The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has threatened to take legal action against Broadcasters who do not adhere to the new regulations aimed at controlling the content of public entertainment and addressing concerns in the local industry.
Concert organizers, Broadcasters, Entertainers and Advertisers in the East African Country are now required to obtain proper permits from UCC in line with the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act.
This regulation aims to ensure that all public events meet the country’s standards for entertainment with the steps part of UCC’s ongoing effort to uphold decency and protect the public from harmful or inappropriate content.
In a letter addressed to the Country's broadcasters, UCC has directed Radio and Tv Stations to ensure all entertainment acts receive licensing prior to their Advertising and Performance, with the Media required to submit their Monthly entertainment/Concert ADs to ensure compliance.
According to UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo, the Commission has an obligation to regulate communications services, including content on broadcasting platforms, stage plays, and public entertainment.
However, some actors in the industry have consistently ignored appeals to conduct their business within the confines of existing laws, regulations, and public morality expectations.
“The Commission has noted with concern the growing trend of vulgarity and indecency in the entertainment industry, which is a threat to social order and can no longer be tolerated,” Mr. Thembo said during a meeting with stakeholders.
“We have therefore introduced new regulations to regulate stage plays and public entertainment, to ensure that they comply with the law and public morality expectations.” he added.
The new regulations require organizers and promoters of public entertainment events to seek authorization from the UCC. This includes obtaining an entertainment permit, which is mandatory for any stage play or public entertainment. The permit ensures that the content and performance comply with the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49 and the Stage Plays and Public Entertainments Rules 2019.
The UCC ED emphasized that the regulations are designed to promote decency and respect in public performances, while also protecting the rights of artists and event organizers. “We urge all stakeholders to comply with these regulations, to ensure that we promote a safe and respectful environment for public performances,” he said.
The UCC has also directed broadcasters to file monthly reports of all stage plays and public entertainment they have advertised, along with corresponding entertainment permits or authorizations issued by the Commission. This is aimed at ensuring that broadcasters comply with the regulations and promote decency and respect in public performances.
The Commission has also warned that it will take action against anyone who violates the regulations. “It is an offense to stage a public play or public entertainment without a permit issued by the Commission,” Mr. Thembo said. “On conviction, you will be subjected to fines and imprisonment.”
List of new regulations
All organizers and promoters of public entertainment events must obtain an entertainment permit from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The permit is mandatory for any stage play or public entertainment.
Broadcasters must obtain authorization from the UCC before advertising any stage play or public entertainment.
Broadcasters must file monthly reports of all stage plays and public entertainment they have advertised, along with corresponding entertainment permits or authorizations.
The Uganda Police Force and security agencies must ensure that organizers of public entertainment events have an entertainment permit before granting security clearance.
Local governments and town councils must not issue clearance for any stage play or public entertainment without an entertainment permit.
Inspectors will be appointed to verify compliance with the regulations while Offenders will face fines and imprisonment.
