The Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), Lt. Col. Emmy Katabazi, has pledged security commitment in the continuous fight against digital fraudsters.
Lt. Col. Katabazi pledged the commitment during the official launch of the “Beera Steady—Be Better Campaign,” a financial literacy campaign aimed at changing people’s behavior and attitudes towards digital currency safety. The event took place at the Next Media Park on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.
According to Katabazi, security intelligence agencies have continued to deal with various cases with the assistance of banks, regulators and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
“We are striving to ensure that any evidence can be turned into prosecutable evidence to tighten all loopholes,” Katabazi said.
He added that, in terms of national security, the continued acts of “Bafere” hacking and mobile money fraud are considered serious threats to our national economy and global peace.
Lt. Col. Anderson urged the public to always report and help the security organs track the criminals.
“We want to thank everybody and assure you we have selected the best committee to ensure we secure the space, and everybody should be steady,” he stated.
Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), appreciated the initiative as a dream come true in the fight against fraudsters.
“When we started, you would see some certain patterns, but when you compare it with what’s there today, the systems have become so strong for the Bafere. In terms of our work, yes, we are scared of what is becoming as we see the developments, but technology has penetrated every aspect of our lives and is supposed to make it better,” she added.
Sylvia Mulinge, Chief Executive Officer at MTN Uganda, welcomed the campaign as a timely and excellent initiative towards sensitizing Ugandans with the information they need to protect and multiply their digital financial resources.
“As a partner, we commit to working with all stakeholders to create awareness and advocate for a safe and secure digital finance environment,” Mulinge said.
“With over 17 million active subscribers, 11 million of whom are active MoMo users, we are keen on making sure we achieve maximum reach and awareness of this Beera, steady, be better message that will ensure our customers are alert to incidents of fraud and improve general financial literacy among the public,” she added.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, pledged the government’s support for the campaign.
“I want to pledge that we shall give our full support and work together for the success of the campaign,” Baryomunsi said.
