By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended the broadcasting license of Pearl FM (107.9), a Muslim-founded radio station, citing violations of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards with claims of airing of ”unverified and potentially inflammatory” allegations during the Kawempe North by-election.
In a statement issued on March 12, 2025, the UCC accused Pearl FM of broadcasting “alarmist” and “sensational” content through its popular program “Mpulidde Kamenya”. According to the Commission, the program’s presenter, Sulaiman Kalule, made unsubstantiated claims alleging widespread vote rigging and ballot stuffing in several areas of Kawempe North.
“Mr. Kalule alleged and stated that vote rigging and ballot stuffing was taking place in many areas in Kawempe. The presenter presented information that was inaccurate, misleading, and full of distortions. He failed to distinguish between comments, conjecture, and facts,” the statement, signed by Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the UCC, read in part.
The Commission described the broadcast as a blatant breach of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards, warning that such conduct has the potential to incite unrest, particularly during sensitive electoral periods.
“We take these matters very seriously, especially during emotionally charged events like elections. The public relies on accurate and unbiased information, and it is our responsibility to ensure that broadcasters uphold these standards,” Thembo emphasized.
Citing the need to protect public interest during the tense by-election, the UCC directed Pearl FM to cease all broadcasting operations with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a formal investigation.
“In order to protect the public during the emotive election period in Kawempe, the Commission hereby suspends the broadcasting services of Pearl FM as the investigation into this matter continues,” Thembo stated.
As part of its directive, the UCC has also ordered Pearl FM to submit comprehensive documentation, including written representations, qualifications, and proof of certification for its staff. Additionally, the station must provide evidence of pre-listening devices or time-delay equipment used to ensure editorial control during live broadcasts.
Failure to comply with these directives, the UCC warned, may result in further sanctions, including the permanent revocation of Pearl FM’s broadcasting license under the Uganda Communications Act, Cap. 103.
Pearl FM’s suspension has elicited mixed reactions. While UCC view the move as a necessary enforcement of ethical standards, some Ugandans argue that it represents a troubling attack on press freedom, particularly amid heightened tensions during the Kawempe North by-election.
The by-election itself has been marred by controversy, with allegations of electoral malpractice, heavy military deployment, and reports of journalists being assaulted by security personnel. Some media houses have already withdrawn their teams from covering the polls, citing safety concerns.
The Kawempe North parliamentary race is primarily contested between Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and Farida Nambi Kigongo of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
