MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited (MTN MoMo) and partners launch a nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaign under the theme “Securing the Future: The Rise of AI” to educate customers on safe digital practices amid rising cyber threats.
While speaking at a press conference in Kampala, Mr. Richard Yego, the Managing Director of MTN MoMo, said the campaign, part of the annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month, aims to empower customers to protect their wallets, accounts, and mobile devices. “Cybersecurity is a very important element for us at MTN MoMo because it speaks directly to the services we offer customers every day,” said Yego.
Now in its sixth year, the campaign has expanded beyond Kampala to cities including Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, and Lira, after which it will conclude with a grand finale in the central region. Each week will focus on key cybersecurity themes such as cyber hygiene, AI-driven threats, financial fraud, and practical lessons from the Cybersecurity Symposium.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with MTN Uganda, Milima Security, the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, and members of the Anti-Fraud Consortium, including the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Bank of Uganda, Uganda Bankers Association, FinTechs, and the Uganda Police.
Mr. Yego highlighted that past campaigns reduced mobile money fraud by approximately 85% within the first year. MTN MoMo has strengthened its systems to detect and intercept socially engineered fraud, enhanced multi-layer authentication, and launched the MoMo NextGen App with biometric login for increased security.
Andrew Bugembe, Chief Finance Officer at MTN Uganda, said the company is already investing in smarter, AI-driven systems designed to detect and prevent fraud in real time, from enhanced SIM registration and digital verification to safer mobile transactions. “AI doesn’t sleep or take weekends off, it learns,” he said, adding that when used responsibly, artificial intelligence can be one of the strongest defenses against fraud. However, if misused, it can easily become the threat itself.
Bugembe stressed that as companies advance digital inclusion, they must equally advance digital trust. He reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to building a secure, compliant, and trusted digital ecosystem where every customer, partner, and transaction is protected.
Carol Kagezi, Partnership and Alliances Coordinator at the National ICT Innovation Hub under the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, noted that artificial intelligence is now being deployed to detect irregularities, flag suspicious activity, and combat fraud.
Emmanuel Chagara, Executive Director of Milima Security, emphasized that human error accounts for up to 85% of cyber threats in organizations, stressing the need to train staff at all levels to foster a collective cybersecurity culture.
Terrance Alinde, CEO of ECHO Uganda, emphasized the need to enhance awareness and education on cybersecurity across the population.
“Cybersecurity is not just a campaign; it’s a year-round commitment to protecting our customers, partners, and Uganda’s digital financial ecosystem,” Yego said, noting MTN MoMo’s continued efforts to educate subscribers on safeguarding their PINs and OTPs to prevent fraud.
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October is a month of Cybersecurity Awareness, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about cybersecurity and promoting safe online practices. It encourages individuals and organizations to safeguard their digital assets, stay vigilant, and educate themselves on topics like phishing, strong passwords, and software updates to protect against cyber threats. The month features campaigns, training, and events from various organizations to help build a more secure online environment.
