Lugogo, Kampala– Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has registered the largest number of turnup at their Stall at the on going UMA international Trade fair, at Lugogo.
“UCC has been participating in this trade fair close to nine years now, comparing with our past experience, we have registered a biggest success in terms of engaging Manufacturers, Service providers and end users. These have been visiting our stall in large numbers, we have sensitized and engaged them on how technology can drive efficiency of their work and improve productivity.” “ Remarked Mr. Joseph Kizito, the head of consumer Affairs Department at UCC.
He also revealed , that from their engagement with the public, they have made a finding, that majority of the consumers of telecommunications services are ignorant about their rights and not aware of the available channels through which they can raise their complaints or seek redress.
“The major issues which have been raised by the people visiting our stall are related to fraud , fake news, fraud , vandalism for ICTs, Quality of services as well as many consumer issues. We have shown them how to raise a complaint and how to have their issues sorted.”
UCC Wins an Award
At the official Opening of the 2025 trade Fair, UCC received an award of being the Best Exhibitor under MDAs in the regulatory sector. It was handed over to them by Hon. Matia Kasaija , the Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who was away on other official duties.
“ For all the years we have been in this business, we mastered the art of engaging the Public through giving them all the information they need without bombarding them a lot. On top of that we give them reference points where they can find us Incase they have any other issue to raise after the trade fair.” Said Kizito
He also applauded Bank of Uganda (their partners) for the team work they have exhibited throughout these days of the Trade fair, which is one of the grounds that contributed to their recognition by the organizers.
Partnership with Bank of Uganda
According to Mr. Kizito, signed a memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U) with Bank of Uganda (BOU), for easy monitoring and regulation of mobile money services in the country since because they all have a role to play towards its success.
“UCC is the regulator of Telecommunications companies in the country, these companies introduced digital finance which later on expanded to the capacity that Couldn’t be managed well by UCC and thus brought Bank of Uganda on board. Licensing , infrastructure issues, we handle it together, we do outreach activities together, mass media activities together.” said Kizito
He added that, it’s from the above background that they decided to be together in one area (stall) so that they can be able to provide timely response to people as far as Digital financing is concerned without making further references.
The same stall has other expert from UCC’s partners like interswitch, Deposit protection fund and Banker’s Association of Uganda.
Students’ Concerns
Kizito noted that the largest number of people they have received at their Stall are young people and students who are eager to know more about technology.
“You can’t get surprised when you see the largest number of students in this trade fair, its clear that 70 percent of our population are young people and many are of school going age.”
That these asked the Country’s communication regulator, to consider introducing mobile phones with restricted access , that can be used in schools strictly for learning purposes. “Some students said that in schools they are given little time to practice computer skills yet they need to develop hands on skills, secondly that the computers are also very few compared to the learners’ population in schools.”
Kizito, promised that , they are going to look into that to ensure that no body is left behind when it comes to acquiring technological skills.
Fake phone Detection
With an increase in the number of fake phones on the Ugandan market, Kizito advised all people to dial *197# to check the authenticity of any mobile phone before purchasing it. “Once you buy a genuine mobile phone, we as UCC are in position to help you , block it Incase it is stolen so that you’re data may not land in the wrong hands.”
For the successful process, after your phone has been stolen, report to the nearest police station, get a police form to that effect and then call UCC on 0800222777 for further more information.
