By Nakire Caroline
The National Information Technology Authority–Uganda (NITA-U), in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO), has trained communicators under the ‘Beera ku Guard’ campaign as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen data protection and privacy awareness across the country. The initiative is aimed at equipping communicators with the knowledge and skills required to promote responsible handling of personal data in both public and private institutions.
The training brings together communication officers from government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as representatives from selected private sector organisations and civil society. It focuses on enhancing understanding of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, and its regulations, while emphasising the critical role communicators play in shaping public awareness and institutional compliance.
Officials from NITA-U noted that as Uganda accelerates its digital transformation agenda, the volume of personal data being collected, processed and stored continues to grow. This expansion, while essential for service delivery and innovation, also presents significant risks if data is mishandled or inadequately protected. Communicators, they observed, are uniquely positioned to influence organisational culture and public behaviour by translating technical legal requirements into clear, accessible messages.
The ‘Beera ku Guard’ campaign—loosely translated to mean “be on guard”—is a national awareness drive designed to encourage vigilance in the protection of personal data. Through this campaign, NITA-U and the PDPO aim to foster a culture in which individuals and institutions understand their responsibilities as data controllers, data processors and data subjects.
During the training sessions, participants were taken through key principles of data protection, including lawful processing, consent, purpose limitation, data minimisation and security safeguards. Practical sessions highlighted common data protection risks, such as unauthorised access, data breaches, phishing and improper sharing of personal information, particularly in digital communication and online platforms.
The Personal Data Protection Office underscored the importance of compliance, warning that failure to adhere to data protection laws can result in legal sanctions, reputational damage and loss of public trust. PDPO officials encouraged communicators to work closely with information technology teams, legal officers and senior management to ensure that data protection considerations are embedded in organisational policies, campaigns and day-to-day operations.
Participants were also guided on how to develop effective public awareness messages that promote safe digital practices among citizens. These include responsible use of social media, protection of personal identifiers such as National Identification Numbers, and caution when sharing information online. The training emphasised that data protection is not solely a technical or legal issue, but a shared responsibility that requires behavioural change at all levels.
NITA-U highlighted that the training of communicators is a strategic intervention intended to multiply impact. By empowering communicators, the campaign seeks to ensure that accurate and consistent messages on data protection reach a wide audience, including government staff, businesses and the general public. This approach aligns with broader national efforts to build trust in digital services and promote secure use of information and communication technologies.
Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and relevant in an era of increasing cyber threats and digital engagement. Many noted that the training had enhanced their understanding of data protection obligations and equipped them to better support compliance and awareness within their respective institutions. As Uganda continues to implement its digital transformation programmes, initiatives such as the ‘Beera ku Guard’ campaign are expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding personal data. Through sustained training, public sensitisation and institutional collaboration, NITA-U and the PDPO aim to strengthen data protection practices and ensure that the benefits of digitalisation are realised without compromising privacy and security