The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has mandated that all online media platform owners must register with the UCC or risk having their sites shut down.
This announcement was made by various UCC officials during a one-day engagement meeting with online media proprietors, held at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, Kampala.
Nyombi Thembo, the UCC Executive Director, emphasized that the intent of this regulation is not to stifle online media practitioners but to establish guidelines to manage and oversee online news distribution. He pointed to issues such as hate speech, pornography, and offensive online communication as key reasons for requiring the registration of all online platforms.
“Registration also benefits online media proprietors by enabling them to receive advertisements from Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he added.
Nyombi stressed the importance of professionalism among online media owners, urging them to ensure balanced and unbiased reporting, particularly on political matters. He called for online writers to be well-versed and knowledgeable in the subjects they cover for public consumption.
Abudu Waiswa Sallam, the UCC Head of Legal Affairs, noted that there are over 200 online media platforms in the country, yet only three online content providers and 35 valid online data providers are registered.
Waiswa stated that the registration fee for an online media house is UGX 100,000 (approximately USD 27) annually. He urged unregistered online media houses to comply promptly to avoid closure by the regulator.
“According to Technopedia, ‘New Media’ encompasses all websites and online platforms that arise from innovation and technology,” Waiswa explained, highlighting the primary reason for UCC’s move to register all online media platforms and enforce compliance.