THE COMMUNICATIONS BLOG

Kampala, Uganda—The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced strengthened collaboration with security agencies to address the spread of hate speech, fake news, and disinformation, particularly in light of the upcoming 2026 elections. UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo emphasised that these measures aim to uphold national security and public order while ensuring responsible communication practices across media platforms.

During a meeting with media executives, Thembo highlighted concerns over the ineffectiveness of previous regulatory measures in curbing the dissemination of inflammatory and misleading content. As a result, UCC will escalate enforcement efforts in cooperation with security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). This initiative will involve joint operations to identify and regulate unlicensed online news platforms that have been implicated in disseminating harmful content.

Thembo underscored the legal framework guiding these actions, citing the Uganda Communications Act, the Computer Misuse Act, and other relevant legislation. He reiterated that while media freedoms are protected under Uganda’s Constitution, these rights are subject to limitations that prevent the incitement of violence and the spread of falsehoods that could disrupt national stability.

The regulatory body has noted the increasing challenge of anonymous online publishers who operate without formal registration, making accountability difficult. According to Thembo, such platforms have the potential to incite unrest, drawing parallels with past incidents of media misuse that contributed to conflict, including the role of Radiotélévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

In response to these challenges, the UCC will implement the following measures:

• Regulatory Enforcement: Strengthened oversight of media platforms with more stringent penalties for non-compliance.
• Content Accountability: Mandatory registration of influential online content creators to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Security Collaboration: Enhanced coordination between UCC and security agencies to investigate and prosecute violations effectively.
• Public Awareness Initiatives: Nationwide education campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of disinformation and hate speech.

Thembo reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to protecting national interests while respecting media freedoms. He urged media operators to adhere to ethical journalism standards, promote balanced reporting, and refrain from publishing unverified information that could mislead the public or incite conflict.

The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the government, security agencies, and media industry leaders. Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon Dr Balaam Barugahara, speaking on behalf of government officials, stressed the importance of media responsibility in national security. He cited the need for collaborative efforts between the government and media to maintain a peaceful and informed society.

Selected media executives, including representatives from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) such as Kin Kariisa, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Innocent Nahabwe, the Chairman; Julius Tumusiime, the Chairperson of the Rural Broadcasters Association; Andrew Irumba, the Chairperson of the Independent Online Journalists Association of Uganda; and Giles Muhame, the Chairperson of the Online Media Publishers Association, were given the opportunity to present responses on behalf of their peers. The engagement also included media representatives from the Uganda Media Owners Association, highlighting the nationwide scope of these regulatory efforts.

The UCC has urged all media entities to comply with existing legal and regulatory frameworks, warning that non-compliance will attract severe penalties. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Uganda’s communication landscape remains a platform for constructive dialogue, national cohesion, and responsible journalism.