Penalties in relation to use of another person’s NIN

Amandla Advocates brief on penalties in relation to use of another person’s National ID to register a Sim Card: the law and remedies

The Legal Position
The Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations, 2024 (S.I. No. 60 of 2024) expressly criminalizes the misuse of identification documents during SIM card registration.

➢ Regulation 26 provides that:

A person who uses another person’s National Identification Card, Alien’s Identification Card, or any
other identification document for the purposes of registering a SIM card; or permits another person to
use his or her identification document for the same purpose commits an offence.

The Penalty prescribed by the act is that on conviction, the offender is liable to:

❖ A fine not exceeding 50 currency points (UGX 1,000,000), or
❖ Imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years, or
❖ Both.

In addition, Regulation 29 prohibits the use of a SIM card registered in another person’s name for any illegal purpose, carrying a similar penalty of fine or imprisonment.

Why This Matters
➢ Identity theft and fraudulent SIM card registration are on the rise, often linked to mobile money
fraud, impersonation, and cybercrime.

➢ Victims may find themselves wrongfully implicated in offences or suffer loss of access to essential services.

➢ Telecom companies also face civil penalties if they fail to comply with proper registration protocols.

How Amandla Advocates Can Help

If you, your organisation, or someone you know is affected by fraudulent SIM card registration using another person’s National ID, Amandla Advocates offers.

1. Immediate Legal Protection
✓ Advising victims on reporting to police and the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
✓ Ensuring wrongful criminal liability is challenged and mitigated

2. Regulatory and Compliance Guidance
✓ Assisting telecom operators and agents to comply with SIM registration rules.
✓ Drafting compliance policies to avoid liability under the Regulations.

3. Civil and Criminal Representation
✓ Representing clients wrongfully accused under Regulations 26 and 29.
✓ Filing claims against perpetrators of identity misuse and seeking compensation.

4. Preventive Advisory
✓ Educating clients on safeguarding National IDs and other key documents.
✓ Advising on remedies in cases of lost or stolen SIM cards and IDs