The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has given one month ultimatum to all persons offering or planning to commence the provision of online data communication and broadcasting services to obtain authorization before offering services to the public.
The service providers include but not limited to blogs, online televisions, online radios, and online newspapers, audio over IP (AoIP), Internet Protocol TV (IPTV), Video on Demand (VoD), Digital Audio radios and televisions, internet/web radio and internet/web television.
UCC was established under section 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 (the Act) as the regulator in the development of a modern communications sector that includes telecommunications, broadcasting, radio communications, postal communications, data communication and infrastructure.
In accordance with sections 2, 5 and 27 of the Act and Regulation 5 of the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations 2019, UCC is mandated to license, regulate and set standards for the provision of all communication services in Uganda, including radio communication and online broadcasting. Regulation of communication services is intended to promote and safeguard the interest of consumers, operators, viewers and listeners.
“All persons engaged in the provision of the above services are accordingly advised to regularize their operations by obtaining the necessary authorisation from UCC by 5th of October 2020.” Reads in part of the statement released by UCC.
According to UCC, the Authorized Entity undertakes to abide at all times to the provisions of the Uganda Communications Act 2013 and all other laws in Uganda, make all its content available to the Commission immediately on demand, the Commission may cancel this Authorisation by notice in writing for breach of any of the above provisions in which case the Authorized Entity thereupon will immediately cease offering its online publishing services and others restrictions.
