Uganda’s communications regulator the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has set up a specialised unit called CERT to deal with cybercrime, one of the world’s fastest growing crimes.
Cybercrime, although relatively new in Uganda, is growing at a fast rate. Recently, hackers infiltrated several government websites including those belonging to the Ministries of Agriculture and the Ministry of Defense, as well as that of the country’s top referral hospital the Mulago Hospital.
The unit will keep an eye on Internet activities in the country and report high-tech crimes such as cyber-based terrorism, computer intrusions, online sexual exploitation and cyber frauds.
UCC’s director of technology and licensing Patrick Mwesigwa while presenting a paper at the 2012 Uganda National Internet Governance Forum held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Uganda’s capital Kampala, said specialized anti-cybercrime equipment and installation is expected to start in October.
He added that they expect the facility to be functional by the end of this year.
The project is expected to reduce access of cruel content such as malware, viruses and spam, as well as enhance security of online access in the country in Uganda.
Each year, cybercrime accounts for an estimated $105 billion in online property losses worldwide, according to a study by Global Cyber Security. The report also shows that there were at least 280 million Web attacks on individuals and organizations worldwide in 2010 alone.
UCC was created with the key goal of developing a modern communication sub-sector and infrastructure. Its roles include, licensing, regulating, infrastructure development and attending to rural communication service.
