Milima Security has officially launched the 2025 Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) Report, marking the most expansive digital safety campaign in Uganda’s history.
Held at Fairway Boutique Hotel in Kampala, the launch celebrated what Milima described as a “movement” rather than a campaign — one that reached more than 10 million Ugandans through regional engagements, radio shows, hackathons, and digital platforms.
The initiative, implemented with partners including MTN Uganda, MTN MoMo, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Echo Uganda, and the National ICT Innovation Hub, focused on building national resilience amid rising cyber threats, AI-driven scams, and deepfake impersonation attacks.
A Nationwide Push for Digital Safety
For the first time, the campaign extended beyond Kampala into Lira, Mbarara, Mbale and the East Coast region. The response, according to Milima Security, was overwhelming. Launching the report, Milima Security CEO Emmanuel Chagara said, “This year proved one thing: Ugandans are ready to take cybersecurity seriously.”
Students, SACCO leaders, small business owners, local government officials, and university communities turned up in large numbers for regional Cybershields and symposiums.
A representative from Uganda Christian University – Mbale Campus testified to the impact, saying: “The Cybershields didn’t only focus on students — the public, private sector and business community benefited. People left motivated and informed.”
Cybercrime Now a Major National Threat
Chagara underscored the rising tide of cyber threats as he presented the campaign outcomes. “Cybercrime is now among the top three biggest threats facing businesses,” he said, noting that attacks increased by 36% in 2024.
He warned that digital fraud is evolving faster than public understanding: “Africa lost about $4 billion to cybercrime in 2022. In 2024, Uganda alone lost approximately UGX 72 billion, according to CID.”
Chagara emphasised that the majority of attacks succeed because the basics aren’t known, passwords are too weak, users lack proper digital hygiene, and cyber awareness is still low in many communities. “We must work towards a cyber-resilient ecosystem where people can enjoy the benefits of technology without living in fear.”
AI Deepfakes and Election-Season Threats
With the rise of artificial intelligence, the risks have multiplied. Chagara shared a shocking example: “I watched a deepfake video of President Museveni that was so realistic that only the excessive language exposed it.”
He warned that as Uganda heads into a political season, AI-driven impersonation and misinformation could mislead voters and even generate fraudulent fundraising schemes. This informed the 2025 campaign theme: “Securing the Future: The Rise of AI.”
Partners Highlight Rising Community Awareness
From MTN MoMo Uganda, Patricia Mbawa, Manager of Information Security, said the joint campaign achieved unprecedented inclusion. “Taking the campaign to different regions showed true inclusion. This year felt different — it felt national.”
She stressed consumer responsibility: “Security is not only MTN’s responsibility; consumers must also play their part. An empowered human is the strongest line of defence.”
Mbawa cautioned customers against falling for scams: “No one is giving out free money. Avoid clicking suspicious links… stay alert and verify before acting.”
Liquid Technologies also reported increased public curiosity. “We saw a sharp increase in cybersecurity inquiries and engagements. People are finally seeking help,” said head of marketing Isaac Kasaija.
Government and Academia Applaud Impact
Winfred Nankanja from the National ICT Innovation Hub praised the innovation-driven approach, noting: “The hackathon at EastCon was exceptional — it attracted students and gave them a practical, creative way to engage with cybersecurity.”
At the launch, communities that championed cybersecurity during the regional Cybershields were recognised. Milima highlighted their passion: “Their commitment helped us reach over 10 million individuals across Uganda.”
Echo Uganda’s Business Development Officer, Susan Nafula, detailed their contribution through public sensitisation and financial support. “Our contribution has mainly focused on creating awareness among the public across the four regions,” she said.
She added that numbers have grown consistently over the years: “As more people become aware and understand what cyber safety entails, they know what to do when faced with potential threats.”
Looking ahead, she revealed: “We are now asking ourselves: What next after awareness? That is what we are planning for as we move toward 2026.”
Regional Highlights at a Glance
Lira City: 680 participants; Unity FM talk show reaching 2 million listeners. Mbarara: 391 participants; Cruise FM talk show with 8 million listeners. Mbale: Major turnout; Signal FM reaching 3 million listeners in eastern Uganda and western Kenya. East Coast Symposium: 511 participants from 15 universities; hackathon won by King Caesar University.
