In a letter dated 26th June 2020 and released on 1st July 2020, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Acting Executive Director Ms. Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo directed all telecommunication operators with immediate effect to suspend the sale of SIM cards to corporate bodies including companies, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) and other unnatural persons. pending investigations.
The suspension follows complaints the Commission received all alleging failure by telcos to adhere to the set SIM card registration processes, especially in respect of SIM cards sold to corporate bodies.
The Commission held a meeting on August 19th 2020 where they received comments from telco operators regarding the proposals that were made by the Commission to improve Corporate SIM Card registration processes in Uganda. Thus, allowing the Commission to lift the ban in accordance with its statutory mandate under sections 5(1)(b) & (j), 39, 48 and schedule 6(I)(K) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013 and Section 9 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act 2010.
However, these corporate bodies are subject to comply and follow the strict conditions set for them.
The procedure for sale and registration of SIM Card to these unnatural persons shall only be limited to the following entities/bodies:
- Companies duly incorporated or registered under the Companies Act 2012.
- Non-Governmental Organisations duly authorised and permitted to operate in Uganda in accordance with the Non-Governmental Organisations Act 2016.
- Trusts duly incorporated or registered under the Trustees Incorporation Act Cap 165
- Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, duly constituted in accordance with the laws of Uganda.
- Embassies, Foreign Missions and Consulates, duly recognised in Uganda by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It is worth knowing that under the existing set guidelines, corporate bodies can have unlimited SIM cards registered in their name(s) as long as the accounting officer has furnished the provider with relevant documents, including articles and memorandum of association.