The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a reminder to all media practitioners, broadcasters, and internet users about strict compliance with the country’s communications laws, ahead of the anticipated 2026 general elections.
The reminder outlines a range of penalties for offences under the Computer Misuse Act and the Uganda Communications Act, as well as new enforcement measures under the 2019 Content Regulations.
According to the UCC, violations such as unauthorised data access, cyber harassment, cyberstalking, and hate speech will attract criminal prosecution, with offenders facing fines up to Shs 15 million or prison sentences of up to 10 years, or both.
The UCC cited Section 11 of the Computer Misuse Act, which criminalizes unauthorised access, voice or video recording without consent, and sharing of personal information.
Section 17 prohibits disclosure of electronic data accessed without permission, while Sections 24 through 29 deal with cyber harassment, stalking, hate speech, unsolicited and malicious information, and misuse of social media platforms.
For instance, hate speech, defined as content that ridicules or promotes hostility against any person or group based on tribe, ethnicity, religion, or gender, can lead to a seven-year jail term or a fine not exceeding Shs 15 million.
The UCC also emphasised personal liability for managers of organisational social media accounts under the Misuse of Social Media provision, particularly when information is shared under false or disguised identities.
Under Schedule 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, the Commission reminded broadcasters of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards, requiring that news content be factually accurate, free from distortion, and not incite public insecurity or promote ethnic prejudice.
In addition, the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations, 2019 set out detailed rules for election coverage.
Broadcasters must give equal airtime to all contenders, avoid dramatised political broadcasts, and ensure criticism of political parties is balanced with fair right of reply especially in the critical 48-hour window before polling.
“The regulations require broadcasters not only to ensure equity, but also to refrain from bias or any content that may unfairly damage the image of any political candidate or party,” reads part of the statement.
“Operators must afford all political parties a similar opportunity if they choose to air political adverts.”
The Commission further urged journalists to adhere to core journalistic principles such as accuracy, balance, fairness, objectivity, and integrity.
It called for the protection of confidential sources while warning against misuse of anonymous sourcing for propaganda or misinformation.
Media houses were also warned against publishing unofficial election results, sharing obscene content, and violating the privacy of political actors or their families.
The UCC’s statement also reaffirmed operators' public interest obligations, including the need to promote pluralism, strengthen national unity, and ensure enlightened citizen choices through fair media access.
As Uganda approaches a politically charged election season, the Commission's warning serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical lines media entities and internet users must not cross or face the full force of the law.