When it comes to cybersecurity, awareness in Uganda has lagged behind the rapid pace of digital adoption. Nearly half of the population has heard of the term, but only a fraction truly grasp the risks and responsibilities tied to personal data. To bridge this gap, the National Information Technology Authority Uganda (NITA-U) and the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) have launched a six-month, nationwide campaign dubbed “Beera Ku Guard”, which translates as “stay guarded and on the lookout.”

The initiative aims to reach at least 70 percent of Ugandans through a blend of television, radio, social media, digital platforms, and direct engagement with institutions. It’s a multi-pronged effort that moves beyond flashy awareness slogans and into hands-on education, targeting both citizens and employees in public and private sectors. NITA-U plans to run training sessions for 100,000 individuals and 500 institutional staff, highlighting the practical steps everyone can take to safeguard personal information.

Arnold Mangeni, director for information security at NITA-U, says the campaign reflects a growing recognition: cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue confined to IT departments. “Data protection and privacy are everyone’s responsibility,” he notes. “If citizens, businesses, and institutions fail to understand the risks, the consequences ripple across society.”

This campaign comes amid rising cyber threats across East Africa, from mobile scams to phishing attacks targeting both individuals and organizations. Experts argue that building digital literacy is as important as enforcing regulations because awareness shapes behavior. In Uganda, where digital services—from mobile banking to government platforms—are expanding quickly, educating users is a critical line of defense.

“Beera Ku Guard” also leverages storytelling and practical demonstrations rather than dense technical language. Workshops show participants how to identify suspicious emails, secure personal devices, and understand privacy policies. Social media channels amplify these lessons, using short videos, infographics, and interactive quizzes to make the content engaging.

While the campaign is ambitious, its success hinges on follow-through. Awareness is only the first step; turning knowledge into habit requires ongoing reinforcement. Still, the initiative signals a notable shift in Uganda’s approach to digital safety, moving from regulation alone to public empowerment.

For a country accelerating its digital footprint, understanding cybersecurity is no longer optional. With campaigns like “Beera Ku Guard,” the message is clear: staying alert, informed, and prepared online is a shared responsibility, and it starts with education.