Gen. Gonyi Opens Regional Cybersecurity Workshop, Calls for Youth Vigilance

Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional security and digital resilience as it hosts the East Africa Standby Force (EASF) Cybersecurity and Cyber-terrorism Awareness Workshop, a five-day capacity-building initiative bringing together cyber experts, security personnel, policymakers, and youth representatives from across the region.

The workshop was officially opened by Brigadier General David Gonyi, Chief of Staff of the Uganda Air Force, who underscored the growing urgency of cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national and regional security. In his address, Gen. Gonyi emphasized the transformative role of technology in society and the corresponding rise in cyber-enabled threats.

“Cyber security is no longer a distant technical issue; it is a national security priority,” he stated, noting that the digital landscape has become an increasingly attractive domain for criminals and terrorist groups.

Cyber Threats Without Borders

Gen. Gonyi highlighted the transnational nature of modern cybercrime and terrorism, cautioning that digital attacks often originate or are coordinated across multiple jurisdictions. He referenced previous incidents where cyber-enabled criminal activities affecting Uganda were planned and executed from different countries, stressing that such threats demand collective regional vigilance.

“Criminals and terrorists operate where they find opportunity, unconstrained by national lines or laws,” he said. “Only through shared intelligence, harmonized strategies, and cross-border cooperation can we effectively counter these evolving dangers.”

Youth at the Heart of Digital Security

The Chief of Staff placed strong emphasis on the role of young people in the cybersecurity ecosystem. He described youth as both the most vulnerable to online radicalization and the greatest reservoir of innovation in the digital sector.

“Our young people are the primary targets of online manipulation,” he noted. “But they are also our greatest source of digital innovation. I urge them to become digital guardians for their communities.”

This workshop includes significant youth participation, reflecting efforts to empower young East Africans with the knowledge and tools to recognize, prevent, and counter cyber threats.

Building Multisectoral Collaboration

Gen. Gonyi called for deeper collaboration among policymakers, law enforcement agencies, media practitioners, and regional institutions. He stressed that cybersecurity cannot be addressed in isolation, as it intersects with governance, public awareness, national intelligence, and community resilience.

“The fight against cyber-enabled terrorism cannot succeed in isolation. Policy makers, law enforcement, and media experts must work together,” he said.

Key Areas of Focus

Over the next five days, participants will explore a broad range of topics central to modern cyber defence, including:

Emerging cyber threat trends and threat intelligence

Digital forensics and evidence handling

Strategies to counter online radicalization

Development and harmonization of cybersecurity policies

Frameworks for regional cooperation and information sharing

The workshop also aims to strengthen communication channels among East African security agencies and promote best practices in national and regional cyber governance.

Strengthening Regional Resilience

Gen. Gonyi encouraged participants to actively engage, exchange insights, and build professional networks that will endure beyond the workshop.

“What you discuss here, the networks you build, and the strategies you propose will influence how Uganda and the region counter cyber threats,” he said.

In his closing remarks, he called for continuous vigilance and collective responsibility: “A vigilant nation begins with its young people. They are our first line of defence against cyber threats, far stronger than any firewall or software.” 

Uganda’s Commitment to Shared Security

Hosting this workshop demonstrates Uganda’s ongoing commitment to regional integration, peace, and coordinated security responses. As East Africa faces rapidly evolving cyber threats, the initiative marks a significant step in empowering member states of the EASF to safeguard digital spaces and protect communities.

The workshop is expected to produce actionable recommendations that will guide regional cybersecurity strategies and enhance cooperation among security institutions across East Africa.