Think You Don’t Need a VPN? Here’s Why You Might Be Wrong

Whether you're a local or an expat living in Uganda, you most likely use the internet on a daily basis for work, shopping, streaming, and chatting.

However, most individuals are unaware of this fact: every time you go online, your browser history, personal information, and even bank account information may be compromised.

You may be thinking, "I don't need a VPN, because I'm not breaking any laws."

That kind of thinking can be harmful, because everyone needs privacy in the modern digital environment – not only criminals.

Let's dissect it.

Why Should You Care About What a VPN Is?

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a program that encrypts your internet connection and conceals your IP address. In other words, it shields your data from government spying, third party companies, hackers, and prying internet providers.

If you're not familiar with VPNs or how they work, here’s a great explainer on what VPNs are and how they work.

Still wondering if getting a VPN in Uganda is worth it? Keep reading to see why this is the right choice.

Online Risks Are Everywhere in Uganda

Over the past ten years, internet usage in Uganda has rapidly increased. Social networking, remote employment, and mobile money have all become commonplace.

However, the threats also increase as we become more connected; phishing, malware, and financial scams are the most common forms of cyberattacks in Africa, with ransomware attacks reaching an all-time high in January 2025.

Here is what's happening:

Public Wi-Fi across Kampala, Uganda, is readily available in cafes, hotels, malls, and virtually everywhere else. But most, if not all, are unsecured.

This means that hackers can easily obtain your information. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can also track what sites you visit and, in some cases, even sell that information.

Moreover, some websites and content on the web are intentionally blocked, filtered, or severely restricted. The websites you may be able to visit can be determined by your location, which can be both surprising and frustrating.

In this environment, a VPN is much more than a privacy tool; it becomes a shield.

Who Really Needs a VPN in Uganda? 

First off, VPNs aren’t just for tech experts. If you do any of these things, having a VPN is useful, if not a must.

1. You Work from Home: Many freelancers and remote workers in Uganda depend on online tools. A VPN helps keep your files and login info safe from hackers.
2. You Use Wi-Fi in Public Places: Think about all those times you connect at a café, hotel, or airport. Without a VPN, your data is out there for anyone to see.
3. You Use Streaming Websites: Tried to stream something on Netflix or BBC iPlayer, only to get a “not available in your region” notification? A VPN can help you get around those restrictions.
4. You’re an Expat in Uganda: Staying connected with your home country is key. Sometimes, banking sites or news can be blocked or hard to reach. A VPN gives you secure access.
5. You Value Privacy: Even if you’re not doing anything shady, your online activities can be tracked and sold – essentially turning you into a product. A VPN helps you regain control over your personal data.

How to Stay Safe with a VPN

Let's keep things straightforward. What a VPN genuinely does for you is as follows:

• Your data is jumbled and unintelligible to others when it is encrypted.
• Your IP address is hidden: This makes it more difficult to trace your identity or location.
• Prevents undesired tracking: Ad and tracker blockers are integrated into a lot of VPNs.
• Gets around restrictions: You can access material, applications, and websites that are prohibited.
• Keeps your connection safe: A VPN protects your data, even on dubious public Wi-Fi.

But Aren’t VPNs Illegal in Uganda?

No, they are not illegal in Uganda. There are reports of attempts to limit access to VPNs during protests or elections, but a VPN is not illegal in Uganda and is used every day by journalists, business owners, and students alike.

It is really just a matter of selecting a provider you can trust, that offers strong encryption and doesn't log your user data.

You Are Responsible for Your Own Online Safety

Without a VPN, using the internet is like not wearing a seatbelt when driving. For a time, you could be alright, but when anything goes wrong, it's too late to make things right.

A VPN makes your online life safe and confidential, whether you're using it for WhatsApp chats, viewing videos from the UK, or operating a company in Kampala.

Therefore, if you've been wondering, "Do I really need a VPN?", a better question might be, wouldn't you use one?

Your privacy and online freedom are worth it.