Moratorium on Licensing New FM Radio Stations in Uganda

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) is the regulator of the communications services in Uganda. UCC was established by the Uganda Communications Act (Cap 106 Laws of Uganda),Subsections 4 (b) and 4(i), of the Act mandate the Commission to monitor, inspect, license, regulate communication services and set national communication standards. Under this mandate, UCC is responsible for the management of radio spectrum which broadly includes its planning and monitoring to make sure it is put into proper use in the interest of the public.
station station

Accordingly, the Commission has a right to set up policies on the use of the radio spectrum for different services including broadcasting so as to ensure efficient utilisation of the resource.

UCC is undertaking a study on spectrum optimisation in the FM frequency band. There are many FM radio stations for which the findings of the study will guide the Commission on their future management before it is too late.

The study will streamline the operations of the radio stations recognising the need for well-defined broadcast coverage areas, technical standards for both the transmitter equipment and broadcast studios.

The majority of the broadcasters are self-provisioning in terms of the broadcaster infrastructure which mainly includes transmitter and studio structures.

By this public notice, the Commission informs the general public that, a moratorium will be placed on licensing of new FM stations for a period of three months during which period the study will be conducted. The public will further be advised accordingly when the exercise has been completed.

Source: UCC