The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has called on telecommunications operators to strengthen regulatory compliance, improve service quality and support efforts to combat illegal online gaming activities as the country accelerates its digital transformation agenda.

The call was made during a stakeholder engagement held at UCC House, bringing together executives from Uganda’s telecommunications operators to discuss critical issues affecting the communications sector under the theme “Fostering a Culture of Compliance and Responsible Communication among Licensed Operators.”

According to UCC, discussions focused on improving service quality, accelerating infrastructure development, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and expanding digital connectivity across the country.

The regulator said the engagement reflects its commitment to collaborative regulation and fostering a robust and inclusive telecommunications industry capable of supporting Uganda’s growing digital economy.

UCC Emphasizes Compliance and Consumer Trust

Representing UCC’s Director for Legal Affairs, Ms. Victoria Sekandi said compliance with licence obligations and regulatory standards remains essential for the sustainable growth of the telecommunications sector.

She noted that adherence to regulatory requirements helps build consumer trust, promotes fair competition among operators and strengthens the long-term development of the industry.

Sekandi further explained that the engagement intended to review previous sector outcomes and performance while addressing emerging compliance challenges facing operators.

In his remarks, UCC Executive director, Nyombi Thembo said, “the telecom sector holds the power to connect people through innovation and propel Uganda’s development goal. However, with this power comes greater accountability”.

The discussions also provided an opportunity for telecom companies and regulators to share best practices aimed at improving regulatory adherence across the sector.

The emphasis on compliance comes as UCC continues to strengthen oversight of Uganda’s communications industry amid rapid technological changes, increased internet usage and expanding digital services. UCC has recently been involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening regulatory preparedness and expanding connectivity across the country.

Gaming Regulator Calls for Stronger Telecom Cooperation

A key highlight of the engagement was a presentation by Denis Mudene, Chief Executive Officer of the National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board (NLGRB).

Ngabirano highlighted the rapid growth of Uganda’s gaming sector and emphasized the important role internet service providers play in protecting consumers and supporting regulatory enforcement.

He commended telecom operators for their continued support in blocking illegal gaming websites through directives issued by UCC and urged them to deepen collaboration with regulators.

The NLGRB chief called on telecom companies to become Responsible Gaming Ambassadors by increasing public awareness, sensitising consumers about gaming risks and supporting responsible gaming initiatives.

He also encouraged operators to monitor internet traffic linked to betting platforms and assist in identifying illegal gaming activities that could expose consumers to financial and social harm.

The call aligns with ongoing efforts by the gaming regulator to strengthen compliance, consumer protection and responsible gaming awareness through partnerships with stakeholders across different sectors.

Telecom Operators Seen as Key Partners in Digital Governance

The engagement signals a growing expectation that telecommunications companies will play a broader role beyond providing connectivity services.

Regulators increasingly view telecom operators as strategic partners in advancing digital governance, consumer protection, online safety and regulatory compliance.

Industry observers note that as Uganda's digital economy expands, cooperation between regulators, telecom operators and other stakeholders will become increasingly important in addressing emerging challenges while supporting innovation and investment.

The discussions come at a time when Uganda's telecommunications sector is undergoing significant transformation, with new connectivity technologies, infrastructure investments and regulatory reforms expected to shape the future of digital communications in the country.

For UCC, the stakeholder engagement underscores the regulator’s broader objective of building a communications sector that delivers reliable services, protects consumers and supports Uganda’s long-term digital transformation goals.