MP Kato Lubwama Fight: UCC Orders Suspension of Spark TV’s Miles Rwamiti

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered the suspension of Spark Television presenter Miles Rwamiti and threatened to revoke the operating license of Spark TV over the recent on-air fight between Rubaga South MP, Kato Lubwama and an events promoter, Andrew Mukasa Bajjo.

On Friday 21, December, the Rubaga South legislator lost his temper during ‘Koona’ music show hosted by Miles Rwamiti after being insulted and provoked by Bajjo who insisted that he couldn’t express himself in English.

Now, UCC has issued a letter noting that Spark TV relayed the live broadcast of the program whose content was contrary to the minimum broadcasting standards.

“Section 31 and paragraph (a) (ii) and (iv) of the fourth schedule of UCC Act 2013, prohibits broadcasters from broadcasting any program or content that directly or indirectly promotes hatred or a culture of violence and likely to incite or glorify violent behaviors,” the communications broadcaster said in its letter.

Basing on this provision, UCC has directed the Management of Spark TV to make written submissions or representations within 14 days showing cause why the regulator should not suspend Spark TV’s license for breach of the license terms and conditions.

The regulator has also ordered Spark TV to immediately suspend Koona music show as well as the presenter, Miles Rwamiti and the program producer.

“Spark TV should immediately suspend the producer of KOONA show and Rwamiti the presenter of the subject show until after UCC is satisfied that the producer and the presenter have obtained the requisite skills to direct and present the show in strict compliance with the set standards,” reads a letter issued by UCC.

In the same regard, UCC has directed Spark TV to submit to UCC a report within 24 hours showing what happened before, during and after the program.

Following the brawl on the live show, some people reacted apportioning blame to the presenter (Miles Rwamiti) for not doing enough to stop the physical exchange between Lubwama and Bajjo. Others faulted the producer of the show for not opting to cut the broadcast for a break, when the incident occurred.

Rwamiti has been hosting the show that features music videos and interviews, for over 5 years, initially on NTV Uganda before it (Koona) was moved to Spark TV, an affiliate station of NTV Uganda.