The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed telecommunication operators to block 500 websites found to be distributing pornographic content. This was revealed by UCC Head of Public and International Relations Ibrahim Bbossa while speaking to reporters at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala. “Following issuance of our notice to the telecommunication operators on 2nd April this year, telecommunication operators have confirmed the blockage of 500 sites that have been distributing pornography,” Bbossa said.  

Bbossa said the commission had received numerous complaints about the spread of pornographic material to vulnerable groups, particularly children, across both telecommunication and broadcasting platforms in Uganda.

He said the UCC is legally empowered to take such action. 

“The commission is mandated under Section 10 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103, to set standards to monitor and enforce compliance in relation to contents,” he said.

Bbossa added that Section 33 of the same Act further empowers the commission to enforce minimum broadcasting standards as outlined in Schedule Four, which explicitly “prohibit the broadcast of content that is contrary to morality” and require that adult-oriented programmes are appropriately scheduled. He noted that the Uganda Communications Content Regulations of 2019 reinforce these provisions, and that other national laws also address the matter. “There are also other laws of Uganda, like the Penal Code Act in Chapter 14, also providing for offences against morality and the protection of children from exploitation and exposure to pornography in any form, especially forms of mental, ethical and moral exploitation,” Bbossa said.