Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s communications regulator, UCC has directed every media house to produce its social media policy that regulates their employee’s usage of online platforms as a prerequisite to have their operating licenses renewed.
The regulation, according to Mr Nyombi, which is embroiled in the new guidelines set, requires every media house to ensure that in its social media policy, all its employees do not post content that violates their editorial policy.
“We want journalists being big influencers to post positive things on their social media platforms instead of posting negative things that demean the society yet the media houses they work for are doing the opposite,” he said.
The UCC boss was on Thursday, October 17, 2024, addressing journalists at UCC head offices in Bugolobi, Nakawa during a stakeholder’s meeting with on the inappropriate and offensive content on media platforms.
Mr Nyombi urged journalists to ensure they do not misuse their personal social media platforms by posting misinformation and clarified that the guidelines are not aimed at gagging their social media freedoms but appropriate usage of these platforms.
“We want to ensure that what you do on your [social media] platforms as an individual should not be far different from the person that employs you.”
“The fact that media personalities are influencers because so many eyes and ears see and listen to you, using that enormous influence earned from the brand, waves that you have been opportune to use negatively, is something we are fighting,” he added.
Mr Nyombi said that UCC has observed a troubling resurgence of inappropriate content being aired across various media platforms, including television, radio, and online channels. This content, often in the form of music lyrics, videos, and interviews, he said frequently contains offensive, obscene, indecent, and distressing material.
“Instances include scantily dressed performers engaging in sexually suggestive dances and songs laden with explicit sexual innuendo and inappropriate messages,” he said. “Such content is in direct violation of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards as outlined in Section 31 and Schedule 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, which stipulates that.”
The UCC boss cautioned broadcasters to ensure that any programme aired is not contrary to public morality, complies with existing laws, and that adult-oriented content is appropriately scheduled.
“All televisions, radio stations & online channels must ensure that all content, including music videos and audios, is properly classified by the Media Council before being aired in accordance with the Press and Journalist Act. Failure to comply will have consequences that include suspension, fines or revoking one’s license.”
Despite previous warnings and reminders, including official letters issued on August 9, 2021, and October 25, 2023, Nyombi reiterated that some broadcasters continue to disregard these legal obligations.
“We have decided to take action against broadcasters who fail to comply with the Minimum Broadcasting Standards and the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations 2019, as well as other laws related to decency in broadcasting,” he emphasized.
By press time, we were yet to get a comment from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) on the directives issued by the communications regulator
The remarks come as Uganda gears up for the 2026 general election.
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