Baker Birikujja has been appointed director of Uganda’s new national Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO).
The appointment follows the launch of the Beera ku Guard campaign by the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) and the Personal Data Protection Office. His leadership is expected to strengthen Uganda’s privacy culture and promote responsible use of personal data.
Birikujja has over a decade of experience in data privacy governance, regulatory affairs, legal drafting, and cybersecurity. He has held leadership roles at both PDPO and NITA-U, where his work has shaped Uganda’s privacy framework.
He oversaw a two-fold increase in the registration of data controllers and processors, led the creation of compliance frameworks and toolkits, and contributed to the drafting of Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act and Regulations.
After his appointment, Birikujja pledged to enhance regulatory oversight, raise citizen awareness of privacy rights, and build a culture of compliance among data controllers and processors. “I also envision positioning Uganda as a trusted hub for data protection on the continent, ensuring that privacy and innovation go hand in hand,” he said.
The appointment comes as the Beera ku Guard campaign raises public awareness of personal data rights. The initiative, the first of its kind in Uganda, aims to educate citizens on protecting personal information and holding institutions accountable.
Dr Hatwib Mugasa, Executive Director of NITA-U, said the appointment complements these efforts. “The Beera ku Guard campaign is already reaching millions of Ugandans. With Birikujja now confirmed as Director, we have the right leadership to match awareness with strong regulatory enforcement,” he said.
Birikujja’s appointment, together with the campaign, highlights Uganda’s commitment to embedding privacy in its digital ecosystem. This is reinforced by Uganda’s recent admission to the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA), placing the country among the key voices in international data protection.
As Uganda advances digital transformation, the combination of stronger PDPO leadership, NITA-U’s awareness drive, and government policy provides a firm base for a privacy-first society where innovation and citizens’ rights thrive.
