StakeHolders unite to Strengthen Uganda’s Cyber Leadership

IT 

Kampala – As Uganda advances its digital transformation, cyber threats are rising at an alarming rate. Government institutions, financial services, telecoms, and critical infrastructure providers are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cybercriminals, putting national systems at serious risk.

To address this, Milima Cyber Academy (MCA) has partnered with the European Cyber Security Initiative (ECSI) and the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) to build cybersecurity capacity among Uganda’s top leaders.

“Uganda’s critical information infrastructure remains a growing concern,” said Emmanuel Chagara, CEO of Milima Cyber Academy. “Despite progress in policy and awareness, many organizations still lack coordinated, robust cybersecurity frameworks.”

The urgency is underscored by the Uganda Police Force Annual Report, which shows cybercrime-related losses jumping from UGX 19.2 billion in 2022 to UGX 72 billion in 2024.

“Uganda’s challenges mirror what many European countries faced not long ago,” said Markus Münzer, CEO of ECSI. “While there’s regulatory progress, gaps remain in governance, risk oversight, and executive prioritization.”

Münzer stressed that leadership is key: “Europe advanced through top-level commitment, collaboration, and investment. Uganda is now at a similar turning point.”

This partnership sends a clear message: cybersecurity is not just a technical concern—it’s a leadership imperative. Strengthening executive awareness and action is essential to protecting Uganda’s digital future.