Broadcast Media Africa has learnt that Uganda’s privately owned TV and radio stations have refused to broadcast a presidential message promoting efforts to carry out a national census free of charge, even though the regulator – the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) – is directing all broadcasters to give the census “maximum publicity” for free.
The Ugandan President has recorded a video explaining the importance of participating in the exercise. However, the broadcasters’ association dismissed the directive, saying they could not comply without adequate government funding.
The 10-day exercise, carried out by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), is intended to gather social and demographic data for proper government planning.
The UCC ordered all local broadcasters to air the message throughout the exercise to ensure its success.
It reminded broadcasters of their obligation, under official guidelines, to give the government free airtime for national events.
In response, the industry representative, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), said that private broadcasters provided free coverage during national emergencies but expected the government to fund pre-planned events like the census.
Media outlets operated as commercial entities, paying licensing fees and taxes to the government while also having other costs, like staff salaries, NAB chairman Innocent Nahabwe said in a statement.
He added that compliance with such directives without appropriate funding would set a worrying precedent.
“Based on these considerations, we have regrettably declined to comply with the directive issued by the UCC and will advise our members accordingly,” Mr Nahabwe said.
Local media reported that Uganda will conduct its sixth national census, and digital systems will be used for the first time.
