3.4.4 Enhance knowledge through research and development The aspect of R&D within the Ugandan context ensures the availability of local innovations and solutions that fit the current challenges. Building capacity in this area makes us active participants to global cybersecurity solutions. There are good examples of cooperation and initiatives in the R&D area. Government of Uganda has designed the National ICT Initiatives Support Program (NIISP) to facilitate the creation of an ICT Innovation ecosystem and marketplace for Ugandan innovative digital products like software applications and innovations industry. Government will continuously support Research and Development programs in universities in Uganda in the area of cybersecurity. GoU will promote the development and commercialization of intellectual properties, technologies and innovations through focused research and development. GoU will support incubators and startups with a commercial approach that involve public and private actors, and ensure elements of competition and merit in the selection process. Government support is vital also for enterprises that are undertaking Research and Development in cybersecurity. Therefore, Uganda will deepen partnerships for the development of interfaces to research and innovation and interaction between universities and the local economy, so that skills are linked to market needs. Our goal is to provide an ecosystem comprising from highly skilled professionals, companies with deep cybersecurity capabilities and strong translational research and development. The ecosystem will ensure a sustainable source of expertise and solutions to support our plans for a resilient national infrastructure and a safer cyberspace. Government will establish incentives to develop partnerships for the development of interfaces to research and innovation and interaction between universities and the local economy, so that skills are linked to market needs. 3.4.5 Action Areas To promote cybersecurity skills and awareness in Uganda, GoU will: a) Engrain cybersecurity through all stages of education GoU will incorporate cybersecurity as a core learning area at the earliest levels of our education system as well as a specialized area at university and tertiary levels for professionals. b) Improve expertise, skills and competencies GoU will continuously coordinate cybersecurity programs and promote information security career development by developing specialized courses and curricula, supporting certification schemas, providing networking facilities and support trainings focused on NCII operators, military and law enforcement training programs. c) Raising public cybersecurity awareness GoU will develop comprehensive program to increase populations awareness. The program will be integrated with the digital (IT) awareness campaigns, in cooperation with telecoms, payment service providers etc. d) Enhance knowledge trough research and development Government will continuously support Research and Development programs in universities and promote the development and commercialization of intellectual properties, technologies and innovations through focused research and development. Uganda will promote the research to support the use of safest solutions. 27 (43) [Draft Version for stakeholder consultation]