Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, has announced an upcoming investigation into telecommunication companies regarding the continued circulation of unregistered mobile phone sim cards.
Baryomunsi emphasized that heavy sanctions may be imposed if these companies are found to be responsible for enabling the use of such sim cards. This move is in response to concerns over security and fraudulent activities associated with unregistered numbers.
The issue of sim card registration in Uganda has been a matter of national concern since 2013, when the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) was mandated to enforce the mass registration of sim cards to curb criminal activities.
Despite assurances from telecom companies that only registered numbers are operational, recent incidents suggest that unregistered sim cards are still in circulation.
Dr. Baryomunsi acknowledged this and stated his intent to engage telecom companies once again to address the problem. He noted that telecom companies have claimed that some of the unregistered numbers might be linked to deceased individuals, an explanation he found insufficient.
The Minister’s comments were prompted by a matter raised by Hon. Sarah Ameede, the Butebo district woman Member of Parliament, during a plenary session on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Ameede highlighted the plight of her constituents, many of whom have fallen victim to fraudsters using unregistered sim cards. She explained that fraudsters are posing as agents of the association of Teso war victims, extorting money from people by promising government compensation.
Ameede called on the government to address the legality of these activities and put an end to the extortion of unsuspecting victims.
Supporting the call for action, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth, suggested that the Uganda Communications Act could be reviewed to hold telecommunication companies liable for circulating unregistered sim cards.
Oboth stressed that the issue poses significant security risks, as criminals often use unregistered numbers to coordinate robberies and killings in Uganda, much like in other countries.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa echoed the need for punitive measures against telecom companies, drawing comparisons to how banks are heavily fined for facilitating money laundering. He suggested that similar measures could be applied to telecom companies if they continue to allow unregistered sim cards to circulate.
The issue sparked debate among lawmakers, many of whom shared personal experiences of being victims of fraud via unregistered sim cards. Hon. Andrew Ojok (NRM, Omoro County) urged the ICT Ministry to launch a nationwide data awareness campaign to educate the public on identifying and preventing fraud.
Collectively, MPs called for stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure that telecom companies comply with sim card registration laws.
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