Uganda Communications Commission banned a radio host from the airwaves after he trashed a government power project. Santurina Namanya Kakyene works at Boona FM radio station near Rukungiri district. Officials say he spread lies about the energy ministry during his morning show last Thursday. The commission ordered the radio station to pull all his programs right away. Kakyene faces serious charges for breaking broadcast rules.
The radio host attacked Minister Ruth Nankabirwa during his July 3rd program between half past nine and eleven. He called her power extension deal with Kuwait Energy a fake scheme to fool voters. Kakyene told listeners to ignore the energy ministry and accused politicians of staging the whole project. Commission boss Nyombi Thembo received angry complaints about the broadcast. The regulator discovered this was not Kakyene's first problem with spreading false information.
Investigators found out Kakyene never studied journalism and has no media training. Boona FM also broke the rules by refusing to register him with the Media Council last December. The commission wants three things from the radio station right away. They must stop all shows featuring Kakyene and explain why they aired his comments. Station managers have until July 18th to convince regulators not to shut them down completely.
The communications authority warned Boona FM about harsh punishment for defying orders. The station could lose its broadcasting license forever if managers ignore the suspension. Radio officials must send their response to the commission by five o'clock on Friday evening.
The radio host attacked Minister Ruth Nankabirwa during his July 3rd program between half past nine and eleven. He called her power extension deal with Kuwait Energy a fake scheme to fool voters. Kakyene told listeners to ignore the energy ministry and accused politicians of staging the whole project. Commission boss Nyombi Thembo received angry complaints about the broadcast. The regulator discovered this was not Kakyene's first problem with spreading false information.
Investigators found out Kakyene never studied journalism and has no media training. Boona FM also broke the rules by refusing to register him with the Media Council last December. The commission wants three things from the radio station right away. They must stop all shows featuring Kakyene and explain why they aired his comments. Station managers have until July 18th to convince regulators not to shut them down completely.
The communications authority warned Boona FM about harsh punishment for defying orders. The station could lose its broadcasting license forever if managers ignore the suspension. Radio officials must send their response to the commission by five o'clock on Friday evening.
