Uganda’s broadcasters have taken a stand against airing President Museveni’s message regarding the upcoming census, citing concerns over budgetary planning for the national program.
In a letter dated May 7, 2024, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directed all broadcasters in the country to air President Museveni’s message between May 8 and May 20, 2024, in accordance with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance guidelines for providing free government airtime.
However, in response to the directive, the broadcasters, represented by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), declared on Wednesday, May 8, that they would not comply.
The broadcasters argue that the census, which has been in planning for the last decade, should have been adequately budgeted for.
“It is important to note that broadcasters typically provide coverage for national emergencies, calamities, and national presidential addresses free of charge, but a pre-planned census should be budgeted for appropriately,” stated a letter signed by NAB’s chairman, Dr. Innocent Nahabwe.
The broadcasters emphasized that the expectation for media houses to comply with such directives without proper budgetary provisions sets a worrying precedent. They stressed that media organizations operate as commercial entities, facing financial obligations such as licensing fees, taxes, staff salaries, and operational expenses.
The refusal to comply with the UCC’s directive comes amidst the government’s declaration of Friday, May 10, as a National Population and Housing Census Day, to be observed as a public holiday throughout Uganda.
This move aims to facilitate the counting of people across the country.
In a recorded message shared on social media, President Museveni called upon Ugandans to participate in the census and provide honest answers to enumerators’ questions, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection for government planning and development initiatives.
