The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered all radio broadcasters to re-apply for licences.

The ICT minister, Judith Nabakooba, said the radio broadcasters have been ordered to re-apply for licences in order to enable Government roll out a new license regime, which was supposed to be operationalised at the beginning of July.

"We revised the licence fees and they are supposed to begin this financial year, in July. In that spirit, broadcasters have to renew their licences and fit within the new licensing regime.

I believe it is good for the media, because the fees were reduced. It also presents an opportunity for those that have been operating illegally to make good. So, everyone must re-apply.

There is no need to be worried," Nabakooba told journalists during a press conference at the ICT ministry recently.

In a separate statement issued over the weekend by UCC, all radio broadcasters across the country must submit their fresh applications by July 31, 2020.

According to the acting executive director of UCC, Eng. Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, the changes have been necessitated by the need "to foster a more enabling environment for the provision of radio broadcasting services in Uganda, in accordance with sections 5(1)(b), 6(1)(e) and 39 of the UCC Act, 2013".

"Possession of a valid licence issued in accordance with Section 27 of the Act is a prerequisite for the grant of rights to use radio frequency spectrum," she added.

"The revised fees structure constitutes a reduction in sums payable from the current framework," UCC officials noted in a statement.

Under the new licensing regime, the annual licence fees for commercial radios have been revised to sh7m for national radios, sh5.6m for Kampala radios, while the annual licence fees for regional city radio is now at sh4.2m.

The rest of the radio broadcasters operating under tier 4 in various parts of the country are expected to pay sh3.5m.

Community radio operators, UCC officials added will have to pay sh1.4m in annual licence fees.

The new licensing regime for radios also makes it mandatory for broadcasters to annually pay 2% of their gross annual revenues to UCC.

The duration of the licence has also been revised from one year to five years.

"All existing radio broadcasters are accordingly invited to submit an application for the radio broadcasting licence they wish to hold under the new licensing regime," Sewankambo said.

There are nearly 300 licensed radio stations and 30 (free to air) TV stations spread across the country, mostly privately owned.

Nabakooba has also cautioned political leaders against misinforming the public on the issue of mass gatherings and public rallies.

"All leaders have an obligation to explain the importance of washing hands, wearing facemasks, the importance of avoiding crowded

places and observing social distance. That is the only way, as of now, we can prevent COVID-19 in our communities," she said.