The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended a show on a local TV station over what it terms breach of the station’s “license terms & conditions.”
Spark TV’s “KOONA” program was suspended on Monday in a communication made by UCC Executive Director, Godfrey Mutabazi.
“A preliminary review of the content of the subject program of “KOONA” aired on 21/12/2018 reveals that by Spark Television allowing show guests to abuse, insult & physically attack one another on live television, Spark Television breached its license terms & conditions, the law,” the statement reads in part.
It adds, “Section 31 (a) (ii) & (iv) of the Fourth Schedule of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, prohibit broadcasters from broadcasting any program or content that directly or indirectly promotes hatred or a culture of violence & likely to incite and/or glorify violent behaviours.”
During the show held last Friday,Miles Rwamitti hosted comedian turned MP, Kato Lubwama who got into a fracas with another guest on the show over an argument about his performance in parliament.
“In addition, the conduct of the show host or presenter, was unprofessional insofar as he failed to control and/or guide the guests against the violent behaviour they exhibited on live television,” the statement adds.
Mutabazi also revealed that the commission has commenced investigations into the compliance of Spark Television, “professionalism of its presenters and the suitability of its programs.”
Below is the full statement
Section 31 (a) (ii) & (iv) of the Fourth Schedule of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, prohibit broadcasters from broadcasting any program or content that directly or indirectly promotes hatred or a culture of violence & likely to incite and/or glorify violent behaviours. A preliminary review of the content of the subject program of “KOONA” aired on 21/12/2018 reveals that by Spark Television allowing show guests to abuse, insult & physically attack one another on live television, Spark Television breached its license terms & conditions, the law. In addition, the conduct of the show host or presenter, was unprofessional insofar as he failed to control and/or guide the guests against the violent behaviour they exhibited on live television. The Commission has in accordance with section 45 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, commenced full investigations into the compliance of Spark Television, professionalism of its presenters and the suitability of its programs. The Commission has thus DIRECTED Spark Television as follows: That Spark Television should within 24 Hours submit to UCC a written report showing what happened before, during & after the program, “KOONA” of 21/12/2018 as well as a copy of the recording of the subject program. That Spark Television should immediately SUSPEND airing of the show “KOONA” hosted by Mr Miles Rwamiti until such a time when @UCC_Official shall be satisfied that Spark TV has instituted the necessary measures to ensure that the show meets the regulatory standards.That Spark Television should immediately SUSPEND the producer of KOONA show & Mr Miles Rwamiti, the presenter until after UCC is satisfied that the producer & the presenter have obtained the requisite skills to direct & present the show in strict compliance with the set standards. That management of Spark Television should within 14 days make written representation showing cause why @UCC_Official should not suspend Spark Television’s license for breach of its license terms & conditions in accordance with Section 41 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013. Should Spark Television fail to comply with these directives, I shall proceed to take other regulatory sanctions against Spark Television in accordance with Section 41 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013. The broadcasting sector should watch these proceedings with interest,
