UCC Orders Rukungiri’s Boona FM to Suspend Host Over Breach of Broadcasting Standards
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed Boona FM in Rukungiri district to immediately suspend all programs hosted by radio presenter Kakyene Namanya over allegations of false and malicious broadcasts, in violation of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards.
In a letter dated July 4, 2025, and addressed to the Managing Director of Boona FM, UCC said it had received complaints accusing the station of airing content that undermines government programs and misleads the public.
The content in question was aired during a show hosted by Mr. Namanya on July 3, 2025, between 9:30 am and 11:00 am.
According to the complainant, the radio host in question alleged that the recent launch of a power extension project by the Minister of Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa, in partnership with Kuwait Energy, was “a hoax to hoodwink voters.”
The host allegedly encouraged the public to disregard the efforts of the Ministry of Energy, further accusing the government of staging the project for political mileage.
“The complainant further alleges that Boona FM is being used to sabotage government programs, and obstruct development within the District of Rukungiri,” the letter reads in part.
The UCC noted that this is not the first complaint involving Mr. Kakyene Namanya.
“After investigation and engagement with the station last year, it was established that Mr. Kakyene is not a trained journalist and neither did he study any course relevant to journalism,” the letter signed by UCC Executive Director, Nyombi Thembo, stated.
Boona FM was also faulted for failure to register details of the said host and editor/producer with the Media Council, despite a directive issued by UCC in December 2024.
In response to the fresh allegations, UCC has instituted three directives:
“Boona FM must suspend all programs hosted or presented by Mr. Kakyene Namanya until investigations are concluded. The station must submit written representations addressing the allegations made in the complaint,” UCC said.
It added, “Boona FM must provide reasons why UCC should not take further regulatory action, including suspension or revocation of its broadcasting license. Boona FM should ensure that its representations are submitted to the Commission by not later than 5pm on Friday July, 18, 2025.”
The UCC further warned that failure to comply with these directives may attract tougher sanctions.
“Should Boona FM fail and or refuse to abide by these directives, the Commission may impose additional regulatory sanctions including but not limited to suspension and/or revocation of Boona FM’s broadcasting license.”
This latest development marks a serious warning to media houses against non-compliance with broadcasting regulations and the spread of misinformation under the guise of journalism.
