The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has convicted Mr. Dean Saava Lubowa, the proprietor of TV10 – Gano Mazima, for operating an illegal broadcasting service for nearly seven years.
Investigations established that from November 2018, Mr. Saava installed and operated broadcasting equipment without a licence from UCC, contrary to the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103. The Commission also received several complaints accusing his platform of airing defamatory content and being used to intimidate and blackmail public officials, in breach of the Minimum Broadcasting Standards.
Despite repeated directives from UCC ordering him to stop broadcasting and regularise his operations, Mr. Saava continued to operate unlawfully. This led to enforcement action, including a raid on his premises in Lungujja, Rubaga Division, Kampala, conducted with the support of the Uganda Police Force. He was later arrested and charged before the Standards, Utilities, and Wildlife Court in Makindye.
In court, Mr. Saava pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including installing and operating broadcasting equipment without a licence, broadcasting without authorisation, and disobeying lawful orders issued by UCC, contrary to the Uganda Communications Act and the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations, 2019.
The Chief Magistrate, Gladys Kamasanyu, sentenced him to a fine of UGX 3,000,000 or one year’s imprisonment on Count I; a fine of UGX 500,000 or one year’s imprisonment on Count II; and a fine of UGX 500,000 or six months’ imprisonment on Count III. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all 45 pieces of broadcasting equipment seized from his studio to UCC for lawful disposal.
During mitigation, Mr. Saava expressed remorse and pledged to comply with the law, committing to obtain the required licence before resuming broadcasting. UCC noted that the case serves as a strong warning that illegal broadcasting and abuse of communication platforms attract serious penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of equipment.
