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Cybercrimes on the Rise in Uganda: Experts Warn of Growing Threats

Kampala, Uganda - A new report by the Uganda Police Force has revealed a significant increase in cybercrimes in the country, with experts attributing the surge to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Rise of Cybercrime

According to the 2022 Annual Crime Report, cybercrimes have become a major concern in Uganda, with victims losing millions of shillings to fraudsters. The report cites the increased use of digital financial services as a key factor contributing to the rise in cybercrime.

Experts’ Warning

Experts warn that the trend is expected to continue unless measures are taken to address the growing threats. “The pandemic has accelerated the shift to digital finance, and with it, the risks associated with cybercrime,” said Dr. [Name], a security expert at the University of Kampala.

Forms of Cybercrime

The report highlights several forms of cybercrime, including:

  • Identity theft
  • Online fraud
  • Mobile phone SIM card swapping

Victims of these crimes often lose large sums of money or sensitive personal information.

Recommendations to Combat Cybercrime

To combat this growing threat, experts are calling for:

  • Increased investment in digital financial literacy and awareness campaigns to educate the public on how to stay safe online.
  • Government agencies, including the Bank of Uganda, to increase their budgets for digital financial security and fraud detection.
  • The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to be equipped with the latest technology to track lost mobile phones and gadgets before SIM cards are swapped by fraudsters.

Proposed Amendments

The experts are also urging the government to review the Electronics Transactions Act, 2011, to include an article that directs digital finance service providers to refund proven victims of digital fraud.

Recommendations

Implementing Changes

To address cybercrime effectively, we recommend:

  • The Bank of Uganda should design an app for reporting digital fraud and render assistance to victims.
  • Banks and telecom companies should invest in technology that addresses emerging security issues in digital finance.
  • Policy think tanks should conduct research on sustainable remedies and new models to safeguard digital financing.
  • Parliament should review the Electronics Transactions Act, 2011, to include an article that directs digital finance service providers to refund proven victims of digital fraud.
  • The government should increase the budget for the CID to procure the latest technology.

References

Sources Cited