As Uganda’s digital revolution accelerates, so too does the threat of mobile fraud. In response, telecom leader Airtel Uganda, in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Bank of Uganda (BoU), has launched a sweeping public awareness campaign backed by cutting-edge artificial intelligence to fight cybercrime.
The initiative, themed “Scam Follows Spam: What Needs to Be Done to Protect Uganda’s Digital Ecosystem”, was unveiled during a recent X (formerly Twitter) Space discussion hosted by Airtel. It drew participation from regulators and technology leaders who warned of a worrying surge in cyber-related fraud.
According to the Uganda Police Force’s 2024 Annual Crime Report, fraud and cybercrime cases have surged by 200%. With over 50 million mobile phone users, 32 million mobile money accounts, and 19.5 million internet users, Uganda’s rapid digital uptake has become fertile ground for cybercriminals.
“Scammers are getting smarter,” warned Kenneth Tweheyo, Manager of Consumer Affairs at UCC. “They lure people with fake job offers, lottery wins, or impersonate banks—tricking users into clicking malicious links or revealing personal details.” While acknowledging the benefits of digital platforms in healthcare, education, and e-commerce, he emphasized their vulnerabilities to exploitation.
Albert Ntege, Head of Licensing at BoU, also cautioned that mobile-based financial systems, despite expanding access, are now prime targets for cyberattacks. “We’ve strengthened our oversight of fintechs,” he said, “but users must also take responsibility for securing their digital identities.”
To reinforce this defense, Airtel Africa has introduced an AI-powered Spam Alert System that filters and blocks suspicious messages before they reach users. Currently, the system intercepts over 50,000 scam attempts daily with a 99.7% accuracy rate.
David Birungi, Airtel Uganda’s Public Relations Manager, highlighted that trust is as crucial as technology. “We operate under UCC and BoU regulations, but more importantly, on a social license rooted in public trust,” he said. “A SIM card isn’t just a communication tool it’s a digital key to your financial and personal life.”
Birungi underscored the importance of user education, especially in a country with varied digital literacy levels. “Public awareness is critical. Our Spam Alert System helps, but users must stay cautious and question any unexpected messages,” he urged.
Practical Safety Tips
From Airtel Uganda:
- Never share your mobile money PIN via call, SMS, or messaging apps like WhatsApp.
- Ignore unsolicited job offers or promotional messages.
- Report suspicious numbers to Airtel or UCC for immediate investigation.
From UCC and Bank of Uganda:
- Activate the *196# Do-Not-Disturb service to block spam calls and texts.
- Verify the authenticity of messages, even those that appear to be from banks or known institutions.
- Use strong, unique PINs and never store them on your phone.
As Uganda’s digital ecosystem continues to expand, experts agree that cross-sector collaboration remains key. While AI and regulation provide strong safeguards, vigilance and shared responsibility are the best lines of defense.
“Scammers thrive on deception,” Birungi concluded. “Let’s not give them that opportunity. Stay alert, question everything and protect each other.”