The National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U), through the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), has launched the “Beera Ku Guard” awareness campaign aimed at equipping Ugandans with knowledge and practical skills to protect their personal data.
The initiative comes at a time when cybersecurity threats are on the rise and more citizens are using digital platforms for government services, financial transactions and social media engagement.
The campaign seeks to bridge the widening gap in public understanding of data protection, especially as increasing volumes of personal information are being stored and shared online.
Speaking at the launch, PDPO Director Baker Barijjuka said data protection in Uganda is guided by key principles including accountability, data minimisation, retention, data quality and transparency.
He explained that Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act applies to any individual or organisation that collects personal data, whether through automated systems such as online platforms or through manual records like books, files and registers.
“The law applies to anyone collecting or processing personal data,” Barijjuka said, noting that both private and public institutions must comply with established standards.
He added that the “Beera Ku Guard” campaign is intended to help individuals and organisations better understand their legal obligations and promote responsible handling of personal information.
Barijjuka warned that the rapid shift toward digital systems has exposed many Ugandans to cyber risks, largely due to low awareness and negligence.
According to him, the human factor remains the weakest link in cybersecurity. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting individuals through phishing schemes and online scams, often exploiting gaps in digital literacy. The growing use of artificial intelligence tools has further complicated the threat landscape, enabling more sophisticated attacks.
“Our data is now online, but the majority of people don’t know how to protect it. The weakest link in cybersecurity is the human being,” Barijjuka said.
He stressed that while technology infrastructure continues to improve, awareness and behavioural change among users are equally critical in preventing data breaches.
The “Beera Ku Guard” campaign will focus on simplifying cybersecurity and data protection information so that it can be understood by ordinary citizens, not only technology experts.
Officials noted that in the past, discussions about cybersecurity were largely confined to technical professionals, leaving many Ugandans vulnerable due to limited understanding of how digital systems work and how personal data can be exploited.
Under the campaign, NITA-U plans to conduct public outreach activities, media engagements and educational sessions to inform citizens about their rights under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, how their personal data is processed, and practical steps to stay safe online.
Authorities say the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen trust in digital services and ensure that Uganda’s digital transformation agenda is supported by strong data protection safeguards.
As more Ugandans embrace online platforms for daily activities, regulators argue that empowering citizens with knowledge is essential to reducing cyber threats and building a culture of responsible data use.
