The Uganda Communications Commission conducted a training session for Parish Development Model ( PDM ) SACCO leaders on digital safety and responsible technology use .

The training was held on the 17 June at the Bukedea Comprehensive stadium in Bukedea district, brought together Chairpersons of the various PDM SACCOs of various parishes across the district. The initiative is part of a nationwide campaign by UCC to equip communities with the knowledge and tools needed to safe guard digital financial transactions and protect members from online fraud .

Whole addressing the participants, Mr. Kenneth Tweheyo , Manager Consumer Affairs Uganda Communications Commission, emphasised the need for digital responsibility as SACCOs increasingly shift to mobile money and electronic data management.

" The use of digital platforms is a great opportunity for inclusive development but it also comes with risks such as Fraud , identity theft" Mr. Tweheyo . He also emphasised on the need for SACCO leaders to understand how to detect scams , protect members data and report cyber crime .

Mr. Otim Moses Godfrey, the Bukedea District Commercial Officer, commended UCC for educating SACCO leaders on digital safety . He noted that all PDM SACCOs rely on mobile transactions to disburse and track parish funds under the government flagship poverty eradication program.

" Digital Safety is now a necessity not a luxury , if leaders a not equipped we risk losing funds and trust from beneficiaries " he said

Participants welcomed the training as timely and impactful especially in this day and era where everything has gone digital and electronic.

" We are dealing with a lot of digital money transfers so knowing how to protect our selves and members from fraudsters is very important" said Asuman Obanja , Chairperson, Kakira PDM SACCO.

The Uganda Communications Commission pledged continued support to SACCO through regional digital literacy campaign.