Dial *196# to block or filter marketing text messages in Uganda

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Beep! You have received a text message. You rush into your pockets to read the message hoping it is a mobile money or bank alert. To your disappointment, its something like: “GET 90% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU PLAY JAMBO.” The number of people who own cellphones increases every second that goes by and this has become an avenue for telemarketers to market their products or services.

They annoy you with frequent uncalled for text messages. Sometimes, spammers also send unsolicited for text messages to your telephone number. We can all agree that unwanted text messages are a massive inconvenience. Fortunately, you can filter those messages using *196#.

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On MTN Uganda,

Dial *196#; Selecting 4 will show you your subscriptions, blocked services or all alerts. You can choose whatever option you want.

You can select 5 to block all or 6 to allow all.

On Airtel Uganda,

After dialing *196#, you will be prompted to choose either English or Luganda.

You will then see a variety of options: You can select 8 to stop all or 9 to allow all.

A similar procedure can help you filter promotional messages on other network service providers.


Related Article: Here is a list of KaiOS powered phones.

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How to protect yourself against spam text

HBe careful who you give out your number to. You should even take more caution when putting your number online. You should remember that spammers are also lurking on the Internet and are constantly seeking available telephone numbers which they will send spam texts to.

Think before you click. Make sure that you scrutinize the content of the text before opening any hyperlinks.

Do not reply to spam messages. Almost all spam messages are malicious and sent by unknown sources. These sources could be hackers who aim to hack into the handsets of their victims. Never respond to spam messages because, through this, the spammer will know that the telephone number is active and thus, it increases the chance of your contact being constantly targeted by the spammer.

Mobile phones have become a major target for indiscriminate marketing campaigns. Sometimes the senders are legitimate or you willingly gave your phone number to a company, and now that company is sending you adverts. Spam can also come from unknown numbers, advertising fake products and offers. In case you are tired of these, dial *196# to block these messages.

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