The Uganda Communication Commission( UCC) has warned Ugandans to be on the lookout of illegal courier and postal service providers that they said are on the rise in the country.
“As the regulator, the Uganda Communications Commission is deeply concerned about the rise of unlicensed operators. These entities disrupt fair competition and pose risks to lives, property, and trust. Every unlicensed courier is a potential weak link in our nation’s communications chain,” UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo said.
“Let me take you back to a story from last year. A small businesswoman in Masindi sent handmade crafts to a client in Nairobi. She used an unlicensed operator. The package never arrived. No recourse. No accountability. Her reputation? Damaged. Her earnings? Lost. Now imagine this repeated a thousand times across Uganda. That’s not just misfortune. That’s a national setback.”
He was on Thursday speaking during the opening ceremony of the inaugural postal and courier baraza organised by UCC at KCCA Railway Grounds in Kampala.
He insisted that licensed operators aren’t just legal, but are lifelines.
“They offer tracking, accountability, customer support, and peace of mind. They ensure your mother’s medicine is on time and your business contract is delivered safely and securely.”
Role of postal services
Thembo underscored the role of played by postal and courier services in driving Uganda’s e-commerce sector.
“With the explosion of online trade, licensed postal and courier services have become the invisible infrastructure supporting small businesses, rural entrepreneurs, and urban marketplaces alike. They enable a tailor in Kabale to ship to a customer in Kitgum and allow a student in Mbale to receive a scholarship letter from Kampala. This sector quietly builds bridges where roads sometimes fall short,” Thembo said.
“When you send a letter, a parcel, or even a simple birthday gift, you’re not just moving an object—you’re telling a story. A story of trust, of connection, and of care. These are unsung storytellers of our society—the men and women who keep our packages moving, our dreams connected, and our economy humming.”
The UCC Executive Director called upon Ugandans to prioritise safety and security in the postal and courier sector.
“Consumers should ask questions before sending items, while businesses need to ensure they register and comply with regulations. Stakeholders are encouraged to educate their networks about these practices.”
He said UCC will maintain fair and resolute regulation.
“Each of us has a vital role to play, and together we can establish a postal and courier industry that is trustworthy, efficient, and respected not only in Uganda but throughout the region.”
