UG-CERT Hosts Operator Cybersecurity Training and Drill

September 22, 2026: UCC’s Uganda Computer Emergency Response Team (UgCERT), with support from the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), on Tuesday commenced the Seventh Operator Cybersecurity Technical Training and Sixth Cybersecurity Drill at UCC House in Bugolobi. The programme brings together communications sector operators to strengthen their capacity to prevent, detect and respond effectively to cybersecurity incidents, particularly those that may affect critical communications infrastructure.

Running from September 22-25, 2026, the engagement is being held under the theme, “Cyber Quest: Learn, Prepare, Protect.” It combines two days of technical cybersecurity training with two days of practical exercises based on simulated cyberattack scenarios.

The exercise is intended to help participants test incident-response procedures, apply technical knowledge in realistic scenarios and assess their readiness to manage evolving cyber threats. It also provides an opportunity for participants to share experiences and establish professional relationships that can support timely coordination and information exchange during actual incidents.

Speaking at the opening, UCC Director of ICT and Research, Eng. Christine Mugimba, representing the Executive Director, emphasised the importance of continuous investment in people, processes and technologies to strengthen the security and resilience of critical communications infrastructure and the services that citizens, businesses and public institutions depend on.

The programme also includes discussions on artificial intelligence and its application in cybersecurity, reflecting the need for cybersecurity professionals to continuously develop their skills and adapt to emerging technologies and threats.

Participants include representatives from telecommunications and other communications sector operators. During the practical drill, teams will apply knowledge gained during the training to simulated incidents, providing an opportunity to assess response capabilities and identify areas for further improvement.

The engagement also supports professional development, with the top 15 performers set to receive professional cybersecurity certification training and examination vouchers.

By combining technical training with practical incident-response exercises, the programme contributes to strengthening cybersecurity preparedness across Uganda’s communications sector and the resilience of the digital services on which the public and the economy increasingly depend.

The Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), UCC’s partner in this activity, is an international organisation committed to improving cybersecurity worldwide by facilitating co-operation, information sharing, and the development of best practices among incident response and security teams across the world.