Ugandan authorities have intensified their clampdown on unlicensed airwaves, sentencing popular disc jockey Ronald Kiweewa, better known as “Selector Wagon”, to two years in prison for operating a radio station without authorization. The 27-year-old was caught broadcasting on 92.0 Crest FM in Kyotera Town Council in October 2024 without a valid license from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), in clear violation of Sections 27 and 28 of the Uganda Communications Act.
According to prosecutors, Kiweewa ignored repeated warnings to cease transmissions, forcing UCC enforcement officers to seize his equipment. Instead of complying with the law, he went into hiding, using TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to launch personal attacks against UCC officials. Even after issuing a public apology, his failure to report back to police after being released on bond deepened his legal troubles.
Appearing before Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu at the Makindye Standards, Utilities & Wildlife Court in June 2025, Kiweewa admitted guilt to installing and operating unlicensed broadcasting equipment. While the offences carry a maximum five-year prison term, the court took into account his remorse and family obligations, but still imposed a firm sentence to send a message to would-be offenders.
The Magistrate sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment, to run alongside a six-month term for illegal broadcasting, crediting time spent on remand. She stressed that the harsher penalty was justified due to his defiance, online harassment of regulatory officials, and disregard for bond conditions.
Authorities warn that unlicensed broadcasting not only denies government vital revenue and undermines lawful operators, but also opens the door to hate speech, misinformation, and public disorder. UCC is urging all aspiring broadcasters to follow licensing procedures, reminding the public that flouting communications laws carries serious criminal consequences.
