By Mulengera Reporters
Working with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has launched a renewed public education drive warning Ugandans against falling victim to fraudsters who use urgency to trick unsuspecting individuals into making rushed and costly mistakes.
The campaign is part of UCC’s ongoing commitment to consumer protection and digital safety, especially in a time when cybercriminals are becoming more creative and persistent in their schemes.
According to UCC, many fraudsters now rely on psychological pressure to manipulate victims. They send text messages, WhatsApp alerts or emails claiming that a service will be disconnected, that someone’s mobile money account is in danger, or that the user has won a reward that requires immediate action.
These tricks are designed to make people panic, act quickly, and share personal or financial information without thinking it through.
Hon. Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of UCC, says that Ugandans must become more alert and cautious, emphasizing that urgency is one of the most common weapons used by fraudsters, and whenever someone feels rushed to act (especially over the phone or online) it is a sign to slow down and investigate.
He noted that criminals thrive on confusion and fear, and they succeed when people do not take time to think through what they are being asked to do.
UCC’s message urges the public to take a few seconds to pause before reacting to suspicious messages. That pause can be the difference between keeping one’s money safe or falling into a trap.
According to the Commission, fraudsters are increasingly targeting ordinary people across the country, especially those who may not be tech-savvy or familiar with how digital scams operate.
The campaign is not only focused on mobile phone users in urban areas but also seeks to reach rural communities where awareness may be lower. The Commission is encouraging Ugandans to talk to their friends and family members, especially elders and youth, about the dangers of acting on strange or urgent messages.
UCC wants digital safety to be a shared responsibility, and part of everyday conversation in homes and workplaces.
Beyond awareness, the Commission is also working behind the scenes with telecom companies, mobile money operators, security agencies and the national computer emergency response team to track and block cybercrime.
However, they stress that the first and most effective defense lies with individuals taking time to verify information before taking any action.
In a digital economy that continues to grow rapidly, UCC believes that awareness must grow alongside it. With many Ugandans now using phones for business, banking, communication and access to government services, protecting consumers from fraud has become a national priority. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
