At least 11 radio stations have been closed by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for allegedly operating illegally.
The UCC executive Director, Nyombi Thembo confirmed the development in an order issued today.
The affected radio stations are: 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 in Kiboga, Mpororo 89.8 FM in Ntungamo; California 103.6 FM in Kiryandongo and Miracle 98.2 FM in Sembabule.
Others are: Lwamata FM in Kiboga; Ngabu 89.9 FM in Bunyangabu; Voice of Bukuya 89.5 FM in Kasanda and Eye FM (Nalugooli) – 94.6 in Iganga.
The grounds for closure, according to Nyombi, include; failure to operate with annual compliance certificate, failure to operate within the technical parameters, operating with non-approved equipment, broadcasting content that is contrary to minimum broadcasting standards, failure to pay license fees among others.
“You don’t see any professionalism. Radios are becoming centers of abuse; they are abusing everybody, they are abusing leaders, they are abusing each other. This undermines the integrity of the sector, and it must stop. As Commission, when we license you, you must adhere to minimum broadcasting standards. We cannot allow this to continue for the good of everybody. They must be brought to book,” Nyombi said.
He said if any media house is operating illegally, they should stop otherwise UCC is going to switch it off.
Nyombi said there is need for broadcasters to follow ethical guidelines, ensuring that programming remains responsible and in line with the law.
