The Data Protection and Privacy 2024 campaign has officially been launched by the Ministry of Information Communication Technology and National Guidance, with a focus on responsible use of personal data and privacy protection. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics and other government organizations that have access to personal data have received a strong warning from Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT, asking them to use the information for the intended purpose in a professional and ethical manner.
The campaign, with the slogan “Stop, Think, Own Your Privacy,” was introduced on January 9, 2024, at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala. Minister Baryomunsi emphasized that everyone has the fundamental right to privacy protection and questioned the release of personal information without appropriate security measures.
Baryomunsi urged the media to utilize information responsibly during the press conference, making the distinction between what should be disclosed and what information should remain confidential. The initiative is in line with the 2019 Data Protection and Privacy Act as well as later rules created by the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) and Ministry of ICT.
The beginning of the campaign comes before Data Privacy Day, which falls on January 31, 2024. The security of personal data is more important than ever, according to Stella Alibateese, Director of National Personal Data security, who highlighted the rising frequency of data breaches and information misuse in Uganda’s digital world.
