KAMPALA — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a mandatory directive ordering all licensed radio and television broadcasters across the country to dedicate their weekly free government airtime to public sensitisation campaigns against the Ebola virus.
The regulatory body expects the immediate rollout of these public awareness broadcasts to boost the government’s ongoing intervention measures against the spread of the virus.
Mandatory Airtime and Local Coordination
In a letter dated June 11, 2026, signed by UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo, all broadcasters are required to utilise their mandatory one hour per week of free government airtime specifically for disseminating Ebola prevention, detection, and reporting information.
This initial directive will run for a period of three months, subject to adjustments based on guidance from the Ministry of Health.
To ensure technical accuracy, media houses must coordinate directly with local authorities:
Broadcasters are required to liaise with Resident District/City Commissioners (RDCs) and District Health Officers (DHOs) to arrange talk shows featuring technical experts.
Where physical appearance at the station is not possible, stations must air pre-recorded messages or specialised documentaries about Ebola.
Broadcasters are encouraged, where possible, to exceed the mandatory one-hour threshold to further support public awareness under their public obligations. Legal Enforcement and Veracity of Information
The directive is issued under sections 5(1)(b) and 32 of the Uganda Communications Act Cap 103, alongside the Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations 2019.
The regulatory body cautioned media houses against running unverified reporting during this period. The commission emphasises that all broadcast material must be strictly accurate and aligned with official statements issued by the Ministry of Health to avoid misleading the public.
The RDC Secretariat has been requested to instruct all local RDCs to seamlessly coordinate district health experts to provide media houses with the necessary technical data. Copies of the directive have been shared with the Ministries of ICT, Health, and the Presidency, as well as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).