The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is currently rolling out the third phase of the SIMU KLEAR campaign, an initiative aimed at curbing the sale and use of counterfeit communication devices.
The campaign focuses on special groups, including women and youth. In Katakwi District, the awareness campaign is equipping these groups with the knowledge to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit communication devices, particularly mobile phones.
The awareness program, held at Katakwi Primary School’s multi-purpose hall, attracted women leaders, community members, and youths from the district.
This initiative is part of the government’s Illegitimate Communication Devices Awareness project, also known as SIMU KLEAR, which aims to regulate the importation, sale, and use of fake communication devices in the country.
According to Prudence Amito, team leader of the SIMU KLEAR awareness program, the project seeks to curb the risks associated with using counterfeit devices.
These risks include health hazards due to exposure to harmful radiation, security risks that hinder crime tracking, poor device quality, environmental harm caused by short lifespans contributing to e-waste, and data vulnerability due to a lack of security features, Amito explained.
Marion Atim, chairperson of the women’s caucus in Katakwi District and LCV female councillor for Kapujan Sub County, expressed gratitude to the UCC for empowering Ugandans, especially rural women, with knowledge on fake and genuine devices. Atim emphasized the importance of community awareness, noting that many fraudsters are exploiting Ugandans using counterfeit devices.
Irene Alungat, a beneficiary of the awareness training, highlighted that many youths fall victim to counterfeit devices due to their desire for affordable gadgets. She praised the UCC for its timely intervention, which has empowered many youths to be cautious when transacting online.
To combat fraud, Jane Francis Imenyuk, a resident and female leader of Usuk Sub County, advised women to purchase devices from reputable outlets that provide warranties.
Charles Olinga, coordinator of the program and former coordinator of Katakwi District Development Actors Network (KADDAN), warned that many Ugandans are using counterfeit devices, which pose significant security risks. He urged the government to give people time before switching off fake communication devices.
To verify device authenticity, Amito recommended dialing *197*4# on MTN, *197*3# on Airtel, and *#06# to obtain the phone’s serial number for easy tracking if stolen.
