UCC Summons Media Houses to Emergency Meeting Over Soaring Hate Speech Concerns

Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has summoned media houses and broadcasters to an urgent meeting to address the growing concern of hate speech and sensational content in the media.

The meeting, scheduled for February 27, 2025, at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, aims to tackle the increasing broadcast of content that creates disharmony among the public.

According to UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, the commission has noted a rise in sensational content that spreads hatred and false information, capable of inciting violence among the public.

The concern is echoed by the National Security Council, headed by General Kainerugaba Muhoozi, who recently tweeted a warning to broadcasters against publishing stories that may create disharmony.

The meeting will be attended by CEOs of media houses, representatives from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, government officials, and security agencies.

The Commission’s move is seen as a response to General Muhoozi’s orders to regulate the media and promote national unity.

As the media landscape in Uganda continues to evolve, the UCC’s crackdown on hate speech raises questions about the balance between freedom of expression and national security.