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The Uganda Communications Commission has warned against vulgarity in entertainment during the festive season, threatening deportation for offending foreign artistes, license cancellation for broadcasters, and sanctions for event organizers. UCC emphasized adherence to public morality laws and regulations.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a formal warning to both local and international artistes, as well as broadcasters, against the use of vulgar language while entertaining audiences during the festive season.

According to the UCC Executive Director, Mr. Nyombi Tembo, foreign artistes found in violation of this directive will face deportation, and their concerts will be canceled. “We shall put them back on the plane, cancel their air tickets, and halt their concerts,” he stated.

Broadcasters who fail to comply with these regulations will also face severe consequences, including the confiscation of equipment and cancellation of their licenses if inappropriate content is aired.

Mr. Tembo emphasized UCC’s mandate to regulate communications services, including content on broadcasting platforms, stage plays, and public entertainment. While acknowledging that most actors in these fields adhere to the rules, he expressed concern over a few individuals who have consistently ignored appeals to operate within the confines of existing laws, regulations, and societal expectations of morality.

“There is a growing public outcry over vulgar, offensive, obscene, indecent, and distressing material in the form of music audios and videos being broadcast across various platforms, including television, radio, and online channels,” Mr. Tembo noted during a press briefing at UCC headquarters in Kampala on December 17, 2024.

He further revealed that the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) has also expressed concern over this issue and called for action against offenders. “Songs and other creative works containing veiled vulgarity, offensive statements, or innuendos that undermine the moral and cultural fabric of society have no place on our airwaves,” he declared.

To address this, UCC has directed broadcasters to suspend the airing of specific songs, including Enkudi, Dooze, Okwepicha, Enyama, and Omunio by musicians Lil Pazo and Gravity Omutujju, among others.

Mr. Tembo stressed that this issue extends beyond broadcasting, highlighting instances of offensive and provocative live performances in public spaces that have caused embarrassment, particularly in the presence of children. “This growing trend of both local and international artistes engaging in inappropriate live performances is a threat to social order and can no longer be tolerated,” he warned.

He underscored UCC’s authority under the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49 and the accompanying Stage Plays and Public Entertainments Rules, 2019, which require organisers and promoters of public entertainment events to obtain prior authorisation from the Commission. Section 4(1) of the Act prohibits any performance or presentation of stage plays or public entertainment without an approved permit.

Despite multiple warnings, including official correspondence, UCC observed that some entities have continued to disregard these regulations. Consequently, the Commission has intensified enforcement measures. “Broadcasters of offensive content or organisers of indecent shows will face regulatory sanctions, including possible prosecution,” Mr. Tembo stated.

Mr. Tembo called on promoters to ensure that all concert events have the requisite permits before proceeding. He also highlighted UCC’s ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including the UNCC, the United National Event Promoters Association (UNEPA), the National Cultural Forum, and the Uganda Police, to uphold compliance and set high standards in the entertainment industry.

The Executive Director concluded by appealing to media houses to report cases of non-compliance and assist in safeguarding the moral and cultural integrity of Uganda.