Kampala, Uganda – In a move that could reshape Uganda’s broadcasting sector, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched a 14-day public consultation on Groupe Canal+’s proposed takeover of MultiChoice Uganda Ltd and GOtv Uganda Ltd. The French media powerhouse, already in the process of acquiring full ownership of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group in a $3 billion deal, seeks regulatory approval to transfer licenses, granting it indirect control over DStv and GOtv services in the East African nation.
The application, filed jointly by the subsidiaries, stems from Canal+’s July 2025 completion of its acquisition of the remaining 54.8% stake in MultiChoice, approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal. Under Uganda’s Communications Act of 1997, UCC must assess if the change in control serves public interest, inviting written comments from citizens by September 23, 2025. This rare opportunity for public input highlights growing concerns over foreign dominance in local media, where pay-TV influences entertainment for about 70% of urban households, according to a 2023 Uganda Bureau of Statistics report.If approved, Canal+ would assume 100% control of MultiChoice’s operations in Uganda, potentially integrating its vast content library—including French, English, and Portuguese programming—across 50 African countries.
Proponents argue the merger could enhance competition against streaming giants like Netflix, injecting investments of up to 26 billion rand ($1.4 billion) into local content and sports broadcasting over three years. Canal+ has pledged job protections for at least three years and training programs for Ugandan media professionals, aiming to bolster platforms like Showmax.
However, the impacts raise red flags. Critics fear a monopoly could exacerbate rising subscription fees, which have surged 15% annually from 2020-2024, per consumer data from ChimpReports. A 2021 Journal of African Media Studies analysis warns that foreign-owned broadcasters often slash local programming by up to 30%, prioritizing profits over Ugandan stories and cultural content. With MultiChoice serving over 14 million subscribers continent-wide, the shift to French ownership might sideline local jobs and diversity, echoing past regulatory lapses on fee hikes.
Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) are mixed. Communications expert Ibrahim Bbossa urged citizens to voice concerns on pricing and content, calling it a “rare chance to influence big business.” Others, like researcher Ntege Wilson, highlighted stagnant services amid price gouging, hoping new management revises costs. One user quipped about UCC’s “highhandedness” possibly driving the sale.UCC’s review could impose safeguards like price freezes or local content quotas, but analysts predict approval with conditions, given Canal+’s commitments.
As Uganda’s media evolves, this deal underscores the tension between global expansion and national interests—potentially transforming how millions access news, sports, and entertainment.
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