In today’s world, almost everything that we do involves digital technology—from using our smartphones to make calls and send messages, to shopping online, and sharing status updates on social media. These online activities generate and disseminate a lot of personal information, such as names, contact details, location, browsing history, and even sensitive financial data which data could potentially be exploited to perpetrate cybercrimes, such as identity theft, unauthorized access to and depletion of bank accounts, and online impersonation. This is where the law on data protection and privacy come into play.
In this digital age, data protection and privacy have become crucial concerns for individuals and organizations alike in Uganda. The significant growth of technology has led to an increase in the processing of personal data, thus creating the need for a strong legal framework to safeguard individuals’ rights and personal information which are guaranteed in Article 27(2) of the Constitution of Uganda.
This article will delve into the current state of data protection and privacy in Uganda, highlighting the challenges and efforts being made to ensure compliance with data protection laws.
In Uganda, a comprehensive data protection framework was recently implemented with the enactment of the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019. This legislation focuses on the protection of people’s right to privacy and the protection of personal data through the regulation of processing activities which includes; collection, storage, and dissemination of personal data.
The Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) of Uganda, was established as an independent office under the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U), and is responsible for enforcing this law. PDPO has been proactive in ensuring compliance, particularly after a significant data breach at the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) in 2022. The breach exposed weaknesses in the stock market’s data storage systems, prompting the PDPO to issue a three month remedial order to the USE to rectify its technical flaws. The PDPO has also signed MOUs with the Uganda Communications Commission and the NGO Registration Board to enhance data protection enforcement.
Despite the efforts to strengthen data protection frameworks, several challenges remain, such as the lack of awareness and understanding of data protection rights among people. Many individuals do not comprehend their rights as owners of personal data, and organizational levels of understanding in matters of data protection differ greatly. Additionally, the real costs of implementing data protection compliance tools are often unclear, particularly in environments with weak technology regulatory frameworks, thus making their implementation pseudo.
As an individual, data protection and privacy are important to you because they help safeguard your identity and finances from being accessed or used without your consent.
By understanding your rights and the laws in place, you can take steps to protect your-self and ensure your personal data is kept safe.
Here are some tips to help protect your data and privacy:
▪ Be cautious about sharing personal information online or with unfamiliar organizations.
▪ Review the privacy policies of the apps and websites you use, and adjust your privacy settings accordingly.
▪ Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
▪ Be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls asking for your personal information.
▪ Monitor your financial accounts and credit reports regularly for any suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Data protection and privacy are critical issues that require continuous attention and improvement. Uganda, East Africa, and the world at large are making strides in this direction, but there is still much work to be done. The enforcement of data protection regulations, the development of robust data management systems, and the education of data subjects are essential steps toward ensuring that personal data is protected and privacy is respected. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative that data protection frameworks evolve alongside it to maintain the balance between the benefits of technology and the rights of individuals.