By Guest Writer
The case involving journalist and online broadcaster Dean Lubowa Saava, the operator of the digital platform TV10 Gano Mazima, has generated widespread public interest, intense debate and sustained speculation across both traditional media and online spaces.
Much of the public conversation has centered on personalities, political undertones and social media commentary, often blurring the distinction between opinion and fact.
However, beyond the noise and competing narratives, the matter is fundamentally grounded in a defined regulatory and legal process that unfolded over several years.
It involves issues of online broadcasting authorization, compliance with minimum content standards, engagement with the regulator and the enforcement mechanisms provided for under Ugandan law.
The actions taken by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and subsequent court proceedings followed established statutory procedures rather than ad hoc or personalized decision-making.
BACKGROUND: WHO IS DEAN LUBOWA SAAVA?
Dean Lubowa Saava is a Ugandan media practitioner and journalist who has been active in the communications and public commentary space for several years.
He is the founder and operator of an online television platform known as TV10 Gano Mazima, which positioned itself as a digital media outlet focusing on current affairs, public debate and commentary on social, political and economic issues.
TV10 Gano Mazima disseminated its content primarily through digital and social media platforms, including YouTube, TikTok and other online streaming and sharing channels.
Through regular programming, live discussions and recorded broadcasts, the platform featured commentary on public figures, institutions and topical national issues. This attracted for them a large following largely drawn from online audiences.
Unlike conventional radio and television stations that broadcast through terrestrial or satellite infrastructure, TV10 Gano Mazima operated exclusively in the online space. Its structure, however, mirrored that of traditional broadcasters in key respects, including the use of studio equipment, scheduled programming and editorial-style content presentation.
It was this functional similarity to licensed television services—despite operating online—that placed the platform within the regulatory scope of the Commission under existing broadcasting laws and regulations.
THE CENTRAL REGULATORY ISSUE: BROADCASTING WITHOUT A LICENCE:
At the heart of the case involving Dean Lubowa Saava, who continues to face trial at the Makindye-based Utilities, Standards & Wildlife Court, is a fundamental regulatory requirement under Ugandan law whereby all broadcasting services (whether delivered through traditional platforms such as radio and television, or through digital and online platforms) must be authorized by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The Uganda Communications Act empowers UCC to regulate the entire broadcasting space to ensure order, professionalism, accountability and protection of the public interest.
This mandate applies equally to online television platforms, including those that operate exclusively through social media and streaming services.
Investigations conducted by UCC (upon being petitioned by aggrieved parties) established that from November 2018, Mr. Saava installed and operated an online television broadcasting setup under the brand TV10 Gano Mazima without applying for or obtaining a broadcasting license or authorization from the Commission yet this clearly is a requirement under the law.
Despite the platform functioning in a manner similar to licensed television stations (producing regular programmes, hosting discussions and disseminating news-style content) it remained outside the formal licensing framework.
Over the years, UCC consistently engaged Mr. Saava, as well as other operators of online television platforms, to clarify it to them that digital broadcasting is not exempt from regulation. Through written correspondence, industry engagements and direct communication, the Commission repeatedly informed Mr. Saava that operating an online TV service without a license constituted a breach of the law and that he was required to regularize his operations.
UCC’s position throughout was not to block or silence online media, but to ensure that all broadcasters—regardless of platform—operate within the same legal and professional standards, including licensing, content regulation and accountability.
Mr. Saava was therefore expected to apply for the requisite license and bring his platform into compliance, a step he did not take during the period under investigation.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT BROADCAST CONTENT:
In addition to concerns about licensing, UCC began receiving formal complaints from members of the public regarding the nature, tone and editorial handling of content broadcast on TV10 Gano Mazima.
These complaints did not arise from a single incident but accumulated over time, prompting closer regulatory scrutiny of the platform’s broadcasts. The concerns focused on whether the content met the minimum broadcasting standards prescribed under Ugandan law and the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations.
In 2024, UCC received formal complaints from complainants such as: Alex Lutaaya Mukomazi, Post Bank Uganda Limited & Professor Badru Dungu Kateregga etc.
The complainants alleged that Mr. Saava aired programmes and commentary about them in which:
(a) Allegations were presented in a one-sided manner
(b) Content was unbalanced, with only one perspective aired
(c) Statements were made that were defamatory or injurious to reputation
(d) Affected parties were not given a right of reply
(e) Conclusions were drawn on-air without offering those mentioned an opportunity to respond or clarify the issues raised.
According to the complaints, the broadcasts conveyed assertions as established fact, rather than as allegations or matters under dispute, thereby denying the complainants a fair hearing within the programming.
UCC’s concern, as reflected in its subsequent actions, was not the act of criticism or public scrutiny itself, which is permissible within media practice. Rather, the issue was the failure to observe core broadcasting principles, including:
(a) Fairness to persons mentioned in broadcasts
(b) Objectivity in presentation
(c) Balance of viewpoints
(d) Responsible editorial judgment
These principles apply to all broadcasters, regardless of whether they operate through traditional terrestrial platforms or online digital channels.
ENGAGEMENT ATTEMPTS BY UCC:
In accordance with its statutory mandate to regulate broadcasting services and address complaints from the public, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) initiated multiple formal engagement efforts with Dean Lubowa Saava and his online platform, TV10 Gano Mazima.
These engagement efforts were intended to provide Mr. Saava with an opportunity to respond to the complaints raised, to explain his editorial approach and to resolve the issues through regulatory processes rather than enforcement action.
As part of this process, UCC did the following:
(a) Issued formal written correspondence to Mr. Saava and to TV10 Gano Mazima, notifying them of the complaints received
(b) Clearly outlined the specific concerns raised by the complainants
(c) Invited Mr. Saava to appear before the Commission for hearings and arbitral engagement, in line with established procedures for handling broadcasting-related disputes.
Despite these invitations, Mr. Saava did not honor the summonses issued by the Commission. The hearings therefore did not take place, and the complaints remained unresolved.
At a later stage, Mr. Saava’s lawyers communicated to UCC that he was unable to appear before the Commission on the basis that some related matters were before Court.
In response, UCC clarified that its role as a sector regulator exists independently of parallel judicial processes. The Commission explained that it is legally empowered to enforce broadcasting standards, licensing requirements and compliance obligations even where other disputes may be pending before court.
UCC further emphasized that regulatory engagement is designed to ensure compliance, protect the public interest and uphold minimum broadcasting standards, and that participation in such processes does not amount to prejudice or interference with judicial proceedings.
THE AUGUST 22 DIRECTIVE:
On 22 August 2025, following repeated but unsuccessful attempts to secure Dean Lubowa Saava’s participation in regulatory hearings, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) issued a formal written decision addressing the complaints and compliance concerns relating to TV10 Gano Mazima.
The decision was reached after UCC reviewed the complaints on record, assessed the continued operation of the platform without authorization and considered Mr. Saava’s failure to engage through earlier summonses and correspondence.
This written decision by UCC represented a regulatory intervention aimed at restoring compliance rather than an immediate enforcement action.
In the 22 August directive, UCC ordered Mr. Saava to take the following steps:
(a) Cease broadcasting with immediate effect until he obtained the requisite broadcasting license or authorization from the Commission, as required under the Uganda Communications Act.
(b) Pull down specific content that had been identified as contested and the subject of formal complaints.
(c) Provide complainants with an opportunity to present their side of the story, in order to meet minimum broadcasting standards of fairness, balance and the right of reply.
(d) Issue apologies to affected parties, where appropriate, for content found to have breached professional and ethical broadcasting standards.
(e) Refrain from making personal attacks against officials of the Commission, particularly in the context of regulatory engagement and dispute resolution.
The decision further cautioned Mr. Saava against continued non-compliance and emphasized that failure to adhere to the directives could result in enforcement action under the law.
The August 22 decision was formally served on Mr. Saava and its contents were clearly communicated to him, placing him on notice of the Commission’s expectations and the potential legal consequences of continued defiance.
SEPTEMBER 10 MEETING & SUBSEQUENT COMMITMENTS:
On 10 September 2025, Dean Lubowa Saava appeared before the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) following earlier regulatory directives and ongoing compliance concerns relating to TV10 Gano Mazima.
The meeting was convened to provide Mr. Saava with an opportunity to respond to the Commission’s findings, address the complaints that had been raised and outline a path toward regularizing his operations within the law.
During this engagement, Mr. Saava:
(a) Apologized for earlier personal attacks and derogatory statements directed at officials of the Commission.
(b) Expressed remorse regarding aspects of his conduct during the regulatory dispute
(c) Acknowledged the Commission’s authority to regulate broadcasting services, including online platforms.
(d) Requested a period of one week to take corrective steps to bring his operations into compliance.
(e) Committed to applying for the requisite broadcasting license and to complying with the directives contained in the Commission’s decision of 22 August 2025.
The Commission, in turn, allowed time for Mr. Saava to act on these commitments, with the expectation that he would demonstrate good faith by taking tangible steps toward compliance.
However, in the period following the meeting:
(a) No application for a broadcasting license was submitted to UCC.
(b) No formal apologies were issued to the complainants whose concerns had triggered regulatory action.
(c) Broadcasting activities continued on TV10 Gano Mazima despite the directive to cease operations.
(d) The Commission’s orders remained unheeded, indicating continued non-compliance.
These developments informed UCC’s subsequent decision to escalate the matter from regulatory engagement to enforcement action, as the commitments made during the September 10 meeting had not been implemented.
ARREST & PROSECUTION:
Following continued and sustained non-compliance with regulatory directives, the Uganda Communications Commission, acting within its enforcement mandate and in coordination with the Uganda Police, escalated the matter from regulatory engagement to formal law-enforcement action.
After reviewing the record of non-compliance (including the failure to cease broadcasting, the absence of any licence application and the disregard of lawful orders issued by the Commission), UCC initiated prosecution proceedings in accordance with the Uganda Communications Act and the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations.
On 29 September 2025, Dean Lubowa Saava was arrested by law-enforcement authorities and formally charged in relation to the operation of TV10 Gano Mazima.
He was subsequently produced before the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court at Makindye on 2 October 2025, where the prosecution preferred three charges against him & these were:
(a) Installing and operating online television broadcasting apparatus without a license, contrary to Section 27(1) and (3) of the Uganda Communications Act, which criminalizes the provision of broadcasting services without authorization from the Commission.
(b) Broadcasting without a broadcasting license, contrary to Section 28(1) and (2) of the Act, which requires all broadcasters, including online broadcasters, to be duly licensed.
(c) Disobeying lawful orders of the Commission, contrary to Regulation 46 of the Uganda Communications (Content) Regulations, 2019, relating to failure to comply with formal directives issued by the regulator
Upon being read the charges, Mr. Saava denied all counts. The prosecution informed court that investigations were complete and that evidence and witnesses were ready to be presented at trial. The defense sought to pursue bail and other preliminary applications, but the court deferred substantive consideration of those matters.
The court consequently remanded Mr. Saava to Luzira Prison, pending further proceedings, and fixed the matter for hearing on a later date. The case was thereby placed fully under the jurisdiction of the judiciary, with the final determination of guilt or innocence to be made by the court.
KEY ISSUES FOR PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING:
Beyond the individual circumstances of Dean Lubowa Saava, the case raises broader and important questions about the regulation of media in Uganda’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
These issues have implications not only for journalists and online content creators but also for audiences, institutions and the wider public.
One central question is whether online broadcasters are subject to the same legal and professional obligations as traditional radio and television stations. The position of the UCC, as reflected in this case, is that the mode of delivery, online or terrestrial, does not exempt a broadcaster from licensing requirements or minimum content standards where the platform functions as a television service.
The case also draws attention to the scope and limits of freedom of expression under Article 29 of the Constitution of Uganda. While the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, that right is not absolute. It must be exercised in a manner that does not infringe on the rights, reputations and dignity of others, and in accordance with laws enacted to protect the public interest, including broadcasting and content regulations.
Another key issue relates to the responsibilities that come with operating large and influential digital platforms. Online television services, particularly those with significant audiences, have the capacity to shape public opinion and reputations.
With that influence comes an obligation to ensure accuracy, fairness, balance and respect for due process, especially when reporting on individuals or institutions.
Finally, the case highlights the consequences of declining or ignoring regulatory engagement. UCC’s approach, as outlined in the chronology of events, involved repeated attempts at dialogue, guidance and corrective action before enforcement measures were taken.
The escalation to prosecution underscores the reality that persistent non-compliance with lawful directives can result in legal consequences.
UCC has consistently stated that its mandate is not to silence dissenting voices or restrict debate but to ensure that all broadcasting (whether conducted through traditional channels or digital platforms) is carried out lawfully, professionally, responsibly and with due regard for the rights of all parties involved.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE CASE:
As of the most recent developments, the case involving Dean Lubowa Saava remains actively before the courts, with no final determination yet made on the merits of the charges.
Discussions around a possible plea bargain have been initiated within the framework of the criminal justice system. These discussions involve consideration of Mr. Saava’s willingness to accept responsibility in exchange for negotiated penalties.
However, as at the latest update, no plea bargain has been finalized or approved, as such an outcome requires formal agreement by the prosecution, proper legal representation for the accused, and ultimate approval by the court.
Mr. Saava remains on remand pending further court proceedings. His continued remand is subject to the court’s directions, including any applications for bail, plea bargaining outcomes or scheduling of hearings.
The matter is now entirely within the jurisdiction of the Judiciary, and any final outcome (whether through a negotiated plea, conviction, acquittal, or other lawful resolution) rests solely with the court. Neither the regulator (UCC) nor any individual authority can predetermine or influence the final decision, which will be made in accordance with the law and the evidence presented. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
