The Uganda Registration Services Bureau has called on all staff to prioritise data protection, emphasizing that every record handled represents a person’s identity, livelihood, and trust.
The Compliance and Enforcement Division cautions that proper data handling not only improves service delivery but also safeguards the public from risks such as identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Under Article 27 of the Constitution of Uganda and the Data Protection and Privacy Act Cap 97, protecting personal information is a legal requirement. URSB management says compliance must be reflected in daily operations, with staff expected to use secure systems, maintain strong passwords, and limit access to authorized individuals.
Employees are also required to verify data accuracy, store documents safely, and avoid sharing information through unsecured channels. Sensitive data, such as health, financial details, and political or religious beliefs, must be handled with extra care and only under clear legal authority.
The law grants citizens rights over their data, including access, correction, and the ability to restrict its use. URSB staff must respond to such requests promptly and professionally.
Authorities caution that data breaches can occur due to human error or cyber threats. Any suspected incident must be reported immediately. URSB stresses that protecting data is a shared responsibility essential to maintaining public confidence.