Uganda’s digital economy is entering a new era of accountability following the launch of the “Beera Ku Guard” campaign, a nationwide initiative by the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U) in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO).
The awareness drive, unveiled at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Wednesday, seeks to reach at least 70% of Ugandans and reshape how businesses, institutions, and individuals handle personal data under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, CAP 97.
During the launch, Arnold Mangeni, the Director of Information Security at NITA-U, stressed that Uganda’s rapid digital transformation demands urgent and collective responsibility.
He explained that the “Beera Ku Guard” campaign is not just about awareness but about cultivating everyday habits that protect personal and institutional data. “We cannot talk about a modern, digital Uganda without putting safety and trust at the center,” Mangeni said.
“With over 13 million Ugandans now online, digital safety is no longer optional; it is foundational to our economic growth and personal security. ‘Beera Ku Guard’ is a call to action for every citizen and every organization to safeguard personal data and use digital platforms responsibly,” he contidued.
Recent findings from a NITA-U survey revealed that while 48.8% of Ugandans are aware of cybersecurity, only 13.6 percent fully understand data protection and privacy. Among those who know the risks, few individuals take practical steps to secure themselves online, such as enabling two-factor authentication or using data encryption.
Institutions face similar challenges, with many yet to develop cybersecurity frameworks or data privacy policies, leaving them at risk of non-compliance with the Data Protection and Privacy Act.
Mangeni emphasized that this gap presents significant financial, reputational, and legal risks for businesses, particularly in a digital economy where consumer trust is becoming central to competitiveness.
The Uganda Police Crime Report 2024 shows a significant shift in criminal activity from physical spaces to digital platforms, reinforcing the urgency of addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
With cybercrime incidents rising, the “Beera Ku Guard” campaign seeks to educate both individuals and organizations on safe data-handling practices while creating a stronger culture of accountability among businesses that collect and process personal information.
Mangeni explained that companies that fail to comply with the Act risk legal penalties, financial losses, and customer distrust.
He added that in an increasingly interconnected economy, businesses that fail to prioritize cybersecurity and privacy could also face exclusion from lucrative government contracts, cross-border trade opportunities, and international digital ecosystems where data compliance is mandatory.
By placing emphasis on protecting consumer data, NITA-U hopes to foster a secure environment where businesses can innovate confidently and citizens can embrace technology without fear of exploitation.
The campaign is a flagship initiative under Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap 2023/24–2027/28 and represents a significant step toward operationalizing the Data Protection and Privacy Act.
During a high-level panel discussion, the officials stressed that digital transformation must be anchored in public trust and institutional accountability.
By prioritizing citizen awareness, business compliance, and institutional accountability, NITA-U seeks to create a future where Uganda’s digital economy thrives on trust, safety, and responsible data use.
“Digital transformation cannot succeed without digital trust, “‘Beera Ku Guard’ is more than a campaign; it is a movement calling on all Ugandans to take ownership of their online safety and ensure that as we connect more people to opportunities, we also protect what matters most: their personal data, their privacy, and their security,” Mangeni concluded.
NITA-U plans to engage more than 100,000 citizens directly, train at least 500 staff members across public and private institutions, and support the registration of over 1,000 data-controlling organizations with the PDPO by 2026.
Speaking at the launch, Paul Kakeeto, the manager of public relations and marketing affairs at NITA-U, highlighted the personal and institutional risks of poor data handling and misuse.
He painted a vivid picture of the everyday threats Ugandans face when private information falls into the wrong hands, explaining that sharing personal details in hospitals, banks, or online platforms could easily expose people to unwanted marketing and identity theft.
“That is not just an inconvenience; it is a breach of trust, a violation of your privacy, and a reminder of why cybersecurity and data protection matter to all of us,” he added.
Kakeeto noted that the campaign aims to empower citizens of all ages to become their own first line of defense when sharing personal information, making online payments, or using social media platforms.
In addition, the initiative seeks to simplify complex legal frameworks, making data rights and obligations relatable to ordinary Ugandans through practical messaging in multiple local languages.
During a high-level panel discussion, the officials stressed that digital transformation must be anchored in public trust and institutional accountability.
As Uganda continues to digitize government services, banking, education, and commerce, the “Beera Ku Guard” campaign positions cybersecurity and data privacy as central pillars of the country’s economic growth.
Speaking to Geraldine Mugumya, the Risk Analyst at NITA-U, she explained how cybersecurity is central to Uganda’s broader national development strategies.
She noted that in 2021, NITA-U developed the National Cybersecurity Strategy to align with the National Development Plans (NDP III and IV) and the Digital Transformation Program, focusing on capacity building, research and development, legislation, and creating frameworks that strengthen Uganda’s resilience against cyber threats.
Mugumya also warned Ugandans about the rise of online scams and fraudulent WhatsApp links leading to account takeovers, urging citizens to verify sources, enable two-factor authentication, and use strong passwords.
For businesses, she recommended establishing clear internal policies, regularly training staff on handling sensitive data, and implementing strict protocols on data storage, access, and secure destruction when no longer needed.
Mugumya also emphasized the importance of involving rural and grassroots communities in cybersecurity education. She said NITA-U is working closely with community leaders to deliver simple, practical messages about avoiding suspicious links, protecting personal information, and safeguarding mobile money PINs.
“Campaign materials will be translated into local languages, and outreach will leverage community programs, local radio, and schools to ensure inclusivity,” she said.
She further explained that NITA-U’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) manages cyber incidents through a dedicated platform where citizens and organizations can report attacks directly. Security analysts investigate, classify threats, and coordinate responses with relevant stakeholders, including the police and other agencies.
With support from the World Bank, Uganda is also developing a national cyber governance framework to guide responses to major incidents, including escalation procedures that involve the Office of the President when necessary.
On balancing cybersecurity with innovation, Mugumya stressed that security should enable rather than hinder technological progress, encouraging innovators to integrate privacy and security by design into their products and services.
Johnson Tumusiime, a Security Analyst at NITA-U, highlighted the growing complexity of cyber threats due to increased digital transformation.
He explained that as schools, hospitals, and businesses move online, many attacks now originate internationally, requiring constant vigilance.
Tumusiime advised Ugandans to practice data minimization by sharing only essential personal information and warned about the dangers of AI-powered deepfakes, urging citizens to stay informed and improve digital literacy as technology evolves.
He reminded participants that absolute cybersecurity does not exist, noting that anyone online faces risks, but staying cautious, informed, and proactive is key.
Through the “Beera Ku Guard” campaign, NITA-U hopes to instill a culture of responsibility, trust, and digital safety across Uganda, strengthening confidence in online systems and supporting the country’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth.
