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The Uganda Bankers’ Association (UBA), in partnership with global digital payments leader Visa, has organised a cybersecurity workshop in Kampala to tackle the rising cases of cybercrime threatening the financial sector. The event, which took place at the Sheraton Hotel, brought together top financial leaders, regulators, law enforcement officers, and digital experts to deliberate on strategies to strengthen the country’s defenses against cyber threats.
The workshop was held under the theme “Cyber Threats, Smarter Defenses: Strengthening Uganda’s Fight Against Cyber Crime.” It was designed to equip UBA member institutions, payment service providers, and other financial sector players with knowledge and tools to counter the increasingly sophisticated forms of digital crime.
According to the organisers, Uganda, like many other countries, is facing fast-rising cyber risks linked to advanced social engineering tactics, insider threats, and the misuse of modern digital tools. With online banking and digital payments now central to financial operations, the risk of cyberattacks on customers and institutions has become a serious concern.
The training session attracted participants from across the financial ecosystem, including heads of risk, fraud, cybersecurity, and information technology from UBA member banks. They were joined by international experts from Visa who shared practical experiences, global insights, and case studies to help improve resilience and incident response in Uganda’s financial sector.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Wilbrod Humphreys Owor, Executive Director of the Uganda Bankers’ Association, described cybercrime as a shared threat that demands collective solutions. He said the workshop was timely, as it gave industry leaders a platform to exchange intelligence, learn from real-life scenarios, and develop more effective defense strategies.
“Cybercrime is a shared threat that demands a shared attention,” Mr. Owor said. “This workshop provided a vital platform for our industry to share intelligence, learn from real-life cases, and develop practical defense strategies. By working together, we can secure our systems and safeguard the trust of our customers.”
On his part, Mr. Chad Pollock, General Manager and Vice President of Visa East Africa, stressed that cybersecurity is more than a technical issue; it is a business and societal concern. He explained that trust is the foundation of digital commerce, and without strong cybersecurity, the financial system would be at risk of losing that trust.
“At Visa, we believe that trust is the foundation of digital commerce. Strengthening cybersecurity across the financial ecosystem is not just a technical imperative, it’s a business and societal one,” Mr. Pollock said. “This workshop reflects our commitment to working hand-in-hand with partners like UBA to build resilience, share intelligence, and empower institutions to stay ahead of emerging threats.”
Visa, which operates in more than 200 countries and territories, has positioned itself as a global leader in digital payments by connecting consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities through secure and innovative networks. The company said partnerships such as the one with the Uganda Bankers’ Association are key to ensuring financial systems remain reliable, inclusive, and resilient against cybercrime.
The event also highlighted the role of collaboration between private institutions, regulators, and law enforcement in protecting financial infrastructure. Experts agreed that isolated efforts would not be enough in a digital environment where cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics. Instead, collective vigilance, intelligence sharing, and proactive planning were recommended as the best way forward.
For media inquiries, UBA was represented by Ms. Patricia Amito Lutwama, Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, while Visa East Africa was represented by Mr. Bryan Wesonga, PR and Communications Lead. Both officials underscored the importance of continued collaboration and communication in strengthening the fight against cybercrime in Uganda.
With Uganda’s financial system increasingly relying on digital platforms, the push for stronger cybersecurity has become a national priority. Industry leaders believe that workshops like this will help financial institutions build trust with customers, protect sensitive data, and reduce risks of fraud. The message was clear: cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and defending Uganda’s financial future will require all stakeholders to act together.
