The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a sweeping directive warning broadcasters and users of online communication platforms against declaring or disseminating election results not officially released by the Electoral Commission (EC).
In the directive addressed to all licensed broadcasters, online media operators and users of digital platforms, UCC said the move is aimed at enforcing compliance with Uganda’s Constitution, electoral laws and communications regulations during the electoral period.
UCC noted that in previous elections, some media houses and social media users announced false or misleading results allegedly sourced from polling stations and other unauthorised channels, an act the regulator says undermines the law and risks misleading the public.
“Under the electoral laws of Uganda, the Electoral Commission is the only entity with the exclusive legal mandate to tally, declare and officially announce election results from polling stations,” UCC Executive Director Hon. Nyombi Thembo stated.
The Commission has consequently prohibited all television stations, radio stations, online data communication service providers and individual users from announcing, publishing or projecting election results unless such results have been officially declared by the EC.
UCC clarified that where broadcasters choose to air results released by the Electoral Commission, they must present them exactly as indicated on the official declaration forms, retain copies or audio-visual records of the declarations, and consistently inform audiences that the results are based on official EC records.
The directive further bars broadcasters from airing speculative, parallel or projected results, including tallies attributed to political parties, candidates’ agents, civil society organisations or information supplied by random callers and unofficial reporters.
At the same time, the Commission emphasised that lawful election coverage remains permissible. Broadcasters may report on voting, counting and tallying procedures, air official EC statements and conduct voter education and issue-based discussions, provided such content is factual, impartial, accurate and non-inflammatory.
Nyombi Thembo also reminded social media users that online platforms are subject to the same standards, warning that the publication or sharing of false, misleading or inflammatory election-related information is a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act.
“Failure to comply with this directive shall constitute a breach of the law and broadcasting standards and may attract administrative and legal sanctions,” he warned, adding that penalties may include fines, suspension of broadcasts or prosecution.
UCC has directed media houses to circulate the guidance to their editorial and on-air teams and ensure strict adherence throughout the electoral period. Broadcasters and online media platforms have also been encouraged to seek prior authorisation and accreditation from the Electoral Commission to access official, real-time election information.
The Commission said the directive takes immediate effect and is intended to safeguard the public from the dangers of premature or unauthorised election results announcements.