Online media publishers, influencers oppose UCC's call for a license to operate online
Online media publishers and influencers have reacted to a call by the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) to have them registered for a license in order to operate online.
On Monday afternoon, UCC made a call to all online publishers and influencers that soon they will have to part with $20 (About Shs. 73,000) to acquire the license that will allow them to operate and pass on communications on their different platforms.
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According to UCC Spokesperson Ibrahim Bbosa, the move is to ensure that all publishers and influencers online are checked to make sure that they are mindful of the law and regulations as they publish their content to the public.
Bbosa said that UCC has realised the spontaneous growth of the online publishers and influencers and they need to keep them under check.
"We realised it was important to register them so as they are mindful of the law and regulations as they publish their content," he said.
Online publishers, influencers react
The NilePost contacted a number of influencers for a comment on the development.
Many criticised the move to regulate them while others are questioning the strategy that UCC will use to ensure enforcement.
According to Allan Creed, the move to regulate the online space is unrealistic.
" Implementation of this policy would be unrealistic.," he said.
According to Silas Muwonge, a digital strategist for brands, UCC is being misguided yet again.
"UCC was misguided with the passing of OTT, It's happening again," Muwonge said.
Another influence, Ugaman said: "My comment is that a group of mafias is busy misleading UCC the same way the Ministry of ICT was misled to accept OTT. We are waiting to see how they will define influencers. The whole thing is laughable."