Under Section 5(k) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, UCC is mandated to promote and safeguard the interests of consumers and operators regarding the quality of communications services and equipment.  

Section 5 (1) of the Act also tasks UCC to set national standards, ensure compliance with standards and obligations laid down by international communications agreements and treaties to which it is a party. These include Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Radio Frequency (RF) requirements, equipment safety and health requirements technology, performance and functionality requirements.

Today, through the SIMU KLEAR campaign, UCC has joined the rest of the world to fight against the use of substandard mobile communication devices. These include Fake Smartphones that are branded as copy, and hicopy grades on the market, as well as substardand feature phones that often use popular brand idenfications such as Nokia.

Since February 2020, the Commission has successfully implemented a concerted stakeholder engagement process entailing engagements with public sector, sister agencies, regulators, policy makers, industry actors and the media. Now, the 2nd phase of the SIMU KLEAR campaign has introduced the 197 hotline dedicated to public sensitization.

In most cases, when a customer uses an Illegitimate device, it lowers the quality of service on intermediate communication devices which, in most cases, lowers the quality of service on public communication networks thus affecting the experience of other consumers and businesses on the same medium.

When you buy any device, you want it to deliver the performance, functionality and safety expected of devices in that family. This is the purpose of standards according to UCC. Illegitimate or Counterfeit devices compromise on those standards in favour of returns, impacting value proposition and safety.

Every legitimate mobile phone has a unique identifier that registers it to a carrier network. This number is called the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The IMEI number can be used to verify the legitimacy of the mobile phone.

To confirm if your phone is legitimate, dial *197*4# or *#06#, and the device IMEI code will automatically display on your phone’s screen. Alternatively, the IMEI number can be found on the body of the mobile phone, usually under the battery.

Currently, it is estimated that over 180 million counterfeit mobile phones are sold globally per annum and this represents a potential loss of €45bn to legitimate device manufacturers.

The new UCC Campaign will run for a period of over 6 months to build public awareness about the dangers of using fake and illegitimate mobile communication devices in Uganda.

Apparently, UCC has received complaints from National Telecommunications Operators like MTN, Airtel, Africell, Smile, and Lyca Mobile about interferences caused by the unauthorized use of repeater stations aimed at boosting mobile network signals in some areas around Uganda.

By default, all Mobile network operators in Uganda use Network masts to provide network coverage to customers. Both Voice and Data signals are supported by Network repeaters mounted on these masts with core functionality on 2.4Ghz and 5GHz bands. Now, with the continued rise in Network booster usage by Individuals, signal conflicts have caused interferences since different repeaters may work with different bands.

When a Network Interference occurs, all users in a specific area may face network downtime, dropped calls, and slow data connection speeds. In the case of Network Boosters, Interference may occur for all other users due to dedicated bandwidth allocation to the booster/repeater direction. More so, depending on the operation band, receivers on a network mast may conflict with the booster’s bands attracting interference in a full region.

According to UCC, unauthorized repeater stations amplify the radio signal noise environment causing signal interference to mobile networks of the duly licensed network operators operating in the same area, which affects the quality of service of the public network.

Section 21 of the 2013 Uganda Communications Act stipulates that;

A person shall not, without a license issued by the Commission—

(a) establish or use any radio station or provide radio communication services;

(b) sell, let, hire or otherwise dispose of any radio communications apparatus;

 (c) manufacture, possess, install, connect or operate any radio communications apparatus or interference-causing apparatus.

Based on Section 21 of the 2013 Communications Act, UCC has now raised a warning against the sale, purchase, installation, use, and operation of network booster devices except where provided by a licensed mobile network operator and configured with the operator’s preset defaults based on a coverage area.

Commonly authorized Network boosters in operation around Uganda include the Airtel broadband user kit which comes with a strong Outdoor Network Booster Unit (ODU) and a client indoor router. In a like fashion, other operators like Roke Telecom, Liquid Telecom, MTN Uganda all offer the same Network booster setups to offer a super-fast broadband connection experience to customers.

Now, with the commission’s new warning, it plans to take enforcement action against the sale, purchase, installation, and use of non-licensed network boosters effective 1^st august 2021. However, it has not clarified on common interference locations where network repeaters are most used, but instead, with a complaint from network operators, these may be common in remote areas where network access is poor.

With the new NTO license awarded to Lycamobile with effect from 24th March 2021, the telco will extend its network coverage to all parts of Uganda with base coverage in Kampala as it is with most network service providers. Across the world, Lycamobile partners with local network hosts that already have physical equipment to route its traffic to the end customer.

In all its present markets, Lyca Mobile has come to be known as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), and by this standard, the new NTO license means Lycamobile Uganda will rollout its 4G-only network to all parts of Uganda through partnering with other NTO license holders like MTN and Airtel instead of deploying its own network masts.

As part of the NTO license requirements, Lycamobile Uganda will also list 20% of its shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) market in accordance with the listing rules and guidelines set by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). This means, Lycamobile Uganda will be a publically traded company where an everyday Ugandan can buy shares through the local stocks market.

According to the Lycamobile Uganda CEO Vinay Choudary, the company was set to grow and expand upon its launch in Uganda early last year. When the company launched, we expected it to be a short-term telco that may follow the unpopularity path set by Smart Uganda, Vodacom, and other providers. But instead, Vinay has confirmed that Lycamobile Uganda is here to stay now that it has applied for an upgraded operation license.

At the moment, Lycamobile run short of SIMCards due to high demand from customers exceeding their initial plan and network capabilities. This forced several customers to complain of slow network speeds, a complaint that was later addressed to maintain the best network quality for all users.

As per its offerings headlined by 20GB at UGX 10,000, 50GB at 25,000 and many more data bundles on its radar, Lycamobile is by far the best mobile internet services provider in Uganda beating MTN, Airtel, Africell in a game they dominate with high prices on data and voice bundles.

Now, with an NTO license, Lycamobile is set to expand to more regions in Uganda and offer border to border connectivity. From Arua to Kisoro, Kasese to Busia, Karamoja to Kampala, Lycamobile will be another mobile network operator roaming 4G network signals to customers in urban and semi-urban settlements. The new Lycamobile Uganda NTO license was handed over to the company by UCC’s Executive Director in the presence of relevant delegates.

Initially, the Google Playstore and IOS Apple store were banned before Social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Youtube followed the same path. Hours later, a total internet shutdown was also implemented in order to stop any VPNs from granting any Ugandan Citizen access to these blocked channels.

With the Internet restored 5 days later, social media sites have not been restored, and instead, the latest feed from service providers shows an indefinite ban on these platforms with orders issued from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

In a TruIT broadcast email screenshot shared by TechJaja, the service provider notified customers with a list of all platforms that are blocked in respect of orders issued by UCC. Blocked platforms include social media channels, YouTube, VPNs, and App stores.

Dear Esteemed Customer,

We have received a directive from UCC to block the following Indefinitely: Social Media, YouTube, VPNs, App stores.

The content is now blocked on the truIT services as required by the regulator. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you

The truIT Email read

This means all Internet service providers in Uganda including Broabdna providers like truIT, Liquid telecom, Roke Telkom, mobile operators like MTN, Airtel, Africell, Lyca mobile, and FTTH (Fiber to Home) providers like Csquared, iWay Africa, all comply with the new directive of indefinitely blocking services listed by UCC.

However, with VPNs on the list, banning them will be very difficult for providers since new ways are always crafted for users to devise new ways of accessing blocked and censored platforms. In fact, the rest of the platforms are easy to block except for VPNs which continue to be the only solution for all netizens in Uganda.

In a like manner, the Sony PlayStation Store, Google Playstore, and the IOS Apple Store have all been blocked as per the directive from UCC. So, with no indicated dates on when the indefinite suspension on these platforms will be lifted, online-based businesses are set to lose out more with most of their operations based on traffic from social media platforms.

According to MTN Uganda, the telco and other operators in the country received an order from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directing them to immediately block HTTP traffic to all top social media sites.

In this fashion, VPNs have since grown in popularity with a bunch of netizens searching for new ways of accessing social media sites without falling prey to any government restrictions pounded on telcos. More so, the existence of OTT (social media) tax already played a benchmark role for every netizen to have a free VPN installed on their Smartphone.

Well, as per the MTN Statement, the telco will engage with relevant stakeholders to limit the duration of service disruption in compliance with global digital human rights which allow each and every human to have equal access to Internet services without fear or favor.

Well, just like the license directive expired with fewer registrations garnered from the target channel owners, the communication authority decided to write a letter directing Google to block all Youtube channels Live broadcasting Police violence on civilians and presidential aspirant Bobi Wine.

Prior to receiving the letter which included a list of 17 Youtube Channels, Google has responded to the commission’s request and refused to block the stated channels unless an official court order is produced with specific videos violating community guidelines – as reported by the Independent.

According to the UCC letter, platforms and networks like Youtube are being used to publish, disseminate, and broadcast content contrary to the Uganda Communications Act of 2013 and regulation 8(2) of the Uganda Communications (Content) regulations of 2019.

Furthermore, broadcasted Youtube content on the channels contains extremist or anarchic messages likely to incite violence against sections of the public on account of their tribe and political opinions –– the letter further read, with a list of violating Youtube channels which include:

• Ghetto TV
• Map Mediya TV
• Namungo Media
• Busesa Media Updates
• Uganda Empya
• KK TV Uganda
• Ekyooto TV
• Bobi Wine 2021
• JB Muwonge
• Among others.

In reply, Google has mentioned that listed channels haven’t violated any Youtube Community Standards at the moment, and so, blocking them on the platform would require a court order together with proof of violation as requested by UCC without prior evidence.

” It is very hard to just have a channel removed due to a government request. We always follow local law, but it would have to be a valid court order. The letters just show what the UCC submitted to the Embassy; they are not court orders “

Said Dorothy Ooko –– Head of Google Communications in Africa

Conditions under which Youtube can block a Channel

As per Youtube community content guidelines, the platform doesn’t allow pornography, incitement to violence, hate speech, and harassment. To detect violations, the video hosting platform relies on people and technology to flag inappropriate content and enforce its listed guidelines.

Additionally, a Youtube Channel may only be terminated (blocked and removed) if it receives 3 warnings in a 90day timeframe, or has a single severe case of abuse, or it’s determined to be fully dedicated to violating the platform’s set guidelines.

“Flags can come from our automated flagging systems, from members of the Trusted Flagger program (NGOs, government agencies, and individuals) or from users in the broader YouTube community,”

The Youtube Community guidelines page reads

Hence, the only way UCC can succeed in influencing the removal of all listed Youtube channels broadcasting Presidential Candidate Bobi Wine’s campaign trail in Uganda is through acquiring a Court order to be submitted to Google for immediate removal of all violating channels.

Otherwise, as per the political atmosphere in Uganda where mainstream media has become a yesterday norm due to high restrictions mounted by UCC, online media channels continue to be major sources of information for most Netizens due to their Live streaming mode of execution.

So, UCC’s plan to regulate online media TVs seems to be more difficult than anticipated since Google has showed no signs of helping the commission tame opposition favorite channels in light of the current political atmosphere. Nonetheless, if UCC produces a court order directing Youtube to take down channels, then, the platform’s community guidelines will be skipped in respect for the law.

Apparently, the interest to regulate blogs, social media bloggers, and vloggers by UCC is largely sparked by the fate of the country’s political orbit, with online media steering unregulated content on a daily.

Hence, in a bid to regulate who can and what type of information can be published by property owners, UCC wants all individuals and companies registered with its authorization mark (This platform is regulated by UCC) by 5th October.

Who is required to register and Pay License Fees

According to UCC, all data communicators regardless of which platform they use to publish Information are required to register for authorisation to abide by the set terms and conditions for valid operations in Uganda.

Though the commission is not specific on bloggers and social media influencers as per its notice. The set rythm means regulation of each and every Social media user with any sort of monetisation of their profile, leav aone OTT tax.

Categories listed by the commission as per the notice include:

• Blogs
• Online televisions ie: Local TVs (NTV and the likes), YouTube channels
• Online Radios
• Online Newspapers
• Audio Over IP (AoIP) ie: Podcasts
• Internet Protocol TV (IPTV)
• Video on Demand(VOD) ie: Movie providers

By the commission’s notice, all persons involved in the provision of online media services shall be required to regularise their operations by obtaining mandatory authorisation with a non-refundable fee.

Failure to obtain authorisation from the commission by the set date will lead to the mounting of tough consequences on defaulters.

How much a UCC Authorisation License costs

UGX 100,000 per year is the cost of a valid UCC Online Media License. No Matter the brand’s revenue structure or online authority, the non-refundable fee will be required in order to obtain valid annual authorisation.

The Commission’s Terms and Conditions for Authorisation

But Will UCC Succeed in regulating Online Media Players as it plans?

In Uganda’s Startup ecosystem, Government plays a minor role in support of ICT based Innovations. Hence, the creation of Startup online media platforms, and the acquisition of funding becomes a tough path for project founders.

Once launched, founders go ahead to create audiences which in most cases don’t match Uganda as the base country, but rather a big percentage from International feeds.

[totalpoll id=”11621″]

Hence, with UCC coming up to seek regulation over these platforms that partially operate in the country, authorisation would be hard and unfair based on the platform’s target audience.

Consequences by the commission to defaulting providers will notably include blocking access of these portals in Uganda. But as per the global Innovation ecosystem rules, the policy becomes a disabler, rather than an enabler to ICT Innovators.

Nonetheless, What’s your take on the commission’s plan to regulate Social media bloggers (Page owners), Vloggers (YouTuber channels), and Blogs in Uganda? Share with us your opinions in the comment section below, or through the above Poll.

Just like NITA-U which has excelled in building a National Backbone Interface connecting all regions in Uganda, UCC’s goal is to connect people at border points to reliable yet free Wi-Fi Internet points.

Having announced the project earlier this year, Blue Crane Communications Limited– a local Internet service provider, won the bid to provide broadband services at UCC’s designated border points.

At the moment, Border points that will get the free Wi-Fi hotspots include: Mutukula (Kyotera District), Bunagana(Kisoro district), Malaba (Tororo District), Elegu(Amuru district) and Vuraa (Arua District).

Rocking at approximate speeds of 5MBps per user at the selected border sites, Internet speeds of the free Wi-Fi hotspots are equivalent to having a working 3G mobile connection on your Smartphone.

Built with a goal of prioritizing broadband connectivity and access, the Wi-Fi project will enable citizens living in the designated areas to access free reliable Internet since border points buffer as network roaming zones.

Additionally, the project aims at increasing the number of ICT enabled devices like computers and Smartphones in such areas by creating an enabling environment.

So, by having free Wi-Fi Internet Signals, many people would opt for the latest TECNO, of Infinix releases, since all base models come with support for both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz Wi-Fi bands.

Altogether, the commission has not announced whether these free hotspots will follow the path laid by the free MYUG Wi-Fi Internet access points located in several Kampala and Entebbe zones or stirctly for border points.

Having met all conditions required to renew its license on June 13^th, MTN Uganda’s new license is set to run for 12 years and took effect on 1^st July 2020.

In a press conference hosted by the UCC, the commission handed over the new 12-year license, which is the 2^nd of its kind to MTN since it’s initial launch date in October 1998 with a 20-year license that expired on 21st October 2018.

The new MTN Uganda National license has been acquired at a fixed fee of UGX 100 million (Approx UGX 371.5billion) paid in full by the telco. Having delayed to secure the license since 2018, MTN’s CEO Mr. Wim Vanhelluptte shared his Joy while receiving the new Operator License as he Tweeted:

“I am glad to inform you that our second National Operator License has been signed and MTN can continue operating in Uganda. We are happy and remain committed to our vision of delivering a bold digital life to all our customers through diligent innovations and shall continue to provide high-quality voice, data and mobile money services connecting Ugandans across all the 135 districts of Uganda,”

Wim Vanhelleputte – CEO, MTN Uganda

As a strict license additive, UCC earlier this year issued a directive requiring all telcos to list on the Uganda stock exchange market effective with new licenses from the commission.

However, neither MTN nor UCC inked whether the telco after receiving its license will be listing 20% of its shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) market as previously required.

For now, MTN Uganda is a fully licensed National Telecommunications operator after acquiring its 2^nd license since its initial operations in 1998. Predictively, we expect the telco to continue disrupting the voice and data offers industry as it has always done.

Currently, the telco is rewarding customers with free cash to survive in the current COVID19 pandemic through its revamped Momo Nyabo Campaign. Likely, the telco continues to reign as the biggest provider with over 13million registered customers countrywide.

During an e-meeting with the Airtel managing director V.G Somasekhar, the UCC Executive Director Ms. Irene Kaggwa Sewakambo noted that the telco’s connectivity has shifted from just a communication service to an engine of development.

In the light of the 4th Industrial revolution, Sewakambo acknowledged the Increase in Airtel’s network masts as a key contribution to the country’s development streak on top of enhancing customer experiences.

Having launched full countrywide 4G connectivity, Airtel Uganda has stepped up from regular 3G support to 4G by encouraging customers to swap old Simcard with new 4G enabled versions.

With 2,000 masts mounted countrywide, Airtel’s network coverage is expected to spike higher in the shadow of customer complaints about the telco’s Internet quality even though UCC rated it as the fastest in Uganda.

UCC carried out its quality of service (QoS) network investigations in major towns across Uganda and Airtel was voted as the fastest with its bullish peak at 14Mbps achieved in Mityana and Soroti in the shadow of MTN and Africell following with lower speeds.

However, MTN then received an International recognition from Rhode & Schwarz as the fastest Mobile network provider in Uganda binding quality network speeds with full coverage contrary to the commission’s findings.

But with 2,000 masts now holding the Airtel Access Point Name (APN), the telco could soon prove the highest network performance status granted to its by UCC against other mobile network providers in Uganda including Africell and MTN.