UCC’s New Executive Director Given 100 Days to Address SIM Card Disconnection Issues

Members of Parliament have set a 100-day timeline for George William Nyombi Thembo, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), to address the aftermath of the SIM card disconnection that affected thousands of Ugandans. The legislators welcomed Nyombi Thembo’s appointment and emphasized the urgent need to resolve the SIM card-related challenges.

Last month, the UCC implemented a directive requiring the renewal of SIM cards, leading to disconnections for individuals who did not comply. This move sparked concerns that were raised on the floor of Parliament, with Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko highlighting the adverse impact on many businesses.

With Nyombi Thembo now at the helm of the UCC, Parliament has tasked him with rectifying the issues that arose from the SIM card disconnections, seeking swift action to alleviate the challenges faced by affected Ugandans.

In addition to addressing the SIM card situation, Members of Parliament have raised concerns about disparities in communication tariffs among East African member states. They urge Nyombi Thembo, given his extensive experience and previous role as a minister of ICT, to recruit skilled personnel to enhance the efficiency of the Uganda Communications Commission.

Nyombi Thembo takes over from Engineer Irene Kagwa, filling a position that had been without a substantive director for the past four years. As a former state minister for ICT and director of the Uganda Communications Commission, he brings a wealth of experience to the role. The expectations are high for Nyombi Thembo to navigate the challenges and streamline communication services in Uganda.