Politics Blamed as UCC Suspends Rukungiri’s Boona FM.
Boona FM, a popular radio station in Rukungiri, has gone off air after the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered a suspension of its operations. The station, which broadcasts on 91.8 FM, announced that it would stop airing at midnight in compliance with the directive issued in July.
The announcement was made through the station’s official X account and facebook . In a brief statement, management told listeners, “Dear Boona FM Family, this is to inform you that starting tonight at 12:00 AM, Boona FM 91.8 will suspend its operations until further notice, in compliance with the UCC directive issued in July 2025.”
Reports suggest that the suspension stems from accusations that the station violated the Minimum Broadcasting Standards. The spotlight has fallen on a dispute between Boona FM manager, Namanya Kakyene Santurina, and Rtd. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Security and Member of Parliament for Rujumbura County. Muhwezi, who also owns another radio station, is said to have played a role in the decision.
Kakyene has denied any wrongdoing and insists the closure is politically motivated. “This decision was influenced, and I was not given a chance to defend myself,” he said.
The development has stirred debate about media freedom and the level of political interference in private broadcasting.
On X, several Ugandans reacted to the news with mixed feelings. “Dear UCC, let’s resolve the issue amicably. We can’t create unemployment deliberately. Why should journalists suffer in every corner of this nation,” wrote John Kyobe.
Another listener, Talent Atwine, argued that standards must still be respected. “Much as I pray that my home station is opened again, the journalistic standards of broadcasting must be upheld, without compromise.”
For many, the biggest worry is the impact on workers. “With the current levels of unemployment in Uganda and you wake up to find such news when you are among the workers, it is painful. Prayers to Boona FM employees,” said Sayid Nyesiga.
Politics Blamed as UCC Suspends Rukungiri’s Boona FM.
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bearin details, UCC suspends boona fm for alleged breaches; due process must be followed; this is within their mandte; listeners deserve clear evidence
Boona fm suspended, but who will play the news about chameleons; maybe ucc should license the weather too; lol
ohh fantastic, politics blamed, the cus of the sky must be the ucc; i guess media freedom is now a policy issue; what a twist
if we accept the suspension as neccessary we must demand transparent criteria; otherwise its a weapon against critics; boona fm will suffer tody; prove the violations
According to arcticle, UCC has power to suspend pending investigations; the public shuld know what breachd rule; check out the due process
people will now claim gov meddling, if evidense exists publish it; else this lookz like politics again
i dont trust this, the timing look political, ucc uses suspensions to hit opps; if the station did wrong fine but the writting smell like elections trick
this is a bold step by UCC, i think its a good regulatiuon showin accountability; Boona FM breached rules so suspencion is desrved; big up to regulators
great news, cant wait for more licences games, next boona fm will be new stamp collector; thanks for the clarity