Media Council of Uganda

The Film Classification Secretariat (FCS) is a department of the Media Council, the national media accreditation and arbitration body, that is mandated to censor and classify all films, plays and video content before they are distributed or sold in Ugandan.

The 1995 Press and Journalists Act, Cap 105, empowers the Media Council to censor films, video works, theatre plays and any other related apparatus among other duties, which it now disseminates through the FCS.

In extreme circumstances, Media Council, through the FCS, is also mandated to ban material which it believes to be in breach of the classification guidelines and national laws.
 

LEGAL FRAMEWORK
 

1. The Uganda Constitution, Article 29 and 43: A filmmaker has the right to freedom of expression, but his/her creative liberty is not absolute.

2. The Press and Journalists Act, Cap 105

Sec 8: Establishes the Media Council (MC)

Sec 9(1)(e): Mandates Media Council to censor films, video tapes, plays and other related apparatuses for public consumption

Sec 9(2): States in carrying out its functions under (1) (e), the council may refuse a film, videotape or any related apparatus to be shown, exhibited or acted for public consumption

Sec (42)(1): Empowers the minister of information, on the advice of the council, to make regulations for better carrying out into effect the provisions of the act

Sec (41)(2): The regulations may prescribe the fees be paid under the act
 

WHAT WE DO
 

FCS's overriding mandate is to protect the public, particularly children, against consumption of harmful films, theatre and video content by preserving desirable cultural values and upholding national laws.

FCS is guided by a set of approved regulations and classification guidelines while assessing each film, theatre play, video content and any other related apparatus including; posters, trailers, teasers, DVD jackets, still photos and other promotional materials.

FCS has a duty to ensure that all films, theatre plays, videos and all related apparatus are subjected to classification before they displayed, exhibited, hired, sold or broadcast to the public by cinemas, theatres, broadcasting stations, video libraries, festivals and video vendors among others.

FCS reserves the right to approve, refer for reedit, or even reject a film, theatre play, video works and any other related apparatus that has been submitted for classification.

Upon approval of a film or play, FCS issues an accompanying certificate and classification label indicating the age category to which that film is restricted.
 

OTHER DUTIES
 

• To co-ordinate all issues related to film classification and exhibition in the country

• To ensure that all decisions regarding classification of a film, theatre play of video work are reached within 30 days of submission.

• To research and formulate necessary policy guidelines on film exhibition and regulation in the county.

• To carry out and encourage research on classification

• To avail periodical catalogues on classification and generally FCS's work to the public, media, related government agencies and other film industry stakeholders.

• To collaborate with other related government agencies to ensure that any infringement on any provision within the classification regulations is prospected.

• To foster quality and professionalism within the industry

• To act as a link between the industry and government

• To organized regular workshops, seminars and meetings with various industry stakeholders

• To provide professional advice and guidance to filmmakers on various aspects of their work

• To recommend outstanding filmmakers where the need arises, such as when they are applying for a film fund or seeking to participate at a festival

• To provide information regarding available opportunities such as film funds, festivals and trainings to filmmakers.
 

OUR STANDARDS
 

• We work as a balancing act, harmonizing filmmakers' constitutional rights and artistic creativity against the need to preserve societal values and protect other people's rights.

• Watch every submitted film or play in its entirety before passing a classification decision

• Allow at least two representatives of a submitted film or play to attend its preview session

• Issue classification decisions within 30 days of submission

• Regularly upload classified films and other useful information onto our website

• Respond to customer enquiries and complaints immediately

• Carry out regular public education, sensitization programs and meetings with industry players among others

• Adopt an open door policy in which filmmakers and other industry players can consult the office anytime

• Issue stickers (labels) for classified films upon payment
 

OUR VALUES
 

• Professionalism

• Fairness and impartiality

• Quality of service

• Integrity

• Honesty

• Stewardship

• Teamwork

• Continuous improvement
 

CENSORSHIP AND CLASSIFICATION
 

Submitted films and plays are subjected under two simultaneous processes, Censorship and Classification. While censorship is ideally aimed at assessing whether the film or play is fit for human consumption, classification is aimed at determining what category of audience should consume the film.

Censorship Criteria

If a film or play, in the assertion of FCS, is seen to promote any of the following ideologies, it will NOT be approved or granted certification, and hence selling, distributing or screening it in Uganda amounts to a criminal offense.

• Homosexuality

• National interest

• Pornography

• Racism

• Blasphemy

• Tribalism

• Child abuse

• Etc

Classifiable Elements

The following elements, depending on their context, frequency and treatment, determine what age rating FCS gives a film or play.

• Sex

• Crime

• Violence

• Language

• Imitable behavior

• Nudity/Obscenity

• Horror

• Fetish

• Drug abuse

• Love

• Discrimination

• Graphic images

• Animal cruelty

• Theme/Subject matter

• Etc
 

CLASSIFICATION CATEGORIES
 

Approved films can be given any of the three age ratings: G (General), PG (Parental Guidance) and 18.

G (General)

G films are suitable for all audiences. They don't contain any sex, violence, nudity or fetish scenes, and the language in there is mild. All conflicts presented within a G film have immediate resolutions, and the film has a happy inspiring ending that inspires children.

PG (Parental Guidance)

A PG film is best suitable for people above eight years of age, although this category caries no legal restrictions. This hence means PG films can be watched by all audiences, although they may contain content that may be unsuitable for children.

No theme is prohibited at PG, as long as it is properly contextualized and treated in a mild manner. Sex, crime, drug abuse and any other antisocial behavior should also be mildly treated and condemned in a PG film.

This is a legally restrictive category, meaning 18 films can only be bought, watched or rented by persons of 18 years and above. 18 films may contain explicit language, sex, horror and violent scenes, all which are disturbing and highly unsuitable for young children.
 

APPEAL PROCESS
 

In case a film or play is denied classification by the FCS, its producer has a right to appeal against the decision within 14 working days. Appeals are to be addressed to Media Council's review committee.

If the review committee upholds the initial decision by FCS, the filmmaker is entitled to take the matter to court.