THE COMMUNICATIONS BLOG

KAMPALA, October 24, 2024- In the ongoing operation against illegal and non-compliant radio operators across the country, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) enforcement team, together with the Uganda Police, have shut down several radio stations and open-air broadcasting facilities (bizindaalo) and seized illegally used equipment.

The enforcement team, which has been traversing areas of central and western Uganda over the past week, has so far taken action in the districts of Kassanda, Sheema, Rukiga, Isingiro, Kyotera, Iganga and Mukono, among others.

Non-compliant radio stations are broadcasters that were granted frequency assignments but are operating outside the terms of their licenses, while illegal radio stations have not been granted any frequency assignment or approval to operate.

The UCC Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, announced the crackdown on illegal and non-compliant broadcasting during a press briefing held in his office at Bugolobi in September 2024. During the press briefing, the Executive Director told journalists that all operators engaged in such activities would be stopped and prosecuted at their own cost.

During another press briefing at the Uganda Police Headquarters last week, the UCC Head of Public and International Relations, Ibrahim Bbossa, announced that the enforcement exercise was imminent. He explained to journalists that the countrywide operation targets individuals or entities that have installed broadcasting equipment without a license, violating Section 26 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, as well as those broadcasting without a license, contrary to Section 27 of the Act.

Mr Bbossa further explained why bizindaalo are targeted, saying they are not licensed by UCC to provide broadcasting services and are notorious for disrupting public order and peace. According to Section 5(b) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, the Commission is the only entity authorized to license communication services in Uganda.

Below is a list of radio stations and Megaphone operators that have so far been forced off air for illegal broadcasting or non-compliance.