The community radio licence Uganda is issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) under the provisions of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, which mandates the Commission to regulate and license all broadcasting service providers in the country. It is illegal to operate any form of radio broadcasting service without a valid licence from UCC.
Applicants seeking a community radio licence must apply in person using the prescribed Application Form for Community Broadcasting Licence, which can be downloaded free of charge from the UCC website. The form must be filled accurately and submitted together with all supporting documents as listed in the form and guidelines.
Once submitted, the receiving officer reviews the application for completeness and issues a Payment Instruction Form. The applicant then pays the applicable application fee, submits the payment receipt, and the application is registered officially. The form is then forwarded for further technical review to confirm compliance with the licensing requirements.
An evaluation team reviews the documents and prepares a report for submission to the Communications Licensing Committee (CLC), which deliberates and recommends whether the application should proceed or be declined. If approved, the licensing process proceeds to the gazettement stage.
A notice of intent to licence is published in the Uganda Gazette for a statutory period of 30 days. During this time, the Commission monitors for any objections or representations from the public. If none are received—or if they are resolved satisfactorily—the UCC Board considers the application for final approval.
Upon approval, UCC issues an offer of licence, detailing the conditions, fees, and validity period. After payment, the Commission issues a construction authorization permit valid for 6–12 months, allowing the licensee to set up broadcasting infrastructure and conduct test transmissions.
Following successful inspection and verification by the Commission, the official community radio licence is issued. The licence remains valid for one year and must be renewed annually through payment of the prescribed fees.
Required Documents
Applicants must attach the following documents:
- A covering letter addressed to the Executive Director, UCC on the applicant’s official letterhead.
- Certificate of Incorporation or Registration (not older than 2 months).
- Certified list of directors, shareholders, and their nationalities.
- Partnership deed, constitution, or cooperative by-laws (where applicable).
- National ID or passport copies of all directors and shareholders.
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
- Minutes authorizing the venture into broadcasting for societies or partnerships.
Eligibility
Any registered person, company, society, or partnership in Uganda can apply for a community radio licence Uganda, provided they are not political parties, movements, or human rights advocacy groups. Eligible entities include:
- Community broadcasters transmitting radio signals within Uganda.
- Operators of communication devices emitting radio frequencies subject to UCC regulation.
- Organizations engaging in public interest or educational broadcasting.
Fees
The application and entry fees depend on the radio category:
- National Commercial Radio (Tier 1): UGX 33,000,000
- Regional Commercial Radio (Tier 2): UGX 25,000,000
- District Commercial Radio (Tier 3): UGX 20,000,000
- Local Commercial Radio (Tier 4): UGX 15,000,000
- Community/Non-commercial Radio: UGX 200,000 (one-off entry fee)
For more details on fees, applicants may visit the UCC website or contact the Commission directly.
Validity
The community radio licence is valid for one year and expires on December 31st each year. Renewal is required annually.
Processing Time
The entire process—from submission to approval—takes approximately two months, depending on compliance and inspection readiness.
Office Location and Contact
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)
Plot 42–44, Spring Road, Bugolobi, Kampala, Uganda
P.O. Box 7376, Kampala
Tel: +256 414 339000 / 312 339000
Fax: +256 414 348832
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ucc.co.ug
Instructions
The purpose of the community radio licence Uganda is to regulate and ensure efficient use of radio frequency spectrum, prevent harmful interference, and promote responsible community broadcasting. The UCC has authority to:
- Inspect, monitor, and regulate all radio communications and broadcasting services.
- Suspend or revoke licences for violations, false signals, or interference.
- Grant temporary authorizations in emergency situations.
- Manage frequency allocations and enforce technical standards.
Required Information
Applicants must provide:
- Station and applicant name
- Transmission frequency and power output
- Transmitter and studio locations
- District of operation
- Postal address and ownership details
- Names and nationalities of directors
- Copy of valid UCC licence (for renewals)
- Electrical installation clearance certificate from UMEME or a licensed distributor
Purpose of the Licence
The community radio licence Uganda ensures that radio broadcasting serves public interest, enhances access to information, and supports education, culture, and local development. It also helps the Uganda Communications Commission maintain order in the broadcasting sector, ensuring fair competition and compliance with international communication standards.
Operating a radio station without a valid UCC licence is a criminal offence under the Uganda Communications Act, 2013.
