On the sidelines of the launch of Uganda’s Data Centre Landscape Report 2025, Mr. Edwin Enabu, Sales Manager of Raxio Data Centre Uganda, while speaking to PC Tech Magazine underscored the critical role of government collaboration with global tech giants, public cybersecurity awareness, and satellite internet adoption in accelerating the country’s digital transformation.
Mr. Enabu commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for engaging with representatives of Starlink, the satellite internet division of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to bolster low-cost, high-speed internet connectivity across Uganda, particularly in remote and underserved regions, as part of the government’s broader strategy to accelerate digital transformation and economic inclusion.
“Once we have connectivity right, these AI engines that we’re using to extrapolate data are going to function optimally,” he said, emphasizing that reliable internet infrastructure is foundational for progress. He urged the government to sign Memoranda of Understanding with “big hyperscalers” such as Meta, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies to expand their infrastructure into Uganda. “These companies need to extend their infrastructure beyond Europe and into African markets like Uganda,” he said. “Uganda’s rate of digital transition is high. Aligning policies with these partnerships will put us on the right development path,” he told PC Tech Magazine.
Addressing cybersecurity threats, Mr. Enabu voiced concern over the increasing threat of cybercrime, which he described as “evolving and complex.” He identified Ugandans’ reliance on public Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as a major vulnerability. He linked their widespread use to past government restrictions, such as the blocking of Facebook in 2021, which drove citizens to unsecured alternatives.
“When Facebook got blocked, people adopted VPNs. But remember, when you use a public VPN, it’s an open tunnel. Hackers can exploit this to access sensitive systems,” he explained, citing a hypothetical scenario, if a user is running sensitive apps like banking apps, the damage can be extensive.
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He stressed that cybercrime is evolving rapidly, with criminals often outpacing defenses. “It’s a cat-and-mouse game. We need to stay three steps ahead,” he said, calling for continuous cybersecurity training and partnerships with specialized firms. He warned of internal organizational collusion, noting, “Some attacks are coordinated by cartels within institutions.”
To mitigate risks, Mr. Enabu advocated for public education on safe internet practices and government dialogue, and also asked to restore access to Facebook so as to prevent Ugandans from using VPNs that put them at risk of cyberattacks. “If platforms remain open, Ugandans won’t resort to risky alternatives,” he told our reporter.
On connectivity, Mr. Enabu urged the government to push the partnership with Starlink, citing satellite internet as pivotal for Uganda’s future. “Connectivity is shifting to satellite. We can’t be left behind,” he stated, highlighting benefits like stable speeds for remote work. “Unstable internet hinders work-from-home growth. Reliable connectivity will boost the economy,” he added.
Enabu’s vision aligns with Uganda’s broader ambitions to become a regional tech hub. By marrying infrastructure investment with cybersecurity vigilance and global partnerships, he believes the country can secure its digital ecosystem. “With the right policies and collaborations, Uganda is on the brink of transformative growth,” he said.
As cyber threats loom and digital adoption surges, his insights highlight the opportunities and challenges facing Uganda’s tech landscape—and the collective effort required to safeguard its future.
