Challenges of cybersecurity resilience in Uganda: A Case of Uganda Police Force

Abstract

The study examines the ongoing difficulties that compromise cybersecurity resilience in the Uganda Police Force (UPF), emphasising the relationship between technological infrastructure development and human resource competencies. Routine Activity Theory posits that a crime transpires when motivated criminals, suitable targets, and the absence of capable guardians converge. The study rigorously analysed the impact of systemic vulnerabilities on the Uganda Police Force’s capacity to protect its digital ecosystem as a custodian. The core issue lies in the disparity between swift technological adoption and insufficient institutional readiness, which renders essential security infrastructure vulnerable to cyber threats that the UPF is presently ill-prepared to address thoroughly. A qualitative desk review approach was employed to synthesise data from diverse secondary sources, including peer-reviewed journals, government papers, policy documents, and news items. Research indicates that although the technical infrastructure in the UPF, including digital databases, communication systems, and surveillance technologies, has enhanced operating efficiency, it is still inconsistent, fragmented, and inadequately guarded, frequently lacking integrated cybersecurity measures. Simultaneously, despite initiatives to create cybercrime units and provide fundamental training, the UPF still faces a deficiency of specialised staff, restricted advanced skills, and a lack of organised professional growth avenues in cybersecurity. The deficiency of human resources significantly undermines the organization's capacity to identify, react to, and recuperate from cyber threats in real time. The study indicates that although the UPF has aligned certain practices with international cybersecurity standards however Uganda has not ratified to the most vital conventions of cyber security. These concerns cumulatively undermine the resilience and Uganda’s conformity to international norms in the areas of cyber security. The main recommendations are increased funding to procure latest technology to combat the increasing cyber crimes and Uganda to ratify to the most important conventions to get international collaborations and trainings.