THE STIFLING OF MEDIA FREEDOMS; THE CASE OF UGANDA’S MEDIA BROADCASTING REGIME

Abstract

This article scrutinizes the broadcasting regime in Uganda. It specifically dwells on
the endless and arbitrary directives from Uganda‟s broadcasting regulator,
Uganda Communication Commission, to radio and television broadcasters. The
article also considers whether the directives are consistent with international best
practices or whether they are a violation of freedom of expression, media freedoms
and the other interconnected human rights. A comparative case law analysis of the
regulatory regimes in Burundi, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria is
carried out. The major finding of the study is that the broadcasting legal regime is
ambiguous and as a result is used to promote partisan political interests. The
ambiguous regulatory framework has, subsequently, facilitated violation of freedom
of expression. It recommends for reform of the broadcasting regime in Uganda