NITA-U launches a nationwide digital cybersecurity, data protection and privacy awareness campaign

The National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) has  launched a Cyber Security, data protection and privacy  awareness campaign, dubbed ‘Beera ku Guard’, that’s aimed at increasing the public awareness and vigilance about the cyber threats both online and offline.

Speaking during the launch at Kampala Serena Hotel, the Director for   Information Security at NITA-U, Mr. Arnold Mangeni said the campaign aims to create a culture about cyber awareness among members of the public.

“This campaign is very important. It isn’t about just the messages that we’re going to be on  banners and flyers. It’s about us building a culture that is going to enable us be responsible as we use technology,” Mangeni said.

“NITA Uganda remains at the forefront of Uganda’s digital transformation and through projects such as the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project, we are extending affordable and reliable broadband connectivity into rural communities, digitizing government service delivery, and opening new opportunities for education, business, and innovation,” he added.

The COVID 19 pandemic saw a rise in cyber threats. And the Mr. Mangeni unpacked how it impacted the society.

“We had a challenge when covid came in, that we had to accelerate our going online in many ways, including our learners or the children under our care, and majority of them ended up getting as many accounts for social platforms as possible. Some are on TikTok, some on Snapchat, others are on X  but we as parents we have not guided them on how to use these platforms and the use of phones.”

“ We shouldn’t just expose the children technology and think it’s only positives, because we all know they are negatives. So the campaign  aims to  build awareness, to make sure that every Ugandan understands not only the opportunities of the digital age, but also the responsibilities and protections that come with it. We want citizens to know their rights under the Data Protection and Privacy Act. We want institutions to understand their obligations as data controllers and processors. And we want everyone to see cybersecurity not as something distant and technical, but as a habit, as part of daily life.”

Mangeni said the campaign will reach at least 70% of Ugandans to emphasize that cybersecurity and data privacy is everyone’s responsibility.

“It begins with you and me, how we handle our passwords, how we safeguard our devices, how we respect personal information of others. It extends to our institutions, which must be transparent, accountable, and compliant with the law. And it requires us to work together, across government, private sector, and communities, to build resilience in the face of ever-evolving threats.”

Johnson Tumusiime, a data protection officer at NITA-U said the cyber security landscape has evolved and now moves hand in hand with privacy.

“These people targeting you take advantage of a lack of knowledge but also do data minimization. This means you only share what is necessary.  Even on social media, share  what you feel is necessary or else your data can be misused. What I would advise is that don’t get excited as a citizen, share what is only necessary,” Tumusiime said.

Henry Kimera, the team leader at Consumer Center(CONSENT) Uganda,  urged members of the public to be alert.

“We are on a time bomb all of us. Whether knowledgeable or tech savvy, there is someone trying to target you. You will find that somebody who has not even ever engineered anything will come and hit you hard with technology, and this is what we are facing today. It is borderless and doesn’t matter whether you are educated or not,” Kimera said.

“Consumer responsibility means being critically aware but also taking action. Social concern should be part of you. If it affects your neighbour, know it will also affect you. There is need to be in solidarity to safeguard ourselves as consumers. When we are hurt, the economy is hurt.”

The Beera Ku Guard campaign about more than just posters and messages. It is about building a culture, a culture of digital responsibility.