RUKUNGIRI. Minister for Security Rtd Major General Jim Muhwezi has dismissed as baseless reports that he is behind the closure of Rukungiri –based Boona FM , insisting that he has no authority over such decisions .
According to the Rujumbura County legislator in Rukungiri District , it is the mandate of Uganda Communications Commission to regulate radio station and it is possible they switched off the radio station .
, “I am NOT the person who closed the radio. I do not have the authority to do so; it is UCC that holds that power. If UCC indeed closed the radio, I trust they will provide reasons and explanations for their actions.” Gen Muhwezi said in a statement posed on his microblogging platform X handle, formerly Twitter.
“I am also aware that the radio has had ongoing compliance issues with the UCC, which oversees all communications in Uganda. As usual, obscurantists are trying to politicize this situation.” He added
In an announcement on their X handle , Boona FM noted that the suspension followed the Uganda Communications commission UCC directive in July this year.
“Dear Boona FM Family,This is to inform you that starting tonight at 12:00 AM, Boona FM 91.8 will suspend its operations until further notice, in compliance with the UCC directive issued in July 2025, said Boona FM Management”
Reports indicate that UCC suspended Boona FM, over allegations of breaching the Minimum Broadcasting Standards following a dispute between the station manager, Mr Namanya Kakyene, and Gen Muhwezi who also owns another radio station.
UCC accuses Mr Kakyene of making remarks on air that allegedly contravened broadcasting guidelines. Mr Kakyene, however, has criticised the suspension, describing it as a politically motivated move.
He claims that the Minister influenced the regulator’s decision with no opportunity to defend himself.
The minister further said in a statement on X that his name has come up in discussions, inaccurately implying that he is responsible for the radio’s closure yet Radios, including his-Radio Rukungiri , must adhere to laws and regulations.
“If there are concerns regarding the regulator’s actions, the radio has the right to seek redress through the courts.” He advised
He appealed to people of Rukungiri to keep calm as the authorities handle the matter.
“Therefore, I urge the public to remain calm,” the minister said
In an interview with this publication Kakyene , the station manager and show host at Boona FM, said : “Gen. Jim faked an electricity launch two weeks to the NRM elections. As a media house we made sense of the launch with well-researched information,” Kakyene said.
“The following day UCC suspended me, who was in the show, ordering my arrest the next day. Military on the voting day threatened closure. Finally, it has been closed,” he added. It remains to be seen whether the radio station will soon be put back on air .