Opposition Members of Parliament have issued a stark warning about Uganda’s growing vulnerability to cybercrime, urging the government to take immediate steps to strengthen the country’s digital defenses.
Their concerns come in response to alarming new figures showing that cybercrime surged by 93.5% in 2024, inflicting losses of Shs 72.125 billion on Ugandans, with only Shs 420 million recovered.
Shadow Minister of ICT, Hellen Nakimuli, delivered a sobering assessment in her Alternative Ministerial Statement, highlighting the nation’s exposure to cyber threats.
“Our personal data and networks are insecure and susceptible to cybercrime,” Nakimuli warned. “This growing threat could severely damage public trust in our digital economy.”
The crisis, according to Nakimuli, stems from multiple weaknesses in Uganda’s digital infrastructure, the most pressing being a severe skills gap. By 2021, only 20% of Ugandans had basic digital skills. While 1.5 million people received digital training by 2023, she emphasized that this remains a fraction of what is needed to build a secure digital society.
Small businesses are particularly vulnerable.“SMEs handling sensitive information operate with weak cybersecurity measures, making them prime targets,” Nakimuli explained.
These vulnerabilities are emerging at a time when Uganda is aggressively pushing for digital transformation, creating what experts warn is a “perfect storm” for cybercriminals.
To counter these threats, the opposition is proposing a multi-pronged solution that includes:Stronger cybersecurity laws to clearly define stakeholder responsibilities, a nationwide digital skills training program to bridge the competency gap, Major investments in cybersecurity infrastructure to fortify digital systems
“We need formalized frameworks for preventing cyber threats alongside massive skills development,” Nakimuli stressed.
However, another significant roadblock stands in the way of Uganda’s digital resilience high internet costs.
Additionally, the Opposition also decried the internet cost of US$35 (Shs128,590) per megabyte per second (Mbps) and I Mbps/Month for commercial internet Service Providers (ISP) of US$85 (Shs312,290) describing it as high, which they argue is exacerbated by the high cost of on entry-level smartphone ranges from Shs200,000 to Shs500,000.
Nakimuli emphasized that these high costs are more than just an issue of access; they are a matter of national security.
“This is also high and altogether hinders internet penetration and affects the rollout of electronic Government. This is one of the reasons why many people are not using the internet and associated services,” Nakimuli said.
The opposition also criticized the government’s sluggish approach to digital skilling, stating that current efforts are inadequate to meet the country’s needs.
While some progress has been made, Nakimuli warned that Uganda remains dangerously behind in digital literacy, which she described as a critical foundation for cybersecurity.
As cybercriminals grow increasingly sophisticated, the opposition insists that Uganda must treat cybersecurity as a national priority.
“Without immediate action to train citizens, protect businesses, and make digital access affordable, the country risks falling victim to an invisible war that could cripple its economic future,” the opposition statement concluded.
