By Our Reporter
The National Information Technology Authority – Uganda (NITA-U), in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), has launched the “Beera Ku Guard” nationwide public awareness campaign, designed to raise Ugandans’ consciousness around cybersecurity, data protection and privacy both online and offline.
The campaign, whose name translates to “stay guarded, and on the lookout,” was officially unveiled on Wednesday at a media event hosted at Serena Hotel, Kampala, and officiated by Arnold Mangeni, the Director, Information Security.
“Beera Ku Guard” campaign is an extensive six-month, multi-channel awareness effort. It will be rolled out through TV, radio, social media and digital platforms, and targeted institutional engagements, delivering practical guidance on cyber hygiene and data protection best practices.
Representing NITA-U Executive Director, Arnold Mangeni, the Director, Information Security, emphasised that digital transformation must be anchored in trust, responsibility and safety.
“We cannot talk about a modern, digital Uganda without putting safety and trust at the centre. Beera Ku Guard is a call to action for every citizen and every organisation to safeguard personal data and use digital platforms responsibly.” Said Arnold Mangeni.
“Beera Ku Guard” campaign marks a significant step in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen public awareness around cybersecurity, data protection and privacy. Uganda’s digital transformation has brought more than 13 million citizens online. Yet recent data shows that while 48.8 per cent of Ugandans are aware of cybersecurity, only 13.6 percent understand the concepts of data protection and privacy.
The Uganda Police Crime Report 2024 has already noted a shift in crime from physical spaces to digital platforms. “Digital safety is no longer optional; it’s foundational. ‘Beera Ku Guard’ is about building a culture of awareness, where every Ugandan understands that protecting personal data is part of protecting our national progress,” added Mangeni.
With millions of Ugandans now transacting, learning and socialising online, the risks associated with digital exposure have become increasingly personal and immediate. The campaign, therefore, aims to address these concerns by equipping citizens with practical knowledge to safeguard their personal information and encouraging responsible digital behaviour across all age groups and sectors.
A high-level panel discussion during the event, themed “Building Public Trust in Uganda’s Data Systems: Safeguarding Information Online and Offline” explored the role of government, private sector, civil society, and citizens in creating a trustworthy and secure data environment.
Paul Kakeeto, the Manager, Public Relations and Marketing at the Personal Data Protection Office, noted that “digital transformation must be anchored in digital trust. This campaign will demystify laws, translate rights into relatable language, and inspire every Ugandan to own their online safety. Beera Ku Guard will empower individuals and institutions to take practical steps in protecting personal data.”
“Beera Ku Guard” is a flagship initiative under Uganda’s Digital Transformation Roadmap 2023/24–2027/28 and a key mechanism for operationalizing the Data Protection and Privacy Act. “Beera ku Guard” aims to reach at least 70 per cent of the population, directly engage more than 100,000 citizens, train 500 staff across public and private institutions and support the registration of 1,000 data-controlling organizations with the PDPO by 2026.
Mangeni stressed the urgency of the call, stating that with digital interactions becoming central to every aspect of life, digital safety must be as instinctive as locking your front door. ‘Beera Ku Guard’ speaks to this urgency, encouraging Ugandans to double-check before they click, share, or give away their data.
The launch featured a digital countdown, setting the tone for what will be an extensive, multichannel awareness effort. The campaign underscores that national progress in the digital era is inseparable from public trust and individual accountability. “Beera Ku Guard” calls on all Ugandans to adopt responsible digital behaviour and champion the principle that a secure, inclusive digital future depends on the vigilance of every user.