By Spy Uganda
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has invited the public to submit comments on an application by MultiChoice Uganda Limited and GOtv Uganda Limited seeking approval to transfer their licenses following a proposed change in ownership.
According to UCC, the two companies applied for consent to transfer control from MultiChoice Group Limited to Groupe Canal+, a French media giant that is looking to acquire 100% of MultiChoice Group.
If approved, the transaction would see Groupe Canal+ take full ownership of MultiChoice Group, thereby gaining indirect control over MultiChoice Uganda Limited and GOtv Uganda Limited that have for years attracted anger from Ugandans over unfair charges on various packages. However, UCC clarified that the shareholding structure of the two Ugandan subsidiaries will remain unchanged despite the shift in parent company ownership.
Currently, Groupe Canal+ holds 45.2% of MultiChoice Group shares and has expressed interest in purchasing the remaining 54.8%.
The regulator said the request is being handled in line with Section 43 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103, and Regulation 102 of the Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations, 2019, which require UCC to consider public interest before approving such applications.
“The public is therefore requested to provide written comments, if any, regarding the aforesaid applications within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice,” UCC stated.
Members of the public can send submissions to UCC House on Spring Road, Bugolobi, Kampala, or through the Commission’s official email channels.
The development comes amid growing consolidation in Africa’s pay-TV market, with Groupe Canal+ expanding its footprint across the continent.
