The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a directive requiring all media houses to obtain permits before airing advertisements for concerts and public entertainment events. The move aims to regulate the promotion of vulgar content and enforce compliance with entertainment laws.
According to UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo, no media platform—including broadcasters, online spaces, and billboards—will be allowed to advertise concerts without verifying the promoter’s permit issued by UCC. He highlighted that the advertising industry must now ensure proof of permits before running any concert advertisements.
“Our role is to enforce the law, not personalize it. All advertisers must have a UCC-issued entertainment permit before promoting public events,” Thembo said.
Media houses will be required to file monthly reports detailing the concerts they have advertised and the corresponding permits. Failure to comply could result in penalties or licensing complications.
To prevent fraudulent permits, UCC plans to introduce a QR code verification system. The permit fee for organizing a concert has been set at Shs100,000, a cost artists have criticized as an additional financial burden.
This initiative seeks to curb vulgar content and ensure Ugandan cultural values are preserved, with regulatory enforcement by regional police commanders and district officials.