UCC issues new sim card replacement guidelines

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has introduced new measures to address challenges faced by telecom operators and customers regarding the replacement, registration, and upgrading of SIM cards.
These issues, particularly affecting customers who have lost their National Identity Cards or whose biometrics are unavailable, have prompted the commission to outline detailed guidelines to streamline the process.
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All SIM card replacements, swaps, edits, or upgrades must be conducted at telecom operatorsโ customer service centers or designated agent shops.
Applicants must physically visit the service center or agent shop for verification.
The SIM card will only be issued in the name of the individual under whose name the card was originally registered.
For customers customers without National ID due to loss, one has to report the SIM card loss to the nearest police station and obtain a confirmation letter from Uganda Police.
Present the police letter to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to receive a confirmation letter.
The NIRA letter must be addressed directly to the telecom operator to facilitate registration or replacement.
For customers with National IDs, asylum seeker cards, or refugee cards that indicate the absence of biometrics, these must present their original identification documents at the telecom operatorโs service center.
If fingerprints have become unreadable due to fading, a Ugandan nationals must obtain a validation letter from NIRA, while asylum seekers and refugees must seek one from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
The validation letter must confirm the customerโs details and state their inclusion in the National Register or OPM database.
UCC will verify the letterโs authenticity and authorize the telecom operator to register the SIM card.
UCC emphasizes that these measures aim to enhance accountability and ensure secure SIM card registration.
The Commission is committed to working with telecom operators, NIRA, and other stakeholders to address these challenges while protecting customer rights and data integrity.