A delegation from the Board of Directors of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has conducted a one-day study visit to the headquarters of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to learn about Tanzania’s regulatory approach to managing the licensing of communication service providers.

The delegation was led by Dr. Charity Mulenga, the recently appointed Chairperson of the UCC Board, accompanied by fellow newly appointed board members.

Welcoming the delegation, TCRA Acting Director General Dr. Philip Filikunjombe congratulated them on their appointment and extended his best wishes:"Welcome to Tanzania’s Communications Regulatory Authority. Congratulations on your appointment to lead the Uganda Communications Commission, and I wish you all the best in your new roles.”

Dr. Filikunjombe provided the delegation with a brief overview of TCRA’s mandate and highlighted key reforms undertaken within the sector—particularly the digital transformation of the licensing process through the Tanzanite Portal, a system that has significantly streamlined service provision for communication providers in the country.

"Today, licensing is done digitally. Service providers no longer need to visit our offices. The entire process—from application to issuance—can be completed remotely through the Tanzanite Portal,” he explained.

Engineer Mwesiga Barongo, Manager for Compliance and Monitoring, gave a presentation detailing the structure of the Licensing Framework. He outlined several improvements that have enhanced both the licensing process and service quality.

"Since 2021, TCRA has taken deliberate steps to enhance the licensing system by introducing digital platforms such as the Tanzanite Portal. Today, most of our operations are fully digital,” said Engineer Barongo.He further noted that TCRA continues to improve customer service through systems that facilitate 24/7 support, allowing clients to access services without visiting TCRA offices.

On his part, Engineer Iddi Mtanga, Manager of the ICT Unit, elaborated on the Communications Monitoring System, which provides real-time data on services and infrastructure performance.

"Initially, the system could only track mobile service providers. But with recent upgrades, it now covers all sectors—telecom, broadcasting, postal services, and internet providers,” Engineer Mtanga said.

Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Mulenga commended TCRA’s leadership for their transparency and willingness to share their experiences:"We are grateful to be warmly received and to have benefited from the wealth of information shared with us. As a newly constituted board, we have gained valuable insights that will inform our efforts to strengthen Uganda’s communication services."

She also praised TCRA’s state-of-the-art Electronics Testing Laboratory, saying it presents a valuable opportunity for regional collaboration.

"This modern laboratory will be of great service to neighboring countries like Uganda that are yet to make such investments. We are committed to becoming regular clients of the facility to ensure the safety and compliance of electronic devices entering the Ugandan market,” she said.

In recent years, TCRA has increasingly attracted delegations from across Africa, particularly from East Africa, SADC, and West Africa. Recent visits have included officials from Kenya, South Africa, Comoros, Uganda, Malawi, and Mali, all keen to learn from TCRA’s reforms and digital transformation journey.