Several measures are being put in place to curb cyber crime and strengthen security in countries. Some of these measures have presented greater challenges for citizens.

According to a tweet from Bank Of Uganda, the country's Bank has placed a condition on transactions above Ugx. 1,000,000 ($260). The condition states that any transaction of the above quoted sum requires verification with an identity card.

“Therefore, in compliance with Section 55(1)b of the National Payments Systems Act, 2020 and Regulation 7 (h) of the National Payment Systems (Agents) Regulations, 2021, all financial transactions involving Ugx. 1,000,000 or more that are carried out at authorized agent locations and operator centers on digital financial service platforms must be completed after the holder's identity has been verified using a valid national ID (for Ugandans), passport, refugee ID/attestation letter, or alien ID (for foreigners)”. Extract from the message.

The rule was placed as a measure to cure cybercrime, however, it has received several criticism from the citizens. The first reason for the criticism is the fact that some Ugandians do not have a national identity system,thus, the rule will place those people in a difficult situation. The second reason is that statistics has proved that over the years, most of the Cyber crime issues were perpetrated using a forged national identity card. The rule could lead to a rise in identity card forgery.

On the good side, the government of Uganda has started a massive production of National Identity cards for its citizens.

For me, it is a commendable measure that will help reduce cybercrime, however, the government of Uganda needs to put strong security measures against forged identity cards. There should be a current time identity verification by Financial Institutions that would be able to differentiate forged identity cards from government approved ones...