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Govt warns against internet fraudsters, promises tough action
Police and UCC have since launched a crackdown on unlicensed public Wi-Fi hotspot operators in Kampala and neighbouring districts following complaints about the illegal sale of internet data.
The Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Justine Lumumba, has urged law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal online businesses and internet fraudsters depriving the government of revenue. (Photo by Wilfred Sanya)
By: Wilfred Sanya, Journalist @New Vision
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The Government has warned the public about a rise in internet fraud and illegal data sales, pledging tougher enforcement against unauthorised internet operators.
The warning was jointly issued by the Ministry of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and National Guidance, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and security agencies.
Police and UCC have since launched a crackdown on unlicensed public Wi-Fi hotspot operators in Kampala and neighbouring districts following complaints about the illegal sale of internet data.
The operators are accused of selling internet services without regulatory approval, connecting routers, cables, and signal boosters to telecommunications infrastructure without authorisation, and undercutting licensed internet service providers.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, said the Government would not allow individuals to deprive it of revenue by selling internet services outside the legally established channels.
“We cannot continue losing revenue through illegal activities by people who have not followed the proper procedures to sell internet services. We shall not sit back and allow this criminality to continue when we know where it is happening,” Lumumba warned.
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, said the Government would not allow individuals to deprive it of revenue by selling internet services outside the legally established channels.
“We cannot continue losing revenue through illegal activities by people who have not followed the proper procedures to sell internet services. We shall not sit back and allow this criminality to continue when we know where it is happening,” Lumumba warned.
She made the remarks during a plenary session of Parliament on October 27, 2026.
Lumumba emphasised the need to balance enforcement of existing laws with efforts to make internet services more accessible and support legitimate investors in the telecommunications sector.
“We have the law, and we should look at what we can do through the committee of parliament to address the cost of internet. We should consider both the Government and the private sector in transforming digitalisation in the country,” she said.
The UCC executive director, Nyombi Thembo, said that, as regulators, they had received letters and complaints that require further examination, following earlier discussions on enforcement and compliance with communications regulators.
According to UCC, between 30 and 40 formally licensed telecommunications and internet service providers are operating besides MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda, who are the major telecom companies.
Lumumba emphasised the need to balance enforcement of existing laws with efforts to make internet services more accessible and support legitimate investors in the telecommunications sector.
“We have the law, and we should look at what we can do through the committee of parliament to address the cost of internet. We should consider both the Government and the private sector in transforming digitalisation in the country,” she said.
The UCC executive director, Nyombi Thembo, said that, as regulators, they had received letters and complaints that require further examination, following earlier discussions on enforcement and compliance with communications regulators.
According to UCC, between 30 and 40 formally licensed telecommunications and internet service providers are operating besides MTN Uganda and Airtel Uganda, who are the major telecom companies.