be used and ask for your consent. We never ask for your password.
Guided help
We walk you through recovery, securing your accounts and, where needed, reporting. We tell you honestly what is realistic.
Follow-up
We check back, refer you to the right authority or support service when needed, and record the outcome without your personal details.
Safeguarding and data protection
People who come to us are often frightened or embarrassed. We treat their information as private, keep what we collect to the minimum, explain how it will be used and ask for consent before we act.
We never ask anyone to hand over a password, we never access an account that is not the requester’s, and we do not promise results that depend on platforms or courts. When a young person is involved, we involve a parent, guardian or teacher where it is safe to do so. When someone may be in danger, we point them to the police or a trusted support service.
We handle personal data with Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 in mind. This is general information, not legal advice.
What we will not do
- Charge for community help
- Ask for your password
- Guarantee a recovery
- Share your details without your consent
How we will measure and report impact
These are the indicators the programme reports against. We want funders and partners to be able to judge the results for themselves.
| Indicator | How it is measured | Reported |
|---|---|---|
| People reached | Individuals helped or attending sessions, by programme, with age band and gender recorded only where people choose to give them | Quarterly |
| Accounts recovered or secured | Cases closed with the account regained or secured, as a share of cases opened | Quarterly |
| Time to first response | Hours between first contact and our first reply | Quarterly |
| Learning from safety sessions | A short quiz before and after each session | Every session |
| Safer habits after 30 days | Follow-up check: two-factor on, scam attempts reported, recovery details updated | Every group |
| Small businesses online | Businesses with a working page, site or ordering route at hand-over | Quarterly |
| Concerns and complaints | Number received and how each was handled | Quarterly |
Where the programme fits
The work supports these United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- SDG 4, Quality education. Digital safety skills for students, families and community groups.
- SDG 8, Decent work and economic growth. Helping small businesses get online safely.
- SDG 16, Peace, justice and strong institutions. Support for people facing online abuse, fraud and blackmail, and guidance on reporting.
- SDG 17, Partnerships for the goals. Working with schools, community groups, non-profits and funders.
How funding would be used
- Outreach and safety sessions in schools and communities, including transport and venue costs
- Data, airtime and equipment so recovery support can be given to people who cannot pay
- Training materials in plain English and local languages
- Trainer time, and safeguarding and data protection training for everyone who helps
- Simple case recording, follow-up and an annual public impact report
- Independent review of our figures once funding allows
Partner with the programme
We welcome schools, universities, community groups, non-profit organisations and funders who want more people in Uganda to be safe online. If you are a funder or partner, tell us what you would like to support and we will reply with what we can document and deliver.
Programme contacts
- nemz@cybermultimediasolutions.com
- +256 757 941 204
- cybermultimediasolutions.com/community
Running an outreach? Share this page.
Teachers, community leaders and outreach volunteers can show this page on a phone or print the QR code. People can then read the safety guidance and message us for free help. Everything on it is free to share.
Link: cybermultimediasolutions.com/community/
Scan to get free help
Questions about the programme
Is the community help really free?
Yes. The community programme is pro bono. We do not charge people who come to us for account recovery guidance, scam advice, safety talks or cyberbullying support. Paid services are separate and are described on the rest of this website.
Who runs the programme and how is it funded?
The programme is led by Cyber Multimedia Solutions, a company based in Kampala, Uganda, and has been funded by the company itself since it started in 2018. It has not received donor or sponsor money to date.
Can you guarantee that my account will be recovered?
No. Recovery depends on the platform and on what has already happened to the account. We explain the realistic chances first and guide you through the official recovery routes.
What happens to my personal information?
We ask only for what is needed to help, ask for your consent first, and never ask you to share a password with us. Personal data is handled with Uganda's Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 in mind. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can a school, NGO or company partner with the programme?
Yes. We welcome schools, universities, community groups, non-profit organisations and funders. Write to nemz@cybermultimediasolutions.com or message us on WhatsApp, and tell us what you have in mind.
I am being harassed or blackmailed online. What should I do first?
Do not pay and do not delete messages. Take screenshots, note dates and usernames, and secure your accounts. Then contact us for guidance. If you are in danger, contact the police or a trusted adult straight away.
