UCC to Crack Whip on Illegal and Non-compliant Broadcasting Operators

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched an operation against illegal and non-compliant broadcasting operators.

This enforcement exercise was announced by the UCC Head of Public and International Relations, Ibrahim Bbossa, during a press briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru.

The operation targets individuals or entities that have installed broadcasting equipment without a license, violating Section 26 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, as well as those broadcasting without a license, contrary to Section 27 of the Act.

Additionally, the Commission is addressing companies or individuals providing telecommunication services or setting up telecom equipment without a license, in violation of Section 22 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013.

The enforcement operation specifically targets illegal radio stations, megaphones (Bizindaalo), and illegal telecom transmitters in downtown Kampala buildings.

The Commission has identified and is targeting radio stations operating without licenses. In January 2024, cease-and-desist notices were issued to all non-compliant stations, followed by criminal summonses in July 2024.

While some stations have voluntarily complied, 17 illegal radio stations remain in operation across Uganda, located in Masaka, Mubende, Greater Masaka, and Luweero.

The use of megaphones (Bizindaalo) is prohibited by law. They are not licensed by the Commission or any other entity in Uganda to provide broadcasting services and are notorious for disrupting public order and peace.

According to Section 5(b) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, the Commission is the only entity authorized to license communication services in Uganda.

“The enforcement team will confiscate any equipment used in illegal operations. After confiscation, such equipment will be disposed of responsibly, by established disposal mechanisms,” Bbossa said.

Installing such equipment violates Section 26 of the Uganda Communications Act and can lead to a fine of up to UGX 30,000,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Broadcasting without a license, which contravenes Section 27 of the Act, is equally punishable through a hefty fine or imprisonment for up to one year.

Illegal Point-to-Point links

In addition to the offenses mentioned above, complaints have been received from telecommunication service providers regarding illegal Point-to-Point links (transmitters) installed on building rooftops that use the 3500 MHz bands.

These transmitters are unauthorized and interfere with the frequency bands assigned to licensed operators such as MTN and Airtel, and they are prevalent in downtown Kampala.

Bbossa said the devices are operated by companies offering Wi-Fi services without a license.

“Such unauthorized transmitters disrupt lawful services. As part of the ongoing enforcement exercise, UCC will take down the transmitters that have been identified at eight or so locations within Kampala and surrounding areas,” he noted.