TAKEAWAYS

• UCC warns “kojjas” and “sengas”: Nyombi Thembo says social media personalities using vulgar language under the guise of marital advice are misusing digital platforms and breaking the law.

• Summons and possible criminal action: The commission plans to summon offenders to explain themselves, with criminal cases likely to follow if violations are confirmed.

• Hosts and influencers also on notice: Thembo says influencers and platform owners who continue hosting such content risk sanctions, including possible cancellation of licenses.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo has issued a stern warning to social media personalities commonly known as “kojjas” and “sengas,” accusing them of using digital platforms to spread vulgar and obscene content under the guise of giving marital advice.

Speaking out on the matter, Thembo said many of the individuals involved have built a reputation around using offensive language in order to attract attention, likes and engagement online. He argued that social media platforms should be used for constructive and value-adding conversations, not for content that undermines public decency.

According to Thembo, the way such discussions are being handled online is both inappropriate and unlawful. He said topics related to marriage and intimacy have traditionally been communicated within clear cultural settings, to specific audiences and at the right time, rather than broadcast publicly in crude language for mass consumption.

The UCC boss warned that those behind such content will soon be summoned to the commission to explain themselves, after which criminal proceedings could follow. He maintained that the conduct amounts to abuse of communication platforms and a breach of the law.

Thembo also cautioned social media influencers and hosts who give these personalities space on their platforms, saying they too could face consequences. He warned that those operating licensed platforms risk sanctions, including cancellation of their licenses, if they continue promoting harmful or defamatory content.

He revealed that UCC has already written to one social media user accused of repeatedly defaming several individuals without evidence. He also faulted the hosts of such programmes for allegedly ignoring professional journalism standards and failing to exercise editorial responsibility.

The warning comes amid growing concern over the misuse of social media in Uganda, particularly on TikTok, where vulgar and sensational conversations have increasingly become part of users’ feeds. Critics say the trend exposes audiences of all ages, including children, to harmful content, raising fresh questions about regulation, accountability and responsible use of online platforms. (UCC) Executive Director Nyombi Thembo has issued a stern warning to social media personalities commonly known as “kojas” and “sengas,” accusing them of using digital platforms to spread vulgar and obscene content under the guise of giving marital advice.

Speaking out on the matter, Thembo said many of the individuals involved have built a reputation around using offensive language in order to attract attention, likes and engagement online. He argued that social media platforms should be used for constructive and value-adding conversations, not for content that undermines public decency.

According to Thembo, the way such discussions are being handled online is both inappropriate and unlawful. He said topics related to marriage and intimacy have traditionally been communicated within clear cultural settings, to specific audiences and at the right time, rather than broadcast publicly in crude language for mass consumption.

The UCC boss warned that those behind such content will soon be summoned to the commission to explain themselves, after which criminal proceedings could follow. He maintained that the conduct amounts to abuse of communication platforms and a breach of the law.

Thembo also cautioned social media influencers and hosts who give these personalities space on their platforms, saying they too could face consequences. He warned that those operating licensed platforms risk sanctions, including cancellation of their licenses, if they continue promoting harmful or defamatory content.

He revealed that UCC has already written to one social media user accused of repeatedly defaming several individuals without evidence. He also faulted the hosts of such programmes for allegedly ignoring professional journalism standards and failing to exercise editorial responsibility.

The warning comes amid growing concern over the misuse of social media in Uganda, particularly on TikTok, where vulgar and sensational conversations have increasingly become part of users’ feeds. Critics say the trend exposes audiences of all ages, including children, to harmful content, raising fresh questions about regulation, accountability and responsible use of online platforms.