Uganda Central Bank Tells Licensed Entities to Stop Facilitating Crypto Transactions
The Ugandan central bank has warned licensed entities and the public against facilitating crypto-related transactions as well as the practice of converting cryptocurrency into mobile money and vice versa. The central bank warned it will not hesitate to act against entities found to be in breach of the country’s laws. No Entity Issued License to Trade Cryptos
The central bank in Uganda recently issued a statement reminding the public that no business is licensed to offer or facilitate cryptocurrency-related services. The statement warned licensed entities to end the practice of converting crypto to mobile money and vice versa.
According to a report in the Monitor, the warning — which came from Andrew Kawere, the director of payments at the Bank of Uganda (BOU) — comes less than three years after the country’s finance minister Matia Kasaija made similar remarks. In the report, Kawere is quoted reiterating the central bank’s position. He said:
“Bank of Uganda has noted press reports and adverts advising the public that they can covert cryptocurrencies into mobile money and vice versa. We are also aware that such a conversion cannot happen without the participation of the payment service providers and or payment system operators. This is to advise that [the] Bank of Uganda has not licensed any institution to sell cryptocurrencies or to facilitate the trade-in of cryptocurrencies. This is in line with the official government position as communicated by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in October 2019.”
However, in the central bank’s latest circular, Kawere warned licensed entities violating provisions of Uganda’s National Payment System Act, 2020, that the central bank will not hesitate “to invoke its powers under Section 13(l) (b) & (f) of the NPS Act, 2020 for any licensees that will be found in breach of the above directive.” Tags in this story Andrew Kawere, crypto-related transaction, Cryptocurrency, Uganda National Payment System Act
What are your thoughts on this story? Tell us what you think in the comments section below. Terence Zimwara
Terence Zimwara is a Zimbabwe award-winning journalist, author and writer. He has written extensively about the economic troubles of some African countries as well as how digital currencies can provide Africans with an escape route. Nigerian Agencies Told to Stop "Demonizing" Crypto Industry Players EMERGING MARKETS | Apr 20, 2022 Three African Countries Plan to Adopt Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Solutions EMERGING MARKETS | Apr 16, 2022
Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons Previous articleReport: 100,000 Cubans Are Using Cryptocurrencies to Bypass Financial Sanctions Next articleHere’s How to Purchase Your First NFT Domain on Quik․com Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article. Read disclaimerShow comments More Popular NewsIn Case You Missed ItOman to Incorporate Real Estate Tokenization in Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework
Real estate tokenization is set to be incorporated into Oman Capital Markets Authority (OCMA)"s virtual asset regulatory framework. According to an advisor with the authority, the tokenizing of real estate will open investment opportunities for local and foreign investors. Real ... read more.Tony Hawk"s Latest NFTs to Come With Signed Physical Skateboards Draft Law Regulating Aspects of Crypto Taxation Submitted to Russian Parliament Goldman Predicts US Recession Odds at 35% in 2 Years, John Mauldin Wouldn"t Be Surprised if Stocks Fell 40% Privacy-Centric Monero Plans for July Hard Fork, Plans Include Ring Signature, Bulletproof Upgrade