NITA-U launches Consumer Protection Portal to safeguard IT users

Nita Uganda

Speaking at the launch, the minister emphasised that the portal will streamline operations across public and private sectors, driving governance, accountability, and digital transformation.

Dr Hatwib Mugasa, the Executive Director of NITA-U, highlighted that the Consumer Protection Portal is part of a wider suite of digital solutions aimed at advancing Uganda’s digital agenda. Developed in collaboration with Enabel Uganda and the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda, the portal introduces a systematic approach to resolving disputes between IT consumers and service providers, enabling Ugandans to hold providers accountable.

How the Portal Protects IT Consumers
The portal, launched on 13 November 2024, represents a significant step in defending the rights of IT users in Uganda.

It provides a user-friendly platform where consumers can report grievances such as fraudulent IT products, substandard services, or questionable electronic transactions in e-commerce. It also tackles contract-related disputes involving the supply or use of IT goods and services.

Upon receiving a complaint, NITA-U investigates the issue and ensures remedial action is taken, shielding consumers from exploitative practices.

One of the standout features of the portal is its integration with NITA-U’s IT arbitration services. This allows parties in a dispute to initiate arbitration directly through the portal, enabling swift and impartial resolutions. The decisions, based on the authority granted by the NITA-U Act of 2009, reinforce ethical practices within the IT sector and promote consumer trust.

The Consumer Protection Portal not only strengthens transparency and accountability but also aligns with NITA-U’s commitment to safeguarding IT users under its mandate. This launch marks a pivotal moment in Uganda’s journey toward a more secure and fair digital economy.

Nita Uganda