The BBC has denied any breach in its standing agreement with the Ugandan Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), saying it is “investigating reports” that its relay transmissions in Kampala, Mbale and Mbarara have been switched off. “The BBC has adhered to the terms of the contract it has with the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation to broadcast impartial news and current affairs,” said an email statement from Mr Peter Connors, the BBC corporate communications manager.
The statement followed investigations from this newspaper in which high-ranking UBC sources said the action against the world’s biggest broadcaster was taken as a result of unpaid dues totaling more than Shs2.4 billion (approx US$1 million). Police have shut down at least 10 stations so far in the central and western regions, as they continue their countrywide sweep of UBC’s clients.
Police Spokesperson Asuman Mugenyi said this week the BBC is among at least two others found to have been using UBC electricity without authorisation to power their private transmitters. UBC spokesperson Jane Kasumba was unable to comment on whether the use of electricity was a breach of contract, but said the national broadcaster is in the process of reviewing its client agreements in the face of the ongoing investigations.
The UBC scandal began last month after former Minister for Presidency Kabakumba Masiko bowed to parliamentary pressure and resigned after her private radio station, Kings FM in Masindi, was found to have been illegally using the state broadcaster’s equipment. Although Ms Masiko was accused of abuse of office, the station has since been restored on the airwaves.
(Source: monitor.co.ug via Media Network Weblog)
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