More than half of telecom users in Rukungiri District have experienced fraud attempts, according to a recent survey by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). The study shows that 54.2% of consumers have faced fraud, with 60% of these scams happening through phone calls.

The findings were released on Friday, August 15, 2025, during the closing of a Regional Telecommunication Consumer Dialogue held at Hotel Riverside in Rukungiri Municipality. The event brought together telecom companies, service providers, and community leaders to discuss consumer challenges and promote digital safety.

The Consumer Awareness Digital Safety Survey was conducted from August 13 to 14, 2025, and collected views from 1,235 people across areas like Nyamayenje, Nyakibare, Nyakatoma, Kikona, and Masheku Ward.

According to the survey, 98% of respondents use communication services such as mobile phones and internet. However, 58.3% do not know how to check if their phone is genuine, which puts them at risk of using fake or unsafe devices.

The report also showed that most of the participants were young people, with 80% aged between 21 and 40 years. In terms of gender, 66.6% were male, and 33.4% were female.

During the event, UCC officials Kenneth Tweheyo and Jude Murindwa warned the public against clicking on suspicious links on social media. They also advised people not to use public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like accessing bank accounts.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Wilberforce Ahimbisibwe Ongom, urged parents to keep an eye on their children’s internet use. He warned that too much freedom online can lead to the creation and sharing of inappropriate content among youth.

Rukungiri LC5 Chairperson, Geoffrey Kyomukama, praised technology’s role in improving education and business but called on the UCC to do more to stop telecom fraud and protect community values.