KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered the immediate shutdown of 11 radio stations operating illegally across the country. This decision follows an investigation into the stations’ operations and content, which breached standards related to unethical programming and failure to adhere to licensing agreements.
The affected radio stations include Mayuge 99.3 FM in Mayuge district, Kasanda 98.8 FM in Mubende, Green Radio 104.3 FM in Mubende, Community Green Radio 103.9 in Kiboga Town Council, Mpororo 89.8 FM in Ntungamo, California 103.6 FM in Kiryandongo, Miracle 98.2 FM in Sembabule, Lwamata FM in Kiboga District, Ngabu 89.9 FM in Bunyangabu, Voice of Bukuya 89.5 FM in Kasanda District, and Eye FM (Nalugooli) – 94.6 in Iganga.
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UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo explained that the investigation revealed several grounds for shutdown, including failure to operate with annual compliance certificates, failure to operate within technical parameters, operating with non-approved equipment, broadcasting content contrary to minimum broadcasting standards, and failure to pay license fees.
Nyombi emphasized the need for broadcasters to adhere to ethical guidelines and minimum broadcasting standards. “You are not supposed to operate without a license. There are those who are licensed, but compliance is the problem,” he stated. “Radios are becoming centers of abuse; they are abusing everybody, leaders, and each other. This undermines the integrity of the sector, and it must stop.”
The UCC has warned other media outlets operating illegally to halt operations immediately. “If you are broadcasting illegally, stop it. Otherwise, we are going to switch you off. Switch off before we come for you. If we come for you, we will switch you off at your own cost and prosecute you,” Nyombi warned.
This move is likely to attract significant backlash from the media fraternity and human rights activists.
The UCC has previously taken action against media outlets, including directing eleven television stations to reschedule adult-themed gossip shows to air between 10 pm and 5 am to comply with minimum broadcasting standards.
In 2021, the targeted shows included NBS TV’s Uncut Sabula and Uncut Kalakata, Spark TV’s Live Wire, Urban TV’s Short Circuit Sonsomola, ABS TV’s Evening Zone, Baba TV’s Poko Poko, and BBS TV’s Roundabout. Others affected were Dream TV’s Tik Taka Sesetura, Kingdom TV’s Kapyaki, STV’s Select E-Buzz, BTM TV’s Access, and Top TV’s Kachumbali.
The UCC stated that the decision followed numerous complaints from the public about these programs breaching minimum broadcasting standards. Nyombi emphasized the need for broadcasters to follow ethical guidelines, ensuring programming remains responsible and in line with the law.
