UCC Urges Tech Firms to Prioritize Public Trust for Digital Economy Security

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has called on technology companies and industry leaders to make public trust a cornerstone of their cybersecurity efforts. Speaking at the 15th Annual East Africa Information Security Conference, Dr. Christine Mugimba, UCC’s Director of ICT and Research, stressed that merely installing security tools and meeting compliance standards is insufficient.

Dr. Mugimba explained that the ultimate success of cybersecurity lies in early threat detection, rapid vulnerability remediation, effective incident containment, swift service restoration, and, crucially, citizens feeling secure while using digital platforms. This focus is paramount as Uganda increasingly relies on digital services for banking, mobile money, government functions, education, health, and commerce.

She highlighted the interconnectedness of digital infrastructure, warning that a failure in one sector can have cascading effects. ICT players must therefore safeguard critical communications infrastructure, recognizing the interdependence of telecommunications, finance, cloud services, and government systems. Security needs to be an intrinsic part of technology design from the outset.

The rapid advancements in AI, 5G, cloud computing, and IoT necessitate responsible regulation and robust security. Dr. Mugimba also emphasized the importance of investing in skilled human talent, as technology alone cannot guarantee system protection without competent personnel.

Furthermore, she noted that emerging technologies like AI are blurring the lines between authentic and manipulated digital content, making it harder for users to discern truth. Cybersecurity, she argued, should be viewed as a means to protect confidence in the entire digital economy, not just networks and computers.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Maurice Taremwa, President of ISACA Kampala Chapter, advised cybersecurity professionals against creating technical policies that alienate ordinary users. He asserted that digital trust is built when everyday consumers feel genuinely protected, urging leaders to consider how boardroom decisions impact citizens’ daily digital interactions.

The conference, which convened regional regulators, tech leaders, and cybersecurity experts, underscored the need for practical actions to foster a secure and trustworthy digital environment. The source for this article is the Daily Monitor.