UCC warns TVs, radios against hate speech

 

KAMPALA - Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has sent out letters to owners of TVs and radio stations.

 

In its letter, UCC was sending out a warning that it will not hesitate to take stern action against broadcasters for what it calls repeated violations of the law in the wake of the murder of Arua MP Ibrahim Abiriga.

 

The regulator said they have noted that some broadcasters are offering airtime to politicians and some members of the public to express inflammatory views in the wake of the brutal murder of the politician.

 

"This platform (airtime) is provided in form of views, talk shows or people calling into stations during the phone-in shows," UCC said in a statement.

 

UCC said some of the broadcasts have been found to foment hatred, stereotypes against "some people on the basis of their political opinions, religion, tribe and office."  

 

"This is to reminder broadcasters that they have an obligation to sieve content that is likely to cause under offence, and breach of the minimum broadcasting standards and all laws of Uganda, " UCC said, adding that any broadcaster that does not comply could have their licence withdrawn under section 41 of the Uganda Communication Act 2013.

 

 

The latest UCC warning comes after President Yoweri Museveni on Monday raised concerns about some broadcasters.

 

Speaking at the burial of the fallen legislator, in Arua district, West Nile, Museveni said: "Why should we have a radio which is promoting hate? You tell the owners to stop but they don't listen. Why not close it?" he asked.

 

 

Abiriga was killed together with his body guard on Friday night by unknown gunmen in Wakiso district, about 11km from Kampala, on his way home.