In Uganda, a report by the Committee on Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance (ICT) has convinced Members of Parliament (MPs) to support increased funding for the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).
The report, presented by Hon. Tony Ayoo, investigated UBC’s performance, identified critical challenges, and suggested interventions to improve its effectiveness and relevance in Uganda’s media landscape.
UBC was formed in 2005 following a merger of Uganda Television and Radio Uganda. It currently operates 11 radio and four television stations across the country. However, the committee found that UBC has experienced challenges sustaining operations and lost its status as a leading broadcaster. The positioning of UBC sites in far-flung locations contributes to inadequate monitoring, slow emergency response to breakdowns, and inadequate site security.
The committee also found that land encroachment is a major problem affecting several UBC properties across the country. Disputes over land ownership documentation and encroachment by various parties hinder the corporation’s operations. Additionally, insufficient human, technical, and financial resources have impeded UBC’s operations and maintenance efforts.
The report highlights UBC’s pivotal role in providing information to the people of Uganda and stresses the necessity of government commitment to ensure its effectiveness and relevance in a competitive media environment. It urges prompt action on the proposed recommendations to strengthen UBC’s position as a vital information source and uphold its mandate to serve the nation.
MPs have rallied behind the report, agreeing that a strong public broadcaster that acts as the nation’s voice is necessary. The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, who chaired the sitting, implored UBC managers to work hard and be creative. He suggested that the committee should have conducted a thorough analysis of UBC viewership numbers, emphasizing viewership’s importance in justifying the corporation’s financial investments.
