I have seen a letter from the Uganda Communications Commission suspending programs hosted by Radio Boona FM moderator Mr. Namanya Kakyene. Kakyene is accused of overriding broadcasting standards.
The decision by @UCC_Official has further polarized opinion and heated political discourse in Rukungiri District, with supporters of Kakyene raising voices of foul play and bias, while supporters of UCC’s actions are jubilating. Sadly, some politicians—directly and through their agents—are rubbing it in and adding fire to gasoline (okwendegyeza omuriro) in the hope of benefiting from the tension.
Whereas it’s vital to respect broadcasting laws and standards, there is also a need to protect the sanctity of freedom of speech and freedom of opinion. It’s a delicate balancing act, and I hope UCC has the bandwidth, stamina, and stomach lining to productively get on top of it.
For instance, did Kakyene say anything that could not be challenged using the same platform? Did Kakyene use the platform to defame and demean people or parties who could not defend themselves through the same platform? As a moderator, did he favor one side of opinion against others or give more time to those whose opinions he favors? Did he utter falsehoods that can’t be debunked with truth? Did he knowingly broadcast falsehoods to mislead the public? All these, and perhaps more, should be examined — and one significant way is for UCC to have called Kakyene to defend himself before reaching the suspension decision. That is what the principle of fair hearing demands.
Another way of resolving this could be through mediation — especially so because Kakyene is mostly a public affairs moderator, and with the heated political season, there is a heightened atmosphere where Kakyene’s approach can easily be taken out of context to facilitate a certain political agenda. Equally, there is also an atmosphere of manipulating Kakyene’s approach to drive negative sentiments in the population. This makes Kakyene and Radio Boona FM victims of a heightened political environment. And perhaps UCC should have studied this before reaching a suspension conclusion.
Lastly, a mediation team involving stakeholders outside active politics—e.g., retired and senior journalists, religious leaders, business leaders, and farmers—can be engaged to help resolve some of these community issues. UCC can tap into the foregoing stakeholder atlas. For now, I think UCC is using a hammer on Kakyene and Radio Boona FM. This can change and be an opportunity to create a moderate and inclusive tone as we head into the deep end of the election season.
Morrison Rwakakamba
Farmer — Rukungiri District
