The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has banned Pearl FM, a popular radio station, over its coverage of the Kawempe North by-election.
According to letter signed by the Nyombi Thembo, the UCC took action against Pearl FM due to its alleged biased reporting and failure to comply with the commission’s guidelines.
In this letter dated 12th March, critics the Station employee Kalule Sulaiman hosting a program dubbed Mpulidde Kamenya for broadcasting sensational information of vote rigging allegation in Kawempe an incident contrary to the press and journalist act, article 100.
The ban comes amidst a tense by-election campaign in Kawempe North, which has seen violence and unrest. Journalists have also been targeted, with some being assaulted and arrested while covering the events.
The UCC’s decision to ban Pearl FM has raised concerns about press freedom and the ability of media outlets to report on sensitive topics.
Pearl FM has not yet commented on the ban, but media rights groups have condemned the UCC’s action, saying it is an attempt to silence critical voices.
The ban on Pearl FM is a significant development in the ongoing debate about media freedom in Uganda.
