Prof. J.R Ikoja directing the deliberations on curriculum development in Soroti University boardroom
By Emmanuel Olinga
In a move aimed at curbing the growing threat of cybercrime, Soroti University has trained its senior management staff on cyber security awareness and data privacy protection.
The training, conducted on Tuesday by Ngura Consults, brought together university lecturers, administrators, heads of support staff, students, and innovators.
Lead consultant Don Oringa told journalists after the session that the program was designed to help participants detect and prevent cyber-attacks, particularly those targeting emails, bank accounts, personal data, and mobile devices.
“The awareness training focused on equipping the senior management to know and detect fake information often used by hackers to access personal and institutional data. We emphasized how to build strong safeguards against phishing emails, cloning attacks, and other emerging threats targeting people’s bank accounts and mobile phones,” Oringa explained.
He noted that similar trainings have been conducted at other universities including Kabale, Gulu, and Muni, all of which host ICT Innovation Hubs supported by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
The initiative is intended to strengthen Uganda’s higher education institutions against cyber-attacks, which are increasingly being used by criminals for fraudulent activities such as producing fake academic transcripts.
Lynn Tar Janet Gutu, a lecturer at the School of Computer Engineering, described the training as timely and eye-opening.
“It has helped us to know how to manage and protect our data from being used by cyber attackers to commit crimes. This knowledge will also extend to our students, parents, and innovators, shielding them from cyber harassment,” she said.
Similarly, Lawrance Etoromat, an assistant lecturer in the Department of Economics at the School of Applied Sciences and Science Education, appreciated Ngura Consults for breaking down the different forms of cyber-attacks.
“We now clearly understand the tactics used by cybercriminals and how best to protect our data. This training is a big step towards ensuring a safer academic and work environment,” he noted.
The training is also expected to boost confidence among innovators who utilize Soroti University’s ICT Innovation Hub.
Peter Kirangwa, the head of the hub, said the awareness sessions will go a long way in protecting students’ and innovators’ projects from exploitation.
“Many young innovators come here to develop solutions and create their own jobs. With this training, their innovations are better protected from hackers, allowing them to focus on creativity and entrepreneurship,” Kirangwa said.
According to Oringa, the rise in cyber-attacks targeting universities reflects a wider national and global challenge.
Criminals are exploiting digital platforms to steal money, manipulate academic records, and harass individuals.
He stressed that cyber security awareness and data privacy protection are no longer optional, but a necessity for every institution.
The Soroti University training forms part of ongoing efforts to build a culture of cyber resilience within Uganda’s higher education sector.
With universities increasingly reliant on digital tools for administration, teaching, and innovation, experts warn that sustained investment in cyber security skills is crucial for safeguarding the country’s academic and economic future.
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