UCC ED Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo. Courtesy Photo
Media industry regulator Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has closed down a number of radio stations operating illegally in the country, bizindaalo or community radios, repeater stations, telecommunication installations and other illegal communication installations.
The communication channels were shut down in an operation in which the media and communications watchdog teamed up with Uganda Police Force and Local Councils (LCs).
The operations, which are taking place across the country, followed warnings by the regulator in which owners of these media were urged to seek authorization through official channels.
UCC was concerned that the by some people illegally using phone signal boosters and assigning themselves, the quality of service or QoS was being greatly affected.
Besides illegal operators face sanctions according to the Uganda Communications Act 2013. For example, section 21 of the Act criminalises the use of network repeaters. The regulator has also severally warned Ugandans against the unauthorized sale, purchase, installation, and use or operation of repeater stations or devices except where a licensed mobile network operator provides and configures such for use.
UCC and police raided buildings in Kampala, confiscated repeater stations and made arrests. Some of these included No. A-018 – Najjuka Dawin Shop at Shawuliyaako Building, A-024 of Capital Centre Building, Kalungi Plaza.
Operations extended to the districts of Wakiso, Mityana, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Rukiga, Bushenyi, and Kyotera.
The number of radio stations which were closed for operating without valid licenses, among others, was about 30 in these districts.
Closed radio stations included:
It should be remembered that in September 2022, UCC closed 24 radio stations and a number of illegal couriers. A month earlier, UCC had warned to shut down 100 radio stations. (See Details and lists Here, There and Over There).
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