AbstractsLaw & Legal Studies

Abstract The regulation of interception of communications Act of 2010 (RICA) provides an obligation for telecommunication service providers in Uganda to register personal data including photocopies of identity documents of all existing and future pre-paid users of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards. Towards the end of 2011, Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) announced plans to embark on registration of all SIM Card users and directed telecommunications service providers to put arrangements in place for the scheme. The UCC said that the registration scheme became necessary following the wave of criminal activities in the country, especially those perpetuated through mobile phones. While UCC believes that the exercise will enhance national security, protect Ugandans against terrorists, incitement and deter criminals, Opponents believe that the registration of SIM cards would not effectively protect Ugandans, but would allow the government access personal information they had no right to access and compromise the rights of Ugandans. The research examines the constitutionality of the provisions of the regulations of interception of communications Act of 2010, regulating the mandatory SIM Card Registration and the legal implications of the Act on the privacy rights of Mobile phone users in Uganda.