Uganda’s television industry has transformed significantly over the years. Until the late 1990s, Ugandans had only one local television station—Uganda Television (UTV)—which was state-owned and later rebranded as Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
The first privately owned alternative, Sanyu TV, emerged in the 1990s but was short-lived. However, the arrival of Wavah Broadcasting Services (WBS) in the early 2000s provided real competition and paved the way for other players like Lighthouse Television, East African TV (EATV), and Top TV.
The mid-2000s saw a surge in TV stations, with NTV Uganda entering the market and raising the bar for television broadcasting. Following this, more stations like NBS TV, Bukedde TV, Record TV, and BBS Terefayina joined the media space, offering a mix of entertainment, news, and political programs.
Television Content in Uganda
Ugandan television is primarily entertainment-driven, with music videos dominating airtime. However, news and political talk shows are also a major attraction. Popular programs include:
- NTV’s prime-time news, widely watched for its in-depth reporting.
- “Agataliko Nfuufu” on Bukedde TV, known for its tabloid-style reporting and engaging news format.
Growth of Digital and Satellite TV
Today, Uganda has a diverse television market, with over 30 broadcast stations and nearly 5 million television sets in use. Satellite TV providers have expanded options for viewers, offering access to international news, sports, and entertainment channels.
Some of the key local and regional television networks include:
- UBC TV – The national broadcaster.
- NBS TV – Owned by Next Media, known for political talk shows.
- Bukedde TV – A leading Luganda-language station.
- NTV Uganda – A dominant English-language station owned by Nation Media Group.
- BBS Terefayina – Owned by the Buganda Kingdom.
- TV West – Broadcasting in Runyankore.
- Baba TV – Focuses on Busoga region programming.
Several regional channels also operate in Uganda, including Citizen TV (Kenya), KBC (Kenya), TBC (Tanzania), and Channel 10.
Satellite TV Service Providers in Uganda
For viewers seeking premium content, multiple pay-TV providers offer a range of channels, including:
- MultiChoice Uganda (DStv) – The largest satellite TV provider.
- StarTimes Uganda – Offers budget-friendly packages.
- GOtv – A subsidiary of MultiChoice, providing affordable digital TV options.
- Zuku TV – A satellite provider with a focus on East African content.
The Future of Television in Uganda
With the rise of digital broadcasting and streaming services, Uganda’s television industry is expected to grow further. The competition between local and international media houses will likely push for higher-quality content and improved broadcasting technology.
As more Ugandans embrace digital platforms, television stations will continue adapting to changing viewer habits, ensuring that Uganda remains a vibrant and evolving media hub.
