UCC regulates all broadcast content but the public’s role is critical

We respond to an opinion published by Daily Monitor of Thursday, January 11, 2018 titled “Regulate Social and Spiritual Content on Radio Stations” by Badru Walusansa. The writer is either innocently uninformed or has deliberately opted to ignore the role played by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in regulating content on both television and radio stations in Uganda.
First of all, UCC derives its statutory and regulatory mandate over broadcasters from the Uganda Communications Act 2013. Section 5(1) (x) outlines the functions of UCC; to set standards, monitor and enforce compliance in respect of content.
The Commission is further mandated under section 5(1) (J) to receive, investigate and arbitrate complaints relating to communications services and take necessary actions. This is aimed at promoting and safeguarding consumers’ interests as provided under section 5 (1) (k) of the same Act.
In the opinion, the writer alleges that he encountered unethical content on three radio stations yet he conceals the identity of the said stations “to protect their images”.
This begs the questions: If the writer thinks the content is unethical, why did he not reveal the identity of the stations? Is it ethical to protect errant broadcasters that you deem to be exploiting listeners? We encourage the public to file complaints with the radio station (s) or the Commission when such breaches are detected.
It should be borne in mind that the public is our principal informer on which stations are regarded to be breaching the Minimum Broadcasting Standards because with more than 292 radio stations countrywide, the public becomes the best partner in monitoring the content aired on these airwaves. When we investigate any alleged breach, broadcasters found culpable of violating the MBS are appropriately given a sanction commensurate with the extent of the violation committed. These sanctions range from warnings, penalties, suspensions and or revocation of the broadcasting licences.
The most common breaches are technical. Most often we engage them and some adhere. Only as a last resort, do we penalise them.
Any breach reported by the public is investigated and dealt with to its logical and lawful conclusion. It is against this that UCC in conjunction with relevant organs has caused prosecution of persons who have committed crimes related to content and misuse of communication services in Uganda.
The writer may also look at Mobile Money fraudsters, who have been prosecuted courtesy of UCC effort. Broadcasters of inciting and harmful propaganda have not been spared either.
To protect the listeners and viewers (read consumers in this instance), UCC has already undertaken a series of steps in regulating content aired by televisions and radio stations broadcasting through different platforms.
UCC issued the Standards for General Broadcast Programming in Uganda that must be observed. These standards must be complied with by all broadcasters. UCC issued The Advertising Standards aimed at laying down the rules for advertisers, agencies and media owners.
These guidelines succinctly address the standards to be adhered to before any advertisements such as those by alternative medicine practitioners (traditional healers in this case), pastors, and Ssengas are aired.
UCC also issued other guidelines called Standards for Religious Broadcast Programming in Uganda aimed at regulating any programme that is considered religious in nature. All these regulations are geared toward protecting the consumer(s) from unscrupulous broadcasters, agencies and advertisers who want to take advantage of them.
In reference to the Minimum Broadcasting Standards, UCC asked all broadcasters intending to air content deemed to be adult- oriented to appropriately schedule it during the watershed period.
It is not accurate to say that UCC regulates only content of political nature while leaving other societal ills to go unregulated. This assertion is deeply flawed. UCC exercises its mandate in regulating all content aired on TV and radio stations regardless of the nature if it offends the Minimum Broadcasting Standards and the relevant laws. UCC mandated is mandated to enforce those standards without fear or favour.
The Commission appreciates the role of the society in holding broadcasters accountable for the content aired on the airwaves. Holders of these airwaves don’t have the rights to misuse them and an airwave is a public resource that is supposed to be utilised to the benefit and not detriment of the listeners. Any aggrieved listener has a right to file a complaint with UCC which is obliged to receive and investigate the complaint and arbitrate.
The Commission maintains that it enforces the Minimum Broadcasting Standards in accordance with the law, but the role of the public in reporting any violation of these standards is vital.

Pamela Ankunda is the head of public and international relations, Uganda Communications Commission