By Our Reporter
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has issued a stern directive to Hot FM 101.6, a radio station based in Amolatar District, demanding the immediate suspension of two prominent presenters and warning of a possible license revocation over alleged incitement and violation of broadcasting standards.
The regulatory action, outlined in a letter dated August 6, 2025 (Ref: OED/017/25), centers on the station’s popular program TAM ALWAK, hosted by Denis Olaka Oper and Alfonse Odur Ojok, widely known by his on-air moniker Fege Hege.
UCC Executive Director Mr. Nyombi Thembo stated that the Commission had received “a number of complaints” suggesting that content aired on the show was “allegedly likely to cause public insecurity and violence during this election period while inciting division among the communities of Amolatar.”
The letter also references unspecified security reports from multiple agencies, which have flagged Hot FM as “a high security risk during this election period.”
Invoking its mandate under the Communications Act of 2013, the UCC cited Section 31, which prohibits broadcasting any program that fails to comply with Schedule 4—Uganda’s minimum broadcasting standards.
In response to the alleged violations, the Commission has issued a list of compliance demands to Hot FM to submit details of recent TAM ALWAK episodes, Provide academic qualifications of the station’s news editor, along with proof of registration with the Media Council, Immediately suspend hosts Denis Olaka Oper and Alfonse Odur Ojok, and submit their academic credentials for review.
The letter concludes with a stark warning: “Failure to comply with this directive will leave the Commission at liberty to suspend Hot FM’s broadcasting license.”
The directive has been copied to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) of Amolatar, and the Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO) for the Lango sub-region—underscoring the gravity of the security concerns raised.
This move by the UCC reflects the heightened sensitivity surrounding media content during Uganda’s ongoing election period. Media analysts caution that broadcasters must tread carefully, balancing the need for robust public discourse with the responsibility to avoid content that could threaten national security or public order.
As of press time, Hot FM management had not issued a public response to the UCC’s allegations or demands. The station is expected to either comply with the directive or challenge it as investigations unfold.
