(Kampala) – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), in partnership with the Police, has launched a strict enforcement operation aimed at addressing the issue of illegal radio stations and broadcasting equipment throughout the country. During a media briefing held at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, October 21, 2024, UCC spokesperson Ibrahim Bbosa detailed the Commission’s efforts to combat non compliant operators that violate broadcasting laws established under the Uganda Communications Act of 2013.
Bbosa announced that UCC has identified 17 radio stations currently operating without the necessary licenses, despite repeated warnings. These unlicensed stations are situated in Masaka, Mubende, Greater Masaka, and Luwero regions, and they continue to broadcast without proper authorization, which undermines the regulatory framework established by the Commission.
“In January 2024, we issued cease and desist notices to all non compliant stations, followed by criminal summonses in July,” Bbosa explained. He noted that while some stations have voluntarily complied with the regulations, the 17 identified stations continue to operate illegally. Given their substantial influence in their respective regions, the UCC is committed to shutting them down. Bbosa further stated that once enforcement actions are completed, the Commission will publish a public notice naming all non compliant operators.
In addition to focusing on illegal radio stations, UCC is also taking action against the use of megaphones, locally referred to as bizindaalo. These devices are often employed in public spaces without proper authorization and have been reported to disrupt public peace and order. According to Bbosa, no entity in Uganda is authorized to use megaphones for broadcasting purposes.
“Under Section 5(b) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, UCC is the only body permitted to license communication services in Uganda,” Bbosa emphasized, noting that megaphones are classified as unauthorized broadcasting devices. The Commission has already received complaints regarding 20 instances of bizindaalo operations and is actively pursuing measures to eliminate them.
Bbosa warned that further enforcement actions would be taken to ensure the removal of all illegal broadcasting devices. He encouraged operators to comply with UCC regulations by applying for the necessary broadcasting licenses. For those interested in establishing new radio stations, UCC has committed to reserving available frequencies for applicants, facilitating the formal licensing process.
Alternatively, operators can apply for an online radio license, which does not require frequency reservation. The application process is available online as a data communication service provider, with the license fee set at 100,000 shillings.
