CLARIFICATION ON DEAN LUBOWA SAAVA

There have been suggestions that the Commission’s actions against Mr. Dean Lubowa are linked to personal grievances I want to make it absolutely clear:

the actions taken by the Commission against Mr. Lubowa are NOT motivated by personal grievances. As the Executive Director of Uganda Communications Commission, I will not exploit my position for personal vendettas.

Mr. Lubowa and his platform are subject to regulatory scrutiny due to multiple serious violations, including operating without a broadcast licence, illegal installation of broadcasting equipment, and failing to comply with directives issued by the Commission. Furthermore, we have received numerous complaints from individuals and institutions adversely affected by the defamatory content published by his platform.

These actions not only breach the Uganda Communications Act but also violate the Computer Misuse Act and the Penal Code. Mr. Lubowa’s platform is only one of many under scrutiny. While some have regularised their operations and been authorised to continue, Mr. Lubowa has left us no choice but to pursue the route of enforcement.

His recent attacks on me and my team? They are merely desperate attempts at blackmail, designed to intimidate us into submission. I have never lodged a complaint against him; his claims are simply slanderous fabrications. While blackmail and intimidation are outdated tactics, they will not deter us. The UCC remains committed to enforcing the law fairly and professionally, without fear or favour. We are here to serve the public interest and will not be intimidated. I also take this opportunity to warn all providers of online data communication services to regularise their operations to avoid regulatory inconveniences.