Overview:
Kariisa says that whereas UCC's approach has softened in recent times, but emphasized that a proper tribunal is necessary to prevent the UCC from being both regulator and arbiter.
Media owners in Uganda are demanding the establishment of an independent tribunal to resolve disputes with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). This call comes amidst growing concerns over the UCC’s perceived heavy-handedness in regulating the media industry.
“We need urgent engagements with UCC to address these costs and create a fairer system for all,” said Kin Kariisa, Chairman of the NAB Uganda Board of Trustees. Kariisa highlighted several key issues affecting the media industry, including the UCC’s licensing regime, which he argued is unfair and burdens many media houses.
“The lack of financing for Signet makes access to information too expensive for many Ugandans,” Kariisa noted. “The Free-to-Air services are only available in the Central region, and even then, are often unavailable even when we have paid for them! This is unacceptable in a country where information is a right, not a privilege.”
Kariisa also criticized the government’s budgeting for communication, which consistently ignores media. “Projects like the recent Uganda Census 2024 are budgeted for in all other areas, but media is ignored,” he said. “Just 1% of every government project budget allocated to media could ensure our journalists are well-compensated and operations are sustainable.”
Kariisa emphasized the need for a Media Tribunal to resolve disputes between media and UCC fairly. “UCC cannot continue to be the same entity we go to to resolve issues with them when we have them,” he said.
He expressed concerns over the UCC’s powers to sanction media outlets, citing instances where the regulator has imposed harsh penalties and fines for alleged infractions. He also noted that the UCC’s approach has softened in recent times, but emphasized that a proper tribunal is necessary to prevent the UCC from being both regulator and arbiter.
Media businesses are struggling, and if key issues aren’t resolved by the end of Q1 2025, media owners may have no choice but to down tools. “This we don’t say as a threat — it’s a wake-up call. Media survival is at stake,” Kariisa warned.