Cybersecurity: Building trust in Uganda’s digital economy

What the report says

Uganda’s digital shift is creating new opportunities for financial inclusion, small-business growth and broader access to banking and payments, according to an Observer viewpoint piece focused on cybersecurity. The article says mobile banking, digital lending, electronic payments and online platforms are helping people and firms manage money and reach services more easily, but argues that this progress only works if users trust the systems behind it.

The piece points to the INTERPOL African Cyberthreat Assessment Report 2026 as evidence that cyber risks are becoming more complex across the continent. It says artificial intelligence played a role in a large share of reported cybercrime cases in Africa in 2025, and cites Uganda as an example with a reported deepfake investment scam that caused losses before authorities stepped in. The author uses this to argue that cybercrime can undermine not only individual users but also businesses, public confidence and the wider digital economy.

The article frames cybersecurity as a governance and business issue, not just a technical one. It says institutions should build secure systems throughout their lifecycle, strengthen oversight, protect customer data and prepare incident response plans. It also emphasizes the role of staff awareness, customer education and cross-sector cooperation in reducing fraud and social engineering attacks.

The author, identified as dfcu Bank’s chief information security officer, presents digital trust as essential infrastructure for Uganda’s economic future. The article highlights that expanding digital finance will depend on balancing innovation with resilience, accountability and stronger safeguards.