Day to day, my phone vibrates so hard only to check is an advert SMS from an agent or company.

It reads, JVC Radio winner: 0782 XXX XXX and 0752 XXX XXX. SMS SHAGGY to 09X XXX XXX. NOW to enter draw! More prices: JVC radios & Ticket.” The sender was SHAGGY.

As I put my phone back to my pocket another SMS drops into the inbox. Checking again it is an advert.

“WEFUNIRE OMUKISA! Tiketi 50 zakuwangulwa buli week okulaba omuyimbi naninku SWEET KID nga 7 September ku Didi’s world. Wandika KID usindike ku 8008.” The sender was SWEET KID

These adverts SMS’ range from music launches to beer rebrands and lottery. To a surprise the senders’ numbers are customised for instance SHAGGY and SWEET KID. MTN so far is conniving in vending subscribers phone lines to advertisers because its SMS centre number is in play, +256 77 110002.

All these are happening in Africa just because there are no consumer protection laws, or, in simple terms, invasion of privacy is no issue to telephone corporate and Uganda Communication Commission.

I don’t mind the tapings of calls and SMS scrutiny, or, surveillances by intelligence organs. I just wonder if they withstand my deep romantic talk with my girlfriend. They highly hope my love exchanges twist into terror information to value their taping. By the way, do they tape conversations of almost 3 million subscribers or it is for suspicious persons?

So MTN should know that, if I need any information be it gossip, forex and entertainment, movies, television schedules, radio stations, inspiration... I will pay for it, but not to forcefully send information to my phone.

The only exception will be information valid for all subscribers for instance change of services or tariffs.