UCC rolls out third phase of Simu klear campaign in Katakwi
This phase specifically targets special groups, including women and youth.
Katakwi: The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is currently rolling out the third phase of its SIMU KLEAR campaign, aimed at curbing the sale and use of counterfeit communication devices.
This phase specifically targets special groups, including women and youth, by providing them with the knowledge to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit devices, particularly mobile phones.
The campaign’s awareness program took place at Katakwi Primary School Multi-Purpose Hall, where women leaders, community members, and youth from the district gathered.
The SIMU KLEAR initiative is part of the government’s Illegitimate Communication Devices Awareness Project, which seeks to regulate the importation, sale, and use of counterfeit communication devices in Uganda. The campaign is designed to raise awareness about the risks associated with using fake devices.
According to Prudence Amito, team leader of the SIMU KLEAR program, the campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers of counterfeit devices, which include; health hazards from exposure to harmful radiation, security risks that hinder effective crime tracking, poor device quality leading to device failure, environmental damage due to e-waste from short-lifespan devices and data vulnerabilities because of lack of security features.
Marion Atim, the chairperson of the Women’s Coccus in Katakwi District and the LCV female councillor for Kapujan Sub County, expressed her gratitude towards UCC for empowering Ugandans, particularly rural women, with crucial knowledge about counterfeit devices.
Atim emphasized the significance of community awareness, noting that fraudsters are exploiting Ugandans by selling counterfeit devices. She stressed the need for more people to recognize and avoid these scams.
Irene Alungat, a beneficiary of the awareness training, shared that many youths fall victim to counterfeit devices because of their desire for affordable gadgets. She commended the UCC for its timely intervention, which has helped youths become more cautious when making online purchases.
Jane Francis Imenyuk, a resident and female leader of Usuk Sub County, advised women to buy devices only from reputable outlets that provide warranties. This, she said, would reduce the risk of being scammed with counterfeit devices.
Charles Olinga, the coordinator of the program and former coordinator of the Katakwi District Development Actors Network (KADDAN), also warned that many Ugandans are using counterfeit devices, which pose serious security risks. He urged the government to allow a grace period before switching off these fake communication devices.
To help verify whether a device is genuine, Prudence Amito recommended dialing the following codes; *197*4# on MTN, *197*3# on Airtel, and *#06# to obtain the phone’s serial number for easy tracking if stolen.
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