Ministry Of ICT Unveils New Program To Address Cybersecurity And Fulfill NRM Manifesto Goals

Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance is set to unveil a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering Uganda’s cybersecurity resilience and enhancing digital inclusion. The program, titled “Secure and Connect Uganda,” is a response to increasing cyber threats and persistent gaps in access to digital services across the country.

Announced on November 27, 2024, by Permanent Secretary Dr. Amina Zzawedde, the initiative focuses on building a safer, more inclusive digital landscape. It aligns with the National Development Plan III and complements ongoing efforts to achieve key ICT milestones outlined in the NRM Manifesto 2021-2026.

Cybersecurity: A Growing Concern
Dr. Zzawedde highlighted the alarming rise in cybercrime, noting that Uganda recorded a 45% increase in ransomware attacks and data breaches in 2024. “Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it’s a national security and economic development priority. We are committed to creating robust systems that protect individuals, businesses, and government data from evolving threats,” she said.

To address these challenges, the program will establish a National Cybersecurity Centre (NCC) to monitor and respond to threats in real-time. The NCC will work alongside international partners to improve knowledge-sharing and adopt best practices. Additionally, the government plans to strengthen cyber laws to ensure stricter penalties for offenders and enhance the protection of digital content creators.

Bridging the Digital Divide
Despite Uganda’s commendable 67% internet penetration, significant gaps remain in rural and underserved areas. The Secure and Connect Uganda program will prioritize:

• Digital Literacy Campaigns: Training at least 1 million Ugandans in basic ICT skills by 2026.
• Affordable Devices Initiative: Subsidizing smartphones and other devices to reduce costs for low-income households.
• Infrastructure Expansion: Accelerating the rollout of broadband services under the National Backbone Infrastructure Project to reach the remotest parts of Uganda.

Funding and Collaboration
The initiative will be funded through a mix of government allocations, private partnerships, and international grants. Tech giants, including Huawei and Microsoft, have expressed interest in collaborating with the Ugandan government to ensure the success of the program.

Stakeholder Engagement
Dr. Zzawedde emphasized the importance of public and private sector collaboration, urging stakeholders to contribute ideas and resources. “This is a collective effort. We must all work together to make Uganda a leader in Africa’s digital transformation,” she concluded.

The Secure and Connect Uganda program is expected to be officially launched in early December 2024, during a high-profile event at Kololo Independence Grounds. Citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in shaping this ambitious vision for a more secure and inclusive digital future.