After a recent increase of airtime scratch cards by 10%. The Uganda communications commission (UCC) has resurrected its move to phase out physical airtime scratch cards in Uganda with digital alternatives spearheading the revolution.
Despite the previous taxes imposed on mobile money and OTT services. Mobile subscribers will now have to buy airtime using mobile money or through digital payment options like Payway, Pebuu among other reliable options in order to load credit. While UCC marked July 1st as the cut-off day for all telecom operators to discard production of physical airtime cards, the commission has chattered 31st July 2018 as the day scratch cards will cease to exist in Uganda as part of the public notice read:
We hereby inform the general public that UCC has banned the use of scratch/airtime cards with effect from 31st July 2018
Going forward, customers can buy/load airtime or data bundles using MTN Mobile money, Airtel money, Africell money or electronic vouchers through their respective authorized outlets. The Notice further stated.
UCC’s Airtime scratch cards alternatives
As the political drama centered around Mobile money tax continues to unfold, UCC stated that subscribers can easily load airtime using their Telecom mobile money options similar to MTN’s Momo Nyabo campaign that rewarded lucky customers for recharging via MTN Mobile money. Although Airtel and Africell customers can further use Airtel money plus Africell money respectively. Smile, Smart and Rokespot customers will rely on other digital payment options or visit the nearest agent in respect to UCC’s move for a paper-free environment.
