THE COMMUNICATIONS BLOG

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 16th December 2024

Due to public concern over vulgar and obscene content in music and audio-visual arts, the Uganda National Cultural Centre hosted a stakeholders’ dialogue on December 9, 2024.

Following this meeting, and in line with a previous press release dated October 16, 2024, titled “Inappropriate and Offensive Content on Media Platforms,” the Uganda Communications Commission took steps to address the issue of songs that contain inappropriate language.

In accordance with the Uganda Communications Act 2013, Section 31, and Schedule 4 of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards, as well as the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations 2019, broadcasting material that contains profanity or sexually explicit content is strictly prohibited. Consequently, the Commission has directed all broadcasters to suspend the airing of songs such as “Enkudi,” “Dooze,” “Okwepiicha,” “Enyama,” and “Omunio” by Lil Pazo and Gravity Omutuju until further notice.

Furthermore, the Commission has noted with concern the increasing trend of indecent and offensive performances by both local and international artists. Some of these performances contain sexually explicit lyrics and sexually suggestive dancing that are against Ugandan societal norms, and cultural sensitivities, thus posing a threat to Uganda’s moral fabric.

The Commission is working with other stakeholders to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations regarding broadcasting hygiene as well as authorisation of concerts.

To address this, the Commission reminds all concerned stakeholders that the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49 and the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Rules of 2019 require that permits for public entertainment must be issued by the Commission. Going forward, violating this provision will lead to significant regulatory sanctions, potentially including criminal prosecution.