The National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U), in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), launched a nationwide campaign named ‘Beera Ku Guard’, an initiative aimed at raising awareness on cybersecurity, data protection, and online privacy.
Launched at Serena Hotel in Kampala, the campaign seeks to address Uganda’s increasing exposure to cyber risks as more citizens and businesses embrace digital technologies.
According to the Uganda Police Force’s 2024 Crime Report, cyber fraud cases have risen sharply over the past two years, with online scams, mobile money theft, and e-commerce fraud among the most reported. Experts warn that the true scale of losses is likely much higher, as many victims do not report incidents due to fear, embarrassment, or lack of awareness.
Arnold Mangeni, Director of Information Security, NITA-U, underscored the urgency of collective action against digital threats. “We cannot talk about a modern, digital Uganda without putting safety and trust at the centre, ‘Beera Ku Guard’ is a call to action for every citizen and every organisation to safeguard personal data and use digital platforms responsibly,” ne said.
The Growing Cost of Cybercrime
Uganda’s digital transformation has brought more than 13 million people online, fueling rapid growth in mobile banking, e-commerce, fintech, and digital payments.
But this shift has also attracted fraudsters exploiting gaps in awareness, security, and regulation. From fake investment schemes and phishing attacks to mobile money SIM swaps and impersonation scams, businesses and consumers alike are increasingly at risk.
Mangeni noted that cybercrime has evolved, shifting from physical theft to more sophisticated digital attacks targeting both individuals and corporations. He revealed that although police reports indicate rising losses, actual figures are likely underreported.
“We have noticed that many victims of cyber fraud choose not to report incidents, which means we are partially blind to the true extent of the damage. However, the trends are clear Ugandans are losing significant amounts of money to online scams, fraudulent transactions, and account takeovers,” he explained.
Telecom companies and banks have started responding proactively to these challenges by deactivating fraudulent SIM cards and reversing suspicious transactions.
Still, Mangeni warned that such measures must be complemented by citizen vigilance and institutional readiness to effectively curb cyber threats.
Digital Vulnerabilities and Business Risks
Geraldine Mugumya, a risk analyst at NITA-U, stressed the importance of integrating cybersecurity into corporate structures and national strategies. “Businesses must have the right policies in place and ensure that every staff member who handles customer data understands how to safeguard it,” she said.
Mugumya added that some of the most common cyber threats businesses face include phishing scams, WhatsApp account hijacking, identity theft, and online impersonation.
She urged organisations to adopt multi-factor authentication, regularly update passwords, and conduct internal audits to strengthen data protection systems.
Building a Culture of Digital Trust
One of the campaign’s central objectives is to enhance public trust in Uganda’s digital systems, a critical driver of economic transformation under the Digital Transformation Roadmap 2023/24–2027/28. Currently, while nearly 48.8 percent of Ugandans are aware of cybersecurity issues, only 13.6 percent understand data protection and privacy concepts.
Paul Kakeeto, Manager of Public Relations and Marketing, NITA-U, explained that “Beera Ku Guard” aims to bridge this knowledge gap by translating complex data laws into relatable language for ordinary Ugandans.
“Digital transformation must be anchored in digital trust. This campaign demystifies the laws and inspires every citizen to take ownership of their online safety. Protecting personal data is not just a compliance requirement; it’s a personal responsibility,” he said.
Through PDPO, businesses are required to register as data controllers if they collect, store, or process customer information. Organisations that fail to comply with data protection regulations risk hefty fines, license revocations, and reputational damage.
By 2026, NITA-U targets registering at least 1,000 organisations and training 500 data protection officers across the public and private sectors to strengthen compliance.
The Human Cost of Cyber Insecurity
Beyond financial losses, cybersecurity lapses expose Ugandans to privacy violations, identity theft, and even physical dangers.
Mangeni highlighted the risks of oversharing personal information online, particularly among parents who unknowingly compromise their children’s safety.
“Posting a child’s picture in a school uniform, complete with their name and location, makes it easier for criminals to target them,” he warned.
The campaign also seeks to educate parents on monitoring children’s digital activity, setting up safe browsing tools, and guiding responsible technology use. “We want Ugandans to understand that what you wouldn’t do in the physical world, you shouldn’t do online,” Mangeni added.
Extending the Campaign to Rural Communities
While cybercrime affects both urban and rural populations, ignorance about digital risks remains highest in rural Uganda, where smartphone penetration and mobile money usage are rising rapidly.
To address this, NITA-U plans to localize cyber security awareness campaigns by translating messages into major regional languages and working with community leaders, religious institutions, and grassroots networks.
Mugumya explained that outreach will leverage existing community forums where residents gather to discuss social and economic issues.
“We’re deliberately using community leaders because they understand their people and can effectively communicate these risks,” she said. “By combining local knowledge with practical training, we aim to build a culture of vigilance even at the grassroots level.”
Henry Kimera, Team Leader at the Consumer Centre (CONSENT) Uganda, emphasized that citizens must also take personal responsibility for protecting their information.
“Your personal data is your wealth, if you handle it carelessly, you’re giving away your security, your heritage, and potentially putting yourself and your family at risk,” he said.
A Call for Collective Action
“Beera Ku Guard” represents a national cybersecurity defense strategy, uniting government agencies, private sector players, civil society, and consumers in a shared mission to secure Uganda’s digital future.
The campaign targets reaching 70 percent of Uganda’s population through television, radio, social media, billboards, and institutional engagements, while directly training thousands of citizens and professionals in cyber hygiene.
Mangeni stressed that digital safety must become instinctive for every Ugandan. “Think before you click, share, or provide your data,” he advised. “If something feels suspicious, double-check. Be vigilant, trust less, and report incidents immediately to your bank, telecom provider, or the police. Every user has a role to play in keeping our digital environment secure.”
As Mangeni concluded, “A secure digital economy is a shared responsibility. Together, we can make Uganda safer online and unlock its full economic potential.”