KAMPALA, Uganda – Opposition members of parliament are warning that Uganda is increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime and urging the government to take immediate steps to bolster the nation’s digital defenses.
Their concerns follow the release of new figures that show a dramatic surge in cybercrime. In 2024, cybercrime increased by 93.5%, resulting in losses of 72.125 billion Ugandan shillings. Only 420 million shillings was recovered.
Hellen Nakimuli, the shadow minister of ICT, presented a grim assessment in her alternative ministerial statement, emphasizing Uganda’s vulnerability to cyber threats.
“Our personal data and networks are insecure and susceptible to cybercrime,” Nakimuli said. “This growing threat could severely damage public trust in our digital economy.”
Nakimuli said the crisis stems from several weaknesses in Uganda’s digital infrastructure, with a significant skills gap being the most pressing. In 2021, only 20% of Ugandans had basic digital skills. While 1.5 million people received digital training by 2023, she said this is still far short of what is needed to establish a secure digital society.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly at risk. “SMEs handling sensitive information operate with weak cybersecurity measures, making them prime targets,” Nakimuli said.
These vulnerabilities are emerging as Uganda aggressively pursues digital transformation, creating what experts warn is a “perfect storm” for cybercriminals.
To combat these threats, the opposition is proposing a multi-faceted solution that includes:
Stronger cybersecurity laws to clearly define the responsibilities of stakeholders.
A nationwide digital skills training program to address the competency gap.
Major investments in cybersecurity infrastructure to strengthen digital systems.
“We need formalized frameworks for preventing cyber threats alongside massive skills development,” Nakimuli stressed.
High internet costs are also hindering Uganda’s digital resilience.
The opposition also criticized the high cost of internet access, noting that commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs) charge $85 per megabyte per second (Mbps) and $35 per Mbps per month. They also pointed to the high cost of entry-level smartphones, which range from 200,000 to 500,000 shillings.
Nakimuli emphasized that these high costs affect more than just access; they are a national security issue.
“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 further criticized the government’s slow approach to digital skilling, saying that current efforts are inadequate.
While there has been some progress, Nakimuli warned that Uganda remains dangerously behind in digital literacy, which she called a critical foundation for cybersecurity.
The opposition insists that Uganda must treat cybersecurity as a national priority as cybercriminals become more sophisticated.
“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.
