The run and chase of social media users has always been the Government’s main headache gear given the 2016 elections shutdown. After a few weeks of the new proposed social media policy breakdowns being approved by Parliament, Telecom operators have today rolled out the official Over the Top services (OTT) tax USSD codes.
Through an official joint notice circulated on the internet. Telecom operators expressed concern in implementing the chattered OTT services tax that will take effect on 1st July 2018. Payment of the OTT tax can be made via mobile Wallet, EVC or any other electronic wallets, part of the notice read.
Adding to the already known taxed platforms, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Linkedin, Skype, and Telegram didnt miss on the list as they are some of the OTT services that will require you to pay 200 Shs in order to receive access to them with the following shortcodes.
- MTN Mobile money (*165*2*8#)
- Airtel Money (*185*2*5#)
- Africell Money (*144*2*5#) or Africell EVC (*133#6#)
Different from the data subscription norms, Full OTT access will expire at exactly 11:59 PM or 23:59 of the day you paid your social media taxes depending on the subscription calendar Providers listed in line with the URA UGX 200 policy.
| Period | Charges (UGX) |
|---|---|
| Daily | 200 |
| Weekly | 1,400 |
| Monthly | 6,000 |
With only 2 days left to the glorious start of social media taxing in Uganda. The new OTT services tax might see a reduction in the general internet usage by low-profile citizens meaning a wave back to the analog days where Windows 98 once ruled at a glance.
