The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has announced plans to investigate telecommunication companies, with the potential for strict penalties due to the continued use of unregistered mobile phone SIM cards in Uganda.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) was tasked in 2013 with overseeing the mass registration of SIM cards, aimed at curbing criminal activities linked to anonymous phone numbers.
However, concerns over the ongoing circulation of unregistered numbers have persisted.
“I have spoken with the telecom companies, and they assure me that only authorized numbers are in use, but the evidence suggests otherwise,” Baryomunsi stated.
“I am committed to engaging them further because it’s clear that some individuals are still using unregistered SIM cards, possibly under the pretense of using numbers belonging to deceased persons.”
These comments followed a parliamentary session on Thursday, 19 September 2024, during which Butebo district Woman MP, Hon. Sarah Ameede, raised concerns over rising fraud in her constituency.
According to Ameede, fraudsters have been using unregistered SIM cards to swindle unsuspecting residents.
“People in Butebo have fallen victim to individuals posing as agents from the Association of Teso War Victims, promising government compensation in exchange for money,” Ameede explained. She urged the government to intervene and stop these illegal activities.
Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth, supported Dr. Baryomunsi’s position, suggesting a review of the Uganda Communications Act to hold telecom companies accountable for circulating unregistered SIM cards.
“We can revisit the law to place liability on service providers. This Parliament can enact legislation to address the issue,” Oboth said, noting that unregistered SIM cards pose serious security risks. “Criminals are using phones to coordinate robberies and killings, making this a critical issue.”
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also endorsed the proposal, calling for punitive measures against telecom companies.
“In other countries, similar actions have led to hefty fines—sometimes as much as $500 million—and even the closure of banks involved in money laundering,” Tayebwa remarked.
The discussion sparked a broader debate among lawmakers, many of whom shared personal experiences of being targeted by fraudsters using unregistered SIM cards.
Hon. Andrew Ojok (NRM, Omoro County) urged the ICT Minister to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public on how to detect and avoid fraud.
