Why consent matters in data collection
“One of our first important things in our interactions with our clients is to educate them on why we are collecting their data and why we emphasise that what they are sharing with us is safe,” Wamala said.
A gentleman being attended to at the expo. (Photos by Ponsiano Nsimbi)
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As Uganda expands biometric identification and digital services, stakeholders are emphasising the importance of consent in protecting personal data and building trust between service providers and citizens.
The issue was discussed during a panel session at the My Identity Expo and Symposium 2026, organised by the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The Uganda Printing Security Company share gifts with Vision Group CEO, Don Wanyama
According to Christopher Kantinti, a communications and ICT officer at NIRA, biometric identification helps establish the authenticity of primary identity records.
Building trust
For telecommunications companies handling large volumes of customer registrations, protecting personal data is increasingly important. Emmanuel Wamala, the customer relations manager at UTel, said the company’s operations are guided by the Data Protection Act.
James Lutalo, the Technical Lead at NIITA-U with Don Wanyama, Vision Group CEO
“One of our first important things in our interactions with our clients is to educate them on why we are collecting their data and why we emphasise that what they are sharing with us is safe,” Wamala said.
He added that explaining how customers’ information is handled and used helps build trust between service providers and subscribers.
MTN team having a photo moment with Vision Group CEO, Don Wanyama
“Consent is business,” Nsubuga said.
Julian Rweju, director of e-Government Services at the National Information Technology Authority-Uganda (NITA-U), said secure identity verification and consent are central to building confidence in digital government services.
“We are looking at e-Consent. It is the cornerstone for confidence and trust,” Rweju said.
"It is basically saying that government will gain people’s trust to have their data and use their e-services.”