The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has introduced a new system called Simu Klear, designed to prevent stolen mobile phones from functioning on any network. This initiative seeks to eradicate the use and sale of stolen and counterfeit phones across Uganda.

Simu Klear operates through a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) that stores the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of all registered mobile devices. When a phone is reported stolen, lost, or identified as counterfeit, the system flags its IMEI and blocks it from connecting to any mobile network nationwide, rendering the device useless to thieves and illegal sellers.

To deactivate a stolen phone, victims must report the theft to the police. Once the report is verified, UCC accesses the phone’s IMEI from its database and disables it on all networks, preventing its resale.

“Once a stolen phone is reported and verified with a police report, we will disable it permanently,” said UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo. He highlighted that this innovation marks a significant step toward cleaning Uganda’s mobile phone market and safeguarding consumers. Thembo added, “I am basically removing phone thieves off the streets.” He also explained that once disabled, the phone will be unable to connect to any network.

Beyond addressing theft, Simu Klear empowers consumers by allowing prospective buyers to verify the authenticity of second-hand phones before purchase, ensuring safer transactions.

Juliane Mweheire, UCC’s Director for Economic Regulation, Content, and Consumer Affairs, noted that Simu Klear is the culmination of years of collaboration with key stakeholders, including telecom operators, banks, customs authorities, and consumer advocacy groups.

“The CEIR is not just a technical database; it’s a tool to protect consumers, reduce fraud, and build trust in the digital ecosystem,” Mweheire said. “Your phone today is your bank, your memory, and your computer. Losing it can mean losing everything.”

Developed with international support, the system works closely with agencies such as the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to detect counterfeit phones at entry points and integrates with commercial banks to combat fraud linked to SIM swaps and stolen devices.

The project involved cooperation from major telecom operators like MTN, Airtel, and Lycamobile, alongside the Uganda Bankers Association, URA, and the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA). Their joint efforts helped create a system that enhances both consumer protection and business transparency.

Thembo emphasized that SimuKlear is a milestone in Uganda’s ongoing digital transformation, fostering cybersecurity and consumer trust. “Imagine a future where stolen phones are useless and counterfeit devices are completely removed from the market; that is what Simu Klear is bringing to Uganda,” he said.

He also stressed the need for constant system reliability, stating, “Technology that sleeps is not worth trusting. This system must be active 100 percent of the time so that when consumers report problems, we can act immediately.”

Highlighting the central role phones play in modern life, Thembo noted that mobile devices are no longer just tools for calls and social media but are essential for business, education, and access to critical services.