Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has instructed all broadcasters in Uganda to ensure that all content is appropriately classified by the Media Council before airing, as mandated under the Press and Journalist Act, Cap. 105.
The directive, issued on Thursday, comes amid rising concerns over inappropriate content on various platforms, including television, radio, and online media.
“We have decided to take action against broadcasters who fail to comply with the Minimum Broadcasting Standards and the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations 2019, as well as other laws related to decency in broadcasting,” Thembo emphasized.
Despite previous warnings, UCC observed that some broadcasters continue to flout these regulations. The commission urged all broadcasters to cooperate in creating safer digital spaces.
“Failure to comply this time will result in legal consequences,” UCC warned.
According to Thembo, much of the problematic content appears in music lyrics, videos, and interviews, which often contain offensive, obscene, and indecent material, violating the Minimum Broadcasting Standards of 2013. These standards require that programs must not contradict public morality, must adhere to existing laws, and that adult-oriented content must be appropriately scheduled.
UCC outlined penalties for non-compliance, which include fines of up to 10% of a broadcaster’s annual gross revenue, suspensions, and the revocation of licenses.
“We have mobilized all our regulatory resources to enforce these directives. This time, there will be no more warnings—only action,” Thembo reiterated.
