Uganda Communications Commission has said it is now going after event organisers and media houses for promoting vulgar music and other obscenities in the public fora.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo said they have an obligation to regulate communications services in the country and this includes content on broadcasting platforms, stage plays and public entertainment.
He however said despite multiple warnings, vulgar music and other content has continued to play out in the public but noted it is high time they tighten the noose.
“We shall use all powers under the sun to prevent these acts and those that succeed to go through, we shall look for the perpetuators and face the wrath of the law,”Thembo said.
“We shall come for that transmitter, business closed and you are blacklisted. If you built your business model in immorality, fold up your business.”
The UCC ED said whereas majority of the actors in these spaces have always acted with responsibility and decorum, a few have consistently ignored our appeals to conduct their business within the confines of existing laws, regulations and public morality expectations.
“Consequently, there is a public outcry about vulgar, offensive, obscene, indecent, and distressing material in the form of music audios, and videos across various media platforms, including television, radio, and online channels.”
Thembo said they have decided to move a notch higher in enforcing morality by targeting media houses.
“From today onwards, if you don’t run away from this, we shall come after you.”
Concert organisers
Thembo said they will also go after event organisers to ensure they don’t promote vulgarity and obscenity.
“ Henceforth, broadcasters of offensive content or organisers and promoters of indecent shows shall attract regulatory sanctions, including possible prosecution. We will work hand in hand with other key stakeholders to ensure that going forward, all concerts and public entertainment events will only take place after the necessary permits have been obtained as required by law.”
He said concert organisers will have to apply to UCC before they are cleared, adding that they must show proof that they will not have any scenes of vulgarity.
Thembo said in case of such events which obscenities, they must be classified and efforts made to ensure children don’t attend while the time for relaying them is from 11pm upwards.
