Twenty-three radio stations in Uganda have been closed down for allegedly promoting “witchcraft” activities.
The country’s communications regulator, sanctioned taking the radio stations off air for lacking “minimum broadcasting standards.”
The EastAfrican reported the broadcasting industry has been shocked by this move with the regulator’s spokesperson, Pamela Ankunda saying that the closure became necessary after the stations ignored incessant warnings.
The radio stations were apparently promoting advertisement on witchcraft, breaching regulations warning them against such a practice.
A statement from the commission said it “has noted with concern that despite these several warnings your undertaking not to advertise and promote witchcraft…and the public outcry against such misuse of the airwaves, your station has continued to advertise and promote witchcraft in contravention of section 2 of the witchcraft act”.
The radio stations are accused of “aiding and abetting fraud by allowing fraudsters to use their airwaves to con people through promotion of healing powers.”
The stations are to be allowed to resume broadcasts should they agree to comply with the broadcasting standards.
Activities of persons selling charms and herbal medicines are rife in most African countries and resorting to the media to promote their work has become common.
Source: Africafeeds.com
