Uganda has unveiled a nationwide campaign dubbed “Beera Ku Guard” a local phrase meaning “stay guarded” to help citizens protect themselves and their personal data in an era where cybercrime is rapidly outpacing traditional threats.
The initiative, rolled out this week by the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U) together with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), is a six-month drive to strengthen cyber hygiene and boost public understanding of data privacy. Organizers say the campaign will reach millions through radio, television, social media, and grassroots community engagement.
“Digital safety must become second nature, just like locking your front door. Uganda’s future in the digital economy depends on how safe and confident our people feel online,” said Arnold Mangeni, NITA-U’s Director of Information Security.
According to officials, the campaign is anchored on two major objectives that is raising awareness of everyday cyber risks and ensuring that both individuals and institutions understand their responsibility in protecting personal information. Uganda’s 2024 crime report shows that criminal activity is steadily migrating online, making cyber protection not only a security issue but also an economic one.
Over the next year, the “Beera Ku Guard” initiative aims to train 100,000 Ugandans in cyber safety basics, register at least 1,000 organizations with the PDPO to improve compliance with data protection laws and build a pool of 500 trained professionals within institutions to champion safe data practices.
The campaign also seeks to simplify the often-complex legal language of the Data Protection and Privacy Act into clear, practical tips ordinary citizens can apply in their daily digital lives.
While nearly half of Ugandans have heard of cyber threats, fewer than 14% fully grasp the importance of data protection, according to PDPO research. For Paul Kakeeto, PDPO’s spokesperson, this is the biggest challenge the campaign seeks to tackle.
“We want Ugandans to stop thinking of data protection as a technical subject. It’s about everyday habits what information you share online, how you store it, and who you trust with it,” he said.
The campaign ties directly into Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap (2023/24–2027/28), which positions technology as a growth engine for jobs, commerce, and governance. Officials say that without safety, however, public trust in these systems could falter.