Uganda’s NIRA is collaborating with law enforcement and data protection bodies to investigate potential data breaches involving the NIRA database, which may have facilitated the exploitation of Ugandan women trafficked to Dubai. According to a BBC exposé, the trafficking ring, identified with Charles “Abbey” Mwesigwa at the helm, reportedly used personal identity information to lure and control victims.
NIRA underscored that its database is safeguarded with government-grade security measures including encryption, role-based access, and continuous monitoring. Investigators are scrutinizing allegations that some inside personnel might have disclosed identity details unlawfully. Privacy activists view the investigation as a critical test for Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act’s enforcement capacity.