UCC moves to immediately suspend Daily Monitor over 'Kadaga-witch doctor' story

Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) has issued a directive to Monitor Publications suspending its online publication.

In a letter seen by Pulse Live Uganda dated 6th February, UCC says the office of the Speaker of Parliament made a complaint after the Daily Monitor published 'fake news against the person of the Speaker with the intention of damaging her reputation'.

The newspaper ran an article alleging that a witch doctor has sued the Speaker of Parliament Rebbeca Kadaga over failure to pay him for the services, including catapulting her political career.

Violation of guidelines

Also, the communication regulator has come tough against Monitor Publication citing that the newspaper never applied for authorisation to provide data communication services.

Last year, UCC ordered all online data and news service providers to register and obtain authorization from the commission.

Immediate suspension

The commission says Monitor Publication refused to obtain authorisation hence breached the guidelines.

Monitor Publication has been directed to immediately suspend 'any further provision of online data communication services (online newspaper services)' until they apply for authorisation from the commission.

UCC wants Monitor Publications to explain why they failed to 'balance the subject story' following the article that alleged a traditional healer was suing Speaker of Parliament for failing to pay for the services.

Monitor Publications faces regulatory sanctions if it fails to comply with the directives from UCC.