The National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) and Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) convened key stakeholders at the National Conference Centre in Naguru for a high-level conference under the theme “From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Uganda’s Cybersecurity and Data Protection Readiness.”
The conference marked the official conclusion of the Nationwide Cybersecurity, Data Protection and Privacy Awareness Campaign dubbed “BEERA KU GUARD” spearheaded by NITA-U, together with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) which has over the past months sensitized citizens, organisations and public institutions on responsible digital behaviour and regulatory obligations.
“Today is more than a milestone, it is a turning point. Awareness is the starting point, but it isn’t the finish line. We must now move beyond knowing and start doing translating awareness into robust compliance frameworks, rapid incident response, and rigorous institutional accountability.” Chairman of NISAG, Mr. Noah Baalessanvu.
“Our mission at the PDPO is rooted in the 2019 Act, which serves as the guardian of every Ugandan’s digital identity. It doesn’t just protect data, it safeguards privacy and sets the standard for how personal information is collected and processed in a digital economy.” Baker Birikujja, the National Personal Data Protection Director for Uganda’s Personal Data Protection Office PDPO.
“Digital infrastructure must be built on a foundation of security, resilience, and ‘privacy-by-design.’ We must remember that data is more than just code it is reputation. If it is mishandled, a person’s entire life’s work can be undone.” he added.
The conference brought together government institutions, regulators, law enforcement, private sector leaders, internet service providers, financial institutions and civil society actors to reflect on Uganda’s progress in cybersecurity and data protection and to define practical next steps toward enhanced national digital resilience.
The conference theme underscores a critical shift in Uganda’s digital transformation journey, from raising awareness about cyber risks and privacy rights to institutionalizing concrete actions that strengthen systems, enforcement, compliance and coordinated response mechanisms. Throughout the campaign period, engagements were conducted across regions to promote compliance with data protection standards, enhance understanding of emerging cyber threats, and encourage responsible data handling practices among both public and private entities.
The conference further highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination involving institutions such as the Uganda Police, Eco Bank, the Personal Data Protection Office and the Internet Service Providers Association of Uganda in addressing evolving cyber risks and online fraud.
As Uganda accelerates digital service delivery, e-commerce, and financial innovation, NITA-U reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure, resilient, and trusted digital environment that supports inclusive national development.
