The rapid rise of financial technology, mobile money, and e-services has transformed Uganda’s economy and connected millions of people. But alongside this digital progress has come a new threat—cybercrime. Fraud, scams, and data breaches are increasing sharply, putting at risk not only money but also public trust in the digital systems that now power everyday life.
Ms. Sylvia Mulinge, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Uganda, has raised alarm over the situation, warning that the success of Uganda’s digital revolution could collapse if cybersecurity is not treated as a national and business priority. She explained that the rise in scams, ranging from simple email phishing to advanced artificial intelligence–powered attacks, has created a crisis of confidence among consumers. Many citizens now hesitate to use online platforms out of fear of being defrauded.
According to Mulinge, this fear is dangerous in a country where mobile money and digital platforms are central to financial inclusion and economic activity. A single cyber breach, she noted, could affect millions of Ugandans who depend on these systems for transactions, savings, and access to services. “When trust in digital systems is lost, rebuilding it is extremely difficult,” she stressed.
Mulinge argued that cybersecurity must no longer be seen as a backroom IT issue but as a fundamental part of business strategy. She pointed out that modern threats are more complex than ever, ranging from deepfake impersonations and social engineering to sophisticated supply chain attacks. For this reason, she said cybersecurity must be embedded into every area of business operations—whether product design, customer support, or corporate governance.
She urged chief executives and senior managers to prioritise cybersecurity with the same seriousness as financial management or regulatory compliance. Without this shift in mindset, she said, businesses risk losing their resilience and exposing their customers to massive losses.
The MTN boss also warned that cyber threats are borderless, cutting across companies and sectors. “A weakness in one partner’s system can compromise an entire network,” she said, calling for stronger partnerships across industries. Mulinge emphasised that the government, banks, telecom companies, fintechs, and startups must unite under a coordinated national cybersecurity strategy. While some progress has been made through reforms and dialogues, she said a well-funded and action-driven plan is urgently needed to protect Uganda’s critical digital infrastructure.
One of the biggest challenges, however, is the shortage of skilled professionals in the field. Uganda currently lacks the cybersecurity workforce needed to keep up with rising threats. To close this gap, Mulinge advised heavy investment in training and talent development. She recommended integrating cybersecurity into university and vocational curricula, encouraging professional certifications, and promoting partnerships between academia and industry. Such initiatives, she said, would not only improve protection but also create new high-value jobs in the economy.
Building a skilled workforce is essential if Uganda is to move from being on the defensive to becoming a country that can anticipate and prevent cyberattacks. Without it, she warned, Uganda will remain locked in a cycle of trying to catch up while criminals stay ahead.
Mulinge concluded that Uganda’s digital future rests on one foundation: trust. With technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, and mobile services expanding, the threat environment will only become more complex. The CEO insisted that security must form the bedrock of this future. “Cybersecurity is not a luxury; it is the essential infrastructure upon which all digital progress rests,” she said.
For millions of Ugandans who depend daily on mobile banking, online platforms, and e-commerce, the message is clear. A secure digital ecosystem is the only way to guarantee growth, protect investments, and build confidence in a fast-changing technological era. With collaboration, investment, and local talent development, Uganda has the chance to turn cybersecurity from a problem into an enabler of its economic ambitions.
