We will confiscate your transmitters if you continue promoting vulgar music-UCC

17 December 2024, 1:45 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Mr Nyombi Thembo, has stated on behalf of the commission that they are targeting media houses promoting vulgar music, which goes against the country’s moral values. During a meeting with journalists at the UCC headquarters in Kampala, Mr Thembo explained that several media houses have ignored calls to stop playing vulgar music or promoting immorality.

“We can’t allow this to continue. Immorality is harmful to society. Despite the challenges we face in Africa, one thing that has kept us resilient through all adversity is the moral compass of our society. As media houses, you were granted licenses to contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the country, not to promote immorality,” Thembo said.

According to the Executive Director, this trend is not leading the country anywhere positive but to destruction. “From today onwards, if you don’t stop, we will take action. We will confiscate your transmitters,” he warned.

He further added that there has been a public outcry over the rising immorality in the country, exacerbated by certain media outlets. “There is widespread concern about vulgar, offensive, obscene, indecent, and distressing content in the form of music, audios, and videos across various media platforms, including television, radio, and online channels.”

Mr Thembo, however, noted that this vulgarity extends beyond broadcasting and into public entertainment. “Indeed, many of us may have at some point encountered clips of live performances in public spaces that left us embarrassed in front of our own children and astounded by the audacity of the organisers and performers of such shows. This growing trend of both local and international artists engaging in provocative and offensive live performances poses a threat to social order and can no longer be tolerated, let alone ignored,” he stated.

It should be noted that, according to Section 4(1) of the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49, organisers and promoters of public entertainment events must seek authorisation from the Uganda Communications Commission.

“Therefore, the Commission has begun enforcing this, as this is the only language that some parties may understand. From now on, broadcasters of offensive content or organisers and promoters of indecent shows will face regulatory sanctions, including possible prosecution. We will work closely with other key stakeholders to ensure that, moving forward, all concerts and public entertainment events will only take place after the necessary permits have been obtained, as required by law.”

He revealed that, in the future, before any event is cleared, the UCC will implement a template with specific questions, and if these are not answered, the event will not proceed. “We will establish a system where, within six hours, you can receive your permit. I call on other stakeholders, members of the public, and the media to join us in this cause by supporting our efforts and reporting violations.” Recently, UCC suspended the music of two popular musicians, Gereson Wabuyi, also known as Gravity Omutujju, and Mukasa Yasin, commonly known as Lil Pazzo.