Wednesday 1st October 2025 | Kampala, Uganda — MTN Uganda has partnered with Milima Security as platinum sponsors to launch the 6th edition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The campaign aims to boost cyber resilience, encourage dialogue, and promote public-private collaboration against digital threats.
Led by the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the initiative brings together stakeholders including Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Echotel Uganda, Lira City Council Authority, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Livingstone International University, and Cavendish University.
This year’s theme, “Securing the Future: The Rise of AI,” highlights the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and its role in both advancing technology and increasing cyber risks like deepfakes, sophisticated fraud, and system vulnerabilities.
Uganda Police’s Annual Cyber Crime Report shows the country lost UGX 72.1 billion to fraud and cyber incidents in 2024. Digital fraud accounted for 31.9% of all reported cases. Small and medium enterprises remain highly vulnerable, with 40% experiencing cyberattacks, underscoring the need for awareness and strong defenses.
Experts warn that AI is being leveraged by cybercriminals to create convincing fake voice and video messages, leading to scams that trick victims into transferring money or revealing sensitive information. With over a million new devices sold annually in Uganda, weak digital literacy and poor home security practices present growing risks. Additionally, less than 1% of businesses in Uganda have cyber insurance, highlighting a significant gap in corporate risk management.
MTN’s Commitment
Thomas Motlepa, MTN Uganda’s Chief Technical Information Officer, spoke at the launch:
“As Uganda’s leading digital solutions provider, we believe security is the foundation of trust in every digital interaction. Our partnership with Milima Security in Cybersecurity Awareness Month demonstrates our responsibility to empower Ugandans with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely. Together, our Security is unstoppable. By working collectively across the public and private sector, we can safeguard individuals, businesses, and communities against evolving cyber threats while enabling them to fully embrace the opportunities of a digital economy.”
Emmanuel Chagara, Milima Security CEO, highlighted the dual nature of AI in cybersecurity:
“Cyber threats have been amplified by emerging technologies such as AI in the country, and therefore we need strong awareness initiatives like the October Cybersecurity Awareness Month to protect ourselves and businesses from cyber threats. Due to the various public awareness campaigns, threats have reduced, awareness has increased, and people now spot phishing emails more effectively.
AI presents both positive and negative opportunities; it strengthens our defense capabilities but also allows hackers and fraudsters to craft more convincing attacks, increasing cyber threats and fraud.”
Progress and Partnerships
Uganda has strengthened its cybersecurity framework through the National Cybersecurity Strategy, the Data Protection and Privacy Act, and collaborations with global bodies like the ITU and EAC Cybersecurity Committee. The private sector has invested in awareness campaigns, cybersecurity training, managed services, and infrastructure upgrades.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 will run nationwide with city engagements in Kampala, Mbarara, Lira, and Mbale. Weekly themes include:
- Week 1: School Cybershield
- Week 2: Dark Side of AI
- Week 3: Fraudcon
- Week 4: EastCon Symposium
The campaign culminates in the EastCon Cybersecurity Conference on 27–28 October 2025 at the National ICT Innovation Hub, Nakawa.
About Milima Security
Milima Security is a leading cybersecurity solutions provider protecting individuals, businesses, and institutions across Uganda. Through awareness campaigns, advanced solutions, and training, it empowers organizations and communities to safely navigate the digital space.
About MTN Uganda
MTN Uganda provides telecom, digital, and financial technology services. Operating under the NTO licence, it serves all 134 districts with over 212,044 MoMo agents, 100,985 MoMo merchants, 200 service stores, and 13 main distributors. As of March 31, 2025, MTN Uganda had 22.8 million subscribers, 13.6 million MoMo users, and 10.2 million active data users.
For more, visit www.mtn.co.ug or follow on YouTube and Twitter.
About MTN Group
Launched in 1994, MTN Group operates in 18 countries across Africa and the Middle East, serving 288 million customers. Listed on the JSE under the code “MTN,” the group focuses on growth in data, fintech, and digital businesses through its Ambition 2025 strategy.
