KAMPALA, UGANDA — The National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U), in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), has launched a nationwide public awareness campaign to bolster digital awareness and promote cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy among Ugandans.
The “Beera Ku Guard” campaign, which translates to “stay guarded, and on the lookout,” was officially unveiled at a media event at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. Arnold Mangeni, NITA-U’s director of information security, officiated the launch and emphasized that digital transformation must be anchored in trust, responsibility, and safety.
“We cannot talk about a modern, digital Uganda without putting safety and trust at the center,” Mangeni said, speaking on behalf of the NITA-U executive director. “Beera Ku Guard is a call to action for every citizen and every organization to safeguard personal data and use digital platforms responsibly.”
The extensive six-month, multi-channel effort will be rolled out through television, radio, social media, and digital platforms, as well as targeted institutional engagements. The campaign is designed to deliver practical guidance on cyber hygiene and data protection best practices, aiming to equip citizens with the knowledge to safeguard their personal information and encourage responsible digital behavior.
The initiative marks a significant step in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen public awareness, particularly as the nation’s digital landscape has brought more than 13 million citizens online. NITA-U noted that while recent data shows 48.8% of Ugandans are aware of cybersecurity, only 13.6% understand the concepts of data protection and privacy. The Uganda Police Crime Report for 2024 has also noted a shift in criminal activity from physical spaces to digital platforms.
“Digital safety is no longer optional; it’s foundational,” Mangeni added. “‘Beera Ku Guard’ is about building a culture of awareness, where every Ugandan understands that protecting personal data is part of protecting our national progress.”
A high-level panel discussion was held during the launch event with the theme, “Building Public Trust in Uganda’s Data Systems: Safeguarding Information Online and Offline.” The discussion explored the crucial roles of the government, private sector, civil society, and citizens in creating a trustworthy and secure data environment.
Paul Kakeeto, the manager of public relations and marketing at the Personal Data Protection Office, said the campaign will “demystify laws, translate rights into relatable language, and inspire every Ugandan to own their online safety.” He stressed that the campaign will empower individuals and institutions to take practical steps in protecting personal data.
The “Beera Ku Guard” campaign is a flagship initiative under Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap 2023/24–2027/28 and a key mechanism for operationalizing the Data Protection and Privacy Act. By 2026, the campaign aims to reach at least 70% of the population, directly engage more than 100,000 citizens, train 500 staff across public and private institutions, and support the registration of 1,000 data-controlling organizations with the PDPO.
Mangeni stressed the urgency of the campaign, stating that as digital interactions become central to every aspect of life, “digital safety must be as instinctive as locking your front door.”
Source:PML Daily