The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has lifted SIGNET’s exclusive right to distribute free-to-air television signals, paving the way for new players to enter the market.
The development was announced during a meeting between UCC and television operators at UCC House in Kampala, where discussions centred on broadcasting standards, industry challenges and regulatory compliance.
The decision comes at a time when broadcasting remains a major source of information for Ugandans. The UCC Executive Director of Legal Affairs, Susan M. Atengo Wegoye, reminded broadcasters that their influence comes with obligations to the public.
She said the Commission had started reviewing broadcasting licence fees following concerns raised by operators and would consult stakeholders before any changes are made.
Wegoye also announced that SIGNET would no longer be the sole distributor of free-to-air television signals.
“The Commission is ready to licence new distributors to improve service and reliability,” she said.
UCC’s Head of Public and International Relations, Ibrahim Bbossa, said the move marks a significant shift in the broadcasting sector, opening the way for greater competition and investment.
The engagement followed a separate meeting with telecom operators on Thursday.
During that meeting, UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo urged telecom companies to match their commercial interests with their obligations to consumers.
“Our telecom licences represent a social contract, ensuring a secure, fair and reliable communications environment,” Thembo said.
He called on operators to share infrastructure rather than build parallel networks, arguing that this would reduce costs and extend services to areas that remain poorly served.
Thembo also warned against the unauthorised sale of SIM cards and called for stronger safeguards against SIM-swap fraud, cybercrime and mobile money theft.
He further challenged operators to expand coverage in rural areas and adopt pricing models that do not lock low-income users out of essential communication services.
At the same engagement, National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board Chief Executive Officer Denis Mudene Ngabirano asked internet service providers to continue supporting the blocking of illegal betting websites and to help promote responsible gaming among users.
Technology innovator Henry Kaggwa revealed the cost of pay television services, saying many rural households are increasingly finding subscriptions difficult to afford.
The engagements form part of UCC’s ongoing consultations with players across the communications industry as the regulator pushes for greater compliance, wider access to services and increased competition.
The country has about 282 licensed radio stations and dozens of television stations. While digital platforms continue to grow, radio still reaches the widest audience, with an estimated 73 per cent of Ugandans tuning in weekly compared to 28 per cent who regularly watch television.
