Following the increased rate of cyber related crimes. UCC has issued a new ban on illegal airtime and sim card sales. Putting into consideration the new mobile money fraud where sim cards are swapped swiftly to endanger unsuspecting victims. UCC’s new order will see sim card registration and airtime transactions made through only the legalized service centers.
According to the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) Executive director, Mr. Godfrey Mutabazi claimed that all subscribers will either buy airtime through mobile money or visit a licensed agent. But then, will this reduce the increased cyber-related crimes in Uganda?
Some companies like MTN recently had to announce new sim registration registration/swap guidelines. Telecommunication companies are now on the verge of scrutinizing their staff against the recent speculations of them coniving with fraudsters.
While the 2017 sim registration exercise was aimed at eradicating all forms of cybercrime, new mobile money tricks had started striking down Ugandans including top government officials. Therefore UCC’s ban on street vendors retailing sim cards and airtime is expected to bear better fruits as the struggle against cybercrime continues between the Police and UCC. However, it might strip many of a livelihood.
