The telecom regulator was expected to respond to concerns raised by Uganda Human Rights Commission on privacy of individual data, blockage of digital services like internet and other rights violation involving technology and the media.
The Human Rights Committee of parliament has
turned away a delegation from Uganda Communications Commission-UCC for
appearing without their Executive Director, Godfrey Mutabazi.
The telecom regulator was expected to respond to concerns raised by Uganda Human Rights Commission on privacy of
individual data, blockage of digital services like internet and other rights
violation involving technology and the media.
Although the Committee chaired by Jennifer
Egunyu Nantume wrote asking Mutabazi to appear, he was no show.
He was instead
represented by Fred Otunnu, the Director Cooperate Affairs in UCC.
As a result, Abdulatiff
Ssebagala, the Kawempe North Member of parliament wondered whether Otunnu would
be competent enough to answer the queries.
He suggested the Committee
reschedules the meeting until when Mutabazi will be available.
//Cue in: “I don’t know…
Cue out:…team of UCC”//
George Ouma Abott, the Bukooli Island MP, faulted Mutabazi for
failure to notify the committee in writing about his absence and opposed to
sending Otunnu with word of mouth.
Otunnu asked the committee in vain to allow him present,
saying he can ably represent the Executive Director.
//Cue in: “Where possible he…
Cue out:…communicating in advance”//
The Committee chair asked the two man UCC delegation to return
with the Executive Director.
UCC has been
on the spotlight for among other things directing the suspension of up to 39
staff from 13 media houses for reported breach of the minimum Broadcasting
standards and inciting violance when they broadcast protests by Bobi Wine’s
supporters.
Alex Otto
Freelancer