Communications tribunal
The National Association of Broadcasters – NAB has called on the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to set up a Communications Tribunal to enable radio and TV stations resolve their grievances out of court.
The Uganda Communications Act 2013 provides for the establishment of a tribunal to hear and determine all matters relating to communication services arising from decisions made by UCC or Minister under the Act.
The tribunal is supposed to consist of a Judge and two other persons appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.
Dr. Innocent Nahabwe, the Deputy Chairperson – NAB made the call (or UCC to set up a tribunal) on Friday during the Annual Broadcasters’ Conference 2022 at Imperial Royale Hotel. The Conference was aimed at addressing emerging trends in broadcasting.
Dr, Nahabwe, also the Chief Executive Officer – CEO of Galaxy FM Limited told stakeholders at the meeting that it is necessary for broadcasters to have a tribunal responsible for resolving outstanding matters. He explained that despite a good working relationship with the current UCC board, anything can happen with the change of leadership in the future.
Communications tribunal
While the UCC has not closed any radio station in the past four years, Dr. Nahabwe says that “The communications tribunal is now becoming a big hit like a song, because we bring it up at every engagement.”
“Because now if UCC comes for you, where do you run to? We are happy and glad that the current UCC is willing to listen and engage with us, what if someone came and was very eager to close every radio station, all of us would be affected,” Dr. Nahabwe explained.
In 2019, Government reached an understanding with the Judicial Service Commission to set up a tribunal to resolve disputes related to the decisions of Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
Government had previously failed to set up a tribunal citing lack of funds to recruit Judges both at the tribunal and the Judiciary.
Vincent Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information Communications and Technology, explained that the Ministry had reached a consensus to start within three to six months but noted that the plan has not yet come to fruition.
UCC has previously been accused of issuing directives outside its mandate like the suspension of journalists. In most cases, the victims of the arbitrary decisions by the regulator have nowhere to run too for redress.
Uganda Communications Act 2013 says funds for the tribunal maybe appropriated by Parliament from time to time for enabling the tribunal to perform its functions.
They also include grants, gifts or donations from the Government or other sources acceptable to the Minister and the Minister responsible for finance; and funds provided by the commission.
Compiled by Rashidah Nakaayi
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