Electronic Media Act

Jurisdiction: Uganda
Instrument: Act or statute
Citation: Chapter 104
Version: Undated source snapshot
Language: en

Source attribution: Source: Uganda Legal Information Institute

Statute overview

About this statute

This section provides definitions for terms used in the Act, including "broadcasting", "chairperson", "cinematograph theatre", "council", "electronic media", "exhibition", "Minister", "operator", "producer" and "proprietor". A licence is required to install or operate a television or radio station or broadcasting apparatus; the council must consider specified criteria before issuing licences; licences may be granted upon written application and payment of the prescribed fee; contravention is an offence with specified fines and imprisonment. Owners of television, radio or broadcasting apparatus must register with the Media Council and provide particulars about the producer in charge; the Media Council must not register a station unless those particulars are supplied; proprietors must notify the Council of any change; contraventions are an offence punishable by a fine. Proprietors or producers of broadcasting stations or disseminating apparatus must ensure broadcasts are not contrary to public morality and must keep records of broadcasts for at least thirty days. A person shall not be appointed a producer of a station if they are under eighteen, of unsound mind, not ordinarily resident in Uganda, or lack the qualifications prescribed by the Media Council.

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Legal text

Provisions of Electronic Media Act

Showing 28 of 28

Part I

Interpretation

1
Interpretation - Interpretation

This section provides definitions for terms used in the Act, including "broadcasting", "chairperson", "cinematograph theatre", "council", "electronic media", "exhibition", "Minister", "operator", "producer" and "proprietor".

Section Interpretation Section In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires— “ broadcasting ” means any communication or transmission of any message or signal to the public by means of any electronic apparatus; “ chairperson ” means chairperson of the council ; “ cinematograph theatre ” means any building, structure, tent or other erection of whatever nature or any place or land in or on which a cinematograph or video exhibition is presented to the public either gratuitously or for reward; “ council ” means the Broadcasting Council established under section 9 and includes its duly authorised officers or agents; “ electronic media ” means communication of any message to the public by means of any electronic apparatus; “ exhibition ” means an exhibition of art, film or videotape, with or without sound effects, to the public by means of any electronic apparatus; “ Minister ” means the Minister responsible for information; “ operator ” means a person who is issued a broadcasting licence under this Act; “ producer ” includes a person who is at any given time, in charge of programme production and transmission to the public by means of any electronic apparatus; “ proprietor ” has the meaning assigned to it under common law.

Part II

Installation of television and radio stations, etc.

2
Installation of television and radio stations, etc. - Installation of television and radio stations

A licence is required to install or operate a television or radio station or broadcasting apparatus; the council must consider specified criteria before issuing licences; licences may be granted upon written application and payment of the prescribed fee; contravention is an offence with specified fines and imprisonment.

Section Installation of television and radio stations Section The council shall, before issuing a licence under this section, take into account the following— that the applicant — A person shall not install or operate a television station, radio station or any broadcasting apparatus without a licence in that respect issued by the council . in the case of an individual, is a resident of Uganda; is a locally registered partnership or company; is a public corporation set up by an Act of Parliament; proof of existence of adequate technical facilities; location of station and geographical area to which broadcast is to be made; and social, cultural and economic values. Sections 45, 46, 47 and 48 of the Uganda Posts and Telecommunications Corporation Act shall not apply to a television station, radio station or broadcasting apparatus installed or operated for the purpose of communicating messages to the public. A person may be granted a licence under this section upon an application made in writing to the council and upon payment of the prescribed fee. A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not less than ten million shillings and not more than thirty million shillings or to imprisonment for a period of not less than two years and not more than five years or both; and in the case of a corporate body, the persons who shall be held liable for purposes of this subsection are the persons who are authorised to sign any document of that body.
3
Installation of television and radio stations, etc. - Registration of television and radio stations, etc.

Owners of television, radio or broadcasting apparatus must register with the Media Council and provide particulars about the producer in charge; the Media Council must not register a station unless those particulars are supplied; proprietors must notify the Council of any change; contraventions are an offence punishable by a fine.

Section Registration of television and radio stations, etc. Section The Media Council shall not register any station or apparatus under subsection (1) unless the proprietor of the station or apparatus has supplied the Media Council with the following particulars relating to the person who is to be the producer in charge of the station or apparatus— A proprietor of a television station, radio station or broadcasting apparatus shall, upon satisfying the requirements of section 2 , register his or her station or apparatus with the Media Council established under section 8 of the Press and Journalist Act. his or her name and address; certified copies of the relevant testimonials as proof of his or her qualifications and experience; the name and address of the station or apparatus; and such other particulars as may be prescribed by the Media Council. The proprietor shall notify the Media Council of any change in any of the particulars referred to in subsection (2). A person who contravenes any provisions of subsection (1) and (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than three hundred thousand shillings.
4
Installation of television and radio stations, etc. - Functions of a proprietor and a producer

Proprietors or producers of broadcasting stations or disseminating apparatus must ensure broadcasts are not contrary to public morality and must keep records of broadcasts for at least thirty days.

Section Functions of a proprietor and a producer Section A proprietor or a producer of a broadcasting station or disseminating apparatus shall— ensure that what is broadcast is not contrary to public morality; retain a record of all that is broadcast for not less than thirty days.
5
Installation of television and radio stations, etc. - Disqualification of a producer

A person shall not be appointed a producer of a station if they are under eighteen, of unsound mind, not ordinarily resident in Uganda, or lack the qualifications prescribed by the Media Council.

Section Disqualification of a producer Section A person shall not be appointed a producer of a station if— he or she is less than eighteen years of age; he or she is of unsound mind; he or she is not ordinarily resident in Uganda; he or she does not possess the requisite qualifications prescribed by the Media Council.
6
Installation of television and radio stations, etc. - Broadcasting licences

Persons must not broadcast without a broadcasting licence issued by the council; the council may grant licences on written application, conditions and payment of the prescribed fee; licences are renewable yearly by the council on payment of the prescribed fee; contravention is an offence punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred thousand shillings or imprisonment for not more than three months or both.

Section Broadcasting licences Section The council may grant the licence referred to under subsection (1) upon— No person shall broadcast without a broadcasting licence issued by the council . an application in writing made to it; such conditions as it may deem fit; and payment of the prescribed fee. The licence referred to in this section shall be renewable every year by the council upon payment of such fee as may be prescribed by the council . A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of not more than five hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period of not more than three months or both.
7
Installation of television and radio stations, etc. - Right to broadcast

No person or authority may, because of a programme's content, take any action not authorised by this Act or any other law to prevent a programme being broadcast.

Section Right to broadcast Section Nothing contained in this section absolves a person from compliance with any law— No person or authority shall, on ground of the content of a programme, take any action not authorised under this Act or any other law to prevent the broadcasting of a programme. prohibiting the broadcasting of pornographic matters and obscene publications insofar as they tend to offend or corrupt public morals; prohibiting any broadcasting which infringes upon the privacy of an individual or which contains false information.
8
Installation of television and radio stations, etc. - Minimum broadcasting standards

A person shall not carry out any broadcasting or operate a cinematograph theatre unless the material complies with the First Schedule to this Act.

Section Minimum broadcasting standards Section A person shall not carry out any broadcasting or operate a cinematograph theatre unless what is to be broadcast or exhibited is in compliance with the provisions of the First Schedule to this Act.

Part III

Broadcasting Council

10
Broadcasting Council - Functions of the council

The council is assigned multiple functions relating to broadcasting—including arbitration (with Media Council), supervision and coordination of broadcasting activities, frequency spectrum management and allocation, communications coordination, receiving applications, setting ethical standards, advising Government on broadcasting policy, and incidental functions.

Section Functions of the council Section The functions of the council are— to arbitrate in consultation with the Media Council on disputes between— to coordinate and exercise control over and to supervise broadcasting activities; to be responsible for the standardisation, planning and management of the frequency spectrum dedicated to broadcasting and to allocate those spectrum resources in such manner as to ensure the widest possible variety on programming and optimal utilisation of those spectrum resources; to coordinate communication on electronic media with the relevant national and international organisations; to receive and consider applications made to it under this Act; to set ethical broadcasting standards; operators of broadcasting stations; and the public and operators of broadcasting stations; to advise Government on all matters relating to broadcasting policy; and to carry out any other function that is incidental to any of the foregoing functions. In carrying out its functions under subsection (1)(e), (f), (g) and (h), the council shall work in conjunction with the Media Council.
11
Broadcasting Council - Removal of member from office

The office of a council member shall fall vacant for specified causes including inability to perform duties, misbehaviour or sufficient cause, bankruptcy or insolvency, or conviction of an offence carrying more than six months' imprisonment.

Section Removal of member from office Section The office of a member of the council shall fall vacant— due to the member’s inability to perform the functions of his office; due to misbehaviour or other sufficient cause; if the member is declared or becomes bankrupt or insolvent; if the member is convicted of a criminal offence in respect of which a maximum penalty exceeding six month’s imprisonment may be imposed.
12
Broadcasting Council - Meetings of the council, etc.

The Second Schedule applies to council meetings and matters; the Minister may amend that Schedule by statutory instrument after consulting the council.

Section Meetings of the council, etc. Section The Second Schedule to this Act shall apply to meetings and other matters of the council specified in that Schedule. The Minister may, by statutory instrument and after consultation with the council , amend the Second Schedule to this Act.
13
Broadcasting Council - Remuneration of members of the council

Members of the council may be paid remuneration or allowances, subject to approval by the Minister.

Section Remuneration of members of the council Section Members of the council may be paid such remuneration or allowances as may be approved by the Minister .
14
Broadcasting Council - Annual report

The council must submit an annual report to the Minister within three months after each year; the Minister must lay that report before Parliament within three months of receiving it.

Section Annual report Section The council shall, within three months after the end of each year, submit to the Minister an annual report on all activities of the council , and the Minister shall lay the report before Parliament within three months after receiving it.
15
Broadcasting Council - Staff of the council

The council must have necessary officers and supporting staff; those staff shall be seconded from the public service after Ministerial consultation; the council may contract specialists with Ministerial approval; council staff may be paid allowances as the Minister determines.

Section Staff of the council Section The council shall have such officers and supporting staff as are necessary to enable the council to discharge its function under this Act. The staff referred to under this section shall be seconded from the public service after the Minister has consulted the Minister responsible for public service. The council may, with the approval of the Minister , engage on contract such persons as are necessary for the purposes of carrying out specialised work of the council . The staff of the council may be paid such allowances as the Minister may determine.
9
Broadcasting Council - Establishment of the Broadcasting Council

Establishes the Broadcasting Council, lists its membership, sets appointment and term rules, allows certain members to resign in writing, and gives the Minister power to issue policy directions which the council must follow.

Section Establishment of the Broadcasting Council Section There is established a council to be known as the Broadcasting Council which shall consist of— a chairperson who shall be appointed by the Minister in consultation with the council ; two representatives of operators of television and radio stations; one representative of video and cinema operators; two members of the public who shall be persons of proven integrity and good repute; one distinguished lawyer; the director of broadcasting or a senior officer from the Ministry responsible for information, who shall be the secretary to the council ; a senior officer from the Ministry responsible for culture; a senior officer from the Ministry responsible for communications; a senior officer from the Ministry responsible for education; and a senior officer from the Uganda Revenue Authority. The persons referred to in paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) shall be appointed by the Minister in consultation with the relevant bodies. A member of the council shall hold office for a period of three years upon such terms and conditions as may be specified in the instrument of appointment and may be reappointed. A member of the council referred to in paragraphs (b) to (e) may resign his or her office in writing addressed to the chairperson , and in the case of the chairperson to the Minister . The Minister may give directions of a policy nature to the council regarding the performance of its functions, and the council shall comply with the directions.

Part IV

Financial provisions

16
Financial provisions - Funds of the council

The council must ensure its funds come from specified sources and must operate a bank account determined and managed by the council.

Section Funds of the council Section The funds of the council shall consist of— grants from the Government; monies paid for services rendered by the council ; a percentage of the permit and licence fees payable to the council under this Act, which percentage is to be determined by the Minister in consultation with the Minister responsible for finance; and grants, gifts, or donations from sources acceptable to the council . The council shall operate a bank account in a bank determined by the council , and the account shall be operated in a manner decided by the council .
17
Financial provisions - Investment by the council

The council may invest monies of the council in securities issued or guaranteed by the Government or in any project approved by the Government.

Section Investment by the council Section The council may invest monies of the council in securities issued or guaranteed by the Government or in any project approved by the Government.
18
Financial provisions - Financial year

The council's financial year is twelve months running from 1 July to 30 June each year.

Section Financial year Section The financial year of the council shall be twelve months beginning from the 1st day of July and ending on the 30th day of June each year.
19
Financial provisions - Accounts and audit

Requires the council to keep records and prepare annual financial statements by 30 September next year; submit accounts to the Auditor General within three months after year-end for audit; Auditor General must audit and report to the Minister within three months of receipt; Minister must lay the report before Parliament within three months of receipt.

Section Accounts and audit Section The council shall keep proper records and proper books of account and prepare annual financial statements of account for the preceding financial year not later than the 30th day of September in the following year. The books and account of the council shall be submitted within three months after the end of each financial year to the Auditor General to be audited by him or her or by any auditor appointed by him or her. The Auditor General shall audit the accounts of the council and report to the Minister the result of his or her examination and his or her opinion on the accounts so examined within three months from the date of receipt of the accounts from the council . The Minister shall, within three months after receipt of the report referred to in subsection (3), lay the report before Parliament.

Part V

Regulation of video and cinema operators, etc.

20
Regulation of video and cinema operators, etc. - Theatre licences

Council must consider safety, health, convenience and conformity with rules before issuing cinema licences; persons must not operate cinemas or videotape libraries without a licence; licences may be granted on written application; contravention attracts a fine of not less than five hundred thousand shillings or up to four months' imprisonment or both.

Section Theatre licences Section The council shall, before issuing a licence in respect of a cinematograph theatre under this section, take into account the following— A person shall not operate a cinematograph theatre or a library for hiring out videotapes or cinema films without a licence in respect of that theatre or library. The licence referred to under this section shall, without prejudice to subsection (4), be issued by the council upon such terms and conditions as the council may deem fit. A person may be granted a licence under this section upon an application made in writing to the council . whether there is in the place or premises adequate provision for the safety, health or convenience of persons who are to attend any video or cinematograph exhibition ; and whether the structure, equipment and lighting conform with the rules made under this Act. A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is on conviction liable to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period of four months or both.
21
Regulation of video and cinema operators, etc. - Registration of video and cinematograph operators

Video or cinematograph operators must register with the council before being issued a licence under section 20.

Section Registration of video and cinematograph operators Section A person who is a video or cinematograph operator shall, before being issued a licence referred to under section 20 , register with the council. The council may require the person referred to in this section to give it such particulars as it may deem fit. A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of three hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period of three months or both.

Part VI

Licensing of television sets

22
Licensing of television sets - Viewers licence, etc.

People must not use, sell or transfer a television set unless they hold a valid viewers licence issued by the council.

Section Viewers licence, etc. Section A person shall not use, sell or transfer possession of his or her television set unless he or she is in possession of a valid viewers licence issued by the council in respect to that set. A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding thirty days or both.
23
Licensing of television sets - Dealers licence, etc.

Persons must not operate as dealers or repairers of television sets without a dealers or repairers licence issued by the council; licences may be transferred on payment of the specified fee; the council may grant licences on written application and conditions it deems fit; contravention is an offence with fines up to 300000 shillings or imprisonment up to six months or both.

Section Dealers licence, etc. Section A person shall not carry on the business of dealer or repairer in television sets without a dealers or repairers licence issued by the council . A person may transfer a dealers or repairers licence upon payment of the specified fee. The licence referred to under this section may be granted upon an application in writing made to the council and upon such conditions as the council may deem fit. A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both.

Part VII

Miscellaneous

24
Miscellaneous - Exemption from personal liability

A servant or agent of the council is not personally liable in civil or criminal proceedings for acts or omissions done in good faith while performing functions under the Act.

Section Exemption from personal liability Section A servant or agent of the council shall not, in his or her personal capacity, be liable in civil or criminal proceedings in respect of any act or omission done in good faith in the performance of his or her functions under this Act.
25
Miscellaneous - Power of entry and inspection

The council or its authorised officer may enter and inspect exhibitions, may confiscate electronic apparatus used contrary to the Act, must issue a seizure note when confiscating and leave it with the person, and a person who prevents entry commits an offence punishable by a fine up to three hundred thousand shillings or up to three months imprisonment or both.

Section Power of entry and inspection Section The council or its duly authorised officer may, at any time, enter and inspect any public place or premises where an exhibition is being shown to ensure that the provisions of this Act have been complied with. The council or its duly authorised officer may confiscate any electronic apparatus which is used in contravention of this Act. Upon the confiscation of any electronic apparatus pursuant to subsection (2), the council or its duly authorised officer shall issue a seizure note indicating the apparatus which is confiscated and leave the note with the person from whom the apparatus is seized. A person who prevents the council or its duly authorised officer to enter in the places referred to under subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both.
26
Miscellaneous - Ethical broadcasting standards

Broadcasters must apply the professional code of ethics in the First Schedule to the Press and Journalist Act, subject to section 10(1)(e) and with necessary modifications to align it with this Act.

Section Ethical broadcasting standards Section Subject to section 10 (1)(e), the ethical broadcasting standards that shall apply to broadcasters shall be the professional code of ethics specified in the First Schedule to the Press and Journalist Act and shall be applicable with such modifications as are necessary to bring it in line with the provisions of this Act.
27
Miscellaneous - Duplicate licences

A person may be granted a duplicate licence if the original licence is lost or defaced, upon application to the council and payment of the specified fee.

Section Duplicate licences Section A person may, where the original licence is lost or defaced, be granted a duplicate licence upon application to the council and upon payment of the specified fee.
28
Miscellaneous - Rules

The Minister may, in consultation with specified authorities, make rules prescribing fees, licensing procedures for television sets, and conditions for cinematograph theatres and generally for carrying the Act into effect.

Section Rules Section The Minister may, in consultation with the council , make rules— The Minister may, in consultation with the relevant authorities, make rules— prescribing fees to be paid for any licence or permit under this Act; prescribing the manner in which television sets are to be licensed; and generally for carrying into effect the provisions of this Act. prescribing conditions to be observed in reference to the erection, alteration and equipment of any cinematograph theatre ; prescribing conditions to be observed in reference to the safety from fire or otherwise of any cinematograph theatre or for the safety and control of persons attending such theatre.

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