The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has concluded a week-long Cyber Security and Cyber Terrorism Awareness Workshop in Kampala, strengthening Uganda’s preparedness against the rising wave of digital threats.
The five-day training brought together youth representatives, law enforcement officers, and key security actors, all focused on building stronger national and regional systems for detecting and countering cybercrime.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Joint Staff of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), the Chief of Staff – Air Force, Brig Gen David Gonyi, praised the initiative as timely and impactful. He said the workshop reaffirmed cybersecurity as a core component of national security.
Brig Gen Gonyi noted how technology has transformed daily life, observing that “today we can order, pay, and receive goods from the comfort of our homes.”
He stressed that national security now extends far beyond traditional military concerns, covering digital threats, terrorism, economic protection, and political stability.
Warning that cybercrime is now a borderless challenge, he told participants that “Cyber criminals operate across borders. Your readiness and discipline in training will determine how well Uganda confronts emerging threats.”
EASF’s organising team leader, Maj N. Faustin, said the workshop created an important bridge between policymakers and experts. “Your energy and commitment made this workshop productive and inspiring,” he said.
Representing the participants, Captain H. Muhwezi described the training as life-changing and urged colleagues to spread the knowledge gained. He called the experience “transformational,” encouraging others to apply the skills within their organisations and communities.
The workshop marks another effort by EASF to improve member states’ resilience as cyber incidents become increasingly sophisticated across the region.
