INTRODUCTION

The Uganda Communications Commission (“the Commission”) is established under the Uganda Communications Act Cap 103, as the regulator of Uganda’s communications sector, including telecommunications, broadcasting, radiocommunications, postal services, data communications, and communications infrastructure. In accordance with its statutory mandate; to allocate, standardize, and manage the use of radio frequency spectrum resources in a manner that promotes efficient, equitable, and optimal utilization, the Commission is undertaking targeted interventions to expand access to broadcasting services across Uganda.

As part of this effort, the Commission hereby invites applications for radio frequency spectrum reservation leading to the grant of a broadcasting license and radio frequency spectrum authorization for the establishment and operation of FM broadcasting stations in the locations specified in the table below.

Table: Frequency availability in the Identified areas

This initiative is intended to promote broader access to radio broadcasting services, enhance local content dissemination, support community engagement, and foster socio-economic development in underserved areas. Applicants should note that allocation of frequencies shall be conducted through a competitive evaluation process, and only the most responsive applications for each location shall be considered for reservation.

2. ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:
(i) Be eligible for the grant of an FM broadcasting license under Section 38 and Regulation 16 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103 and Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations 2019, respectively;
(ii) Not currently hold an FM radio frequency spectrum authorization or reservation within the specified geographical areas for which they are applying;
(iii) Demonstrate the technical, financial and operational capacity to establish and sustain FM broadcasting services.

3. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Interested applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application covering the following:

a) Formal Expression of Interest

Applicants are advised first to review the Commission’s guidelines for Establishment and operation of FM Radio Stations in Uganda accessible at (https://www.ucc.co.ug/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Guidelines-on-Establishment-and-Operation-of-FM-Radio-Stations-in-Uganda.-March-2019.pdf);

b) Service Proposal

A detailed submission demonstrating how the proposed station will:
(iv) Address the communication and information needs of the target population;
(v) Promote local participation and inclusion;
(vi) Contribute to social, economic, cultural, and developmental priorities of the area.

The proposal should specify:

(i) Proposed programme format/content mix (e.g., news, education, entertainment, religious, cultural programming);
(ii) Target audience profile;
(iii) Proposed transmitter site coordinates.

c) Technical Capability

Applicants must submit a technical plan detailing:
(i) Proposed transmission configuration;
(ii) Broadcast equipment specifications meeting the reserved transmit power;
(iii) Antenna system design meeting the reservation system gain;
(iv) Coverage projections; (v) Compliance with applicable technical standards.

d) Financial Capacity

Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial resources through submission of:
(i) Audited financial statements;
(ii) Bank guarantees;
(iii) Letters of credit; or
(iv) Other verifiable proof of financial capability.

e) Programming and Regulatory Compliance Plan

Applicants shall submit a programming strategy demonstrating alignment with Uganda’s broadcasting regulatory framework and commitment to full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines.

f) Existing operations

Any existing licensee interested in any of the identified areas must demonstrate full compliance with all regulatory requirements for their current licensed operations.

g) Reservation Conditions

Successful applicants shall be granted a provisional spectrum reservation and shall be required to apply for and obtain the necessary broadcasting license and radio frequency spectrum authorization within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of reservation. Failure to comply with the above requirements will result in withdrawal of the reservation.

h) Operational Commitment

All successful applicants shall submit a written commitment covering the following:
(i) Operationalise the assigned radio frequency within twelve (12) months from the date of assignment;
(ii) Not seek variation of the assigned broadcast transmitter power;
(iii) Not seek relocation of their station from the authorised area of operation;
(iv) Not transfer the respective broadcast licenses to another entity within twenty-four (24) months from the date of grant.

4. SUBMISSIONS OF APPLICATIONS

All applications must be submitted to the Commission by the close of business of the 15th September 2026, via the online application platform accessible at https://eservices.ucc.co.ug/web/login.