KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is voicing increasing concern about the growing number of unlicensed postal and courier service operators in the country and has vowed to take firm action against them.
According to UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, these illegal operations disrupt fair competition and create risks to lives, property, and trust.
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“Every unlicensed courier is a potential weak link in our nation’s communications chain, and let me be clear: if you’re not licensed, you’re illegal,” Thembo said during the Postal and Courier Baraza in Kampala. The event’s theme was “Safe Hands, Secure Delivery Use Licensed Operators.”
Thembo emphasized the crucial role of the postal and courier sector in Uganda’s e-commerce, connecting communities, boosting economic growth, and building trust in the digital realm. “With the explosion of online trade, licensed postal and courier services have become the invisible infrastructure supporting small businesses, rural entrepreneurs, and urban marketplaces alike,” he stated.
UCC data indicates that 60% of postal and courier service operators in Uganda were operating illegally in 2023. Thembo urged unlicensed operators to seek licenses, highlighting the advantages of licensed services, including tracking, accountability, customer support, and peace of mind.
“Licensed operators are not only just legal but lifelines,” he said. Thembo encouraged licensed operators to prioritize safety and security. He also advised consumers to inquire before sending items and urged businesses to register and comply with regulations.
The UCC is committed to enforcing regulations to foster a trustworthy and efficient postal industry. “As for the Commission, we will maintain fair and resolute regulation,” Thembo said. “Each of us has a vital role to play, and together we can establish a postal and courier industry that is trustworthy, efficient, and respected not only in Uganda but throughout the region.”
Julianne Mweheire, the UCC’s director of economic regulation, content, and consumer affairs, urged licensed service providers to ensure accountability, proper handling, dispute resolution, and the maintenance of their business reputation.
The Baraza was held to bring together stakeholders to discuss industry developments, innovations, and consumer needs.
