Media and Event Organizers are to Face Tough Penalties
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), under the leadership of Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, has announced a tough stance against media houses that promote vulgar and immoral content. This comes after growing public concern over the increasing spread of obscene and offensive material in both music and public entertainment.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Thembo emphasized the Commission’s commitment to curbing the promotion of immorality through media channels. He stated that despite repeated warnings, several media outlets have ignored calls to stop airing vulgar music and content that undermines societal values.
“We can’t allow this to continue,” Thembo said. “Immorality is detrimental to society. Despite the challenges Africa faces, the one thing that has kept us going is the moral compass of our communities. As media houses, you are licensed to contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the country—not to promote immorality.”
He further warned that if media houses do not comply with the Commission’s directives, they will face serious consequences, including the confiscation of their transmitters. “From today onwards, if you don’t change, we will come after you,” Thembo added
The UCC Executive Director acknowledged the widespread public concern about vulgar and offensive content being aired across various media platforms, including television, radio, and online channels. This includes both music audios and videos that are deemed inappropriate for public consumption.
“There is a public outcry regarding the increasing amount of offensive, obscene, and indecent material in the media,” Thembo said. “The community is distressed by the vulgarity being promoted, and it cannot continue unchecked.”
Thembo also pointed out that the issue extends beyond broadcasting to public entertainment. He referenced recent incidents where live performances, both local and international, have been inappropriate and offensive, particularly in public spaces.
“Many of us have witnessed live performances in public areas that left us embarrassed before our children,” he said. “These provocative and offensive performances threaten the social order and can no longer be tolerated.”
In response, UCC is strengthening enforcement measures to ensure compliance with laws governing public entertainment. Section 4(1) of the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49 requires that all organizers and promoters of public events seek authorization from UCC before holding any event.
To ensure accountability, UCC will now be working more closely with stakeholders to regulate concerts and public events. “From now on, broadcasters who air offensive content and promoters of indecent shows will face regulatory sanctions, including possible prosecution,” Thembo said.
He also announced that the Commission will introduce a streamlined permit process for public events, ensuring that event organizers can obtain necessary approvals within six hours. “We’ll have a template with key questions that must be answered before an event is authorized. If the answers are not provided, the event will not go on,” he explained.
Thembo called on the public, media houses, and other stakeholders to support the UCC’s efforts in promoting a more responsible media landscape. “We need your help in reporting offensive content and supporting the enforcement of these measures,” he urged.
The UCC’s crackdown is a response to growing concerns over the impact of vulgar media on Uganda’s youth and overall societal values. With stricter regulations on both broadcasting and live entertainment, the Commission is determined to restore the moral integrity of Uganda’s media landscape.
