In a significant initiative to strengthen responsible reporting on digital issues, the National Information Technology Authority - Uganda (NITA-U), in collaboration with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), has successfully trained over 50 journalists. These media professionals, drawn from print, radio, television, and online platforms, underwent comprehensive training focused on cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy. The program, which took place at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa on November 12, is a core component of the broader 'Beera Ku Guard' campaign, a nationwide effort aimed at mitigating cybersecurity risks across Uganda.

The necessity for such a robust training program was highlighted by recent findings from a survey indicating that a mere 13% of Ugandans are aware of existing data privacy laws and cybersecurity practices. This statistic underscores an urgent demand for increased public awareness and informed communication regarding these critical digital subjects. By enhancing the media's capacity, this engagement seeks to ensure accurate and effective reporting, thereby bridging the knowledge gap between digital security experts and the general public.

Arnold Mangeni, NITA-U's director of information security, emphasized the pivotal role of journalists in this endeavor. He stated, "We acknowledge that journalists are key partners in raising awareness and promoting trusted cybersecurity and data protection practices. Accurate and informed reporting protects not only systems and organizations, but also the citizens behind them." This perspective was reinforced by Gilbert Ssettuuma, a legal officer at the PDPO and one of the facilitators of the training. Ssettuuma highlighted the media's vital role in shaping public discourse, asserting, "Media practitioners play a vital role in shaping public discourse on data protection and cybersecurity in Uganda. Journalists have a responsibility to inform and educate citizens about the importance of safeguarding personal data. Let's work together to promote a culture of data protection and respect for digital rights in Uganda."

Further enriching the training, cybersecurity expert Jerome Okot from Milima provided practical insights, supported by real-world case studies and demonstrations. Okot articulated a fundamental principle for collective security: "If everyone of us is secure, everyone else is secure," stressing the interconnectedness of individual digital safety measures. He offered actionable advice specifically tailored for journalists to protect their digital workspaces and safeguard their sources, including the importance of enabling multi-factor authentication, employing AI-detection tools to verify suspicious content, and diligently avoiding the download of files from unverified or untrusted sources. Through these efforts, NITA-U and PDPO are empowering Ugandan journalists to become proactive advocates for digital safety and privacy.