KAMPALA, UGANDA — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has imposed an indefinite suspension on Pearl FM (107.9 FM), a Kampala-based radio station, citing breaches of established broadcasting standards.
The action stems from a program, “Mpulidde Kamenya,” aired on March 12, hosted by Suleiman Kals Kalule, which the UCC alleges contained unverified information concerning the Kawempe North election.
The UCC, through its Executive Director Thembo Nyombi, stated that Kalule’s broadcast included claims of electoral irregularities, specifically vote rigging and ballot stuffing, across numerous locations in Kawempe as voters prepared for the Thursday election.
The regulatory body characterized these claims as sensational, unsubstantiated, and potentially inflammatory, with the capacity to provoke public unrest.
The UCC further asserted that the presenter disseminated inaccurate and misleading information, blurring the lines between opinion, speculation, and factual reporting.
This, according to the commission, represents a failure to adhere to the professional standards and ethical guidelines for journalists as outlined in the Press and Journal Act, Cap. 100.
The commission emphasized the potential for such irresponsible reporting to incite public disorder and compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Consequently, the UCC has mandated Pearl FM to immediately cease all broadcasting operations pending the completion of a thorough investigation and the implementation of measures to prevent future violations.
In addition to the suspension, Pearl FM has been directed to submit a formal written response, including documentation verifying the credentials of the program’s editor, presenter, and producer.
The station is also required to provide details regarding any pre-broadcast monitoring or time-delay equipment used during live transmissions.
