UCC closes down eleven radio stations over non-compliance
Kampala September 17—The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has shut down eleven radio stations across the country for operating illegally.
The affected 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.
Announcing the closure of the radio stations at the UCC headquarters in Kampala Tuesday, the UCC Executive director, Mr. Nyombi Thembo, said that the decision was reached following an investigation into the stations’ operations and aired content, which he said, breached standards related to unethical programming, and failure to adhere to licensing agreements.
The grounds for shutdown, according to Nyombi, include; failure to operate with annual compliance certificate, failure to operate within the technical parameters, operating with non approved equipment, broadcasting content that is contrary to minimum broadcasting standards, failure to pay license fees among others.
“You are not supposed to operate without a license. There are those are licensed, but compliance is the problem,” Nyombi said.
He added: “You don’t see any professionalism. Radios are becoming centers of abuse; they are abusing everybody, they are abusing leaders, they are abusing each other. This undermines the integrity of the sector, and it must stop. As Commission, when we license you, you must adhere to minimum broadcasting standards. We cannot allow this to continue for the good of everybody. They must be brought to book.”
Nyombi also warned any other possible media outlets that could be operating illegally to halt operations with immediate effect.
“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,” he warned.
UCC’s move is likely to attract significant backlash from the media fraternity and human rights activists.
This is not the first time the Uganda Communications Commission has taken action against media outlets.
In 2021, the UCC directed eleven television stations to reschedule their adult-themed gossip shows to air between 10pm and 5am if they wanted to keep them on air. The Commission said they were not complying with the minimum broadcasting standards.
The targeted shows, which primarily focused on celebrity gossip, 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 the minimum broadcasting standards.
Nyombi emphasized the need for broadcasters to follow ethical guidelines, ensuring that programming remains responsible and in line with the law.
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum