The call to formalize operations, according to UCC, comes in the wake overzealous unprofessionalism, blackmail and extortion exhibited by some of the publishers and that those who fail to comply with the call risk closure among other penalties.
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the national regulator of analog and digital communications has given up to 30th June for publishers of online websites and bloggers to formalise and get operating licenses.
UCC’s Head of Legal, Dr. Abdu Salaam Waiswa announced the 30-day ultimatum during a sensitization engagement with online content creators, including bloggers, online radio and newspaper providers, podcasters, and live streamers on Monday, May 27, at their offices in Bugolobi, in Nakawa.
According to Dr Waiswa, the meeting aimed to address the evolving regulatory landscape for digital communication services in Uganda and foster a collaborative relationship between the UCC and online publishers.
He explained that UCC requires all online data communicators and news publishers to be obliged with the laws on registering a company right from URSB, NSSF compliance, own a URA TIN ‘and or’ a tax clearance if possible. The operator should also have working contracts with the staff before UCC issues a one-year operational license.
By registering and licensing online publishers, Waiswa says it will help so much in regulating them even in content management so that professionalism is realised.
“We have only 35 online publishers and 3 online TV licensed by UCC; the rest are operating illegally so the time is now to put your houses right,” Dr Waiswa stressed.
Speaking to the stakeholders during the meeting, UCC Executive Director, Mr George William Nyombi Thembo said he noted that UCC doesn’t intend to guard the media or stifle freedom of expression but to establish a proper working arrangement that benefits both the regulator and the online media service providers.
“We encourage those who are currently not licensed to take the necessary steps to regularise their operation in accordance with the law. We only have 38 online publishers who have some kind of license, yet there are more than 200 in this space. We encourage all operators to collaborate with us in this endeavour,” he noted.
Mr Nyombi explained that as regulators, they are entrusted with the vital role of ensuring that the communication sector operates smoothly and effectively as mandated by the law.
“Everyone operating within the sector should be informed about the legal framework to ensure compliance and foster a cooperative relationship between the regulator and the service providers,” he said.
Citing the UCC Act Regulation 2019, Nyombi said the act was established to protect and promote the interests of viewers and listeners, and that the regulations are designed to ensure that the content provided meets the necessary standards.
The act, according to him, also aims to protect various groups, including children, by preventing exposure to harmful content such as pornography, glorified violence, offensive communication, and material that could create public insecurity.
“By adhering to these standards, we can create a safer and more restricted online environment for all of us, Nyombi remarked, adding; “People who give us news online should embrace high standards of professionalism. Professionalism should not be compromised. When you are in a media space, giving everybody an equal opportunity when you are reporting on something is paramount.”
The UCC boss concluded by urging online journalists to be knowledgeable; you can’t know everything. If you don’t know something, ask people who do.
“Form organisations for the first level of regulation amongst yourselves, just like medical practitioners regulate themselves under the medical council; core regulation is on another level; and the third level is headed by the UCC.”
However, a section of online publishers asked UCC to increase the period of time to more than a month to enable them to get organised documents, registered, and licensed. They also requested the regulatory body to consider issuing a five-year operational license to the current one of a year.
