Uganda’s communications regulator has directed online broadcaster TV10 Gano Mazima to take down programmes containing unverified allegations and to issue public apologies to those affected.
The order, signed by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) executive director Nyombi Thembo, follows an inquiry into content produced by the station, which is owned by former NTV journalist Dean Lubowa Saava.
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According to the Commission, the broadcaster aired material accusing individuals and institutions – including Post Bank and some of its staff – of theft, fraud and corruption without offering evidence or giving them a right of reply.
In its ruling, UCC said TV10 Gano Mazima fell within the definition of a “broadcaster” under the Uganda Communications Act and therefore had to comply with professional and ethical broadcasting standards. The station was found to have violated regulations by relying on unverified claims and failing to seek balance.
Officials dismissed the broadcaster’s defence that it was drawing on previously published reports and pending court cases, stressing that repeating defamatory allegations from other sources did not shield media houses from liability.
UCC has ordered Saava to remove all disputed content from his online channels and broadcast unconditional apologies with the same prominence as the original material. The affected parties must also be allowed to present their responses within three days, free of charge.
The Commission further directed TV10 to submit a full application for an online broadcasting licence within five days or halt operations until it is authorised. It also instructed the outlet to introduce safeguards to ensure future programmes meet legal and ethical requirements.
Failure to comply, UCC warned, could attract penalties ranging from blocking of the platform to prosecution. The regulator added that while it has no mandate to award financial damages, complainants were free to seek compensation through the courts.
Any party dissatisfied with the Commission’s ruling has 30 days to appeal under the Uganda Communications Act.
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