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The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has strongly warned against buying SIM cards from street vendors, emphasizing that such transactions are illegal.
In a recent post on X, the Commission said, "Purchasing SIM cards from street vendors is prohibited. We encourage everyone to obtain SIM cards exclusively from authorized shops and certified agents."
The UCC also noted that purchasing SIM cards from unlicensed dealers could compromise personal security.
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"This not only ensures compliance with regulations but also helps protect your personal information. Your safety and security are our priority, please buy wisely and responsibly."
The Commission also elaborated on the importance of using a National ID when replacing or registering SIM cards.
This requirement is part of efforts to enhance the safety and accountability of communication services in Uganda.
Before the introduction of the National ID, telecom operators used various identification documents, such as passports, village IDs, and employment IDs, to register SIM cards. However, this method was unreliable due to the absence of a central system to validate these documents, leading to multiple identities and an unreliable database.
The 2010 Regulation of Interception of Communications Act mandated SIM card registration, but the lack of a National ID system made enforcement difficult.
It was not until the 2015 Registration of Persons Act that it became mandatory for all Ugandans to register and obtain National IDs. This regulation specified the National ID as the official document for SIM card registration.
The introduction of the 2018 Biometric Verification exercise required all SIM card users to undergo biometric verification using their National IDs. This process required individuals to present their National IDs physically at telecom service centres for verification.
In 2023, the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations (Regulation 18) included provisions to regularise all existing SIM cards by updating their details according to the new regulations.
The National ID, therefore, provides a reliable and verifiable method to ensure that each SIM card user can be uniquely identified.
For individuals who have lost their National ID, the UCC advises visiting the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) for a confirmation letter containing their registration details and National Identification Number (NIN). This letter can then be presented at telecom service centres for SIM card replacement or registration.