Kampala, 27th/February/2013; The High Court of Uganda will on Friday 1st March 2013 at 11 O’clock decide on the SIM card deactivation deadline following Human rights Network for Journalists-Uganda and Legal Brains Trust Limited application seeking for an interim order stopping the Uganda Communications Commissions (UCC) and the telecommunication companies from switching off unregistered subscribers. Over 9 million mobile phone subscribers face disconnection if the deadline is not extended.
The application will be heard in Uganda’ Capital Kampala by the Deputy Registrar of the High Court Civil Division, Keitirima John Eudes. UCC and the Attorney General of Uganda have been notified about this development.
HRNJ-Uganda, in its application filed through WEB Advocates and Solicitors on Wednesday February 27, 2013, wants court to issue an interim order of injunction to UCC, its servants or agents from implementing the 1st March 2013 or any other deadline set for deactivation pending the resolution of the main case which was filed on 7th February 2013 challenging the registration process. The duo contends that the registration exercise is marred with irregularities, illegalities and anomalies. The main suit will be heard on 20th of May 2013 by Justice Eldad Mwangusha.
“We are glad that Court has set a date to listen to our prayers and we are hopeful that the order will be granted in order to prevent UCC from switching off innocent mobile phone users and depriving them of their Constitutionally guaranteed property rights and the freedom to freely communicate,” said HRNJ-Uganda’s National Coordinator, Wokulira Ssebaggala.
