Muni, Uganda — Innovators at Muni University have completed a five-day intensive training in cybersecurity, data protection and privacy compliance aimed at strengthening the security of digital innovations emerging from academic institutions.
The training, organised by the National ICT Innovation Hub in partnership with the university’s regional innovation hub, focused on equipping innovators and hub staff with practical skills to integrate cybersecurity and regulatory compliance into their digital products from the early stages of development.
Officials said the initiative is part of the hub’s broader programme to strengthen innovation ecosystems across the country by promoting responsible technology development and secure digital practices.
According to Ms Lailah Nalukwago, a project management specialist at the National ICT Innovation Hub, prioritising cybersecurity is essential for building sustainable technology businesses.
“We are not just protecting data but building the trust necessary for Ugandan startups to scale in a competitive market,” she said.
The training also aligns with the digital transformation agenda of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, which identifies innovation, entrepreneurship and digital skills development as key pillars for advancing Uganda’s digital economy.
The capacity-building session comes at a time when Africa is experiencing a surge in cyber threats. According to the 2025 State of Scams in Africa Report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, cyber-enabled fraud causes an estimated $57.8 billion in losses annually across the continent. The report further indicates that nearly 68 percent of surveyed African adults encountered digital scams in the past year.
Organisers say the growing scale of digital fraud highlights the need to build local capacity in cybersecurity and data protection, particularly among young innovators developing technology-driven solutions.
Participants said the training changed their approach to product development.
James, one of the innovators at the hub, noted that the programme helped him understand the importance of integrating security from the beginning of product design.
“I used to think of security as something you add at the end, but this session showed me how to bake it into my product from day one. It is a game changer for protecting our users,” he said.
Another participant, Alice, said the training simplified the process of complying with the Data Protection and Privacy Act.
“Navigating the law always felt daunting, but I now have a clear roadmap for compliance. This knowledge makes our product significantly more attractive to investors and customers,” she said.
The technical sessions were facilitated by Datatrack Solutions Consult, which guided participants through practical cybersecurity frameworks, privacy-by-design principles and regulatory compliance requirements.
Officials from the National ICT Innovation Hub said partnerships with universities such as Muni are critical in nurturing innovation at its earliest stages while ensuring emerging technologies are developed responsibly.
They noted that supporting innovators within academic environments helps build a generation of tech entrepreneurs capable of driving Uganda’s digital transformation while safeguarding users and digital infrastructure.
