Bunyoro region is among others whose radio stations Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has threatened to close over failure to renew their operating licences and clear outstanding compliance issues, the Commission’s statement says.
The radios include Radio Kitara 96.9 FM – Masindi, Village Club California 103.6 – Kiryandongo and Biiso FM 97.8 – Buliisa.
Other subject radio stations include AA City Radio 96.3- Arua, Saviour FM 104.2- Amuria, Q FM 94.3 and Radio North 89.0 both in Lira, Gulu FM 102.7 and Choice FM 92.1 both in Gulu, Kwania, Palwak Radio 88.3- Pader, FM 101.1- Apac, Tembo FM 103.5 and Kitty Fm 99.2 both in Kitgum.
Unique FM 96.7- Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa Community Radio and 107.9 both in Kyegegwa, Hope FM 102.6- Kabale, Crane FM 87.6- Bushenyi, Kinkizi 88.0- Kinkizi, Kanungu FM 101.3- Kanungu, Radio Kaaro 103.8- Kiruhura and Radio Revival 93.2- Mbarara.
Also Maranatha FM 104.7- Jinja, East Africa Radio 99.0- Kampala, Enduhba FM 105.9-Kamuli, Mbabule FM 101.1- Sembabule, Elgon FM 101.4- Mbale, Radio Veros 90.2- Tororo, Sauti FM 105.5- Kayunga, Radio Ssese 101.9- Kalangala and Challenge FM 91.9- Paliisa are yet to comply.
UCC says broadcasting licences for those radio broadcasters expires on June 30, 2020 and despite several reminders, including public notice issued on December 31, 2020, they have until now not submitted their applications for licences in accordance with the Uganda Communications Act 2013.
The statement dated yesterday (Tuesday), March 30, 2021 reads:
“Listed radio stations are accordingly reminded that unless they regularise their operations by clearing all outstanding compliance issues and submit complete applications for their respective radio frequencies by Wednesday the 14th of April 2021, will be closed.”
UCC further warns that proprietors that failure to adhere to the order in two weeks time, their respective radio spectrum assignments shall automatically lapse and they shall be required to stop broadcasting.
“The proprietors of the subject radio stations are further reminded that in accordance with Sections 26 and 27 of the Uganda Communications Commission Act 2013, any person who provides broadcasting services in Uganda without a licence issued by the Commission commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment or both,” the regulator continues.
The Uganda Communications Commission (the Commission) was established under section 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013 (the Act) as the regulator in the development of a modern communications sector that includes telecommunications, broadcasting, radio communications, postal communications, data communication and infrastructure.
