UCC orders former NTV journalist Dean Lubowa to apologise, retract all defamatory content

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has ordered online broadcaster TV10 Gano Mazima, owned by former NTV reporter Dean Lubowa Saava, to remove allegedly defamatory content and issue public apologies to multiple complainants.

The decision, signed by the UCC executive director, Nyombi Thembo comes after investigations revealed that TV10 Gano Mazima broadcast content containing unverified allegations against individuals and institutions, including Post Bank and its employees.

Complainants had claimed the content labelled them as thieves, fraudsters, and corrupt without any substantiated evidence or opportunity to respond. According to UCC, TV10 Gano Mazima’s online broadcasts constitute “broadcasting” under the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103, and are therefore subject to regulatory oversight.

The Commission found that the broadcaster failed to comply with minimum broadcasting standards, content regulations, and the professional code of ethics for journalists, particularly by airing unverified material and failing to seek the complainants’ side of the story.

The Commission dismissed the broadcaster’s defense that it relied on previously published reports and ongoing court proceedings, emphasising that freedom of expression must be balanced with the right to dignity and reputation.

Citing prior court rulings, UCC noted that repeating potentially defamatory stories, even if previously aired elsewhere, does not absolve media practitioners from accountability. UCC directed Saava to immediately remove all impugned content from his online platforms and to broadcast unconditional apologies to complainants with equal prominence to the original programs.

Furthermore, the complainants must also be allowed to present their side of the story within three days at no cost. The broadcaster is required to submit a complete application for online broadcasting authorisation within five days or cease broadcasting until licensed.

TV10 must also implement strict measures to ensure all content complies with minimum broadcasting standards and applicable laws. The Commission warned against unsubstantiated claims or attacks against UCC and its officials, noting that non-compliance could result in further regulatory sanctions, including platform blocking or prosecution.

While UCC cannot grant claims for monetary damages, it advises complainants to pursue such claims in courts of competent jurisdiction. Parties aggrieved by this decision have 30 days to appeal under the Uganda Communications Act.