In April this year, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) 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, Kampala.
Individuals with already registered simcards were asked to update their particulars with the National Identity card database for them to stay active, short of which they would be deactivated.
However, this issue caused havoc to Ugandans, as many said the activity couldn’t be done/carried-out within 7 days since it was an abrupt notice.
The matter raised concerns as stakeholders, ICTAU, Members of Parliament Uganda rose up to give their point of view. It was until then that H.E the President of Uganda; Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ordered the extension of the simcard verification deadline to August 30th, 2017.
Speaking to PC Tech Magazine, UCC publicist Pamela Ankunda said, “You know Ugandans, even if we have given them a 90-day period, they will wait until the last day to come and complete the verification process,” Ankunda said on phone.
With the deadline approaching a few days from now, telecom firm; Vodafone Uganda has stated that it’s giving out 1GB of free data valid for 15 days to its users that update their registration details before August 30th.
How to update your simcard:
Dial the USSD code; *197# to send in your National ID Number (NIN), Given Name and Surname. Your NIN is the 13 digit number on your ID that starts with either CF or CM (CM*******) and to easily locate it, its just below the Nationality section or above the Date of Birth section.
Your details will be verified by NIRA and you will receive a short notice confirming your full registration status.
Other identification documents that will be used as side from National IDs for nationals, are; Passports for Foreigners, OPM database for refugees, and URSB documents for Companies.
