Nyanzi Martin Luther Through National Association Of Online Broadcasters and Publishers Requests For Media Freedom From Government

Online publishers decry heavy taxes, harsh regulation fees from UCC, URA

Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan online broadcasters and publishers have raised fresh demands for greater media freedom, citing excessive taxation, exclusion from government accountability processes, and growing regulatory hurdles as threats to the survival of the country's digital media industry.

Leading the charge is Nyanzi Martin Luther, the Chief Executive Officer of Apex Media, who is rallying online media practitioners to demand reforms that will recognize their role in the country's information ecosystem. Nyanzi argues that despite contributing significantly to the dissemination of news and holding power to account, online broadcasters and publishers in Uganda are unfairly targeted through heavy taxation and licensing requirements without corresponding benefits or protections.

Highlighting the growing financial strain on digital media players who must juggle multiple layers of costs just to remain operational, Nyanzi says expenses such as data required to stream or publish content, license fees imposed by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), and additional tax obligations demanded by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) threaten the sustainability of many emerging media houses, especially smaller, independent outlets with limited capital.

Among the affected platforms cited are some of Uganda's most recognized digital outlets, including The Observer, Red Pepper, Nile Post, DailyExpress, and Pulse UG, among others, all of which have become central to Uganda's fast-evolving online news space. These platforms, Nyanzi says, face operational challenges akin to their traditional media counterparts but without the same level of institutional support or legal protection.

The Cost of Starting and Operating an Online Media Outlet

According to Nyanzi, establishing a fully operational online television station, radio, or news website in Uganda requires significant startup capital, with initial investments ranging between $15,000 to $100,000 USD, depending on the scale and ambition of the project. This includes costs for licenses and permits, studio equipment, software and analytics tools, website development, and marketing strategies to build audience reach. When converted into Uganda Shillings, these costs range from UGX 55 million to UGX 370 million, figures he says, underscore a substantial financial barrier to entry for aspiring media of entrepreneurs.

Nyanzi also referenced remarks recently made by President Yoweri Museveni that sparked outrage among online media practitioners. During a discussion on government accountability regarding the Parish Development Model (PDM) with Mukono media team, Mr Museveni seemed to downplay the role of journalists, particularly online reporters, remarking that "even giving rumors is a job." For many within the industry, this comment typified the broader dismissiveness towards digital media's role in fostering transparency and accountability.

The Birth of National Association of Online Broadcasters

In response to these mounting concerns, Nyanzi announced the formation of the National Association of Online Broadcasters and Publishers, a body that will lobby for fair treatment, recognition, and protection of digital media practitioners. The association, he says, aims to create a unified front to advocate for policy reforms, equitable regulation, and a level playing field for all media practitioners in Uganda, whether print, broadcast, or online. Nyanzi's call to action invites all stakeholders in Uganda's online media space to join this collective effort to demand reforms. He emphasized that solidarity among publishers and broadcasters is critical if the sector is to gain the recognition and freedom it needs to thrive. Interested parties have been directed to reach out via nationalassociationofbroadcasters@gmail.com.

The implications of this initiative are potentially far-reaching for Uganda's media landscape. If successful, it could usher in an era of increased advocacy for media freedoms, foster greater recognition of online journalism's role in advancing democracy, and help establish more equitable regulatory frameworks that ensure the survival and growth of Uganda's digital media sector.