By Watchdog reporter
The Lawyers of this nation under their Umbrella Uganda Law Sciety have come out to condemn Uganda Communications Commission’s move of verifying SIM cards within seven days using only National Identity Cards citing that it’s against the existing law.
“Our considered view is that the manner in which the directive has been imposed is problematic. The directive to use only the national ID is not supported by existing law,” Uganda Law Society said in a statement on Thursday.
ULS added that, “We are of the view that the directive should not be in violation of the existing legal framework. We request that you convene a stakeholders meeting to discuss these issues so that we can collectively put in place legally acceptable mechanisms that will not disenfranchise people from accessing communication.”
Early this week, (UCC) asked all existing subscribers to update their SIM-card registration information in seven days or they will be deactivated. National Identity Card (IDs) and passports, for the case of foreigners, will be used to verify, re-validate and re-register SIM-cards for all subscribers.
UCC made the announcement Tuesday at their headquarters in Bugolobi with UCC Executive Director Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi flanked by the Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura.
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