UCC Sets 2 Months Deadline For Online Media Operators To Obtain Licenses or Face Closure

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has mandated all online media platform owners to register with the commission or risk having their sites shut down.

Mr. Nyombi Thembo, the UCC Executive Director, clarified that the intention is not to stifle online media but to establish regulations that ensure responsible news dissemination. Speaking at a one-day meeting with online media owners at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, Nyombi highlighted issues like hate speech, pornography, and offensive communication as key reasons for this requirement.

“Registration and licensing will aid UCC in regulating online media while enabling proprietors to secure advertising opportunities from Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he stated.

Nyombi also urged online media owners to uphold professional standards in their editorial processes, ensuring balanced and unbiased reporting, particularly on political matters. “Online writers should possess thorough knowledge of the subjects they cover,” he added.

Abudu Waiswa Sallam, UCC’s Head of Legal Affairs, revealed that out of over 200 online media platforms in Uganda, only three online content providers and 35 online data providers are currently registered. He warned unregistered platforms to comply promptly or face closure.

According to Waiswa, the annual registration fee for an online media house is UGX 100,000 (approximately USD 27). He emphasized the necessity of this measure, citing Technopedia’s definition of “New Media” as encompassing all websites and online platforms driven by innovation and technology, which necessitates regulation by UCC.