The Uganda Communication Commission has directed gossip TV shows to henceforth air between 10pm to 5am.
According to a directive issued to all television stations, the stations have to comply or risk having their licenses terminated.
"...the commission shall proceed to institute other appropriate regulatory sanctions including but not limited to suspension of your broadcasting license." reads the directive in part.
The commission explains that on close observation, these shows air content which is rated 18+, profane and riddled with sexual innuendos which could disintegrate the moral values of children.
"...they contain adult content, sexual innuendos and profanity with potential to disturb and harm some members of the public especially the children." the directive further reads.
The commission further adds that the dressing of most presenters is often indecent and the language used is often derogatory, abusive and circulate false news.
Summons.
The directive follows recent developments in which entertainment show hosts were summoned by UCC to answer to allegations of using abusive language during their shows
Among those that were summoned include presenters of Spark TV's Livewire, NBS Uncut Sabula, Dream TV's Tik-Tak Sesetula, BTMs Access, Poko Poko of Baba TV and several others
It should be remembered that UCC's recent involvement in gossip shows followed complaints by singer OS Suna who accused NBS TV's Kayz' of tarnishing his image and spreading false news about him.
Kayz was later apprehended, detained at Kigo Prison for five days but was later released alongside his workmates, Makko and Wakko.
