The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended licenses of 23 radio stations for allegedly promoting witchcraft, Daily Monitor has reported.
Ms Pamela Ankunda, the Commission’s spokesperson, is quoted by the News paper as saying the closed radio stations have been participating in promoting and advertising witchcraft content, aiding and abetting electronic fraud.
“They will be allowed back on air only if they commit themselves against broadcasting any content linked to witchcraft or involve in any activity that in one way or the other aids and abets electronic fraud,” she said.
The switched off radio stations, according to Daily Monitor are: Metro FM, Nile FM, Kagadi Broadcasting Services, Emambya FM, Village Club FM, Radio Kitara, Packwach FM and Tropical FM.
Others are Apex FM, Bamboo FM, Ssebo FM, Eastern Voice FM, Eye FM, Victoria FM, RFM, Kiira FM, Tiger FM, Greater African Radio, Dana FM, Gold FM, Hits FM, Dembe FM and Radio 5.
In February, this website published a notice from Uganda Communications Commission in which they summoned over 5 broadcasters, and warned that they will withdraw licences of any media firm advertising and promoting witchcraft, an activity they said contradicts section 2 of the Witchcraft Act (Cap 124).
The move was evoked after a listener in Buikwe district was conned of Ush1.4 million that was sent through mobile money to a purported traditional healer that advertised her service on Metro FM in return for quick fortunes and good luck.
Under the revised laws of the republic of Uganda which came in force on December 31, 2000, any person who practices witchcraft or who holds himself or herself out as a witch, whether on one or more occasions, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.
Additionally, Article 41 (1 a &b) of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, mandates the commission to suspend and revoke operating license of any media house on the grounds of serious and repeated breach of the license conditions, and any fraud or intentional misrepresentation by the operator.
Ms Ankunda told the newspaper the radio stations were warned before the closure that they were operating below the minimum broadcasting standards as set by the UCC.
She advised they train their presenters some of the dos and don’ts of journalism so as to avoid the same fate in the future.
By Paul W Dennis.
