Uganda’s digital transformation agenda must place cybersecurity and digital safety at the centre of efforts to expand access, the Digital Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI) has said.
Speaking at the State of the Digital Economy (SODE 2026), DPI representative Noeline Nassuuna said technology can only deliver its full benefits when citizens are confident that digital platforms are secure and their personal information is protected.
Her message builds on a key theme emerging from the conference—that Uganda’s digital journey has moved beyond the question of connectivity to focus on whether people can safely use digital services for business, employment, innovation and everyday activities.
“We believe that technology should improve lives, strengthen businesses, support economic growth and enhance service delivery while becoming part of everyone’s daily life,” Nassuuna said.
She said digital inclusion cannot be achieved by simply increasing access to devices and internet services without addressing cybersecurity threats that discourage people from participating online.
“We cannot speak of digital inclusion if digital platforms are not safe and secure,” she said.
Nassuuna warned that many Ugandans continue to fall victim to online scams that target personal information and compromise digital security, particularly as more people adopt mobile-based services.
“In reality, these are scams designed to compromise their personal information and digital security,” she said.
She cited common online fraud tactics where users are lured with fake promotions promising rewards such as free products or internet bundles.
“We still have people clicking on links promising free KFC or 20GB of data, believing the offers are genuine,” Nassuuna said.
She said DPI’s role is to promote digital security awareness and strengthen cybersecurity practices so that individuals, businesses and institutions can participate confidently in the digital economy.
“Our role is to promote digital security and cybersecurity to build trust and ensure everyone can participate safely in the digital economy,” she said.
The comments add to discussions at SODE 2026 around digital trust, with other speakers highlighting that cybersecurity is becoming a foundation for Uganda’s digital growth as government services, businesses and citizens increasingly move online.
The Digital Defenders Protection Initiative works to promote and protect human rights by strengthening the capacity of human rights defenders to integrate security and protection management into their work.
Nassuuna’s message reinforces a broader lesson from the conference: while affordable access, digital skills and innovation are critical to Uganda’s digital future, trust and security will determine whether citizens are willing to fully embrace the opportunities technology creates.
