The Opposition has urged the government to boost investment in Uganda’s cybersecurity infrastructure following a staggering 93.5% increase in cybercrime cases in 2024, resulting in financial losses amounting to Shs72.125 billion, of which only Shs420 million was recovered.
This concern was raised by Nakimuli Hellen, the Shadow Minister of ICT, during her Alternative Ministerial Address. She also highlighted the country’s low digital literacy levels, citing data that showed only 20% of Ugandans were digitally skilled by 2021, while by 2023, over 1.5 million people had received some form of digital training.
“This underscores the vulnerability of personal data and networks, making them highly susceptible to cyber threats. The increasing frequency of cyber incidents could erode public trust in ICT and, by extension, the digital economy,” Helen warned. She further noted that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are particularly at risk, as they often handle sensitive data, making cybersecurity a crucial investment.
Helen emphasized the need for regulatory and legal reforms to define responsibilities among stakeholders in order to enhance cyber resilience. “By strengthening digital skills, expanding connectivity, promoting digital entrepreneurship, and improving data protection policies, Uganda can harness the full potential of digital transformation across all sectors,” she added.
High Internet Costs Hindering Digital Growth
In addition to cybersecurity concerns, the Opposition criticized Uganda’s high internet costs, which they argue limit internet penetration and hinder e-government services. The cost of internet for commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs) currently stands at US$85 (Shs312,290) per Mbps per month, while individual users pay US$35 (Shs128,590) per Mbps, making it unaffordable for many Ugandans.
Helen further pointed out the high cost of entry-level smartphones, ranging between Shs200,000 and Shs500,000, as a key factor preventing widespread adoption of digital services. “These costs remain a significant barrier to internet access, making it difficult for many Ugandans to embrace digital transformation,” she noted.
While Uganda’s digital skilling programs aim to promote digital literacy in underserved communities, Helen observed that their implementation remains sluggish. “With only 3% of the total population having received digital training, efforts to promote e-government services and digital inclusion need to be accelerated,” she urged.
The Opposition is calling for urgent government intervention to reduce internet costs, improve digital literacy programs, and strengthen cybersecurity measures to safeguard Uganda’s digital economy and enhance national security.
