UCC holds back on journalists' suspension, starts inquiry

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has reviewed its suspension for 39 journalists over the alleged breaching of minimum broadcasting standards, and instead instituted an inquiry.

The inquiry will last 30 days, after which a report will determine whether the journalists have a case to answer, the commission's executive director Eng. Godfrey Mutabazi said on Tuesday.

This was shortly after a meeting between the commission and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), where the two parties agreed on an investigation into the matter.

Early this month, UCC ordered for the immediate suspension of 39 producers, heads of programming and heads of news of 13 media houses over breach of the broadcasting standards.

Members of the National Association of Broadcasters led by chairperson Kin Kariisa (2nd right) with Mutabazi following the meeting. Photo by Ashraf Kasirye

The media houses affected include Akaboozi FM, Bbs TV, Beat FM, Bukedde TV, Capital FM, CBS FM, Kingdom TV, NBS TV, NTV, Pearl FM, Salt TV, Sapientia FM and Simba FM.

According to the directive, the programmes contain content that: misrepresents information, views, facts and events in a manner likely to mislead or cause alarm to the public, has extremist or anarchic messages, including incitement of violence for political and/or other purposes.

UCC said the programmes incite the public based on their political, religious, cultural and tribal affiliations which are likely to create public insecurity or violence.

Mutabazi said media houses will not sack the journalists accused of the indiscretions but should have them step aside from their roles during the month-long inquiry.