Uganda Sector 3: 3.1 Broadcasting regulation is transparent and independent, the state broadcaster is transformed into a truly public broadcaster Broadcasting is regulated by an independent body adequately protected against interference, particularly of a political and economic nature. ANALYSIS: Broadcasting is regulated by two bodies: the Broadcasting Council, created by the Electronic Media Statute 1996, and the Uganda Communications Commission established by the Uganda Communications Act 1997. The Electronic Media Statute 1996 gives the minister responsible for information the power to appoint the Broadcasting Council and out of its 11 members, five are government representatives from different ministries. Section 10(5) of the law says: “The Minister may give directions of a policy nature to the Council regarding the performance of its functions and the Council shall comply with the directions”. The Uganda Communications Commission is supposed “to monitor, inspect, license and regulate communication services”. The members of the Commission are appointed by the minister responsible for communications with the approval of the cabinet. Although the law says the Commission “shall exercise its functions independent of any person or body”, it is the minister who grants licences for broadcasters “upon the recommendation of the Commission” (section 34 [1] of the Act). In 2005, a prominent businessman and opposition supporter was denied a radio licence for his home district whereas a government minister from the same area had earlier been granted one. 20 African Media Barometer - Uganda 2007