Uganda: MTN could block rival network calls

According to reports and sources in Uganda, MTN Uganda Ltd. has threatened to block calls through rival company, Libyan-owned Uganda Telecom over an unpaid bill. Analysts in the country are worried that the move, if carried out, could bring about an economic slowdown and lead to unrest.

“There are definite worries that if MTN were to do something like this, there would be a lot of angry people who may take to the streets,” said a government official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We also fear the result could be a slowdown in business in Uganda.”

MTN is the country’s largest phone network and is owed nearly $8.4 million by the rival company, MTN said in a statement published on Tuesday.

It said that calls between the two networks could be severed as early as March 14 if the debt is not paid. It has been accumulating over the past three years.

The company said that they can no longer allow the debt to increase, as it is “a business risk as the debt continues to grow unabated.”

Fatuma Nalubawa, a Uganda Telecom spokesperson, said the company is looking into the matter and will deal with it appropriately.

“It was a small disagreement but it will be sorted out,” she told local newspapers.

By Staff