The maiden Uganda DNS Forum ends in style.

The recently concluded Uganda DNS Forum served as a pivotal platform for advancing the nation’s digital infrastructure, bringing together a diverse community of experts, policymakers, and innovators. The event, spearheaded by the tireless efforts of Mutegeki Cliff Agaba, showcased a forward-looking agenda focused on building a more secure and resilient internet ecosystem for Uganda.

A key highlight of the forum was the insightful presentation by Dr. Adebunmi Akinbo, whose session on the “Impact of DNS on Ugandan Stakeholders” resonated deeply with attendees. Dr. Akinbo’s address provided a comprehensive analysis of how a robust and secure Domain Name System (DNS) is not merely a technical concern but a fundamental driver of economic growth and digital inclusion. He detailed how a secure DNS environment directly affects everything from e-commerce and online banking to the reliability of government services and educational platforms, emphasizing the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to address these challenges.

The forum also underscored a commitment to hands-on capacity building with a dynamic Hackathon. Participants, including students and young developers, were challenged to create innovative solutions to local DNS-related issues. The Hackathon served as a vibrant incubator for ideas, with projects ranging from tools for monitoring DNS resilience to applications designed to simplify the implementation of critical security measures like DNSSEC. The energy and creativity on display were a testament to the talent pool within Uganda’s tech community.

Building on the success of these initiatives, organizers announced a major objective for the coming year: the establishment of an annual DNSSEC Training program. This dedicated training will be a flagship event, aimed at equipping network engineers, system administrators, and cybersecurity professionals with the practical knowledge and skills needed to deploy and manage DNSSEC. The move signals a strategic push to enhance the security posture of Uganda’s digital landscape and align with global best practices.

“We saw immense potential and passion at this year’s forum,” said Mutegeki Cliff Agaba, the event’s Lead Convener. “The decision to launch an annual DNSSEC training is a direct response to the community’s need for more practical, technical skills. It’s about translating the discussions from the forum into tangible action that will secure our internet for the future.”

The Uganda DNS Forum and its impactful initiatives would not have been possible without the generous support of its partners. The organizing committee extends its sincere appreciation to all sponsors for their commitment to a secure and open internet in Uganda. Their backing is instrumental in fostering a community of practice, enabling critical conversations, and empowering the next generation of internet leaders.

As the forum concludes, the message is clear: Uganda is actively positioning itself at the forefront of internet security in the region, with a strategic focus on collaboration, education, and the widespread adoption of foundational technologies like DNSSEC.