Telecom giant Airtel Uganda, in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the Bank of Uganda (BoU), has launched a public awareness campaign to curb the alarming rise in mobile scams and cyber fraud.
The initiative was announced during a recent X (formerly Twitter) Space discussion hosted by Airtel Uganda under the theme “Scam Follows Spam: What Needs to Be Done to Protect Uganda’s Digital Ecosystem.” Representatives from UCC and BoU shared insights and issued urgent calls for vigilance as cyber threats intensify.
Uganda’s digital transformation is accelerating rapidly, with more than 50 million mobile phone users, 32 million active mobile money wallets, and 19.5 million internet subscribers. However, this growth has been accompanied by a troubling surge in cybercrime. The 2024 Annual Crime Report from the Uganda Police Force recorded a 200% increase in fraud and cyber-related crimes, underscoring the need for stronger protective measures and multisector collaboration.
Kenneth Tweheyo, Manager of Consumer Affairs at UCC, warned that fraudsters are exploiting Uganda’s digital growth by crafting more sophisticated scams.
“Scammers are getting smarter. They send fake job offers, lottery notifications, and impersonate financial institutions. Many victims lose money after clicking on malicious links or sharing personal details,” said Tweheyo.
He added that while digital platforms support essential services like e-commerce, education, and telemedicine, they also create opportunities for exploitation by cybercriminals.
Albert Ntege, Head of Licensing at the Bank of Uganda, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that digital payment platforms—though instrumental in expanding financial inclusion—have also opened new pathways for fraud.
“We’ve strengthened our oversight of fintechs,” Ntege noted, “but the responsibility also lies with users to take necessary precautions to protect themselves.”
In response, Airtel Africa has developed and deployed an AI-powered Spam Alert System that detects and filters out suspicious messages before they reach users. The system boasts a 99.7% detection rate and currently blocks more than 50,000 scam attempts daily.
David Birungi, PR Manager at Airtel Uganda, explained that this innovation reflects the company’s broader strategy to safeguard digital services through both technology and trust.
“While we are governed by UCC and BoU regulations, Airtel also operates on a social license—one rooted in public trust. That trust is central to how we deliver financial and digital services to millions,” Birungi said.
He emphasized that technology alone is not enough in a country with varying levels of digital literacy.
“Public education is key. A SIM card is more than just a communication tool—it’s a gateway to financial and personal data. Our AI-powered Spam Alert System helps protect users in real time by flagging suspicious messages,” he added.
As Uganda’s digital footprint continues to grow, experts agree that sustained collaboration between telecom providers, regulators, and the public is essential to keeping cybercrime at bay.
“Scammers thrive on deception. Don’t give them the chance. Stay alert, question strange messages, and help protect others by spreading awareness,” Birungi urged.
Practical Tips to Stay Safe
From Airtel Uganda:
Never share your mobile money PIN through phone calls, SMS, or messaging apps like WhatsApp.
Ignore unsolicited job offers or promotional messages.
Report suspicious numbers directly to Airtel or UCC for investigation.
From UCC and Bank of Uganda:
Activate UCC’s *196# Do-Not-Disturb service to block spam calls and texts.
Always verify unexpected messages, even those that appear to be from your bank or familiar institutions.
Use strong, unique PINs for mobile money and avoid storing them on your device.
