The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has suspended Santurina Namanya Kakyene, a popular radio presenter at Boona FM in Rukungiri District, following accusations of broadcasting false and malicious information that allegedly undermines government programs.
In a directive issued on July 4, 2025, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo ordered the immediate suspension of Kakyene Namanya and all his related programs from the Boona FM airwaves. The decision stems from a July 3 broadcast in which the presenter reportedly referred to a government power extension project launched by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, in partnership with Kuwait Energy, as “a hoax to hoodwink voters.”
According to the UCC, the comments violated the Minimum Broadcasting Standards and misled the public on a matter of national importance. The regulatory body said it had received formal complaints about the show, which aired between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
“This is not the first time Mr. Kakyene has come under scrutiny,” the UCC stated in the letter. “Following investigations last year, it was discovered that he is not a trained journalist and does not hold any academic qualification in media or communications.”
The UCC further criticized Boona FM for non-compliance, stating that the station had failed to register the names and credentials of its editorial team with the Media Council of Uganda—a requirement reiterated in a December 2024 directive aimed at professionalizing the broadcast sector.
Boona FM, which has a strong listenership in southwestern Uganda, now faces increased regulatory pressure. The station has not yet issued a public response to the suspension or the allegations.
Meanwhile, the UCC has emphasized that media houses must take responsibility for the professionalism and accuracy of the content they broadcast. The commission warned that repeated violations could lead to further sanctions, including license revocation.
The suspension of Kakyene Namanya has sparked debate online, with some listeners calling it a crackdown on press freedom, while others applaud the move as a step toward responsible journalism.
The case reignites ongoing concerns about media regulation in Uganda, especially in politically sensitive periods ahead of the 2026 general elections. As the industry walks a tightrope between free expression and regulation, broadcasters are being urged to maintain ethical standards, fact-check information, and uphold the integrity of public communication.
