The Uganda Communications Commissions (UCC) has threatened to switch off 30 FM radio stations over failure to renew their broadcasting licences.
The Commission revised the licensing framework for the radio broadcasting sectors in Uganda and on the 2nd of June 2020, all existing radio broadcasters were advised to apply for new broadcasting licenses under the new framework by the 31st of July 2020.
In a statement from UCC, it said that the broadcasting licenses for the underlisted radio broadcasters expired on 30th June 2020 and despite several reminders, including the public notice issued on 31st December 2020, they have to date not submitted their applications for licenses in accordance with the Uganda Communications Act 2013.
The affected stations include; Home FM in Kabale, AA City Radio in Arua, Saviour FM in Amuria, Biiso FM in Buliisa, Marantha FM in Jinja, Crane FM in Bushenyi, Q FM in Lira, East Africa Radio in Kampala, Radio North in Lira, Gulu FM, Enduhba FM in Kamuli, Radio Kinkizi, Kitty FM in Kitgum, Kwania FM in Apac, Kyegegwa Community Radio, Kanungu FM, Radio Kitara, Mbabule FM in Sembabule, and Village Club California in Kiryandongo.
Others are; Elgon FM in Mbale, Choice FM in Gulu, Radio Kaaro in Kiruhura, Radio Revival in Mbarara, Radio Veros in Tororo, Sauti FM in Kayunga, Tembo FM in Kitgum, Radio Ssese in Kalangala, Palwak Radio in Pader, Unique FM in Kyenjojo and Challenge FM in Pallisa.
“The above-listed radio stations are accordingly reminded that unless they regularize their operations by clearing all outstanding compliance issues and submit complete applications for their respective radio frequencies by Wednesday the 14th of April 2021, their respective radio spectrum assignments shall automatically lapse and they shall be required to stop broadcasting.”
“The proprietors of the subject radio stations are further reminded that in accordance with sections 26 and 27 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, any person who provides broadcasting services in Uganda without a license issued by the Commission commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment or both,” the statement reads.
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.
