MTN Uganda, partners tip public on safety amid rising cybercrime

As the world marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, MTN Uganda, in partnership with MTNMoMo and Milima Security, on Wednesday held a stakeholder engagement aimed at sensitizing the public on how to counter cyber attacks and stay digitally conscious.

The event highlighted the rising sophistication of financial fraud and the urgent need for awareness, especially among grassroots communities.

“As we innovate, cybercriminals also innovate. They often study new products end to end, looking for loopholes that ordinary users might never notice,” said MTN Mobile Money CEO Richard Yego during the conference. He noted that 2023 saw a surge in socially engineered fraud—scams that target people rather than systems. “Awareness is key. We must keep educating customers on how these scams work and how to protect themselves.”

Andrew Bugembe, MTN’s Chief Finance Officer, emphasized that cybersecurity has become a way of life. “The threats are evolving every day, and identity theft is becoming increasingly sophisticated. While AI offers incredible opportunities to enhance security, it can also power more dangerous attacks. As we embrace AI, we must remain vigilant and collaborative in protecting the systems and data that drive our world.”

MTN has long prioritized internal cybersecurity measures, ensuring employees are trained and systems secured. According to Albert Gitta, CIO of MTN MoMo, partnerships with Milima Security allow the company to extend awareness to customers, equipping them to safeguard their information and finances.

“We operate in both finance and telecoms, and our customers have entrusted us with their data, their money, and their confidence. Protecting that trust is not optional; it is our duty,” Gitta said.

The engagement comes at a time when digital adoption in Uganda continues to grow, with increasing mobile money transactions and online services. MTN Uganda’s message is clear: while technology provides opportunities, users must remain vigilant to avoid falling prey to cybercrime.