Why UCC has banned livestreaming election results

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The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has imposed restrictions on live coverage of election results. 

The broadcast regulator insists that any media house or practitioner who does so centrally faces heavy sanctions, not limited to switching off.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala city on Monday, January 5, 2025, UCC executive director Nyombi Thembo insisted that the declaration of election results is a sole responsibility of the Electoral Commission (EC).

“Unofficial tally centres, premature announcements, or broadcasting unverified results are unlawful. The Commission is closely monitoring broadcast and online activities, and violations will attract appropriate penalties, including suspension or revocation of licences, and prosecution where applicable,” Thembo said.

Uganda is scheduled to go to the polls on January 15. The Electoral Commission (EC) has indicated that over 21 million registered voters are expected to cast ballots at 50,739 polling stations across the country to choose the President and Members of Parliament (both directly elected and women MPs).

Thembo said the matter (elections) they are dealing with is very serious and that flouting regulations can lead to problems. 

“When you don’t keep to your licensing obligations, you can be switched off, and that is a serious matter. Follow the law to the letter,” Thembo said.

Do not livestream riots

According to the Government, responsible media coverage during elections is not optional, but essential for peace, public order and national stability.

“Media platforms must not be abused to incite violence, spread falsehoods, or undermine the credibility of the electoral process. The misuse of both traditional and digital media by political actors or individuals in pursuit of narrow interests will not be tolerated,” information, communication, technology and national guidance ministry permanent secretary Aminah Zawedde said at the same briefing.

information, communication, technology and national guidance ministry permanent secretary Aminah Zawedde. (Courtesy: X/@UCC_Official)

She reminded all broadcasters and online media practitioners that live broadcasting or streaming of riots, unlawful processions, or violent incidents is prohibited, as it can escalate tensions and spread panic.

“The dissemination of inciting, hateful, or violent content is unlawful and attracts enforcement action. Additionally, the declaration of election results remains the sole mandate of the Electoral Commission,” Zawedde said. 

“As we move closer to polling day, I urge media owners, editors, journalists, digital publishers and the public to rely on verified information and official sources. I also call upon all citizens to act responsibly online and offline, and to reject misinformation intended to cause fear or division.”

The UCC used the same platform to notify Ugandans, including Opposition actors who are excited about the messaging application BITchat, that it is not beyond regulation and that it should be used as a precaution to necessary communication restrictions by the government.

In anticipation of the Government curtailing the Internet, some online crusaders, including Opposition activists, are imploring their followers to embrace substitute communication stands.

We shall not switch off the Internet

Nyombi disclosed that the Government holds methodical capacity to control or inactivate the messaging App if required, insisting that their team has more know-how on the messaging application than even its advocates.

“We have the highest concentration of software engineers and developers in this country. Who can easily switch off such platforms if the need arises,” Nyombi said as he reiterated that the government's focus was not to undermine communication but to ensure responsible use of platforms.

“You cannot use BITchat to destabilise the country. Do not be excited by BITchat. Why do you want to use BITchat? The Internet will be there,” Nyombi said, adding that UCC has no problem with political parties having their own tally centres as long as there is no livestream.