Ugandan mobile phone users may soon be freed from the hassle of multiple SIM cards and handsets, thanks to a parliamentary push for a unified telecommunications experience. Parliament has called on the government to initiate and implement a single-SIM card policy, enabling seamless calls and transactions across all networks.
The proposal, championed by Mityana Woman MP Joyce Bagala and unanimously approved by the plenary, mandates the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to urgently implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) as a crucial consumer protection measure. This would allow subscribers to retain their phone numbers when switching network operators or geographic locations.
Ms. Bagala argued that the move would significantly “enhance network accessibility and reduce the cost of connectivity.” She further emphasized that “the quality of services will improve because all telecom companies will be in competition to provide the best services so that they do not lose customers,” adding, “But also, it is very convenient for the users.”
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa echoed these sentiments, highlighting the inconvenience of carrying multiple phones. “If we can have something which will save me from carrying two or three phones, [because] it is a burden. We go for international duties and they are asking why you are carrying three phones?” he stated, endorsing the proposal.
However, the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, cautioned that implementing such a policy would necessitate substantial infrastructural changes for both the government and telecom companies. “It also needs to look at infrastructure parity because all these telecom companies are not at the same level of system update. At least all telecom companies should have number portability,” he explained.
Mr. Tayebwa countered by demanding a firm commitment from the government to initiate the MNP process. In response, Minister Kabyanga assured Parliament, “I also need one SIM card and there is no doubt about that. I would like to assure Parliament that we are going to handle this and we shall come back with a comprehensive report.”
The proposed single-SIM policy and MNP implementation signal a potential paradigm shift in Uganda’s telecommunications landscape, promising greater convenience, accessibility, and competition for mobile phone users.