UCC gives Ugandans 7 day ultimatum to verify SIM cards or face disconnection

By Watchdog reporter

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Godfrey Mutabaazi has ordered all people to verify their SIM cards with the appropriate Telecom companies within seven days to avoid being disconnected.

The decision was reached after UCC holding a closed meeting with telecom companies bosses, security agencies today at UCC Headquarters in Bugolobi.

Mutabazi said recently they had a meeting with several stakeholders in the telecom business and they came up with some provisions which included among others to deactivate the entire pre-registered and non registered SIM card, no more selling of SIM cards by vendors.

He said up to date some telecom companies have refused to comply with the provisions thus urging them to switch off the non-qualified SIM cards with immediate effect to avoid inconveniences.

“We have given all people in the country seven days to verify their SIM cards with the appropriate telecom companies short of that, after seven days all unverified SIM cards will be disconnected,” said Mutabazi.

Mutabazi further stated that all Ugandans will have to use their National Identity cards while verifying whereas foreigners will have to use their passports and lastly refugees will pass through the office of the Prime Minister for their SIM cards to be verified.

“Ugandans will get their SIM cards validated after presenting their respective National Identity cards, for foreigners they will have to first present their passports whereas refugees will pass through the Office of the Prime Minister to get their SIM cards validated.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director urged all telecom companies to properly communicate their well gazzetted areas where people can buy properly registered SIM cards thus warning people to stop buying SIM cards from street vendors instead encouraging them to report vendors to nearest police stations.