KAMPALA, UGANDA —The Cyber Security and Forensics Association of Uganda (CSFAU) has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s digital security while creating employment opportunities for information technology professionals.
The initiative, dubbed the Uganda National Cyber Digital Forensic Initiative (UNCDFI), is designed to decentralise cybersecurity expertise by extending digital forensic capacity from urban centres to districts, parishes, and villages across the country.
CSFAU officials say the programme will create a nationwide network of trained cyber forensic specialists who can respond to digital threats at the grassroots level as Uganda’s digital economy continues to expand.
Under the initiative, the association plans to recruit and train District Cyber Forensic Representatives, who will serve as frontline cybersecurity personnel in their respective communities.
The representatives will help monitor digital crimes, support investigations, and raise awareness about cyber threats among local populations.
According to the association, the programme will also provide a structured career path for IT professionals by offering professional certification and recognition as vetted representatives within the national cybersecurity network.
CSFAU says the initiative is also expected to generate economic opportunities for trained experts, who will receive priority consideration for forensic consultancy and technical assignments within their districts.
The programme comes at a time when the government is expanding digital systems to support public service delivery, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), which allocates Shs100 million annually to each parish to help households transition into the money economy.
CSFAU officials say district-based cyber forensic experts could help monitor digital processes associated with the programme and support investigations in cases of suspected cyber fraud or irregularities.
The experts will also work with local governments to improve digital awareness and help communities protect themselves from online scams.
The founder of CSFAU, Mr Emma Muganhwa, said collaboration will be essential to ensure the success of the initiative.
“We have the talent and the vision, but we cannot do this in isolation,” Mr Muganhwa said. “I am making a strong appeal to local governments, MDAs, and our private sector partners to stand with us. Support this initiative with resources and policy alignment. We need a unified front to protect our national digital economy.”
The project lead, Mr Marvin Kashaija Blessed, said the programme focuses on building a sustainable cybersecurity workforce starting at the grassroots level.
“We are intentionally growing our local IT talent from the grassroots up,” Mr Blessed noted. “By empowering district representatives, we aren’t just reacting to threats; we are building a sustainable, sovereign capability — a homegrown ‘Human Firewall’ that starts in the village and protects the entire nation.”
CSFAU has called on professional IT practitioners and cybersecurity enthusiasts across the country to join the initiative.
Interested applicants can register in the National Cyber Forensic IT Focal Database through the association’s website at csfau.org or submit an application request via [email protected]
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