In order to solve the difficulties that telecom operators and consumers encounter when it comes to SIM card replacement, registration, and upgrading, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has implemented new policies.
These challenges, notably impacting consumers who have lost their National Identity Cards or whose biometrics are unavailable, have forced the commission to offer precise instructions to expedite the process.
All SIM card swaps, upgrades, edits, and replacements must be done at the designated agent shops or customer care centers of telecom companies.
For verification, candidates must come in person to the agent shop or service center.
The SIM card will only be issued in the name of the person who initially registered the card.
Customers who lose their national identification must report the loss of their SIM card to the local police station and get a confirmation letter from Uganda Police.
To obtain a confirmation letter, show the police letter to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
To make registration or replacement easier, the telecom operator must get the NIRA letter directly.
Customers who have refugee, asylum seeker, or national identification cards that do not have biometrics must show their original identification at the telecom operator’s service center.
Ugandan citizens must get a validation letter from NIRA if their fingerprints have faded to the point where they are unreadable, while refugees and asylum seekers must get one from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
The validation letter needs to attest to the customer’s information and mention that they are listed in the OPM database or National Register.
After confirming the letter’s legitimacy, UCC will give the telecom operator permission to register the SIM card.
UCC highlights that the goals of these actions are to guarantee safe SIM card registration and improve accountability.
The Commission is dedicated to addressing these issues while preserving data integrity and customer rights by collaborating with telecom operators, NIRA, and other interested parties.
