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The Uganda Communications Commission, in collaboration with the Police, has issued a warning to telecom companies for installing illegal transmitters in Kampala. UCC emphasized that unlicensed equipment violates the Uganda Communications Act and will be confiscated, with heavy fines or imprisonment imposed on violators.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force, has issued a formal notice to telecommunications companies regarding the installation of illegal transmitters on buildings, particularly in downtown Kampala.

During a media briefing held at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, on Monday, October 21, 2024, UCC spokesperson Ibrahim Bbosa outlined the Commission’s ongoing efforts to address non-compliant operators who are in violation of broadcasting laws under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013.

Bbosa emphasized that the transmitters in question are being operated without proper licensing, which is a violation of Section 22 of the Uganda Communications Act. He further stressed that all telecommunications equipment, including Wi-Fi services, must be installed with the necessary authorisation.

As part of the enforcement measures, UCC will confiscate any equipment found to be used for illegal broadcasting. Bbosa clarified that once confiscated, such equipment will not be returned, even if the operator subsequently seeks to regularise their operations.

“Confiscated equipment will be disposed of in accordance with the established procedures,” Bbosa stated.

He also highlighted the legal consequences for offenders, noting that under Section 26 of the Act, the installation of illegal broadcasting equipment may result in a fine of up to 30 million Ugandan shillings, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. Furthermore, broadcasting without a licence, as outlined in Section 27, may lead to a fine of 500,000 Ugandan shillings or imprisonment for up to one year.