| FIGHTING COVID-19 OUT OF UGANDA - REGULATORY INTERVENTIONS BY UCC - 01/04/2020 |
| UGANDA COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION |
| TELECOM/ICT Policy Makers and Regulators | Africa | Uganda (Republic of) |
| The Uganda Communications Commission in solidarity this the Government of Uganda in the fight against COVID 19, either unilaterally or in conjunction with other stakeholders, has made the following sector-wide interventions.1. Continuously provided information to the public on the COVID-19 pandemic and the harnessing of ICTs safely through its online platforms. 2. Ensuring that its licensees’ fully embrace the effort against COVID-19 by transmitting advisory messages to subscribers through SMS, cell broadcasts and caller tunes. This is ongoing despite a surge in demand for network resources, which has affected the quality of voice, SMS and data services. 3. Rallied the telecom operators to waive transactional charges on Mobile money transfers in order to encourage more cashless transactions considering that cash has been identified as one of the vulnerabilities for spreading COVID 19. 4. Urged all broadcasters (Radio and Television) to air live the President's and other leading Government officials' addresses on COVID-19. 5. Designated and authorised the use of code 919 to reduce telephone numbers that the public needs to memorise in accessing assistance and making inquiries, and reporting health emergencies related to COVID-19. 6. Granted temporary authorisation to Ministry of Health, District Local authorities and their agents to deploy outdoor broadcasting apparatus commonly known as "Bizindalo" in facilitating public awareness and sensitisation about the COVID-19 pandemic at the grassroots. 7. Provided guidance to the public and broadcasters on circulating fake news and the dangers and repercussions of misinformation. 8. Stopped broadcasters from airing any content intended to promote the use of herbal and other remedies against COVID19 unless approved by the National Drug Authority (NDA). 9. Issued an advisory on cyber-crime, cautioning parents, in particular, to monitor their children's online activity during the lockdown. 10. Adopted a pragmatic approach to regulating the sector during this critical time by recognising that planned work schedules may need adapting and rescheduling with more focus directed at COVID-19. We are fast-tracking decision making and granting approvals where required. 11. Ensured the designation of ICTs as essential services that must continue working seamlessly amidst the national lockdown in order to minimise disruption of all connectivity dependant services to the public. |
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Keywords: REGULATORY INITIATIVES |