SECTOR 3 the Act notes that, “The members of the Board may be paid remuneration or allowances approved by the Minister in consultation with the ministers responsible for public service and finance.” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.9 (2012 = 1.3; 2010 = 1.0; 2007 = n/a) 3.3 The body, which regulates broadcasting services and licenses, does so in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. Licensing procedures are detailed in Part 7 of the Uganda Communications Act, which sets out the general provisions related to licensing. In this section, the Act states that before granting a licence, the UCC should consider, “(a) whether the applicant is an eligible person; (b) the capability of the applicant to operate a system or service for which a licence is sought; (c) the objectives of this Act; and (d) whether the grant of the licence is in the public interest.” Articles 27-32 speak specifically to broadcasting licences, the right to broadcast, and the requisite broadcasting standards. “On paper, it doesn’t look bureaucratic, but it may be different in practice.” While some panellists felt that “the process of granting licenses is transparent, and rather liberal”, others were more critical, stating that the process is not objective, despite the Act prescribing that the Commission “function independently of any person or body”. “Most licenses have gone to those with leanings to government, but there is no data to show whether those without have been denied. But that’s the perception.” The Act stipulates that the Commission must provide a written explanation of its refusal in cases where an application for a licence is refused. 54 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016