By Andrew Irumba
Kampala: The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) have urged online publications to register with the institution for licenses that permit them to carry out their communication and commercial services online.
This was revealed by Waswa Bbossa the UCC Head of Public relations who said,” With the growing entity of online publishers, we realized it was important to register these individuals so as they are mindful of the law and regulations as they publish their content to the public.”
He warned that some Online publication incite violence, misinformation and at times theft cases arise thus a need for registration to ease work for UCC in regulating and monitoring what is published.
“Online publishers and influencers who have reached a capacity of sharing communication content and also using the online publication for commercial business are required to register with the regulator that is UCC.” Bossa said.
According to Bbossa, service providers including online polishers, online news platforms, Online radio and television operators are required to pay an amount of $20 (73800) for registration and over forty online publishers have registered and received licenses to operate.
“Looking at the example of Egypt that registers online publishers who have more than 50,000 followers, as for UCC, we took a different strategy from them as we are considering registering online publishers who use the online space for communication services, broadcasting services and communication content.” He said.
The publishers are expected to abide by the terms and conditions to be mindful of public morality and avoid promoting the culture of violence among the public.
Bbossa said that their job as UCC is to let online publishers know that they are ambit. “As UCC, it is upon us to put into implementation these laws so that just in case of any problems that arise we are able to come up with resolutions.
In exercise of its power under section 6(e) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013, the commission classified online data communication services as a communication service for which one requires an authorization from the commission and all persons currently offering or desirous for providing online data communication services.
