UGXPLORA ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform for accommodation, car rentals, and travel services in Uganda. UGXPLORA is the data controller responsible for the processing of personal data described in this policy.

UGXPLORA operates as an online platform that allows users to discover and explore listings provided by independent hosts. UGXPLORA does not currently process bookings, payments, or contractual agreements between users.

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide directly to us:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, profile photo
• Identity Verification: Additional information may be collected in the future if identity verification features are introduced.
• Payment Information: UGXPLORA does not currently process payments directly. Payment information may be shared between users when arranging services outside the platform.
• Communications: communications submitted through forms or support requests.

2.2 Usage Information

We automatically collect information about your interaction with our platform:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address, precise location with permission
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, search queries, listing interactions or contact history, time spent on platform
• Cookies and Tracking: See our Cookie Policy for details

2.3 Information from Other Sources

We may receive information about you from:

• Social media platforms when you connect your account
• Third-party services for identity verification
• Payment processors for transaction confirmation
• Publicly available sources

Data Type	Examples	Purpose
Profile Data	Name, email, phone, photo	Account creation, user identification, communication
Listing Interaction Data	search activity, listings viewed, contact interactions	Service provision, platform improvement
Communication Data	Messages, reviews, support tickets	Customer service, platform safety, quality improvement
Technical Data	IP address, browser type, device info	Security, analytics, platform optimization

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• Create and manage your account
• Help users discover listings and communicate with hosts.
• Facilitate communication between users
• Provide customer support

3.2 Platform Improvement

• Personalize your experience
• Develop new features and services
• Conduct research and analysis
• Monitor platform usage and performance

3.3 Safety and Security

• Verify user identities
• Detect and prevent fraud
• Investigate suspicious activity
• Enforce our Terms of Service

3.4 Legal Compliance

• Comply with Ugandan laws and regulations
• Respond to legal requests and court orders
• Protect our rights and property

3.5 Marketing and Communication

With your consent, we may:

• Send promotional offers and updates
• Share personalized recommendations
• Notify you about new features

You can opt-out of marketing communications at any time.

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Other Users

• Guests and Hosts: Basic profile information when you communicate or book
• Transaction Details: basic listing and contact information necessary for users to communicate and arrange services.
• Reviews: Your reviews and ratings are visible to other users

4.2 With Service Providers

• Cloud hosting services (such as Supabase)
• Analytics and monitoring tools
• Customer support tools
• Marketing and communication services

4.3 For Legal Reasons

• To comply with Ugandan laws and regulations
• To respond to subpoenas or court orders
• To protect the safety of our users
• To prevent illegal activities

4.4 Business Transfers

In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

5.1 Security Measures

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and authorization protocols
• regular security monitoring and assessments
• Access controls and audit logging
• Employee training on data protection

5.2 Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary:

• Active Accounts: Until you delete your account
• Transaction Records: 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Marketing Data: Until you opt-out or request deletion
• Backup Data: Regular rotation with secure deletion

Under Ugandan data protection principles, you have the following rights:

6.1 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at ugxplora@gmail.com. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

6.2 Account Settings

You can manage many aspects of your information through your account settings:

• Update profile information
• Change communication preferences
• View listing interactions or contact history
• Manage connected devices

6.3 Cookie Preferences

Visit our Cookie Policy for more information.

UGXPLORA is based in Uganda. However, we may transfer and process your information in other countries for the following reasons:

• Service Providers: Some of our service providers are located outside Uganda
• Cloud Storage: Data may be stored on servers in secure locations worldwide
• Global Operations: To provide services to international travelers

When we transfer information outside Uganda, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by data protection authorities
• Privacy Shield certification (for transfers to the United States)
• Other legally recognized transfer mechanisms

Our platform is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately at ugxplora@gmail.com. We will take steps to delete such information promptly.

Parents or guardians can create family accounts for children traveling with them, but the primary account holder must be 18 or older.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our platform
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Displaying a notice when you next log in

The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when this policy was last revised. Your continued use of UGXPLORA after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

To maintain a safe and trustworthy platform, users must use UGXPLORA responsibly and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

10.1 Prohibited Activities

Users may not use the UGXPLORA platform for any illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activities. This includes but is not limited to:

• Listing stolen vehicles or unauthorized rental properties
• Creating fake listings or providing misleading information
• Impersonating another person or business
• Attempting to scam or defraud other users
• Posting illegal, abusive, or harmful content
• Uploading malicious software or attempting to damage the platform

10.2 Listing Responsibilities

Users who create listings are responsible for ensuring that their listings:

• Are accurate and truthful
• Use real photos and descriptions
• Comply with Ugandan laws and regulations
• Do not infringe on the rights of others

10.3 Enforcement

UGXPLORA reserves the right to review, remove, or restrict listings or accounts that violate this policy or our Terms of Service. We may suspend or terminate accounts that engage in fraudulent or harmful behavior.