Milima Security has inaugurated the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) Report, heralding it as the most comprehensive digital safety initiative in Uganda’s annals.
Hosted at the Fairway Boutique Hotel in Kampala, the launch underscored a movement, as Milima described it, that engaged over 10 million Ugandans through regional outreach, radio broadcasts, hackathons, and various digital platforms.
This initiative, in collaboration with key partners including MTN Uganda, MTN MoMo, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Echo Uganda, and the National ICT Innovation Hub, aimed to bolster national resilience in the face of escalating cyber threats, AI-induced scams, and deepfake impersonation incidents.
A Nationwide Call for Digital Security
For the first time, the campaign transcended the boundaries of Kampala, reaching Lira, Mbarara, Mbale, and the East Coast region. The response was overwhelmingly positive. While revealing the report, Milima Security CEO Emmanuel Chagara stated, “This year has demonstrated a critical fact: Ugandans are prepared to take cybersecurity seriously.”Milima Security CEO Emmanuel Chagara
Students, leaders of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs), small business owners, and local government representatives flocked to regional Cybershields and symposiums in large numbers.
An academic representative from Uganda Christian University – Mbale Campus attested to the initiative’s impact, remarking, “The Cybershields did not solely focus on students — both public and private sectors, along with the business community, greatly benefited. Attendees left feeling motivated and informed.”
Cybercrime: A Looming National Menace
Chagara emphasized the alarming increase in cyber threats as he presented the campaign’s findings. “Cybercrime now ranks among the top three most significant threats to businesses,” he remarked, indicating a staggering 36% uptick in attacks during 2024.
He cautioned that digital fraud is progressing at a pace that outstrips public comprehension: “Africa suffered losses of approximately $4 billion due to cybercrime in 2022. In 2024, Uganda alone incurred losses close to UGX 72 billion, as reported by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).”
Chagara highlighted that many attacks are successful due to a lack of understanding of fundamental security practices, weak passwords, inadequate digital hygiene, and low cyber awareness prevalent in numerous communities.
“Our objective must be to foster a cyber-resilient ecosystem, enabling individuals to harness technology’s advantages without succumbing to fear.”
AI Deepfakes and Election-Season Vulnerabilities
As artificial intelligence evolves, the associated risks have multiplied. Chagara recounted a startling instance: “I viewed a deepfake video of President Museveni that was so convincingly realistic that only the excessive language revealed its falsity.”
He cautioned that with Uganda entering a political season, AI-generated impersonations and misinformation could mislead voters and instigate fraudulent fundraising schemes. This catalyzed the 2025 campaign’s theme: “Securing the Future: The Rise of AI.”
Collaborative Efforts Highlight Enhanced Community Awareness
Patricia Mbawa, Manager of Information Security at MTN MoMo Uganda, commended the campaign for its unprecedented inclusivity. “Expanding the campaign into diverse regions showcased genuine inclusion. This year felt remarkably distinctive — it felt national.” Patricia Mbawa (L) receives a plaque on behalf of MTN MoMo
She emphasized consumer accountability: “Security is not solely MTN’s obligation; consumers must also contribute actively. An empowered individual constitutes the strongest line of defense.”
Mbawa warned against succumbing to scams: “No one is distributing free money. Exercise caution and verify before clicking suspicious links…”
Liquid Technologies noted a surge in public intrigue. “We observed a significant rise in inquiries related to cybersecurity. Individuals are finally seeking assistance,” stated marketing head Isaac Kasaija. Isaac Kasaija (R) from Liquid Technologies
Government and Academia Enshrine the Initiative’s Significance
Winfred Nankanja from the National ICT Innovation Hub lauded the innovation-centric approach, remarking, “The hackathon at EastCon was exceptional — it attracted students and provided a practical, creative method for engaging with cybersecurity.” Winfred Nankanja from the National ICT Innovation Hub (L)
During the launch, communities that fervently advocated for cybersecurity at the regional Cybershields were recognized. Milima underscored their dedication: “Their commitment facilitated our outreach to over 10 million individuals throughout Uganda.”
Susan Nafula, Business Development Officer at Echo Uganda, elaborated on their contributions through public mobilization and financial backing. “Our focus has primarily been on raising awareness among the populace across the four regions,” she noted. Susan Nafula (R) from Echo Uganda
She added that participation numbers have consistently increased: “As awareness burgeons and more individuals comprehend the nuances of cyber safety, they are better prepared to respond to potential threats.”
Looking ahead, she stated, “We are now contemplating: What comes after awareness? That is what we aim to strategize for as we approach 2026.”
Regional Highlights at a Glance
Lira City: 680 participants; Unity FM talk show reached 2 million listeners. Mbarara: 391 participants; Cruise FM talk show engaged 8 million listeners.
Mbale: Major turnout; Signal FM connected with 3 million listeners in eastern Uganda and western Kenya. East Coast Symposium: 511 participants from 15 universities; the hackathon was secured by King Caesar University.
Source link: Softpower.ug.
