BUGANDA ROAD COURT — A Kampala-based pastor has pleaded guilty to two counts of installing and operating an illegal radio station.
Apostle Bosio Eddie of Ntinda, 42, appeared in Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court presided over by trial magistrate, Ms. Stella Maris Amabilis.
Mr. Bosio admitted on Wednesday August 2, to installing and operating a radio broadcasting apparatus without a license, and broadcasting without license contrary to the Uganda Communications Act 2013.
Ms Amabilis however adjourned the matter to Monday August 5 for sentencing.
Section 26 (1) and (3) of the Uganda Communications Act 2013 provide that no person shall install a radio, TV or broadcasting apparatus without a license from Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). It defines broadcasting as the transmission of sound, video or data intended for simultaneous transmission to the public.
The Head Legal at UCC Mr. Waiswa Abdul Sallam asked the magistrate to severely punish Mr. Bosio because he committed serious offenses.
“These are very serious offenses because they entirely affect the communications sector and cause revenue loss to the government,” Mr. Waiswa submitted.
His lawyer Counsel Aisha Nattembo of Mutembuli & Co. Advocates asked the Court to give his client a lenient sentence because he is a first time offender and that he is a family man.
Mr. Bosio’s arrest marks the beginning of a nationwide programme by UCC to arrest and prosecute all operators of illegal broadcasters and community audio towers commonly known as “Bizindalo.”
