Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo has called for stronger collaboration among government, regulators, security agencies, telecommunications companies, financial institutions and technology experts to combat rising cyber threats.

Speaking at the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference 2026 at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Thembo said cybersecurity must be integrated into Uganda’s digital transformation agenda rather than treated as an afterthought.

He noted that malware infections declined from about 1.59 million in 2024 to 1.41 million in 2025, but warned that Uganda’s cybersecurity rating remains in the basic security category.

Thembo highlighted several emerging threats, including ransomware, mobile malware, denial-of-service attacks, phishing and AI-enabled impersonation.

He called for stronger sharing of threat intelligence and faster incident response, alongside improved cybersecurity governance, skills development and consumer protection.

Thembo said coordinated action among public and private sector players will be critical to securing Uganda’s increasingly digital economy.

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