By Amos Ssemuwemba
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has shutdown 11 radio stations across the country, over illegal operations and failure to meet broadcasting standards.
The decision was reached following an extensive investigation into the operations of the affected stations, which revealed breaches in ethical standards; including airing inappropriate content and failure to adhere to licensing regulations.
“The stations have violated UCC standards by broadcasting unethical programming, and some failed to comply with operational guidelines. We had to take action to protect the integrity of Uganda’s airwaves,” Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director UCC stated while issuing the order.
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 FM 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
• Eye FM (Nalugooli) 94.6 in Iganga.
The shutdown is a clear indication of UCC’s commitment to enforcing media laws and ethical guidelines. This move serves as a warning to other media outlets to comply with regulations or risk facing similar consequences.
In many countries, broadcasting is subject to regulation due to its significant influence on public opinion and its limited spectrum availability. Effective regulation ensures that the available spectrum is utilized to maximize diverse voices and viewpoints.
Here are some Key Principles of Broadcasting Regulation:
• Pluralism: Promoting a wide range of content serving the needs and interests of all groups in society.
• Independence: Ensuring regulatory bodies are independent from government and political interference.
• Frequency Planning: Allocating broadcast frequencies to promote diversity and prevent monopolization.
• Content Regulation: Developing codes of conduct to ensure balanced and impartial programming.
By upholding these principles, regulatory bodies like the UCC can ensure that broadcasters operate in a fair and responsible manner, providing citizens with access to diverse and reliable information.
