In response to the growing threat of mobile scams, Airtel Uganda has teamed up with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Bank of Uganda (BoU) to launch a campaign aimed at safeguarding the public.
This initiative comes amid a dramatic rise in cybercrime, particularly in mobile money fraud, as Uganda’s digital ecosystem rapidly expands.
Speaking during a recent X (formerly Twitter) Space discussion hosted by Airtel Uganda under the theme “Scam Follows Spam: What Needs to Be Done to Protect Uganda’s Digital Ecosystem,” representatives from UCC and BoU expressed deep concern over the surge in spam, scams, and cyber threats.
They urged the public to remain informed and vigilant as mobile and internet usage continues to climb. Uganda now boasts over 50 million mobile phone users, 32 million active mobile money wallets, and 19.5 million internet subscribers.
However, this growth has brought with it a 200% increase in fraud and cyber-related crimes, according to the 2024 Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report.
Kenneth Tweheyo, Manager of Consumer Affairs at UCC, highlighted that scammers are exploiting the nation’s swift adoption of smartphones and digital services.
He warned that cybercriminals now use fake job offers, lottery scams, and even impersonate banks to trick people into sharing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
Tweheyo acknowledged the transformative power of the internet in areas such as e-commerce, education, and telemedicine but stressed the accompanying risks of digital exploitation.
Albert Ntege, Head of Licensing at the Bank of Uganda, echoed these concerns. While digital payments have greatly enhanced financial inclusion, Ntege emphasized that they have also opened new doors for fraud.
He noted that the central bank has tightened its oversight of fintechs but also urged end-users to take greater responsibility for their digital safety.
To support this effort, Airtel Africa earlier this year launched an AI-driven Spam Alert System designed to detect and block suspicious messages before they reach users.
David Birungi, Public Relations Manager at Airtel Uganda, explained that the system currently blocks over 50,000 scam attempts every day and boasts a 99.7% detection rate.
He noted that this technological solution is part of Airtel’s broader mission to build trust through secure digital and financial services.
Birungi stressed that in addition to regulations and tech tools, public education is critical. Many Ugandans are still developing digital literacy, and raising awareness across all age groups is essential.
He pointed out that a SIM card is more than a communication tool, it holds access to one’s financial and personal data. “We’ve seen far too many people lose their hard-earned money simply by responding to spam messages,” he said. “That’s why we’re using AI to detect threats and why we’re urging the public to stay cautious and informed.”
As part of the campaign, Airtel, UCC, and BoU have issued practical tips to help users protect themselves.
Airtel advises users never to share their mobile money PINs, to ignore suspicious promotional messages or job offers, and to report fraudulent numbers directly to Airtel or UCC.
The UCC and BoU encourage users to activate the *196# Do-Not-Disturb service to block spam, verify any unexpected messages even from seemingly trusted sources, and use strong, unique PINs that aren’t saved on their devices.
As Uganda’s digital economy grows, the collaboration between telecom providers, regulators, and users will be vital in combating cybercrime.
While tools like Airtel’s AI-powered spam filter mark significant progress, the success of the initiative ultimately relies on public awareness and caution.
“Scammers thrive on deception don’t give them the chance stay alert, question strange messages, and help protect others by spreading the word,” Birungi concluded.
