By Spy Uganda
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has formally petitioned the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to withdraw a recent directive restricting media coverage of election disputes, warning that the order raises serious constitutional and democratic concerns.
In a detailed letter dated February 12, 2026, and addressed to the UCC Executive Director, NAB expressed “respectful but firm” objection to Directive Ref: UCC/LA/35 issued on February 10 to all television and radio broadcasters. The directive reportedly prohibits the broadcast of disputes regarding declared election results unless such matters have first been adjudicated by a court of law.
NAB, which represents all licensed broadcasters in Uganda, acknowledged the Commission’s statutory mandate and reaffirmed its members’ commitment to lawful, ethical and responsible journalism. However, the association argued that the directive amounts to prior restraint and undermines Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.
“The directive, as drafted, sets a dangerous and unconstitutional precedent,” NAB stated. “It imposes a general, preemptive and content-based ban on an entire category of political speech.”
The association contends that the order conflates legal adjudication with democratic discourse, arguing that while media platforms are not courts of law, they serve as essential forums for public debate.
“The media is not an alternative judicial forum. It is the principal arena for public discourse,” the letter reads. “Citizens are entitled to hear from those who seek to lead them, including when those leaders challenge electoral outcomes.”
NAB further argued that candidates dissatisfied with election results retain the right to both pursue legal redress and address the electorate through the media. It described the directive as prejudicial in its characterization of election grievances as presumptively “sensational, unverified and unsubstantiated.”
The association also raised concern about what it termed an “ambiguous, strict liability regime,” noting that the directive does not clearly define key terms such as “disputing,” “unverified,” or “sensational.” According to NAB, this vagueness could encourage self-censorship among broadcasters for fear of punitive enforcement action.
In addition, NAB maintained that the directive undermines the existing Minimum Broadcasting Standards, which already provide a framework for responsible election coverage, including fact verification, balance, and the right of reply.
“The proper regulatory response to concerns about election coverage is vigorous, consistent and transparent enforcement of existing standards—not the issuance of extraordinary directives that bypass those very standards,” the letter states.
Beyond legal concerns, NAB warned that the directive could damage Uganda’s democratic reputation domestically and internationally, arguing that open debate on electoral outcomes is a hallmark of democratic maturity.
The association has requested the immediate withdrawal of the directive and called for an urgent consultative meeting with the Commission to develop clear and constitutionally compliant guidance on election dispute coverage. It also sought assurances that no enforcement action would be taken against broadcasters covering election-related matters in compliance with existing standards while consultations are ongoing.
UCC DIRECTIVE LETTER
