UCC closes NBS TV over what it refers to as fake news

Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has terminated NBS TV licence over what it termed as fake news.

In a statement released this morning, dated 19th June 2018, signed by Executive Director, Godfrey Mutabazi cited breaking news portals, which do not protect witnesses, as the major cause of termination.

According to the commission, Ugandans complained of not protecting eye witnesses.

” Following concerns from the public over misuse of your broadcasting portals to relay fake and unfounded breaking news coupled with unprofessional live broadcasts without protecting eye witnesses,” reads the statement in parts.

It further states, “The commission will terminate your broadcasting licence not later than today pending intensive investigations.”

This was an opportunity for the commission to warn the rest of the country.

“The commission would like to remind other broadcasters that continued relaying of such fake news which is in the breach of minimum broadcasting standards as laid down in section 31 of the Uganda communications act 2013 and the best practice guidelines for electronic media coverage/reporting and broadcasting live events.”

In conclusion, the statement reads, “The commission shall not hesitate to carry out enforcement for non_compliance with those guidelines and any further breach will result in suspension and revocation of your licence in accordance with section 41 of Uganda communications act.”

This statement was served to NBS TV management. However, it is a warning to the rest of the broadcasters, especially those that broadcast live.

A source who did not want to be named said, “President Yoweri Museveni said NBS TV spread false news about  minister Anite’s shooting, now Godfrey Mutabazi is closing down NBS TV not knowing that page doesn’t belong to NBS TV.”

Even others think UCC is following the president’s word.  This is the only fake news ever reported, but it was on social media page, which does not belong to NBS TV management.