The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has denied claims that it switched off Mubende-based Point FM 105.1 because of plans to host National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Bobi Wine is scheduled to hold a campaign rally in Mubende today, October 8, with Point FM having earlier announced it would broadcast the event live.
However, the station went off air on Monday, sparking speculation that the move was politically motivated.
UCC Executive Director William Nyombi Thembo dismissed those allegations, insisting that the shutdown was due to regulatory non-compliance, not politics.
“It is not true that we disconnected Point FM because of plans to host Mr Kyagulanyi,” Nyombi said. “The Commission had for months been engaging the station over licensing and compliance issues.”
He explained that UCC had spent nearly six months reminding Point FM to meet its obligations, adding that the disconnection followed several written notices.
“You can ask the management of Point FM — before disconnecting them, we had written several times. They have a copy of the disconnection order which outlines the reasons. They simply failed to address those issues,” Nyombi said.
The UCC boss declined to share specific details publicly, citing client confidentiality.
“Point FM is our client, and it would be inappropriate to discuss their details in the media. But they know exactly why they were disconnected,” he added.
Nyombi assured that the station would be reinstated once management resolves the pending issues.
“Their licence will be renewed, and they will get back on air as soon as they meet the necessary compliance requirements,” he said.
He further dismissed claims that the decision was politically driven, emphasising that UCC has no problem with any media outlet hosting presidential candidates.
“Kyagulanyi is a presidential candidate, not an enemy of the state. Uganda is a democratic country, and as far as UCC is concerned, any radio station is free to host him,” Nyombi stated.
He encouraged all broadcasters to give fair and equal airtime to all candidates during the election period.
“We urge radio stations to host all candidates and offer them equal access to the airwaves. It is wrong to link Point FM’s disconnection to Kyagulanyi’s planned appearance,” Nyombi concluded.
