In response to a worrying increase in crimes linked to mobile phone usage, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), in collaboration with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and the Rwanda National Police, today unveiled a series of robust measures aimed at curbing theft, fraud, and other cybercrimes committed via mobile phones.
During a press conference held in Kigali, senior officials from these agencies addressed the media, outlining a comprehensive strategy designed to protect Rwandan citizens from the growing threat of mobile phone-related crimes.
Charles Gahungu, Head of the Technology Services Regulatory Department at RURA, led the briefing with a strong message about the importance of public vigilance. He warned mobile phone users to be cautious about who they share their SIM cards with, emphasizing that registered SIM cards could easily be exploited for illegal activities.
“We urge all mobile users to exercise caution. Lending your SIM card to someone else, even a trusted friend, could result in that card being used for criminal activities without your knowledge. It’s critical to understand that the consequences of such actions could be severe, including legal repercussions,” Gahungu stated.
The need for public awareness was echoed by Thierry Murangira, Spokesperson for RIB, who focused on the rising trend of scam calls. These fraudulent calls often involve a stranger asking the recipient to dial certain numbers, which can lead to unauthorized transactions or breaches of personal data.
“If someone you don’t know calls you and instructs you to enter specific numbers on your phone, DO NOT DO IT. This is a common tactic used by scammers to access sensitive information or to carry out fraudulent activities. Always verify the identity of the caller before taking any action,” warned Murangira.
The press conference also provided an opportunity for the authorities to highlight several new measures designed to enhance the security of mobile phone usage in Rwanda. Among these are stricter SIM card registration requirements, which will involve more rigorous verification processes to ensure that all mobile users are accurately identified.
Additionally, there will be increased monitoring of mobile phone activities, particularly in relation to suspicious transactions and the use of multiple SIM cards by individuals. This enhanced scrutiny is expected to deter criminal elements from exploiting mobile technology.
RURA also announced plans to roll out an extensive public awareness campaign aimed at educating citizens about the dangers of mobile phone scams and how to protect themselves. This campaign will utilize various media platforms, including radio, television, and social media, to reach a broad audience.
The press briefing underscored the role that advanced technology will play in these new measures. RURA and its partners are investing in cutting-edge tools for monitoring and analyzing mobile phone usage patterns, which will help to identify and prevent criminal activities in real time.
Moreover, the collaboration between RURA, RIB, and the Rwanda National Police will be strengthened through regular information-sharing and joint operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks that rely on mobile phones for their activities.
The success of these initiatives, however, will depend heavily on the cooperation of the public. Both Gahungu and Murangira called on Rwandan citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious activity related to mobile phone usage.
“Regulation and enforcement are only part of the solution. We need every mobile phone user to be a part of this effort. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in helping us protect the community from these emerging threats,” Gahungu concluded.
As Rwanda continues to embrace digital transformation, ensuring the safety and security of its citizens in the digital space remains a top priority for the government and its agencies. The measures announced today are part of a broader strategy to create a secure and resilient digital environment for all Rwandans.
