The Ugandan government is set to launch investigations to crack down on online fraudsters and scammers, following numerous complaints from the public and parliamentarians.
Minister of Information and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, told journalists at Parliament that his ministry will collaborate with telecom companies, the Ministry of Security, and other government bodies to identify gaps in sim card registration and take necessary actions.
Baryomunsi noted that while telecoms are required by law to register sim cards with users' details, some individuals bypass the process, raising concerns about improper registration.
This move comes after several MPs, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, yesterday raised alarm over fraudulent messages sent by scammers offering services in exchange for large sums of money.
Tayebwa expressed frustration that, despite sim card registration requirements, these scams continue, calling for accountability from telecom companies and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Baryomunsi assured that UCC and telecom companies will begin deactivating unauthorized sim cards to curb the issue. He emphasized that the government is committed to ending these fraudulent activities.
