Kampala, Uganda: The National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U) and the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) have convened key national stakeholders to strengthen Uganda’s cybersecurity and data protection systems, marking the close of a nationwide awareness campaign dubbed “BEERA KU GUARD.”
The high-level conference, held at the National Conference Centre in Naguru on February 18, 2026, was organised under the theme “From Awareness to Action: Strengthening Uganda’s Cybersecurity and Data Protection Readiness.”
The Chairman of the National Information Security Advisory Group (NISAG), Noah Baalessanvu, said the campaign marks a transition from sensitisation to institutional action.
“Today is more than a milestone; it is a turning point. Awareness is the starting point, but it isn’t the finish line. We must now translate awareness into robust compliance frameworks, rapid incident response and rigorous institutional accountability.”
The “BEERA KU GUARD” campaign has, over recent months, engaged citizens, public institutions and private sector entities across regions to promote responsible digital behaviour and compliance with regulatory obligations.
Protecting Uganda’s Digital Identity
Baker Birikujja, National Director of the PDPO, emphasised the legal foundation of Uganda’s data protection regime under the Data Protection and Privacy Act of 2019.
“Our mission at the PDPO is rooted in the 2019 Act, which serves as the guardian of every Ugandan’s digital identity. It does not just protect data; it safeguards privacy and sets the standard for how personal information is collected and processed in a digital economy.”
He warned that digital systems must embed privacy safeguards at the design stage. “Digital infrastructure must be built on a foundation of security, resilience and privacy-by-design. Data is more than code; it is reputation. If mishandled, a person’s life’s work can be undone.”
The conference brought together government agencies, regulators, law enforcement, financial institutions, internet service providers and civil society actors to assess Uganda’s cybersecurity posture and chart next steps.
Institutions represented included the Uganda Police, Ecobank, the Internet Service Providers Association of Uganda and other regulatory bodies, reflecting a coordinated approach to combating cybercrime, online fraud and data breaches.
Officials noted that as Uganda accelerates digital service delivery, e-commerce and financial innovation, stronger inter-agency collaboration is critical to maintaining trust in digital platforms.
NITA-U reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure and trusted digital ecosystem that supports inclusive economic growth, transparency and data-driven governance.
The conference theme signals a broader policy shift — from awareness campaigns to measurable compliance systems, strengthened enforcement mechanisms and coordinated incident response frameworks.
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