Free internet data from MTN was given in error - UCC says amid speculation of crisis management

Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) speaks out after MTN Uganda subscribers accessed free internet data bundles on their mobile phones.

On Tuesday, social media users shared amongst themselves a USSD code which was offering free 500MB of internet.

The free access raised concern with some netizens believing it's a PR stunt to distract Ugandans after two MTN employees were deported over posing as threats to national security.

UCC said on Twitter that the free data bundles were given in error.

"The operator has deactivated them and customers who received them may not be able to use them. They have since apologised for the inconvenience," a tweet read.

Two MTN Uganda employees were arrested and deported for allegedly using their jobs to engage in acts that compromise national security.

Authorities haven't shared how the two MTN workers posed as threats but said 'their employment was a tool to achieve their ill motives'.