Uganda’s efforts to build a safer digital environment have gained momentum after the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) and the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) trained communication professionals to strengthen how cybersecurity and data protection messages reach the public.
The training held under the national Beera Ku Guard campaign, brought together journalists, media practitioners and institutional communicators recognising their central role in shaping public understanding and behaviour in an increasingly digital society.
Officials noted that while cybersecurity and data protection are often discussed in technical terms, the public needs clear, practical guidance on how to protect personal information and navigate online risks safely. Communicators were encouraged to simplify complex concepts into messages that citizens can easily understand and apply in their daily digital interactions.
Speaking during the engagement, Gilbert Ssettuuma from the Personal Data Protection Office said the Data Protection and Privacy Act was enacted to safeguard individuals’ personal information and to regulate how such data is collected and processed. He emphasised that effective communication is essential if the law is to translate into real protection for citizens.
The training also focused on the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the role of human behaviour in digital security. Participants were reminded that unsafe online practices such as careless sharing of personal data or clicking on suspicious links remain a major entry point for cybercrime.
NITA-U officials stressed that as more services move online from banking and education to government platforms digital safety must be treated as a core element of national development.
By prioritising communicators, NITA-U and PDPO aim to ensure consistent, accurate and accessible messaging on digital safety reaches communities across the country. Authorities believe that better informed citizens are more likely to adopt safe online habits and demand accountability from institutions that handle their personal data.
As the campaign continues, more sensitisation activities are expected nationwide, reinforcing the message that digital safety is not only about technology but also about awareness responsibility and trust in the digital economy.