KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has introduced new regulations to regulate stage plays and public entertainment in the country, in a bid to curb the growing trend of vulgarity and indecency in the entertainment industry.
According to UCC Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo, the Commission has an obligation to regulate communications services, including content on broadcasting platforms, stage plays, and public entertainment. However, some actors in the industry have consistently ignored appeals to conduct their business within the confines of existing laws, regulations, and public morality expectations.
“The Commission has noted with concern the growing trend of vulgarity and indecency in the entertainment industry, which is a threat to social order and can no longer be tolerated,” Mr. Thembo said during a meeting with stakeholders on Friday, January 17, 2025. “We have therefore introduced new regulations to regulate stage plays and public entertainment, to ensure that they comply with the law and public morality expectations.”
The new regulations require organizers and promoters of public entertainment events to seek authorization from the UCC. This includes obtaining an entertainment permit, which is mandatory for any stage play or public entertainment. The permit ensures that the content and performance comply with the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49 and the Stage Plays and Public Entertainments Rules 2019.
The UCC ED emphasized that the regulations are designed to promote decency and respect in public performances, while also protecting the rights of artists and event organizers. “We urge all stakeholders to comply with these regulations, to ensure that we promote a safe and respectful environment for public performances,” he said.
The UCC has also directed broadcasters to file monthly reports of all stage plays and public entertainment they have advertised, along with corresponding entertainment permits or authorizations issued by the Commission. This is aimed at ensuring that broadcasters comply with the regulations and promote decency and respect in public performances.
The Commission has also warned that it will take action against anyone who violates the regulations. “It is an offense to stage a public play or public entertainment without a permit issued by the Commission,” Mr. Thembo said. “On conviction, you will be subjected to fines and imprisonment.”
The UCC has eased the process of applying for entertainment permits, which can now be done online via the Commission’s eServices platform.
Inspectors will be appointed to verify compliance, and offenders will face fines and imprisonment,” he said.
The UCC boss has urged stakeholders, including the Uganda National Cultural Centre, music promoters, artists, and the Uganda Police Force, to work together to address the challenge of indecency in the entertainment industry.
“We believe that by working together, we can promote a safe and respectful environment for public performances, and protect the rights of artists and event organizers,” Nyombi Thembo said.
List of new regulations
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All organizers and promoters of public entertainment events must obtain an entertainment permit from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
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The permit is mandatory for any stage play or public entertainment.
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Broadcasters must obtain authorization from the UCC before advertising any stage play or public entertainment.
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Broadcasters must file monthly reports of all stage plays and public entertainment they have advertised, along with corresponding entertainment permits or authorizations.
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The Uganda Police Force and security agencies must ensure that organizers of public entertainment events have an entertainment permit before granting security clearance.
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Local governments and town councils must not issue clearance for any stage play or public entertainment without an entertainment permit.
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Inspectors will be appointed to verify compliance with the regulations.
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Offenders will face fines and imprisonment.
