Hagiga Wahid (One Truth)

A two-way SMS platform that lets people report, verify and counter harmful rumours. Piloted in Uganda, expanded across refugee settlements and scaled up across South Sudan from 2023, it reached 78,782+ subscribers.

A Hagiga Wahid community ambassador on her phone outside thatched homes
Where
Uganda and South Sudan
When
December 2018 – May 2026
Status
Completed
Areas
Peacebuilding
Partners
The Sentinel Project

Hagiga Wahid is a rumour and misinformation management initiative that promotes peace and helps prevent conflict among South Sudanese refugees, host communities in Uganda, and communities in South Sudan. Leveraging mobile technology, the initiative uses a two-way SMS platform that enables people to report, verify, and counter harmful rumours before they escalate into conflict. By addressing misinformation that can fuel ethnic tensions and violence, Hagiga Wahid strengthens social cohesion and promotes peaceful coexistence.

How it works

Hagiga Wahid is a Juba Arabic phrase that translates as “One Truth”. Rumours, misinformation and propaganda act as catalysts for violent conflict, and refugees and host community members often have limited access to reliable, accurate and timely information.

Community members report rumours through text messages, voice calls, or the project’s community ambassador in their village. The project team investigates and uncovers the facts, and then shares them with the community. Over time, the project also encourages a more questioning mindset towards rumours and unverified information.

Results

  • 8,782+

    Hagiga Wahid subscribers with access to verified information

  • 313

    community ambassadors supporting community-based rumour verification