Dean Saava Lubowa
An online broadcaster, Dean Saava Lubowa, has been convicted and fined after pleading guilty to operating a broadcasting service without a licence and failing to comply with regulatory directives issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
The case, handled at the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye, followed investigations that showed Lubowa had been operating broadcasting equipment for his platform, TV10 – Gano Mazima, without a valid UCC licence since November 2018. He was formally charged in October 2025 with unlawful broadcasting.
According to UCC, the platform also aired content that breached the Minimum Broadcasting Standards. The Commission said it received complaints alleging defamation and claims that the platform was used to blackmail and intimidate public officials.
Despite receiving a directive ordering him to halt operations and regularise his status, Lubowa continued broadcasting. UCC later carried out an enforcement operation at his premises, leading to his arrest and prosecution.
In court, Lubowa admitted to installing and operating broadcasting equipment without authorisation, broadcasting without a licence, and disobeying lawful orders issued by the Commission.
Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu sentenced him to a fine of UGX 3,000,000 or one year’s imprisonment on the first count. On the second count, he was fined UGX 500,000 or one year’s imprisonment, and on the third count UGX 500,000 or six months’ imprisonment, or both.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of 45 pieces of equipment seized from his studio in Lungujja, Kyobe Zone, Rubaga, Kampala. The equipment will be disposed of in accordance with the law.
UCC said the case serves as a warning to broadcasters operating without licences or violating communication regulations. The Commission emphasised that non-compliance with broadcasting laws can result in fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of equipment.
