RUKUNGIRI, UGANDA – Tension has gripped the Rukungiri community following the Uganda Communications Commission’s (UCC) suspension of local radio station Boona FM, sparking public suspicion and accusations against Security Minister Major General Jim Muhwezi.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Boona FM was ordered off the air on September 11, 2025, for allegedly breaching UCC broadcasting guidelines, triggering widespread speculation and local allegations against Minister Muhwezi.
An anonymous source alleged that the suspension came as a direct order from Minister Muhwezi, claiming the official had been at odds with the station for frequently hosting his political rivals.
The source referenced a previous UCC directive that demanded the suspension of programs hosted by presenter Kakyene Namanya, suggesting the Minister instigated this move.
These allegations follow a history of regulatory disputes, including the July suspension of host Kakyene Namanya following formal UCC complaints.
In a letter dated July 4, 2025, the Commission accused Boona FM of airing “false and malicious broadcasts” that “undermine government programs and mislead the public.”
This disciplinary action occurred shortly after the station hosted a program discussing the launch of a power extension project by Minister of Energy Ruth Nankabirwa, which was attended by Minister Muhwezi.
Critics of the suspension argue that the station is being targeted for hosting the Minister’s political critics, calling the move a violation of Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
In response, Minister Muhwezi publicly denied on Twitter (X) any involvement in the station’s closure, acknowledging the station’s “ongoing compliance issues” while affirming that only the UCC holds the authority to close radio stations.
Former Security Minister Henry Tumukunde also called for calm, confirming in a separate statement that discussions are ongoing between Boona FM’s management and the UCC to resolve the matter.
Tumukunde addressed speculation that he and his supporters were seeking to politicize the event, urging residents to disregard such conjecture and focus on local challenges.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between media freedom and regulatory enforcement in Uganda’s political landscape.
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