Uganda and Tanzania are strengthening their cooperation on ICT regulation, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, with a focus on harmonising data protection and privacy frameworks within the East African Community (EAC).

A delegation from Tanzania's Information and Communication Technologies Commission (ICTC) recently visited Uganda's National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) in Kampala to benchmark Uganda's ICT regulations and data protection frameworks.

Ms Caroline Mugisha, NITA-U's Director of Regulation and Legal Services, emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, saying, "This benchmarking visit by the ICTC is a testament to our shared commitment to improving regional ICT capabilities. As EAC member states, we face similar challenges in managing data, securing cyberspace, and building trust in digital systems. Collaboration is the best way forward."

The Tanzanian team, led by Eng. Sadath Kalolo and Williard Kalulu are touring Uganda's key ICT facilities, including the National Data Centre and the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO).

Uganda's efforts in enforcing the Data Protection and Privacy Act, which came into force in 2019, were highlighted during the visit. The PDPO has registered close to 10,000 organizations that collect and process personal data, a key step towards compliance with the law.

Mr Paul Kakeeto, PDPO Manager for Public Relations and International Relations, said, "We are working with other East African states to develop a harmonized governance framework to handle data protection issues at the same pace within the region."

The visit underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing cyber threats and promoting digital transformation. NITA-U's Director of Information Security, Mr Arnold Mangeni, noted, "Our role as IT regulators is not only to secure data but also to create a culture of cybersecurity that enables safe digital transformation.