Sudhir Ruparelia, 24 Others Face UCC Public Inquiry Before Regulator Can Renew Licenses For their Media Businesses & Operations

By Mulengera Reporters

Representing 10 media outlets, a group of 25 actors and entities have applied to Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) seeking to be authorized to have license renewals to permit them continue operating the radio and television broadcasting business.

Under the laws of Uganda, UCC is mandated to issue licenses and regulate all broadcasting media operations in Uganda and the truth is that no one can engage in lawful broadcasting without its permission.

A list of the latest applicants has been published by UCC calling on members of the public with any objections to raise them clearing stipulating clear reasons as to why any of the applicants’ license renewal application should be disallowed.

Any member of the public with reasons as to why any of the applicants isn’t eligible for license renewal has been advised write to the UCC Executive Director elaborating on the same. The relevant communication can be channelled to the regulatory Commission through the email address legallicensing@ucc.co.ug or even via making a phone call through calling ±256 414339000 or ±256312339000.

The Commission is prepared to inquire into whatever concern that gets raised objecting to issuance or renewal of license to any of the applicants who have been disclosed to include Fr Leo Maasburg, Fr Isidorf Mbaleeba, Captain Joseph Charlesroy and Justice Remmy Kasule who are the disclosed shareholders behind the Catholic Church’s Radio Maria which is among those applying for license extension and renewal.

The Catholic Church radio operates in areas like Fort Portal, Hoima, Mbale, Nebbi, Gulu, Kampala, Masaka, Mbarara and Kabale. Its disclosed address is Plot 7488 Tank Road P. O Box 7488 Kampala.

Kampala Crane Chambers-based Radio Sanyu fm is number two on the list. Its disclosed shareholders include Sudhir Ruparelia (49%), Joytsna Ruparelia (47%), Tom Mugenga (2%) and Thomas Kato (2%).

The other radio broadcaster whose application UCC is currently inquiring into is the Vision Group whose disclosed shareholders are enumerated to include the Minister of Finance Matia Kasaija (50%) and his deputy Henry Musasizi (with 50% shareholding). Areas of operation include Gulu, Arua and Soroti cities.

Pebbu Limited, whose disclosed shareholders include John Paul Ssemyalo (98%) and Jacqueline Mazzi (2%), is also being vetted to be licensed for the provision of courier services nationally. The entity’s disclosed physical address is Lower Kololo Terrace Road PO Box 134667 Kampala-Uganda.

Kaptor Logistics (SMC), whose sole shareholder is disclosed to be Nicholas Mugabe (100% shareholding), is also under consideration to be licensed for the provision of courier services in areas of Kampala, Wakiso, Jinja, Mbale, Gulu, Mbarara and Fort Portal.

UBC TV, which is a state-owned broadcaster, is also on the list of those seeking license renewal. Their area of operation is spread out nationally.

Fort Portal-based World Evangelical Ministries aka 93.8 Life fm Ltd is also on the list of those applicants seeking to renew their radio broadcasting license. And its disclosed shareholders are Dickson Lubega (50%) and Gladys Lubega (50%).

Nsambya Hanlon Road-based Uganda Episcopal Conference/Uganda Catholic Television (UCTV) is also on the list of those seeking renewal of license for their TV which shares premises with Radio Sapientia. The disclosed shareholders for this Company limited by Guarantee are listed in the UCC public notice as follows: John Baptist Odama, Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, Paul Byakyenga and Emmanuel Obbo. All these are bishops though some of them are now deceased.

Lourdel House-based Soliton Telmec Uganda Ltd, which is seeking to renewal their ICTs’ vending and installation services’ license in the Kampala area, is also featured on the applicants’ list. And its disclosed shareholders are Soliton Telmec Ltd (75%), Abdjrahman Omar Sheikh (12.5%) and Hassan Bashir Ibrahim (12.5%).

Finally on the list is Cambridge Broadband Networks Ltd whose shareholders Ezra Kalema (10% shareholding) and Obehi Okosun (90%) are applying to have their vending & installation license renewed.

The Company discloses Kampala as the intended operational area and Suite 2A Kyadondo Block 243 Plot 794 Luzira Kampala as their physical address. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).