Bugolobi – The Ugandan government, in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has launched efforts to curb hate speech and inflammatory content on various media platforms in a bid to safeguard national security.
Hon. Balaam Baruhagara Ateenyi, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, reiterated the importance of balancing civil liberties with national security. Citing Articles 17 and 43 of the Ugandan Constitution, he emphasised that while free speech is a fundamental right, it should not infringe upon the freedoms of others or jeopardise national stability.
Media Misuse and National Security Threats
While meeting broadcasters and media stakeholders at UCC head offices in Bugolobi on Thursday, Hon. Balaam highlighted growing concerns over media misuse, particularly through online platforms, where hate speech, incitement of violence, and sectarianism have been on the rise.
He warned that, as the country enters a politically charged period, unchecked media content could escalate tensions and destabilise Uganda’s security framework.
“The government will not stand idly by as individuals and media outlets exploit their freedoms to incite violence and disrupt national peace,” Hon. Balaam stated.
To mitigate these risks, security agencies under the National Security Council and the Inter-Agency Security Committee have resolved to enhance coordination between security forces and media operators.
Key measures include: media houses taking proactive steps to filter harmful content from their platforms, ensuring consistency and accuracy in reporting across TV, radio, print, and online platforms, adhering strictly to Ugandan laws such as the Penal Code Act, UPDF Act (as amended), and the Computer Misuse Act, promoting patriotism, unity, and tolerance within the media space and strengthening collaboration between media stakeholders and security agencies.
Learning from History
Drawing parallels with past events, Hon. Balaam referenced the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, where Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines played a pivotal role in fueling violence.
Similarly, the Arab Spring of 2010–12 saw the widespread use of social media in organizing anti-government protests, leading to the collapse of governments in North Africa.
“We have studied history and understand the catastrophic consequences of media misuse. Uganda must act decisively to prevent similar occurrences,” he warned.
Intervention Measures
To strengthen media accountability, the UCC has engaged with key media organisations, including the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Rural Broadcasters Association (RUBA), the Uganda Media Owners Association (UMOA), and the Online Media Publishers Association (OMPA).
In a formal communication to these stakeholders, UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo expressed concern over the growing trend of sensationalism and misinformation capable of inciting violence.
“The Uganda Communications Commission has noted with concern the continued broadcast of content that contains hate speech, which is creating disharmony among the public,” he stated.
The UCC has proposed measures such as: strengthening engagement between media regulators, security agencies, and media owners, establishing clearer content moderation guidelines for media platforms and mandating media executives and editors to undergo a cadre course at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi (NALI) before June 30, 2025, to align with national priorities and responsibilities.