The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has come out to warn the public that those who use two-way communication equipment top of the list on these are walkie-talkies or also known as handheld two-way transceivers. Typical walkie-talkies resemble a telephone handset, with a speaker built into one end and a microphone in the other (in some devices the speaker also is used as the microphone) and an antenna mounted on the top of the unit. These are mainly used by private security at establishments like bars or events, factories, personal use, and construction sites.
Most personal walkie-talkies sold are designed to operate in UHF allocations and are designed to be very compact, with buttons for changing channels and other settings on the face of the radio and a short, fixed antenna. Most such units are made of heavy, often brightly colored plastic, though some more expensive units have ruggedized metal or plastic cases.
A variety of smartphone mobile apps already exist that mimic walkie-talkies/push-to-talk style interaction. They are marketed as low-latency, asynchronous communication. The advantages touted over two-way voice calls include: the asynchronous nature of not requiring full user interaction (like SMS) and it is voice over IP (VOIP) so it does not use minutes on a cellular plan.
UCC has noted the increasing importation of two-way radio communication devices (commonly known as walkie-talkies/radio calls) and the associated Dase and repeater station equipment prior to obtaining the necessary approvals. The commission has noted that many of these have been confiscated at Entebbe Airport and other ports of entry into the country.
To avoid inconveniences to travelers, and other radio communication users. UCC has informed the public of the existing requirement to have all radiocommunication equipment, including walkie-talkies/radio calls, and the associated base and repeater transmitter equipment type-approved before importation.
