By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Next Media Services’ lawyer Obadia Ismail has vowed to challenge Uganda Communication Commission (UCC)’s judgement that will see Sanyuka TV paying $520 in total; $260 for distributing prohibited content and another $260 for non-compliance to minimum broadcasting standards all relating to singer Omulangira Suuna’s saga.
According to counsel Obadia, UCC’s judgement is wrong and it’s against the principles of natural justice.
”Speaking fairness, you can’t be the investigator, the prosecutor, and the judge. That was not the mischief of the law in light of the powers of the commission enshrined under the UCC Act of 2013,” says Obadia adding;
”Whereas we recognise the mandate of the commission, it must be exercised within principles of law and standards expected of a democratic society regardless of public pressure which we believe played a big role in the outcome as opposed to the real facts of the subject matter.”
It is from the above background that he revealed they are appealing against UCC’s judgement in competent courts of law, reasoning that if this is unchallenged and not overturned, it will set a very bad precedent for the industry.
UCC’s judgement stems from allegations that on August 27th, ‘Morning Express’ presenters, Kayz Wako, Mako while hosting blogger, Isma Olaxess aka jajja Iculi, reportedly branded Suuna a witch and claimed he has a shrine where he practices witchcraft.
The above annoyed Suuna who ran to UCC and ordered them to apologize or drag them to court. Having refused to publicly apologize, Suuna through his lawyers dragged them to court, where they were charged with offensive communication and criminal libel and remanded them to Kitalya prison. Later they were released on bond but the case is still in court.
Infact, UCC has since ordered Morning Express’ presenters to retract statements made against Suuna and host him on the same program to give his side of the story.
