The Uganda Communications Commission’s (UCC) Uganda Computer Emergency Response Team (UgCERT) has begun a four-day cybersecurity programme for communications sector operators, aimed at strengthening their ability to prevent, detect and respond to cyber incidents, especially those that could affect critical communications infrastructure.
Supported by the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), the Seventh Operator Cybersecurity Technical Training and Sixth Cybersecurity Drill opened on Tuesday at UCC House in Bugolobi. Running from September 22 to 25, 2026, the programme is themed “Cyber Quest: Learn, Prepare, Protect.”
The programme combines two days of technical cybersecurity training with two days of practical exercises built around simulated cyberattack scenarios. Organisers say the drill is intended to help participants test their incident-response procedures, apply technical knowledge in realistic conditions and assess how ready they are to handle evolving threats.
It also gives participants a chance to share experiences and build professional relationships that can support quick coordination and information exchange when real incidents occur.
Investment in People, Processes and Technology
Speaking at the opening on behalf of the Executive Director, UCC Director of ICT and Research Eng. Christine Mugimba stressed the need for continuous investment in people, processes and technologies to safeguard the security and resilience of critical communications infrastructure, and the services that citizens, businesses and public institutions rely on.
The programme also features discussions on artificial intelligence and its application in cybersecurity, reflecting the need for professionals to keep building their skills and adapting to new technologies and threats.
Participants include representatives of telecommunications and other communications sector operators. During the drill, teams will apply what they have learned to simulated incidents, allowing organisers and participants to gauge response capabilities and pinpoint areas for improvement.
The top 15 performers will receive professional cybersecurity certification training and examination vouchers.
FIRST, UCC’s partner in the initiative, is an international organisation that works to improve cybersecurity worldwide by facilitating cooperation, information sharing and the development of best practices among incident response and security teams across the globe.
By pairing technical training with hands-on incident-response exercises, UCC says the programme contributes to stronger cybersecurity preparedness across Uganda’s communications sector and to the resilience of the digital services on which the public and the economy increasingly depend.
