BREAKING NEWS: UCC okays SIM Card replacement without National ID
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has okayed the replacement of SIM Cards in situations where one lost their National IDs.
According to UCC, one would require a letter from Police and another from NIRA confirming that the ID got lost before swapping, editing and replacing a SIM Card.
Below is the full statement by UCC:
UCC has noted some operational challenges faced by operators and customers specific to the replacement of SIM Cards for customers that lose National Identity cards, and the registration and replacement of SIM Cards for customers without biometrics. To mitigate the challenges associated with this scenario, the Commission hereby guides as follows:
Replacement, swapping, editing or upgrade of SIM cards
A SIM card replacement, edit, swap or upgrade shall be done at customer service centers operated by telecom operators.
An applicant for replacement, edit, swap or upgrade of a SIM card shall physically appear at the telecom operators’ customer service center or at the designed agent’s shop.
SIM card replaced, swapped or upgraded shall be issued in the names of the person in whose name the SIM card was registered at the time of the loss or damage.
- When you have lost your National ID
Report SIM Card loss to the nearest police station and furnish the telecom service provider with a letter from Uganda Police confirming the loss.
Present a letter from the Police confirming the loss of National ID to NIRA.
Get NIRA letter confirming to your telecom operator registration on the national register. The letter from NIRA must be addressed directly to the concerned telecom operator.
Physically appear at the telecom operator’s service centre or designated agent shop for physical identification.
This guidance applies to customers swapping, editing and replacing a SIM Card. It does not apply to customers registering a new SIM Card without presenting a valid National ID.
