Data Privacy Compliance a Major Challenge for Ugandan Startups, Survey Finds
Ugandan startups are facing significant hurdles in meeting the requirements of the country’s Data Protection and Privacy Act, with many struggling to move from awareness to actual implementation.
The issue came to the forefront during a recent forum at the National ICT Innovation Hub, where startup founders, regulators, and policymakers discussed the challenges surrounding data protection in Uganda’s digital economy.
Emmanuel Mugabi, General Manager Advisory at Cente-Tech, presented key findings from a survey conducted by Ngura Consult Limited. According to the study, while 86% of startup founders acknowledge the importance of data protection and privacy, only 32.6% have taken steps to comply with the law. Mugabi explained that this gap is largely driven by limited funding, inadequate technical expertise, and the complex nature of legal requirements.
“The practical path to compliance remains elusive for many operating in a lean environment,” Mugabi said. “This inadvertently increases privacy risks for startups and their customers.”
Flavia Opio, Team Lead at the National ICT Innovation Hub, stressed the urgency of supporting startups to close this gap. “Without targeted support in privacy compliance, innovation risks being undermined by operational challenges that threaten long-term viability and public trust,” she said. Opio also pointed out that consumer concerns about digital security are pushing many Ugandans to continue using traditional transaction methods.
Gilbert Ssuttuuma from the Personal Data Protection Office reaffirmed the regulator’s role in building a safer digital landscape. “The Data Protection and Privacy Act is more than just legislation; it protects citizen rights and supports economic growth,” he said.
The forum closed with a strong call for a practical compliance toolkit, with 86% of startup founders showing interest in a solution tailored to their needs. Michael Byamukama, Head of TMT at Ngura Consults, noted that such a tool could help startups embed privacy from the beginning, encouraging privacy-first innovation in Uganda’s tech ecosystem.