The Communications regulator in Uganda has issued a notice as it moves to curb the importation of fake or unauthorised mobile communications devices into the country.
In a notice issued by Uganda Communications Commission spokesman Isaac Kalembe on December 22nd 2014, telecommunications companies have been ordered to deny access to their networks or the use of its services where the equipment has not been authorised by the Commission.
The notice says, “It has come to the attention of the Commission that contrary to the Uganda Communications Act and the type approval regulations, many importers, distributors and retailers have continued to flood the Ugandan market with unauthorised devices. Please be advised that the devices will be confiscated and denied access to all telecommunication networks.”
The Commission has listed the unauthorised devices as including:
1) Devices which have not been type approved by the Commission;
2) Devices which have not been type accepted by the Commission;
3) Devices with blank International Mobile Equipment Identity Number (IMEI);
4) Devices with fake/incorrect IMEIs;
5) Devices with cloned IMEIs;
6) Stolen and damaged devices as reported to the Police;
7) Devices reported by URA for tax evasion;
8) Substandard devices in both material and quality, and;
9) Any other devices deemed unfit for consumer usage.
In the statement issued by Mr. Kalembe, the Public has been advised to follow the following specific steps prior to purchase of any devices and these include: Dialing *#06# on the device that is to be bought and that will return the IMEI number of the device; Sending the IMEI number to short code 8883 which will return an immediate feedback/SMS on the make and model of the device to be bought.
