On Monday, 15 March 2021, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) will join the rest of the world to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day 2021 (WCRD2021).
First observed in 1983, the day is marked to raise awareness about consumer rights and has since 1983 become a focal point for promoting consumer rights and advocating for fair business practices.
As the regulatory body of the communications sector in Uganda, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is mandated to promote consumer awareness and protect the interests of consumers in the sector.
Cognizant of this year’s global theme ‘Tackling plastic pollution’, in consideration of local context and current challenges this year, UCC will commemorate the day with a discussion of consumer safeguards under the theme ‘Empowerment for Digital Safety: Challenges and Lessons’.
The Commission’s consumer protection function aims to:
- Protect and empower consumers to make informed decisions.
- Educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities.
- Ensure compliance of operators with license obligations on customer care and consumer protection.
- Address consumer complaints.
- Protect consumers against unfair business practices and counterfeit products.
To achieve these objectives, the Commission has undertaken the following initiatives:
- Establishment of a Call Centre with a Toll-Free Line: 0800 222 777.
- Establishment of a comprehensive consumer complaints mechanism
- Introduction of consumer engagement platforms such as Communications Consumer Parliament, Consumer Help Camps and Youth-in-ICT
- Collaborations with consumer advocacy organisations.
As a result of COVID-19 protocols, this year UCC shall host a few consumer representatives, communication service providers, experts and practitioners at our Offices in Bugolobi and several others will be able to join in virtually using the participation link http://bit.ly/3rAsNwy as we discuss consumer safeguards on misinformation and mobile related fraud.
The proceedings will also be televised live on NBS television on the 15th March 2021, from 09:00 am to 1:30 pm.
The Commission invites members of the public to tune in and take advantage of this opportunity to have their concerns addressed.
Alternatively, consumers can reach the Commission through the following channels:
Consumer Affairs Office – 3rd Floor, Communications House, Plot 1-3 Colville Street, Kampala.
Regional offices:
Eastern: Plot 39 Republic Street, Mbale;
Western: Plot 7 Galt Road, Mbarara;
Northern: Plot 31 Main Street, Andrea Olai, Gulu;
North-Western: Plot 8, Ntuuha Road, Masindi
Toll-free line: 0800 222 777
Social media: Twitter: @UCC_Official, Consumer@UCC
Participation link: http://bit.ly/3rAsNwy
Web site: http://www.ucc.co.ug
