KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s communications regulator has closed 19 radio stations and megaphone operators for operating illegally or violating licensing terms.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and police conducted raids in central and western Uganda, targeting stations in districts including Kassanda, Sheema, Rukiga, Isingiro, Kyotera, Iganga, Mukono, and Wakiso.
UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo warned of the crackdown in September, vowing to prosecute non-compliant operators.
The targeted stations either lacked frequency assignments or breached licensing terms, violating Sections 26 and 27 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013.
“The commission is mandated to ensure compliance with the law,” UCC spokesperson Ibrahim Bbossa said. “Illegal broadcasting disrupts public order and peace.”
The shutdowns aim to enforce Uganda’s broadcasting regulations and maintain order in the industry.
The following radio stations and megaphone operators were closed:
Radio Stations:
1. Voice of Sheema – 90.9 FM (Sheema District)
2. Western Pearl FM – 98.0 FM (Rukiga District)
3. Isingiro FM – 96.4 FM (Isingiro District)
4. Crest FM – 92.0 FM (Kyotera District)
5. Mpungu FM – 99.6 FM (Kyotera District)
6. KY FM – 97.1 FM (Kyotera District)
7. Kodeo FM (Iganga District)
8. Cos FM – 92.6 FM (Kassanda District)
9. KBS FM/Endingidi FM (Bukuya, Kassanda District)
10. Abizaayo FM – 99.9 FM (Lwamata, Kiboga District)
Uganda’s UCC shuts down non-compliant radio stations, megaphone operators in licensing crackdown
Megaphone Operators:
1. DDA Community Radio (Bukuya, Kassanda District)
2. City Sound Community Broadcast (Bukuya, Kassanda District)
3. Community Voice of Bukomero (Kiboga District)
4. Voice of Katera (Kiboga District)
5. City Voice (Bukomero, Kiboga District)
6. MKS Community Broadcast (Lwamata, Kiboga District)
7. Kalagi Bbosa Community Radio (Mukono District)
8. Solar Community Radio (Kalagi, Mukono District)
9. Peace Community Radio (Nsangi-Lusanje-Lungujja, Wakiso District)
