Uganda Communication Commission – UCC together with Telecom companies agreed to phase out airtime scratch cards by 30th June 2018.
After the ban on simcard vending, UCC has also set a deadline for airtime cards.
According to a statement issued by Mr Godfrey Mutabazi, the commission Executive Director, the position was reached at in meeting between telecommunications operaters and UCC at the commission’s headquarters, Bugolobi on 19th March 2018.
He noted that they agreed to replace airtime scratch cards with the use of electronic airtime.
“.. at this meeting it was agreed that all telecommunications operators would phase out the use of airtime scratch cards and commence electronic airtime,” read in parts.
He also directed all communication operators to submit details of current scratch cards including those already on market for further planning.
However, he warned Telecoms that all airtime cards on market must have seized and importation of more airtime scratch cards past the set deadline will not be allowed by the commission.
Early this month, the commission also banned vending of airtime and SIM cards arguing that it is one way of fighting criminality.
