By Mark Kawalya
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has mandated all SIM card registrations to be done using only national ID cards. This will boost the security of communication services and address past issues where telecom operators accepted various identification documents, such as passports and village IDs. This disrupted data collection due to the lack of a central validation system.
On May 6, UCC highlighted that the absence of a central system resulted in an unreliable database. The introduction of the National ID System in 2015 aimed to resolve these issues. The 2015 Registration of Persons Act requires all Ugandans to obtain national ID cards with unique National Identification Numbers (NINs). The National ID is now a mandatory document for SIM card registration.
UCC emphasized that National IDs provides a reliable method to uniquely identify each SIM card user. This boosts security and accountability for users. Individuals who lose their national ID can obtain a confirmation letter from NIRA to register SIM cards.
The UCC explained that this initiative ensures that every SIM card user is properly identified. This will contribute to a more secure and accountable communication environment. The UCC aims to eliminate the risks associated with using multiple forms of identification. These previously resulted in database inconsistencies and security vulnerabilities.
The 2015 Registration of Persons Regulations reinforced this mandate by specifying that the National ID would be the sole document for SIM card registration. This process was further strengthened in 2018 when biometric verification using national IDs became a requirement for all SIM card users.
In 2023, the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations (Regulation 18) introduced provisions for updating all existing SIM cards with current information to comply with the new rules. This ongoing effort by the UCC demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a secure communication infrastructure.
These regulations will enable the UCC aims to create a robust system where each SIM card user is accountable. This will protect the integrity and safety of Uganda’s communication networks. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance national security and provide reliable communication services to all citizens.
