В Уганде приоритет развития телевидения смещается с охвата сигнала на доступность для населения

KAMPALA: Uganda’s digital terrestrial television signal now reaches about 86% of the country, but television ownership remains low at just 23.1% of households, prompting regulators to shift attention from infrastructure expansion to affordability and meaningful access. Uganda Communications Commission Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo said the broadcasting sector had undergone a major transformation from traditional analogue broadcasting to a digital ecosystem that now includes Digital Terrestrial Television, satellite, cable, streaming services and social media. He was speaking during an induction retreat for Members of Parliament on the ICT and National Guidance Committee at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where UCC officials briefed lawmakers on developments and regulatory challenges in the communications sector. Nyombi Thembo said support through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund, or UCUSAF, had helped expand national DTT coverage to approximately 86% through 18 transmission sites. However, he said census data showing television ownership at only 23.1% of households highlighted a gap between the availability of digital broadcasting signals and the ability of ordinary Ugandans to access them. “The priority is shifting from signal coverage to meaningful access,” he said on Wednesday, pointing to affordability, availability of receiving devices and digital literacy as areas requiring greater attention. The figures suggest that expanding transmission infrastructure alone may not be enough to deliver universal access to television services, particularly among lower-income and rural households. UCC pilots digital radio UCC also told MPs that it was pursuing further modernisation of Uganda’s broadcasting sector through a Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus, or DAB+, pilot in Greater Kampala. DAB+ allows several radio stations to be transmitted over a single digital frequency while potentially improving audio quality and spectrum efficiency compared with traditional FM broadcasting. The pilot forms part of efforts to prepare the broadcasting industry for changing consumer habits and increasing convergence between traditional broadcasting and internet-based media. Nyombi Thembo said Uganda’s media environment could no longer be regulated solely around traditional radio and television because audiences increasingly consume news and entertainment through streaming platforms, social media and other digital services. Push for Ugandan content The regulator also wants more investment in Uganda’s creative industry as broadcasting becomes increasingly digital and competitive. Nyombi Thembo cited UCC initiatives including the Content Development Support Programme and the Uganda Film Festival, which are intended to support local producers and improve the quality and reach of Ugandan content. He said the ambition should move beyond producing programmes primarily for domestic audiences towards developing Ugandan stories capable of competing in international markets. The expansion of streaming platforms and digital distribution has created new opportunities for filmmakers, musicians and other content producers to reach audiences outside Uganda, but has also intensified concerns about piracy, revenue generation and the sustainability of local media companies. UCC seeks new regulatory framework Nyombi Thembo said technological convergence had also created regulatory challenges involving content standards, child online safety, piracy and the financial sustainability of media companies. He called for a modern, technology-neutral regulatory framework capable of dealing with services regardless of whether content is distributed through terrestrial broadcasting, satellite, cable or internet platforms. UCC said it would work with Parliament on legislative reforms and financing measures needed to expand communications infrastructure, support local content creation and improve universal access. The regulator said closer cooperation with lawmakers would be necessary as Uganda moves from simply expanding digital coverage towards ensuring that citizens can afford devices, understand digital services and safely participate in the country’s evolving media environment.