A SIM card registration agent has been sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of Shs500,000 after being convicted of illegally registering a subscriber in violation of Uganda’s SIM card registration regulations.
The convict, Patrick Wanyera, who was working as an Airtel Uganda agent, was found guilty of registering a subscriber outside an approved SIM card registration point, signing the subscriber registration form on behalf of the customer, and issuing a SIM card contrary to Regulation 28 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024.
According to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the illegally registered SIM card was later used to defraud a student through a fake scholarship scheme.
In a statement issued following the conviction, UCC said the case highlights the importance of strict adherence to SIM card registration procedures to protect users and strengthen security within Uganda’s digital ecosystem.
“The Uganda Communications Commission continues to strengthen enforcement of the SIM card registration framework because properly registered SIM cards are essential for promoting trust, security and accountability within Uganda’s digital ecosystem,” the Commission said.
UCC warned that irregular SIM card registration creates avenues for fraud, financial crimes, identity misuse and other offences that undermine public confidence in telecommunications services.
The regulator said it is also enhancing oversight to ensure telecommunications companies properly supervise their employees, agents and other third parties involved in SIM card registration.
Under Regulation 27 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024, telecommunications operators can face fines of up to Shs5 million for irregular SIM card registrations.
UCC reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of Uganda’s communications sector and urged all SIM card registration agents to strictly follow approved procedures.
The Commission also advised members of the public to register SIM cards only at authorised registration centres and to use their own valid identification documents to help prevent communications-related crimes.
