UCC cracks down on inappropriate content

In a press statement released today, UCC's Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, highlighted the troubling increase in broadcasts featuring offensive, indecent, and obscene material, particularly in music videos, lyrics, and interviews.

The content in question frequently includes performers dressed in scanty clothing, engaging in sexually suggestive dances, and delivering songs laden with explicit sexual innuendo.

The law

Such material is considered a violation of Uganda’s broadcasting laws, specifically the Minimum Broadcasting Standards outlined in Section 31 and Schedule 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013.

According to this Act, broadcasters are required to ensure that their programmes comply with public morality, adhere to existing laws, and ensure that adult-oriented content is scheduled appropriately to prevent exposure to minors.

In addition to breaching the Minimum Broadcasting Standards, the UCC also pointed out that the airing of such content violates the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations, 2019.

Despite previous warnings and reminders from the commission, including official notices issued on 9th August 2021 and 25th October 2023, some broadcasters continue to disregard these legal obligations.

As a result, the UCC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and holding broadcasters accountable for airing inappropriate content.

The Commission emphasised the importance of adhering to the Minimum Broadcasting Standards and urged all broadcasters, whether on television, radio, or online, to ensure compliance with Uganda's communications laws.

The statement also directed media houses to ensure that all content, including music videos and audios, is properly classified by the Media Council before it is broadcast, in accordance with the Press and Journalist Act, Cap. 105.

Broadcasters were reminded that adult content must be scheduled in a way that protects vulnerable audiences, especially children, from exposure to inappropriate material.