The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended the broadcasting services of 107.9 Pearl FM for violating the Minimum Broadcasting Standards.
According to Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of UCC, Pearl FM aired content on March 12, 2025, during the program “MPULIDDE KAMENYA”, hosted by Kalule Sulaiman, that breached broadcasting regulations.
Thembo stated that Kalule alleged that vote rigging and ballot stuffing were taking place in several areas of Kawempe as residents prepared for the upcoming Parliamentary elections. The program reportedly contained unsubstantiated, sensational, and alarmist statements, which were deemed capable of inciting violence among the public. Additionally, the presenter failed to distinguish between conjecture and facts, delivering information that was inaccurate, misleading, and distorted.
UCC further noted that the presenter’s conduct fell below professional journalistic standards as required under the Press and Journalism Act, Cap. 100. He made careless, unfounded, and inaccurate statements about the alleged election fraud.
“In order to protect the public during this sensitive election period in Kawempe, UCC is hereby suspending Pearl FM’s broadcasting services until investigations are concluded. The station is ordered to cease all broadcasts immediately until proper safeguards are established to prevent further violations of broadcasting standards,” Thembo stated.
Additionally, UCC has instructed Pearl FM’s management to:
Submit a written explanation regarding the violations and non-compliance with the Minimum Broadcasting Standards and relevant laws.
Provide qualifications, certification, and registration details of the Editor, Presenter, and Producer of MPULIDDE KAMENYA as required under Sections 5 and 27 of the Press and Journalism Act, Cap. 100.
Submit proof of a pre-listening device or time-delay equipment used for live broadcasts.
“Failure to comply with these directives may result in additional regulatory sanctions, including but not limited to further suspension or revocation of Pearl FM’s broadcasting license, in accordance with the Uganda Communications Act,” Thembo warned.
