Consumers demand compensation from telecom companies
UCC boss Godfrey Mutabazi(l) and minister Nyombi Thembo
“We demand an end to the abuse of consumer rights, on behalf of Uganda’s 17 million telephone services consumers. “We demand reasonable compensation for money charged unfairly and a refund for unsuccessful delivery of services.”
Wetasa said this during the inaugural Consumer Parliament at Imperial Royale Hotel this week. The debate was organized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to commemorate the World Consumer Rights Day celebrated every 15th of March. The theme was: “Fix Our Phone Rights”.
Wetasa said there was substantial neglect of consumer rights by telecom companies manifested in dropped calls, unsolicited messages, unclear promotions, unexplained money transfer charges, as well as unexplained agreements between the telecoms and utility companies among others.
State Minister for Telecommunications Nyombi Thembo challenged the telecom companies to invest in infrastructure to match customer needs. “I am a consumer myself and sometimes I face frustration,” he said.
UCC Executive Director Godfrey Mutabazi said the debate provided an opportunity for consumers to express their concerns which would, in effect, help telecom companies to improve on service provision.
“The best way to protect a consumer is to empower them with information. Consultations like this make an important part in incision making at UCC,” Mutabazi said.
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