By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Kampala, Uganda –
Uganda’s telecommunication giants, MTN and Airtel, face sanctions due to the persistent use of unregistered SIM cards.
This decision comes after numerous reports of fraud and security concerns linked to these unregistered numbers.
On September 19, 2024, during a parliamentary session, Hon. Sarah Ameede, the Butebo district woman Member of Parliament, raised concerns about widespread fraud in her district.
Residents have fallen victim to scammers using unregistered SIM cards, posing as agents of the Association of Teso War Victims and extorting money under false promises.
Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, expressed dissatisfaction with the situation.
Despite previous assurances from telecommunication companies that only authorized numbers are in circulation, unregistered SIM cards continue to be used.
Dr. Baryomunsi plans to re-engage with telecom providers to address the issue.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) was tasked in 2013 with ensuring the mass registration of SIM cards to curb crime.
Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue.
“This is not a small matter. People have been killed, people have been robbed, while criminals coordinate this using unregistered numbers,” he said.
He suggested reviewing the Uganda Communications Act, stating, “We can look at the law again and come back here. This Parliament can save the situation through legislation, to create liability on the service providers.”
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Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa endorsed implementing punitive measures against telecommunication companies, drawing comparisons to how banks are penalized for facilitating money laundering.
He cited a recent scenario where a one Eng. Byarugaba has sent him and other MPs messages under the contact 0766881917, demanding the MPs send money for the transportation of transformers to their constituency, saying the fraudster had earlier sent the message and the Deputy Speaker asked MTN to block the number, only for the same person to switch to another simcard.
Several members of Parliament shared their experiences of falling victim to fraud via unregistered SIM cards and called for a lasting solution.
To address the issue, the government is considering several measures.
The Uganda Communications Act will be reviewed to impose tougher penalties on telecommunication companies that fail to prevent the circulation of unregistered SIM cards. This amendment aims to hold service providers accountable for their role in preventing fraud.
Additionally, the government may implement punitive measures, such as heavy fines or closure, against companies found complicit in the circulation of unregistered SIM cards.
Furthermore, a countrywide data awareness campaign is proposed to educate the public on identifying and avoiding fraudulent schemes.