Introduction

The Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network (UWASNET) is dedicated to protecting the privacy and personal data of all individuals who interact with the UWASNET Resource Centre. This includes partners, members, researchers, contributors, and the general public. The UWASNET Resource Centre is a public knowledge-sharing platform designed to support Uganda’s WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) sector by enabling access to reliable, relevant, and up-to-date information.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, store, use, protect, and share your personal data. It also details your rights as a user of the platform and how you can exercise those rights. Our policy is rooted in transparency, integrity, and compliance with applicable data protection standards in Uganda and beyond.

General Principles

UWASNET only collects and processes personal information that is necessary for specific, legitimate purposes connected to the functioning of the Resource Centre. We ensure that any personal data you provide is treated with confidentiality, stored securely, and used only for the purpose for which it was collected.

We do not engage in the sale or trading of personal data. Any sharing of personal information is strictly limited to functions essential to the performance of our platform, such as user account management, content submissions, event notifications, and platform improvements. Data is only accessible by authorised UWASNET staff or service providers acting on our behalf under confidentiality agreements.

By using the UWASNET Resource Centre, you agree to this Privacy Policy and the processing of your data as described.

How UWASNET Collects Your Data

Personal data may be collected through various interactions you have with the UWASNET Resource Centre. This includes:

• Creating or managing a user account

• Submitting documents, reports, or multimedia content

• Subscribing to newsletters or thematic updates

• Registering for webinars, workshops, or training events

• Participating in surveys or feedback forms

• Contacting us through email or our contact form

• Browsing the platform, which may result in cookies or analytics data being collected

This data may include your name, email address, organisation name, job title, location, user preferences, IP address, and browsing behaviour. All data is collected either directly (from you) or indirectly (via cookies and analytics tools).

Purposes for Which We Use Your Data

UWASNET processes your personal data for the following core purposes:

1. To manage user accounts and personal libraries
   This includes authenticating users, allowing access to saved searches or bookmarked resources, and enabling you to submit or manage your content.

2. To provide communication services
   We use your email address to share newsletters, updates on new publications, event invitations, or administrative notices. You can opt out of these communications at any time.

3. To review and curate submitted content
   If you contribute documents or media, we process your name, organisation, and submission details to review, approve, and categorise the content for publishing on the platform.

4. To improve platform functionality and user experience
   By collecting usage data and feedback, we continuously refine the design, accessibility, and relevance of the Resource Centre.

5. To comply with legal obligations
   UWASNET may process personal data to fulfil obligations under national laws or sectoral regulations.

6. To protect UWASNET’s digital infrastructure
   Information may be used to detect and prevent unauthorised access, cyber threats, or misuse of the Resource Centre.
   
   

Legal Grounds for Processing

UWASNET relies on several legal bases to process your personal data, depending on the nature of your interaction:

• Consent: Where you have actively agreed to receive communications or submit a resource.

• Legitimate Interest: Where data processing supports UWASNET’s mandate to coordinate civil society and improve access to WASH knowledge in Uganda.

• Contractual Necessity: Where data is required to fulfil an agreement (e.g., account management or resource publication).

• Legal Obligation: Where processing is required to comply with relevant laws or orders.

You have the right to withdraw consent or object to processing at any time. Doing so may limit your access to certain services.

Data Retention

UWASNET retains personal data only for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this policy. For example:

• User account data is retained until you choose to delete your account or withdraw your consent.

• Submission metadata (such as contributor names or descriptions) may be retained permanently as part of the public record of published resources.

• Analytics data is stored for a limited period and anonymised where possible.

Once data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised to ensure it cannot be reconstructed or misused.

Data Sharing and Transfers

We do not share your personal data with third parties for commercial gain. However, we may share information with trusted service providers who host, maintain, or support the technical infrastructure of the Resource Centre. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and cannot use it for any purpose outside their agreement with UWASNET.

In cases where data is stored or processed outside Uganda (e.g., on international cloud services), we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, including compliance with international data protection standards.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The UWASNET Resource Centre uses cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality, understand user engagement, and personalise content. Cookies may store session data, language preferences, or browsing history. You will be prompted to consent to the use of cookies when you first visit the site. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings at any time.

Your Rights

As a user of the UWASNET Resource Centre, you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal data we hold about you

• Request correction of inaccurate or outdated information

• Request deletion of your data, including your user account

• Withdraw consent for any communication or processing

• File a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authority

All requests will be handled within a reasonable timeframe, and we may request verification of identity before proceeding.

Data Security

UWASNET takes data security seriously. We use appropriate technical and organisational safeguards—including encrypted storage, access controls, and secure hosting environments—to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorised access, disclosure, or alteration.

Our internal data handling practices are designed to ensure that only those who need access to your data for legitimate reasons can view or use it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or our operational practices. All changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the Resource Centre after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

Last updated: 23/05/2025

Contact UWASNET

If you have any questions, requests, or concerns related to your personal data or this policy, you may contact:

Data Protection Officer
Uganda Water and Sanitation NGO Network (UWASNET)
Email: resourcecentre@uwasnet.org
Website: https://uwasnet.org

If you believe that your data rights have been infringed, you may also contact the appropriate data protection authority in Uganda.