The appointment of Mr. Baker Birikujja as Uganda’s new National Personal Data Protection Director could not have come at a more opportune moment. Coming on the heels of the Beera ku Guard campaign recently launched by the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) and the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), his leadership is set to amplify the country’s efforts to create a privacy-first culture and strengthen the responsible use of personal data.
The announcement, made by the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap. 97, marks a pivotal moment in Uganda’s digital transformation journey.
Mr. Birikujja brings with him over a decade of expertise in data privacy governance, regulatory affairs, legal drafting, and cybersecurity. Having served in several leadership capacities at the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) and the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U), his contributions have been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s privacy framework.
He has overseen a two-fold increase in the registration of data controllers and processors, spearheaded the development of compliance frameworks and toolkits, and contributed to the drafting of Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act and Regulations.
Speaking after his appointment, Mr. Birikujja committed to focusing on strengthening regulatory oversight, increasing awareness among citizens about their privacy rights, and building a culture of compliance and accountability among data controllers and processors.
“I also envision positioning Uganda as a trusted hub for data protection on the continent, ensuring that privacy and innovation go hand in hand.”
Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, described the appointment as a timely move to reinforce Uganda’s commitment to data protection.
“We are at a point where digital transformation is accelerating across all sectors, and the protection of personal data must remain central. Mr. Birikujja’s appointment provides strong leadership to ensure that Uganda’s citizens are empowered, and that businesses operate in line with global privacy standards,” the Minister noted.
The appointment comes at a time when the Beera ku Guard campaign — a joint initiative by PDPO and NITA-U — is raising public awareness about personal data rights and responsibilities. The campaign, the first of its kind in Uganda, aims to educate individuals on how to protect their personal information and hold institutions accountable for responsible data handling.
Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, the Executive Director of NITA-U, welcomed the development, noting that the appointment complements the ongoing awareness efforts:
“The Beera ku Guard campaign is already reaching millions of Ugandans with the message that data protection begins with each of us. With Mr. Birikujja now confirmed as Director, we have the right leadership in place to ensure that these awareness efforts are matched with strong regulatory enforcement and guidance for both citizens and institutions.”
Together, the new leadership and the Beera ku Guard campaign underscore Uganda’s commitment to embedding privacy into its digital ecosystem. This is further reinforced by Uganda’s recent admission to the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA), positioning the country as a rising voice on the international data protection stage.
As Uganda deepens its digital transformation, the synergy between PDPO’s strengthened leadership, NITA-U’s nationwide awareness drive, and government policy direction ensures a robust foundation for building a privacy-first society where innovation, compliance, and citizens’ rights thrive side by side.
