The telecom companies in Uganda could have their licenses revoked or face heavy sanctions after Cabinet directed UCC to investigate claims that several unregistered SIM cards were still operating on their networks.
This comes in the wake of the kidnapping and consequent murder of a one Susan Magara. Frank Tumwebaza, Minister of Information Communications Technology and National Guidance said these investigations follow a security brief to the Cabinet which revealed that most of the numbers that were used by the kidnappers of the deceased were unregistered yet active on the network.
In May last year, UCC instructed all telecom companies to have their subscribers register their SIM cards within a month. President Yoweri Kagutta Museveni however extended the registration process deadlines three months ahead following a public outcry that one month was so short a time.
Unregistered SIM cards did not stop though as security agencies continued to grapple with crimes committed using such unregistered lines in the days well past the given deadline that had to see them disconnected from the network.
The kidnappers are said to have used 22 different unregistered numbers to call the deceased’s family to demand for ransom.
How can all these numbers be active yet their identity is not known to the telecom company?
“Investigations to confirm the role and culpability of the role to telecom companies in issuing the alleged numbers began a week ago by UCC executive director Godfrey Mutabazi assisted by a team of security operatives”, said Frank Tumwebaza.
The investigation also aims to include MTN Uganda, Airtel Uganda, Uganda Telecom, Africell, K2 Telecom and Smart Teleco, which are also active players in Uganda’s telecoms business. These telecom operators were previously placed on notice that failure to switch off illegally acquired SIM cards would lead to penalties and, or revocation of licenses.
Heavy sanctions await once it is confirmed that these telecoms acted on contrary to the requirements of SIM card registration. They may pay a fine of up o 10% of their annual income and also have their licenses revoked if found guilty.
The report from the investigations is said to be tabled before the Cabinet by next week. The fate of the telecoms may greatly depend on whatever will be put in the report. We shall keep you posted about any developments so you don’t miss anything.
