Kampala is now carried with an unfamiliar silence as Pearl FM, a Muslim-founded radio station broadcasting at 107.9 FM, had gone off air. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Uganda’s media watchdog, has suspended its operations, citing a breach of broadcasting standards during coverage of the Kawempe North by-election. For the station’s loyal listeners, the sudden blackout was a shockwave felt from Old Kampala to the streets of Kawempe among others.
The spark ignited during Pearl FM’s evening program, Mpulidde Kamenya, hosted by Suleiman Kalule. Known for its candid discussions, the show turned its focus to the by-election to replace Muhammad Ssegirinya as the area’s Member of Parliament. Kalule, a seasoned broadcaster, aired allegations of electoral irregularities, including claims of vote rigging. Callers flooded the lines, their voices amplifying unverified reports of chaos at polling stations. “The people’s will is being stolen,” Kalule declared, his tone resolute as he urged listeners to question the process.
Those words triggered a swift response. By evening, the UCC issued a directive suspending Pearl FM’s license. In a statement released, the commission accused the station of airing content that could “incite the public.” The regulator pointed to the Mpulidde Kamenya broadcast, claiming it violated Section 7(f) of the Uganda Communications Commission Act, which mandates broadcasters to avoid programming that incites violence or unrest. “The Commission noted that the programme contained information regarding alleged election irregularities in Kawempe North Constituency in a manner that could potentially cause public insecurity,” the UCC stated.
The suspension took effect immediately, with Pearl FM ordered to halt all transmissions until it could demonstrate compliance with “minimum broadcasting standards” and implement “sufficient safeguards.”
The UCC’s decision drew sharp reactions. Listeners like Fatuma Nansubuga, a trader in Kawempe, tuned in only to find static. “Pearl FM was our voice,” she told a friend, echoing a sentiment rippling across social media. On X, users criticized the move as heavy-handed, with one writing, “Silencing a station for speaking on elections is silencing the people.” Others questioned why the UCC acted so decisively against Pearl FM while similar claims aired elsewhere went unchecked.
UCC Executive Director Thembo Nyombi defended the suspension, emphasizing the need for restraint during sensitive times. “The programme contained information regarding alleged election irregularities in Kawempe North Constituency in a manner that could potentially cause public insecurity,” he reiterated, underscoring the commission’s duty to maintain order. The UCC vowed to investigate further, leaving Pearl FM’s fate uncertain as the process could stretch on for weeks.
For the station, operational since 2010 under Pearl Broadcasting Services Limited, the closure is a crippling blow.
