Ugandans Given 7 Days to Update their Simcard Registration Details Before Deactivation

Paul Mugume April 11, 2017

1 minute read

The Excutive Director briefs the meeting on the outcomes of the previous meeting with ICT stakeholders on SIM card registration. Photo Credit: UCC Twitter Page

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to all Ugandans to have their simcard registration particulars updated, short of which they would be deactivated.

The directive was given by the UCC Executive Director, Eng. Godfrey Mutabaazi during a closed door engagement with executives of telecoms operators at the Commission’s Head Office in Bugolobi on Tuesday morning.

Also in attendance at the meeting was the Executive Director of the National Identity Card Registration Authority (NIRA), Inspector General of Police and other stakeholders in the communication sector.

All individuals with already registered simcards will need to update their particulars with the National Identity card database for them to stay active, short of which they would be deactivated.

AGREED 3: All existing subscribers should present their National ID’s to their operators for verification within 7 days #simcardregistration

— UCC (@UCC_Official) April 11, 2017

The meeting also resolved that telecom operators would work together with the Police and UCC to enforce the cessation of street simcard vending.

Telecom operators have distanced themselves from street vendors. They invite enforcement against unscrupulous vendors #simcardregistration pic.twitter.com/X1R1OpY0CR

— UCC (@UCC_Official) April 11, 2017

Forthwith, all operators have been tasked to submit lists of authorized SIM card vendors across the country to enable enforcement.

AGREED 2: All operators to submit lists of authorised SIM card vendors across the country to enable enforcement. #simcardregistration

— UCC (@UCC_Official) April 11, 2017

It has also been resolved that the only identification documents that will be used will include National IDs for nationals, Passports for Foreigners, the OPM database for refugees and URSB documents for Companies.

UCC’s directive has however been challenged by some players in the Civil Society who claim its infringement on citizen’s right to communicate anonymously.[related-posts]