Kampala — Uganda communication Commission (UCC) has reiterated that no mobile phone user with unregistered SIM card will be connected on their service provider by March 1 this year.

"On March 1, 2013 no unregistered SIM Card will be connected on any network in Uganda. ccordingly, all SIM cards must be registered by February 28, 2013."

A statement reads in part. Since March 1, 2012, UCC has been spearheading the registration of all active mobile subscriptions in Uganda. Uganda has a population of about 33 million people, with a growth rate of over 3 per cent. Of these, about 16 million are mobile phone subscribers.

East African business Week understands that almost half of Ugandans especially those leaving in rural areas were yet to register their SIM cards and should UCC go ahead to disconnect them a mammoth phone users will be affected.

Those who have not yet registered are believed to be lacking one or two of the required items for the registration top of which is a legal identification card. Other people are just lazy anticipating an extension. However, with less than three weeks to the closing date, UCC is taking none of that urging those that have not registered their SIM cards to register within the time flame remaining.

SIM card registration is a process of recording and verifying mobile phone number/s and personal information of a subscriber, by the communications service provider. The registration of SIM cards in Uganda is in line with The Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, 2010.

The registration exercise intends to, among others, help law enforcement agencies to identify the mobile phone SIM Card owners, track criminals who use phones for illegal activities, curb other negative incidents, and also help service providers know their customers better.

Subscribers need to present either of the following information and documentation for registration; pass port size photograph, valid passport, valid employee ID, student ID from an accredited educational institution, voter's card, valid driver's licence or the original  letter from the Local Council bearing the registrant's photograph, confirming the identity and physical address details of the  registrant.

After you have registered, confirm your registration by dialing *197# for free of charge.