Kampala: The Uganda Communications Commission Commission (UCC) has ordered the closure of 24 radio stations across the country.
According to the Executive Director of UCC, Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, the radio stations in question have been identified as “operating illegally and the decision to shut down the radio stations followed a technical inspection or survey conducted in the period June-July 2022 in accordance with section 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 (the Act) as the regulator in the development of the modern communications sector, which includes telecommunications, broadcasting, radio communications, postal communications, data communication and infrastructure deployment,
Furthermore, in sections 26, 27 and 33 of the Act, it is an offence for any person to install, operate or otherwise provide broadcasting services and to convey, deliver or distribute any postal articles without a license issued by the Commission.
In a public notice issued on September 15, UCC advised the proprietors and all persons working for the listed illegal radio stations to “immediately stop providing illegal services.” further noting that those who refuse to shut down as ordered will face consequences.
“The Commission shall, in accordance with sections 6, 33, and 78 of the Uganda Communications – Act 2013 undertake countrywide enforcement activities against all illegal operators'', the notice revealed.
“All persons that will be found providing the subject illegal services shall be arrested, prosecuted and their equipment confiscated in accordance with the law. The public is advised not to deal or otherwise transact with the above listed illegal providers of communication services.” the notice added.
It's worth noting that last month, UCC through the media released a list of 108 FM radio stations that were up for closure reportedly over non-compliant issues.
Check Out The List Of Illegal Radio Stations That Have Been Ordered By UCC To Close
Adventist World Radio Vine-FM 92.4 Hoima
Africa Mindset 88.4 Ntungamo
Bethel FM 98.4 Ntungamo
Bridge FM 98.8 Kyenjojo
Bukoto FM 93.6 Masaka
Dream FM 98.7 Ntungamo
Eli Shama 87.5 Tororo
Eye FM 94.6 Sironko
Healing Church FM 91.5 Kyotera/Mutukura
lbanda FM 90.8 Ibanda
Kalungu FM 95.7 Kalungu
Lwengo FM 97.9 Lwengo
Matsiko FM 99.9 Kyotera
Mayuge FM 99.3 Mayuge
Mpororo FM 89.8 Ntungamo
Ngabu FM 89.9 Bunyangabu
Rubanda 89.0 Kabale
Rukundo FM 95 8 Kitagwenda
Sabin FM 90.3 Bukwo
Terra FM 90.5 Kolokoto
Thunder FM 97.6 Ntungamo
Voice of Bukuya 89.5 Kassanda
Voice of Kyankwanzi (VOK) 89.7 Kyankwanzi
Voice of the Gospel 91.7 Lira.