Bugolobi, Kampala: Uganda’s cyber professionals have raised alarm over the country’s growing exposure to digital fraud, warning that the surge in online financial crimes and data breaches could cripple economic trust if not urgently addressed.
Marvin Blessed Kashaija, Director of the Cyber Security & Forensics Association of Uganda (CSFAU), while addressing university students during the University Cyber Stars Competition held at Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) House, Bugolobi, Kampala, advocated for a cybersecurity training a “lifestyle”, especially among young people, arguing that defense against cybercrime lies not only in technology but in human awareness.
“In an era where nearly all our financial transactions are digital, our strongest defense is a well-skilled and aware populace,” he said. “Human error remains the biggest vulnerability in cybersecurity. The youth must treat digital safety as a core life skill.”
He noted that billions of shillings are lost annually to cyberattacks and online scams, attributing this to limited digital literacy and poor cyber hygiene among the public.
Kashaija applauded the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Uganda National Computer Emergency Response Team (UgCERT) for launching the 3rd Edition of the Cyber Stars Competition 2025, calling it a cornerstone effort in building national capacity in ethical hacking and cyber defense.
He urged universities and students to formalize their involvement by joining CSFAU, which he described as “a one-stop center for professionals and enthusiasts in cybersecurity and digital forensics.”
“The Cyber Stars Competition is a fantastic start, but the journey to expertise is continuous,” Kashaija said. “Through the Association, students can access mentorship, resources, and job pathways to strengthen Uganda’s digital resilience.”
The IT expert’s remarks align with the growing national dialogue around digital trust, a theme echoed by the ISACA Kampala Chapter during its 14th Annual East Africa Information Security Conference under the banner “Thriving in the Era of Disruptive Technology.”
The conference emphasized the urgency of cultivating local expertise to safeguard Uganda’s digital infrastructure and promote ethical cyber practices in a fast-evolving technology landscape.
As digital transactions rise and fraudsters grow more sophisticated, experts warn that without nationwide investment in youth skilling, Uganda risks deeper exposure to financial and data exploitation.
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