By KT Reporter
The government has started equipping universities with knowledge in cybersecurity, data protection, aimed at preventing financial losses from cyber threats.
Don Oringa, the team leader at Ngura Consults, says that they are providing training for lecturers, principals, support staff, innovators, and students.
This initiative is being rolled out at universities in Soroti, Muni, Gulu, Kabale, and the ICT National Hub in Nakawa, particularly in response to increasing incidents of attacks, which have involved fraudulent email activities and unauthorised access to Visa card accounts.
During a cybersecurity awareness clinic held at Soroti University on Tuesday, Oringa emphasised the significance of the training, noting the adverse effects of cyber attacks on Uganda’s economy, resulting in substantial financial losses for individuals and institutions.
“This cybersecurity training is crucial for our community, helping us to understand the risks we face and how to mitigate them,” Oringa stated.
The program aims to benefit atleast 80 participants from each institution, recognising that these individuals represent the future workforce.
According to Oringa, empowering innovators with an understanding of data protection compliance will not only help defend against cyber attacks but will also raise awareness of various phishing threats.
“Our goal is to ensure they build a strong foundation in cyber security, data protection, and privacy, equipping them to navigate online platforms like email, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok safely,” he added.
Lynn Tar Janet Gutu, a lecturer at the School of Engineering and Technology at Soroti University, noted that this training aligns with the National Development Plan 3, now transitioning to NDP 4, which seeks to enhance technological skills among citizens to address community challenges effectively.
Gutu expressed her gratitude to the Government for designating Soroti as the eastern regional hub for this pivotal training, noting that cybersecurity is a pressing concern within our communities.
She emphasised the significance of training lecturers, administrators, support staff, students, entrepreneurs, and the business community, asserting that they represent the future ambassadors of Soroti University, taking their knowledge and ideas beyond the campus.
“Phishing attacks are prevalent in universities; when a student falls victim, it often leads to lecturers and administrators being compromised, along with the wider community,” Gutu remarked.
She is confident that by training our own people, we can effectively tackle the challenges posed by cyber attacks on our systems, websites, and other associated platforms.
Lawrence Etoromat, an assistant lecturer in the Department of Economics at Soroti University, highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of information, ensuring access to it, and safeguarding it within institutions.
In practical terms, he noted the need to regularly check email accounts to assess the frequency of breaches, allowing for the strengthening of passwords to prevent unauthorised access.
“Be vigilant with your personal and private information, whether it’s on computers, mobile phones, or in documents, as anyone can access and misuse it,” he cautioned.
Peter Kirangwa, head of the ICT Innovation Hub in the eastern region located at Soroti University, stated that the training provides valuable insights into preventing the broader issue of cybercrime.
He reiterated the hub’s mission to transform the eastern region and invited individuals to partake in this transformative journey.
Nixon Kamugisha, a systems administrator at Soroti University, shared that he has gained knowledge on protecting himself from online interactions and the cyber threats that loom in the digital landscape.
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