Earlier today Next Media together with Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), MTN Uganda, Bank of Uganda, Equity Bank Uganda, Uganda Bankers Association, and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance launched new a campaign called Beera Steady.
The new campaign Beera Steady is aimed at encouraging Ugandans to get used to digital money with requisite knowledge on how to safeguard their money from fraudsters.
Addressing the guests and media today at the launch held at Next Media Park was the Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa said that the future of business is in digital and the sooner the Ugandan business community understands and appreciates this, the quicker they will adapt to modern-day demands
“This is the campaign that is part of our commitment to Inform to Transform our motherland. This is a two-year behavioral change campaign here to make Ugandans better on the financial literacy front. Now that we are using digital money, how do we work together to secure it?” “He also added saying that while business is increasingly going digital, the common man is yet to be equipped with skills and knowledge on how to protect their investments or avoid being duped,” added Kin Kariisa the Next Media CEO.
According to MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge said that as Uganda’s most widespread telecom with the largest customer base, fighting online fraud is a top priority. She welcomed the campaign of not just getting Ugandans to adopt a digital-first business approach but also educating them on how to avoid traps set by unscrupulous people online.
UCC’s Irene Kaggwa Ssewankambo said the Beera Steady campaign is part of their initiatives to bring Ugandans up to speed on the benefits and perils that they may face as they transition into digital business life. She pledged full support for the campaign that empowers Ugandans to take ownership of their digital footprint which will help economically develop the country.
Anthony Kituuka, the MD of Equity Bank Uganda, commented on the campaign, saying, “We cannot deny that we are in a digital economy. Therefore, it is upon us to ensure the safety of money. “Beera Steady – Be Better” is here to teach our customers and the economy to Be Better and steady.”
The Beera Steady campaign attracted a wide array of stakeholders in the business community.
Wilbrod Owor, the ED of the Uganda Bankers’ Association, also supported the campaign, saying, “These days, fraud is a full-time business and undermines the economy. Coming together on “Beera Steady – Be Better” to work against it is very important. This will build trust, support digital adoption, and that’s the future… Money has evolved from cowrie shells to gold to digital currency, which is the now and future. This needs to be protected and safeguarded.”
Colonel Emmanuel Katabazi, the Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organisation and Chair of the Cyber Security Task Force, remarked, “The Minister of Security about a month ago launched our task force on cyber security. On behalf of the Cyber Security Task Force, we are committed to ensuring the digital space is safe and everybody is steady.”
Mackay Aomu, the Director of National Payments Systems at the Bank of Uganda, said, “I am pleased that “Beera Steady – Be Better” is aligned with the Bank of Uganda mandate; promoting sound financial systems in support of social-economic transformation that is achieved in many ways.”
Closing of the launch, Minister for ICT and National Guidance and Guest of honor at the Beera Steady launch Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, pledged the government’s support to the campaign, “I want to pledge that we shall give full support and work together for the success of the campaign.”
