KAMPALA – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern clarification, stating that its ongoing regulatory actions against media personality Dean Lubowa Saava are strictly based on legal violations and not on any personal grievances.
The statement comes directly from the Executive Director of the UCC, who moved to address public speculation that the commission’s moves were motivated by a personal vendetta.
In a definitive rebuttal, the Executive Director stated, “I want to make it absolutely clear: the actions taken by the Commission against Mr. Lubowa are NOT motivated by personal grievances. As the Executive Director of UCC, I will not exploit my position for personal vendettas.”
The commission outlined a series of serious legal breaches it alleges against Lubowa and his platform. These include:
· Operating without a valid broadcast license.
· The illegal installation of broadcasting equipment.
· A repeated failure to comply with directives issued by the regulatory body.
Furthermore, the UCC revealed that it has been acting on numerous complaints from individuals and institutions allegedly harmed by content published by Lubowa’s platform. The commission asserts that the nature of this content violates several laws, including the Uganda Communications Act, the Computer Misuse Act, and the Penal Code Act.
The UCC emphasized that Lubowa’s outlet is not being singled out, but is merely one of many online communication services currently under scrutiny. The commission noted that while several other providers have since “regularised their operations and been authorised to continue,” Lubowa’s non-compliance left them with no option but to pursue enforcement actions.
Addressing Lubowa’s recent public criticisms, the Executive Director dismissed them as “merely desperate attempts at blackmail, designed to intimidate us into submission.” He categorically denied ever lodging a personal complaint against Lubowa, labelling the broadcaster’s claims as “slanderous fabrications.”
The statement concluded with a warning to all providers of online data communication services to ensure their operations are fully compliant with Ugandan law to “avoid regulatory inconveniences,” reaffirming the UCC’s commitment to enforcing regulations “fairly and professionally, without fear or favour.”
About The Author
