NITA-U trains journalists in Cyber Security

The National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U) on Tuesday held a day long training for journalists in cyber security.

The training conducted at the Information and Communication Technology ministry headquarter in Kampala was attended by journalists from print, radio, television and online media who were equipped with skills in cyber security as well as creating awareness on the existing cyber laws.

Speaking at the opening of the training, Arnold Mangeni, the Director of Information Security at NITA-U emphasized the role journalists have to play in driving the digital revolution.

“We acknowledge the fact that Journalists play a fundamental role as advocates of change and therefore, anticipate that this training will accelerate the journey towards the use of ICT to deliver public services in a convenient, and cost-effective way,”Mangeni said.

The director in charge of Information Security at NITA-U affirmed the Ugandan government’s efforts towards firming cyber security.

“Government of Uganda acknowledges the importance of creating an environment that allows secure cyber environment. Uganda has one of the strongest cyber laws in the region.”

Mangeni said the National Cyber Security Index for 2018 ranked Uganda’s cyberspace was ranked as the most secure in Africa adding that it shows strides taken to protect systems.

“However, we also acknowledge the need to raise awareness given the increasing trend of use of ICT in all spheres of life.’’

Steven Kirenga, the Communications & Marketing Specialist at NITA-U said journalists play an important role in informing the society of what happens as well as doing the watchdog role but noted that many people are against them over the information they possess.

“Journalism is a unique profession. Journalists have information that some people might not want to be published.  Journalists have sources that they need to protect. Without safeguards, all this information becomes vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Such a training a training comes in handy.”

During the training, experts from NITA-U also emphasized cyber laws for Uganda including the Computer Misuse Act 2011 which has seen many journalists jailed over its alleged violation.

According to officials from NITA-U the training is one of the many  lined up to create awareness on cyber security and the corresponding laws.