The Uganda Communications Commission, UCC has issued a gag order on live coverage of parliament proceedings by Television and Radio stations.
The order was issued last evening, banning media houses from broadcasting live events that involved throwing chairs and punches by legislators from the opposition and ruling NRM parties.
Today, parliament sits again at 2:00PM to discus tabling of the infamous age limit Bill by Igara West MP Rafael Magyezi. The gag order however means media houses will not be relaying the proceedings live like yesterday.
UCC Executive Director, Godfrey Mutabazi in his letter argues that the live broadcasts incite the public, are discriminating, stirring up hatred and promote a culture of violence amongst the viewers.
“The commission hereby directs all broadcasters to immediately stop and refrain from broadcasting live feeds which are in the breach of the minimum broadcasting standards and the best practice guidelines for electronic media coverage/reporting” Mutabazi wrote.
He threatens that the commission shall not hesitate to carry out enforcement for non-compliance with the guidelines and any further breach will result in suspension and revocation of the license in accordance with section 41 of the Uganda Communications Act 2013.
