RUKUNGIRI, UGANDA – The looming closure of Rukungiri’s Boona FM has been squarely traced back to a controversial paid broadcast hosted by Ms. Peace Rugambwa, leader of the Boona-Bageigahare Nyekundire group.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Boona FM was ordered off the air last week on Thursday, a move that has triggered widespread speculation and local allegations that its closure might be linked to political motives.
Digging deeper into the matter, this reporter learned that the station aired a program last year hosted by one Peace Rugambwa, who during the session made serious accusations.
She accused the General of directly sabotaging her event, claiming he gave orders to lock her group out of the public district stadium, a move she characterized as a blatant attempt to silence his critics.
She further claimed the Minister was actively pursuing her imprisonment in retaliation for her allegations, which included public claims that Gen. Jim had solicited bribes and engaged in corruption and sabotage of government programs.
Following the controversy, the station faced heavy sanctions and warnings and was ordered to pay a fine to the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) over serious breaches of minimum broadcasting standards.
The sanctions stem from a formal complaint filed by Mr. Tumwesigye Arthur on behalf of the Minister of Security, Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, regarding a talk show aired on October 23, 2023.
The UCC, in a letter dated December 24, 2023, disclosed that it had found the station guilty of airing defamatory, unbalanced, and unsubstantiated allegations against the Minister and other government officials without offering them a right of reply.
The letter also indicated that the UCC found that the station’s host, Mr. Kakyene Namanya, was not a trained journalist, with the station having no registered producer with the Media Council.
The regulator also faulted the station for its poor technical infrastructure, specifically the absence of a broadcast delay device, which is considered essential for preventing the airing of libelous, obscene, or otherwise illegal content.
The UCC then directed Boona FM to pay a UGX 1 million (approx. $260) fine, register its staff, install broadcast delay equipment, and offer free airtime to the allegedly defamed parties within 14 days, with failure to comply risking license revocation and permanent closure.
The case has ignited fears of growing political interference in media freedom, with local commentators warning that the complaint from a powerful minister and the swift regulatory response have created a climate of fear among radio stations across the southwestern region.
About the Author
