The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) received has suspended Full Figure’s “FULL BLAST” program on Bukedde TV 2 after complaints about the content and nature of programming aired on 30th September.
The Complainants allege that the Program “FULL BLAST,” aired on that fateful day, contained abusive and demeaning language. In addition, the producer or presenter of the program did not provide professional control or guidance to the guests during the program, which resulted in a physical confrontation between some of the guests.
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The program “FULL BLAST” aired on 30th September 2021 from 2200hrs to 2300 hours that was hosted by Mr. Godfrey Sseguya with Pastor Martin Ssempa, Mr. Isma Lubega, and presidential advisor Ms. Jennipher Namutebi Nakangubi (a.k.a Full Figure) as guests. According to UCC, the program “FULL BLAST” lacked decorum as it had content that indeed contained inappropriate (abusive or demeaning) language and degenerated into a shouting contest whereby guests traded accusations against each other.
The communication regulator further said that the host or presenter of the program, Mr. Godfrey Sseguya, failed to exercise the required professionalism and ability to control or guide the guests during the program, which resulted in a physical confrontation between Pastor Ssempa and Ms. Jennipher Namutebi Nakangubi.
“The program’s content has the potential or is likely to incite, perpetuate hatred and vilify individuals or sections of the community on account of the religion or culture of that person or section of the community,” UCC said in its blog post.
UCC sets conditions
In accordance with sections 5(1)(b), (x), and (j), 31 and 45 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, and to protect the public against further breach of the law and the Minimum Broadcasting Standards through the said program “FULL BLAST”, the Commission directed Bukedde TV 2 as follows:-
- To immediately suspend the airing of the program “FULL BLAST” until Bukedde TV 2 has demonstrated to the Commission that the program has sufficient controls to avoid the risk of breaching the Minimum Broadcasting Standards and the rights of other members of the public.
- To make written submissions to the Commission as to why regulatory sanctions should not be taken against Bukedde TV 2 for breach of the Minimum Broadcasting standards.
- To submit a script of the Program “FULL BLAST” aired on 30th September 2021, clearly indicating and detailing what happened before, during and after the program.
- To submit to the Commission proof of availability of pre-listening devices or time delay equipment used in live broadcasts.
- To submit proof of registration of the producer/editor of the program “FULL BLAST” in accordance with section 5 of the Press and Journalist Act, Cap. 105.
Upon submitting the above information and representations, the UCC will conduct a hearing on this matter but should Bukedde TV 2 fail and or refuse to adhere to the directives above; the Commission shall proceed to institute other appropriate regulatory sanctions against the station, including but not limited to suspension of broadcast license.
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