UCC tightens noose around media houses, organisers of concerts on vulgar music

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Uganda Communications Commission has said it is going after media houses that are promoting vulgar music.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo said it has come to their attention that a number of media houses have refused to heed to calls not to play vulgar music or promote immorality.

“We cant allow this to go on. Immorality is not good for society. For Africa, despite the challenges we have, one thing we must keep and has kept us surviving all challenges is moral compass of society. As media houses, you were given licence to ensure social economic transformation of the country but not to promote immorality,” Thembo said.

“From today onwards, if you don’t run away from this, we shall come after you. We shall take away your transmitters.”

The UCC Executive Director said there has been a public outcry over increased immorality in the county, promoted by a section of media houses.

“There is a public outcry about vulgar, offensive, obscene, indecent, and distressing material in the form of music audios, and videos across various media platforms, including television, radio, and online channels.”

Public concerts

Thembo however noted that this vulgarity goes beyond broadcasting and extends to public entertainment.

“ Indeed, many of us might have at one point come across clips of live performances in public spaces that left us embarrassed before our own children and baffled at the audacity of the organisers and performers of such shows. This growing trend of both local and international artists engaging in provocative and offensive live performances is a threat to social order and can no longer be tolerated let alone ignored.”

To this, he said  Section 4(1) of the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49 stipulates that organisers and promoters of public entertainment events must seek authorisation from Uganda Communication Commission.

“Therefore, the commission has embarked on enforcement as this is the only language that some actors might understand. Henceforth, broadcasters of offensive content or organisers and promoters of indecent shows shall attract regulatory sanctions, including possible prosecution. We will work hand in hand with other key stakeholders to ensure that going forward, all concerts and public entertainment events will only take place after the necessary permits have been obtained as required by law.”

He revealed that going forward, before any event is cleared, UCC will have a template where they will ask some questions and if they are not answered, it will  not go on.

“We shall put up a system that in six hours, you can get your permit.I call upon other stakeholders, members of the public and you the media to join us in this cause by supporting our efforts and reporting cases of violation.”