(Kampala) – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), in partnership with the Police, has issued a warning to telecom companies regarding the presence of illegal transmitters on buildings, particularly in downtown Kampala. During a media briefing at the Police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, October 21, 2024, UCC spokesperson Ibrahim Bbosa detailed the Commission’s efforts to address non compliant operators who are violating broadcasting laws outlined in the Uganda Communications Act of 2013.
Bbosa explained that these transmitters are operating without the necessary licenses, which violates Section 22 of the Uganda Communications Act. He emphasized that all telecom equipment, including Wi-Fi services, must be installed with the proper authorization to ensure compliance with the law.
As part of their enforcement measures, the UCC plans to confiscate any equipment used for illegal broadcasting. Bbosa made it clear that once confiscated, this equipment will not be returned, even if the operator later attempts to regularize their broadcasting station. He stated, “Confiscated equipment will be responsibly disposed of according to established mechanisms.”
The UCC spokesperson also highlighted the potential legal consequences for violators. According to Section 26 of the Act, individuals who install illegal broadcasting equipment could face a fine of up to 30 million shillings, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Additionally, broadcasting without a license, as per Section 27, carries a penalty of 500,000 shillings or imprisonment for up to one year.
