The National Information Technology Authority, Uganda (NITA-U) on Tuesday walked journalists in Uganda through the existing cyber laws and internet crimes in a bid to enrich their knowledge in the field so that they can report from an informed point of view.
The training that was conducted at the Ministry of ICT headquarters along Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala attracted journalists from broadcast, print, and online media.
According to NITA-U, the world of technology is constantly changing hence the need for an initiative to train and discuss with people involved in creating awareness to the public about the latest trends.
Opening the event, Arnold Mangeni, the director of Information Security at NITA-U emphasized the role journalists have to play in driving the Digital revolution.
“We acknowledge the fact that Journalists play a fundamental role as advocates of change and therefore, anticipate that this training will accelerate the journey towards the use of ICT to deliver public services in a convenient, and cost-effective way,” he said.
Mangeni also told the journalists that the Government of Uganda was taking all the necessary steps to boost cybersecurity in the country, highlighting some of the recent honors it has received because of the efforts.
“Government of Uganda acknowledges the importance of creating an environment that allows a secure cyber environment. Uganda has one of the strongest cyber laws in the region. Uganda’s cyberspace was ranked as the most secure in Africa, according to the National Cyber Security Index 2018. This is a testament of the significant strides we have so far undertaken collaboratively as a nation in the protection of our systems. However, we also acknowledge the need to raise awareness given the increasing trend of use of ICT in all spheres of life.’’
On his part, Steven Kirenga, the Communications & Marketing Specialist at NITA-U advised the journalists to always corroborate their information by getting comments from experts in technology.
According to him, this will also help the Fourth Estate in picking the right terminologies when developing stories which will prevent misleading the public.
Must read: Uganda ranked number one in cybersecurity management
By consulting with experts, he added, it adds “credibility to your reporting.”
Journalists listening to the presentations. Image credit: NITA-U
The training also saw journalists walked through ways through which they can protect their reports by using some of the latest technologies and how they can use the power of the internet to make their reporting swifter and faster.
The training is one among the many lined up to create awareness on cybersecurity and cyber laws, according to NITA-U.
Last month, NITA-U in alliance with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) held a training for Law Enforcement officers to equip them with knowledge on the investigation of cybercrime that involves the misuse and abuse of the Domain Name System (DNS).
In September 2018, Uganda was ranked number one on the Africa continent in cybersecurity management.
According to the National Cyber Security Index 2018, Uganda made significant strides in cyber threat analysis and information management, protection of digital services, education and professional development as well as the fight against cybercrime, among others.
Related:
Government rolls out eLearning platform
Full list: Winners at the 2018 Uganda Film Festival
