Of recent, the Uganda Communications Commission released the official USSD code that will help me and you on how to stop those irritating SMS from coming into our phone inbox.

To be very honest with you, I am one of the happiest Ugandans upon this announcement. Just imagine being bombarded every day with messages coming from whichever service provider you have no idea about. And for God’s sake, some individuals and companies collect our mobile numbers or purchase them from telecom companies so as to aid their marketing avenues.

Anyway, now here is where UCC has come to rescue us. It has been annoying and so disturbing. I can’t be waiting to take you through on how to stop those irritating SMS into your phone inbox.

Summary Video

https://www.facebook.com/gotechug/videos/692880274435471/

If you don’t like the video or need more instructions, then continue reading.

Well, have all received those unsolicited SMS into our phone inboxes. It’s very annoying. Right? So here is…

How To Stop Those Irritating SMS Into Your Inbox

All telecom companies and SMS (shortcode users) were directed to implement the use of the allocated universal USSD short for OPTing Out.

The implemented shortcode by UCC is 196 and can also operate as a “Do Not Disturb” register for SMS and MMS.

To Read: Guide: How The MTN MoMocard Works Online

According to Uganda Communications Commission, customers should now be able to STOP receiving all unwanted SMS by either sending “STOPALL” to 196 or dialing *196#, Except for peer to peer messages, all SMS messages should have the OPT-OUT instructions. “Dial” 196 or send “STOP” to 196 to opt-out”

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Using the USSD opt-out option:
To opt-out of a particular shortcode:
1. A customer dials *196#
2. A menu appears with the following options;
a. Opt out
b. Join DND

Option A. directs the customer to two options:
i. Opt out of a particular short
ii. Opt out of network operator services or products

3. In option i above is selected, the customer should be prompted to enter the shortcode they would like to opt out from

4. After entering the shortcode and sending the shortcode, the customer should receive a message that his/her number will no longer receive messages from that particular shortcode

5. If option ii above is selected, the customer will be given a menu of all the Telecom providers
products and services

6. The customer will then select the particular service or product he/she would like to opt out from

7. The customer will then receive a message that they will no longer receive any messages regarding
the selected service or product

Using the DO NOT DISTURB (DND) opt-out option

1. A customer dials *196#
2. A menu appears with the following options:

a. Opt out
b. Join DND

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3. If option B. above is selected the customer receives a message that his/her number has been blocked from receiving any operator and third-party message except emergency and network outage messages only.

Using the SMS opt-out option

1. OPT-OUT OF A PARTICULAR SHORT CODE
a. The customer will SMS *STOP* SHORTCODE* to 196
b. The customer will then receive a message that his/her number will no longer receive messages from that particular shortcode.

2. DO NOT DISTURB (DND)

a. The customer will SMS *STOPALL* to 196 to join the DND register
b. The customer will then receive a message that his/her number has been blocked from receiving unwanted messages.

I hope in some way this post on how to stop those irritating SMS into your inbox helped you. If I missed out on anything or you would like to add up something, kindly leave me your feedback in the comment box below.