KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has introduced new rules for public events, requiring organizers to obtain authorization from the regulator before staging any public entertainment event.
The new rules, announced by UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, are aimed at ensuring that all public events comply with the country’s laws and regulations, particularly the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49.
“Any person who intends to stage or exhibit a play or public entertainment must obtain a permit from the UCC,” Thembo said in a statement. “This is a requirement under the law, and we will not hesitate to take action against any organizer who fails to comply.”
The UCC has warned that events organizers who fail to obtain the necessary authorization will face regulatory sanctions, including possible prosecution.
The regulator has also vowed to seize the transmitters of media houses that broadcast immoral content, in a bid to crack down on the proliferation of explicit material on the country’s airwaves.
UCC said it will take drastic action against media outlets that fail to comply with the country’s broadcasting regulations, which prohibit the airing of content that is deemed obscene, indecent, or offensive.
“We will not hesitate to seize the transmitters of any media house that insists on broadcasting immoral content,” Thembo said. “We have a responsibility to protect the public from harmful content, and we will take all necessary measures to ensure that our regulations are enforced.”
The new rules have been welcomed by many Ugandans, who have expressed concern over the increasing explicitness of content in public events.
“We are tired of being exposed to vulgar and offensive content in the name of entertainment,” said Pr. Martin Ssempa. “It’s time for the UCC to take action and protect our values.”
The UCC has assured the public that it will work closely with events organizers to ensure that all public events meet the required standards.
“We are committed to supporting the growth and development of the events industry in Uganda, while also ensuring that our regulations are enforced,” Thembo said.
The UCC has called on events organizers to submit their applications for authorization and it will be reviewed and sanctions within 3 hours.
