Ugandan MP Calls for Unified African Cyber Defense Strategy

Hon. Naome Kabasharira, the Member of Parliament for Rushenyi, has sounded an alarm regarding the escalating cyber threats facing Africa, advocating for a unified continental response. Speaking at the 55th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Conference in Malawi, Kabasharira emphasized that as Africa embraces digital technologies like mobile money and artificial intelligence, its vulnerability to cyberattacks is increasing.

She stressed that cybersecurity must be elevated to the status of national security, highlighting how state-sponsored actors and criminal networks are actively exploiting the continent’s developing digital infrastructure. Kabasharira called for enhanced regional and international cooperation, underscoring the need for seamless information sharing and coordinated law enforcement to combat cybercriminals who operate across borders.

The legislator pointed out the uneven state of cybersecurity preparedness across Africa and urged parliaments to update their legislation to tackle sophisticated threats such as AI-driven cybercrime, ransomware, and identity theft. She also advocated for increased investment in critical infrastructure, including the development of Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs), digital forensic labs, and a skilled cybersecurity workforce.

Furthermore, Kabasharira addressed the challenge posed by AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes, which she warned can undermine public trust in governments, media, and democratic institutions. She called for the enactment of balanced laws that protect citizens from false information without stifling technological innovation, recommending a combination of regulation, digital literacy programs, and public awareness campaigns.

Kabasharira concluded by asserting that Africa’s economic prosperity is intrinsically linked to the security of its digital systems. She urged her fellow parliamentarians to take a leading role in building cyber resilience, ensuring that technology fosters progress and inclusion rather than exploitation.

Source: Parliament of Uganda