In a significant move aimed at enhancing security and curbing illicit activities, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced a strict deadline for the deactivation of unverified SIM cards in the country.
This initiative marks a critical step in bolstering national security and ensuring the integrity of mobile communication networks.
UCC STATEMENT
We are here today to provide an essential update on the ongoing subscriber verification exercise, in accordance with the Government of Uganda’s Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations – 2023. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving telecommunications service providers and the Ugandan government.
Telecommunications service providers have been consistently engaging with the public to ensure compliance with evolving subscriber registration requirements. The initial SIM card registration process, mandated by the government, primarily involved the capture of National Identification Numbers (NINs). Subsequently, the Government of Uganda introduced additional measures, necessitating the collection of subscribers’ thumbprints, or biometrics.
The Reason for Regularization: In May 2023, the Government of Uganda, through the Minister of Security, issued the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations 2023. This move aimed to further streamline and harmonized the existing procedures for SIM card registration in Uganda.
Regulation 18 of the new Regulations recognizes that some customers were previously registered by telecom operators using other forms of identification and procedures that do not align with the new regulatory requirements.
To harmonize the SIM Card, Know Your Customer (KYC) database, Regulation 18 requires telecom operators to reach out to customers whose SIM card registrations may not have been properly executed within 180 days from the date of publication of the Regulations.
The countdown began on 12th May 2023, and the Commission directed all telecom operators to ensure that this regularization process is completed by 12th November 2023.
The Regularization Process: Telecom service providers have been proactive in reaching out to affected customers through various channels, including SMS, automatic dialers, and social media. We are reiterating the importance of this message today.
Deadline for Regularization: As outlined in the regulation, the deadline for regularizing subscriber details is 12th November 2023, which marks 180 days from the effective date of the regulation.
What Is Expected of Affected Customers: Subscribers whose SIM cards require regularization are kindly requested to physically visit their service provider’s service centers to update their registration information. They should bring their original National IDs. This regularization process will be done at no extra cost to the customer.
Deactivation of Irregularly Registered SIM Cards: SIM cards that remain unregularized after midnight on 12th November 2023 will be deactivated. These SIM cards will remain inactive until the customer complies with the regularization process.
If a customer fails to regularize the deactivated SIM card within 90 days from 12th November 2023, the operators will treat such inactive SIM cards as not in use, in accordance with Regulation 23.
Regulation 23 stipulates that a SIM card not in use for a continuous period of 90 days will be deactivated and may be assigned to another customer. If the SIM card is registered for mobile money with a balance, the operator will keep the SIM card inactive, and the mobile money balance preserved for nine months, as specified under section 57 of the National Payments Systems Act 2020. After this period, the mobile money balance will be transferred to the Bank of Uganda (BOU) for further management.
We strongly urge all affected subscribers to act promptly to avoid disruptions to their services.
We remain committed to ensuring that telecommunication services meet all regulatory requirements and that subscribers enjoy a seamless and secure mobile experience. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our valued subscribers as we work together to maintain compliance with these important regulations.
