UCC Launches Major Crackdown on Fraudulent Online Media Platforms
The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has initiated a nationwide crackdown on unethical online media platforms. The UCC’s new initiative aims to protect Ugandans from scammers disguising themselves as journalists. The move addresses concerns over the rise of online media outlets that are accused of spreading false information and engaging in blackmail.
UCC executive director Nyombi Tembo announced the crackdown in response to a surge in online publications that manipulate, fabricate, and disseminate harmful conspiracy theories. These publications often target individuals in business, politics, and other sectors, using the threat of damaging content to extort money from their victims.
In an interview with New Vision, Tembo explained that these fraudulent media outlets typically operate without proper licenses and use international news aggregators, such as Opera and Medium, to spread unverified and misleading information. This lack of oversight allows scammers to exploit these platforms to publish false content that can harm reputations globally.
Tembo emphasized that the UCC’s enforcement actions are designed to curb this growing trend and protect legitimate digital media professionals. Many of these fraudulent operators have no formal journalism background or editorial policies and often use only smartphones to manage their activities.
The UCC’s crackdown will focus on shutting down unlicensed online publishers and prosecuting those involved in spreading false information. The penalties for violating UCC regulations could include suspension or revocation of licenses and criminal charges for offenses such as criminal libel and publication of prohibited content.
Mark Odongo, deputy director of the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), confirmed that the CID is working closely with the UCC and other state agencies to address these issues. According to the 2023 Uganda Police Crime Report, there were over 245 technology-related crimes last year, highlighting the significant impact of cyber-attacks on both individuals and global economies.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has supported the UCC’s actions, calling them a necessary measure to protect the integrity of professional journalism. Dr. Innocent Nahabwe, chairperson of NAB, welcomed the crackdown but urged the UCC to ensure that its actions do not infringe on freedom of expression.
The UCC estimates that over 150 online-only publishing websites have been established in Uganda in the past five years. Many of these sites are poorly structured, lack professional standards, and have not registered with the UCC or the Government Media Council.
The UCC’s new policy aims to address these gaps and ensure that online media in Uganda adhere to professional and ethical standards.
