The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced a crackdown on media houses promoting vulgar music and public performances deemed immoral.
Speaking to journalists , UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo expressed concern over the growing trend of vulgar and indecent content across various media platforms, including radio, television, and online channels, as well as in public entertainment events.
“We cannot allow this to go on. Immorality is not good for society,” Thembo said. “For Africa, despite the challenges we face, one thing that has kept us surviving is the moral compass of society. As media houses, you were given licenses to ensure socio-economic transformation, not to promote immorality.”
Thembo warned that media houses refusing to heed calls to stop broadcasting vulgar music would face severe consequences. “From today onwards, if you don’t stop this, we shall come after you. We shall take away your transmitters,” he cautioned.
The UCC chief revealed that the commission had received numerous public complaints regarding vulgar and obscene material, including music audios, videos, and live performances. He emphasized that such content not only offends public sensibilities but also threatens the moral fabric of society.
Crackdown on Public Concerts
The issue extends beyond broadcasting, Thembo noted, pointing out that indecent performances by both local and international artists during public concerts have also drawn widespread criticism. “Many of us have come across clips of live performances in public spaces that left us embarrassed before our own children and baffled at the audacity of organizers and performers of such shows,” he remarked.
Thembo stressed that public entertainment events must comply with Section 4(1) of the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49, which requires organizers and promoters to seek authorization from UCC before holding such events.
To curb the trend, UCC has pledged to intensify enforcement, including regulatory sanctions and potential prosecution for violators. “Going forward, all concerts and public entertainment events will only take place after obtaining the necessary permits as required by law,” Thembo said, adding that UCC will collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure compliance.
This decisive move by UCC signals a broader effort to safeguard societal values and uphold moral standards in Uganda’s media and entertainment industries.
