UCC to Block Unverified SimCards by November 12

Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is set to deactivate come November 12, 2023, all unverified SIM cards whose registrations do not comply with the Regulation of Interception of Communication Regulation 2023.

The head of legal and compliance at UCC Abudu Sallam Waiswa, stated that the deactivation applies to customers whose SIM cards were registered but lack proper documentation, urging affected individuals to re-verify their details to avoid deactivation.

The new regulations require these customers to verify their details in person at service centers by presenting their National IDs, having their picture and thumbprint taken, and completing the verification process.

Only customers who have received messages or calls from telecom companies are advised to visit the centers to avoid SIM card deactivation before the deadline.

Customers with mismatched or incomplete information will need to physically verify their details at telecom company data centers, including providing fingerprints, photos, and original national ID copies. Those without the necessary documentation will be unable to re-verify their SIM cards.

Customers who have received messages requesting re-verification must comply to avoid service disruption, with less than 1% of subscribers expected to be affected.

Telecommunication companies however say that Money on mobile money accounts will remain safe even if SIM cards are blocked, and affected customers can contact their telecom company for assistance.