Three arrested over unathorised sim card registration
“Police have also written to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to obtain the full particulars of the registered owners of the recovered National Identification Cards. In addition, inquiries are being conducted with Airtel and MTN to establish whether the suspects were authorised agents of the respective companies,” he added.
The individuals were also suspected of duplicating passport documents and using them to register new SIM cards for different individuals, as well as selling and registering Airtel, MTN and other network SIM cards without the required authorisation. (Uganda Police photo)
KAMPALA - Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) North, through Old Kampala Police Division have today (August 11) arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged unauthorised registration and sale of Airtel, MTN and Lyca SIM cards.
The suspects were also found to be in illegal possession and suspected misuse of National Identification Cards (IDs), passport copies and fingerprint scanners.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy KMP spokesperson, said the incident was reported at Old Kampala Police Station.
“On August 5, 2026, at around 10:00am, a joint team of officers from Central Police Station Kampala Crime and Old Kampala Police Division proceeded to New Park Wholesale Building in Central Division, following information regarding suspected illegal activities involving SIM card registration and duplication of identification documents,” Owoyesigyire said.
He revealed that the operation followed information received in late July 2026 regarding allegations that some tenants were duplicating mobile phone lines using different National Identification Cards obtained from customers.
The individuals were also suspected of duplicating passport documents and using them to register new SIM cards for different individuals, as well as selling and registering Airtel, MTN and other network SIM cards without the required authorisation.
“During the operation, police searched three shops and arrested three suspects. Other suspects connected to the alleged activities are still at large. A number of exhibits were recovered and documented, including new Airtel, MTN and Lyca SIM cards, fingerprint scanners, registration books for Airtel and MTN, and several National Identification Cards,” he said.
“Police have also written to the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) to obtain the full particulars of the registered owners of the recovered National Identification Cards. In addition, inquiries are being conducted with Airtel and MTN to establish whether the suspects were authorised agents of the respective companies,” he added.
Owoyesigyire noted that the three suspects are currently assisting police with investigations, while efforts are ongoing to trace other persons believed to be involved in the alleged activities.
“Police would like to reassure the public that investigations are continuing, and further details will be provided as soon as they become available,” he stated.
Owoyesigyire noted that the three suspects are currently assisting police with investigations, while efforts are ongoing to trace other persons believed to be involved in the alleged activities.
UCC guidelines
On December 9, 2024, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) announced new guidelines to streamline the replacement of SIM cards, particularly for customers without National Identity Cards or readable biometrics.
For customers replacing a SIM card without a National ID, UCC noted that the process begins with reporting the loss of the ID at the nearest police station to obtain a confirmation letter.
The letter must then be submitted to NIRA, which will issue a document verifying the individual’s registration in the national database.
With the NIRA-issued letter, customers must appear in person at their telecom operator’s service centre for physical identification.
UCC noted that services such as SIM card replacement, swapping, editing, or upgrades will only be conducted at official telecom customer service centres or authorised agent shops. Furthermore, SIM cards will strictly be re-issued to the registered owner, ensuring the integrity of the process.
For customers whose biometrics are unreadable or missing, the guidelines differ slightly.
Ugandan nationals in this category must acquire a validation letter from NIRA, while asylum seekers and refugees should obtain a similar document from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Those with valid documents such as National IDs, asylum seeker cards, or refugee cards must present the originals to the telecom operator for processing.
UCC noted that these guidelines do not apply to individuals registering new SIM cards without a valid National ID.