UCC bans live coverage of Parliament

Ugandans who have been enjoying watching events on age-limit as they happen can no longer do so after Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) outlawed live broadcasts.   

In a statement circulated to media houses, Godfrey Mutabazi, the UCC executive director, said TV or radio stations operating in the country should cease the broadcasts forthwith or face suspension and revocation of their licenses under section 41 of the UCC act 2013.

"The Commission has noted with concern that both radio and television broadcasting operators are relaying live broadcasts which is inciting the public, discriminating, stirring up hatred, promoting a culture of violence amongst viewers and are likely to create public insecurity or violence," the statement said.

"The Commission reminds broadcasters that such live broadcasts are in breach of the minimum broadcasting standards as laid down in section 31 of UCC Act 2013." the statement added.

However, the Chairperson National Association of Broadcasters, Kin Kariisa, said: "We are still studying it (ban) because it's not clear. It's vague."

The directive is likely to hit several TV stations hard as many had invested heavily in the technology and have won themselves viewers in the last few years. Of the eight majors TV stations in the country, two have used live broadcast as part of their daily programing. 

It is not clear if the directive will also affect ongoing debates in Parliament, which are carried by several TV stations, including the UBC, the national broadcaster.