Cybersecurity Experts Sound Alarm over Unregulated Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity experts are calling for urgent regulations to govern the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Uganda, citing the country’s vulnerability to cyber threats.

According to Emmanuel Chagara, Executive Director of Milima Security, current laws such as the Computer Misuse Act and Electronic Signatures Act are insufficient to address AI complexities. Chagara urged the government to prioritize filling this regulatory gap, as AI is poised to revolutionize the way Ugandans live, work, and interact with technology.

“AI is still in its infancy, and our legal systems have not yet put in place the necessary regulations around it. Of course, there are other laws that protect against emerging technologies and cybercrime, but there is no specific law that defines how we use AI or combat AI-generated crimes,” said Chagara during the launch of the global Cybersecurity Awareness Month held at the ICT innovation hub in Nakawa.

The Awareness Month, themed “Securing the Future; The Rise of AI”, aims to raise awareness about cybersecurity’s importance in the face of emerging technologies like AI. Terrance Alinde, Managing Director of ECHO Uganda, emphasized the need for increased awareness and education on cybersecurity, noting that less than 1% of corporate entities in Uganda have cyber insurance policies.

“We’re selling over a million devices annually in the country. Every teenager wants a phone. Many of us stream Netflix and other solutions at home, but are we aware that we’re potentially exposing ourselves to cyber breaches, even in the comfort of our own homes?” Alinde asked.

MTN Uganda has partnered with Milima Security to launch the 6th edition of October Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Thomas Motlepa, MTN Uganda’s Chief Technical Information Officer, emphasized the role of partnerships in securing Uganda’s digital future.

“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,” said Motlepa.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, brings together key stakeholders including Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Echotel Uganda, and several universities.

According to Uganda Police’s Annual Cyber Crime Report 2024, the country lost UGX 72.1 billion to fraud and cyber incidents, with digital fraud accounting for 31.9% of all fraud cases reported. SMEs remain vulnerable, with 40% reporting cyberattacks.

Throughout October, activities will take place in Kampala, Mbarara, Lira, and Mbale. The month-long campaign features weekly activities, including School Cybershield, Dark Side of AI, Fraudcon, and Eastcon Symposium, culminating in the EastCon Cybersecurity Conference on October 27-28.