ICT and National Guidance Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba has opposed a proposal to suspend arrests linked to mobile hotspot Wi-Fi operations for one week as Parliament’s ICT Committee investigates complaints from dealers.
Responding to Kira Municipality MP George Musisi, Lumumba argued that suspending enforcement would allow what she described as illegal activity to continue, resulting in further government revenue losses.
“We cannot sit here to say let’s this criminality continue,” Lumumba said.
Musisi had raised the issue of suspending arrests for one week to give the committee time to examine concerns raised by mobile hotspot Wi-Fi operators.
Lumumba said the committee should investigate the cost of internet services, access to connectivity and whether changes to the existing law were necessary.
However, she maintained that the inquiry should not interfere with enforcement against operators suspected of violating the law.
The committee has been given one week to complete its work and examine the complaints raised by the dealers.
The exchange did not result in an announced suspension of arrests, meaning enforcement was not formally halted through the discussion.
The debate comes amid concerns over the regulation of mobile hotspot Wi-Fi services, which enable operators to distribute internet connectivity to users, often at a fee.
The committee’s findings could help clarify the legal framework governing the business, as well as concerns about internet affordability and access.
