By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Uganda’s Personal Data
Protection Office (PDPO) has marked its fifth anniversary with a visit from its
first National Personal Data Protection Director, Hon. Lady Justice Stella
Alibateese.
The visit formed part of
activities commemorating five years of the PDPO’s work to strengthen personal
data protection and privacy in Uganda.
Lady Justice Alibateese was
received by officials of the Office and toured its facilities, reflecting on
the institution’s development since its establishment. She was involved in the
early discussions that led to the creation of an independent Personal Data
Protection Office and said data protection remained an area close to her heart.
She also reflected on the
transformation of the institution, from its early operations within the
National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U) to its current status
as an independent office with dedicated facilities and a growing workforce.
The former director
emphasised the importance of institutional continuity and developing people
capable of sustaining the work of public institutions beyond the tenure of
individual leaders.
“We should always nurture
the people we lead, so that when we leave, there is no ruckus,” Lady Justice
Alibateese said.
The PDPO expressed
appreciation for her contribution to laying the foundation for Uganda’s data
protection regime and recognised her role in the development of the
institution.
