Uganda Enhances Cybersecurity with Updated National Information Security Framework

Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, has officially launched the Updated National Information Security Framework (NISF) 2026. This critical initiative aims to significantly strengthen Uganda’s cybersecurity posture and foster a secure, resilient, and trusted digital environment for the nation.

The launch event, organized by the National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U) under the Uganda Digital Acceleration Project–Government Network (UDAP-GovNet), highlighted the growing importance of information security. Minister Lumumba emphasized that information security has transcended its technical origins to become a vital component of national security, economic development, efficient public service delivery, and public trust.

“Information security is no longer just a technical matter for ICT officers. It is now a matter of national security, economic development, public service delivery and public trust,” stated Minister Lumumba. She underscored that as government services increasingly move online, safeguarding these systems and citizen data is paramount.

The updated NISF 2026 replaces the original framework established in 2014. It has been revised to incorporate recent technological advancements and the dynamic landscape of cyber threats. The framework provides practical guidance on cybersecurity governance, risk assessments, implementing baseline security controls, and enhancing resilience against emerging dangers.

Minister Lumumba urged accounting officers and senior management to recognize information security risks as institutional risks, warning that cyber incidents can disrupt services, lead to data loss, financial damage, and erosion of public trust. She called for cybersecurity to receive the same attention as financial management, stressing that it is a collective responsibility involving everyone who uses government systems.

Dr. Hatwib Mugasa, NITA-U Executive Director, described the updated framework as a milestone, aligning Uganda with international best practices. The framework is anchored on seven guiding principles: leadership accountability, collective responsibility, individual responsibility, risk management, secure information sharing, trusted personnel, and organizational resilience. NITA-U is committed to coordinating implementation, monitoring compliance, and providing technical support to ensure a secure digital future for Uganda.

This launch is a key part of Uganda’s digital transformation agenda, ensuring its digital infrastructure remains secure and reliable as government services become more technology-dependent. The framework introduces practical tools for cybersecurity assessment and strengthens governance requirements, aiming to improve institutional resilience and enhance public confidence in digital government services.

This update was reported by Nile Post.