UCC Suspends Full Figure’s Morning Program on Salt TV Over Abusive Content and Unprofessionalism
Kampala – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has moved to suspend Salt TV’s popular morning program Omusunsuzi, co-hosted by outspoken presidential advisor Jennifer Nakangubi, widely known as Full Figure, citing repeated breaches of broadcasting standards.
According to UCC’s directive, the weekday program—which aired between 6:00 am and 8:00 am—frequently featured abusive language, insults, and unprofessional exchanges that not only undermined journalistic ethics but also risked exposing children to harmful content during early viewing hours.
- Complaints Spark Regulatory Action
The regulator confirmed it had received numerous public complaints about the tone and conduct of the show. Viewers accused the hosts of turning the platform into a battleground for personal attacks rather than responsible dialogue. UCC’s monitoring team also flagged several episodes for non-compliance with the law, leading to the drastic measure.
Failure of Professional Moderation
UCC particularly singled out the presenters’ failure to moderate discussions responsibly. Instead, the hosts often indulged in sensationalism, escalating debates into abusive exchanges that blurred the line between entertainment and responsible journalism.
“Salt TV allowed its presenters to misuse airwaves in ways that contravene the minimum broadcasting standards,” a UCC official noted in the suspension letter.
Impact on the Media Landscape
The suspension has reignited debate about the balance between free expression and regulation in Uganda’s media. Supporters of the move argue that UCC is protecting the public, especially children, from exposure to harmful language and conduct. Others, however, view it as a clampdown on alternative voices.
“I think UCC did the right thing. You cannot switch on your TV in the morning only to hear insults,” said Sarah N., a parent from Kampala. “Children deserve better content at that time.”
But a media analyst, who preferred anonymity, suggested the suspension raises questions about selective enforcement. “We’ve seen worse on other platforms, yet only certain shows seem to be targeted. This could discourage bold conversations,” the analyst said.
Next Steps for Salt TV
Salt TV management has been directed to submit recordings and transcripts of the suspended program for review. UCC also ordered the station to show cause why further sanctions should not follow.
For now, the popular morning slot on Salt TV remains blank, leaving loyal viewers in suspense and sparking speculation about whether the program will return in a restructured format, or be permanently scrapped.
As Uganda’s broadcasting sector continues to expand, the suspension of Omusunsuzi serves as a stark reminder of the growing tension between audience-driven entertainment and the strict standards of regulatory compliance.
