Man convicted for operating illegal radio

Gerald Ssemwanga appeared in Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court where he was charged. Photo by Betty Ndagire

KAMPALA-A 32-year old man has pleaded guilty to two counts over operating a radio with no license.
Gerald Ssemwanga appeared in Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court presided over by Mr James Ereemye.

He pleaded guilty to charges which included; broadcasting without license and installing and operating radio broadcasting apparatus without license contrary to Uganda Communications Act, 2013.
Section 26 (1) and (3) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013 provide that no person shall install a radio, TV or broadcasting apparatus without a license from Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). It defines broadcasting as the transmission of sound, video or data intended for simultaneous transmission to the public.

The convict Ssemwanga was arrested in March in Kabaawo, Rubaga Division, a Kampala suburb as he was airing announcement and playing live music in the area on his illegally installed equipment locally dubbed “Bizindalos”.
Ssemwanga’s arrest marks the beginning of the nationwide programme by UCC to arrest and prosecute all operators of “Bizindalos” especially those who have defied the UCC February 8 directive to dismantle them.
Court adjourned the case to June 6 for sentencing.