Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) is the national state broadcaster of Uganda. It traces its origins to 1954 with the establishment of Uganda Radio, followed by TV Uganda in 1963—just a year after the country gained independence. In 2005, the two entities were formally merged under the UBC Act, creating the modern-day Uganda Broadcasting Corporation.
Media assets
Television: Uganda Television (UTV), Magic 1, U24, Star TV
Radio: Radio Uganda, Regional Radio (UBC Butebo FM, UBC Radio Uganda, UBC West FM, UBC Star FM, Totore FM- Nginajok (Karamoja region), UBC Westnile FM, Magic 100.0, Mega FM, Ubc Voice of Bundibugyo FM, Ngeya FM, UBC Buruli FM)
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
UBC is fully state-owned and operates under the legal framework of the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation Act of 2005. The broadcaster falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Its chief governing body is a Board of Directors, consisting of eight members appointed by the government for fixed terms—traditionally four years, though the last board was appointed for only three. The Minister of Information oversees these appointments, maintaining firm control over governance.
In January 2023, Members of Parliament renewed calls to merge UBC with the New Vision Group, citing persistent underperformance despite repeated state bailouts. UBC recently sought UGX 66 billion (US$ 17.5 million) for a digital transformation initiative—a request critics deemed excessive and unjustified, especially when compared to the financial self-sufficiency of New Vision, which has been lauded for its commercial viability. However, in recent years, those praises do not seem well placed as New Vision Group is grappling with growing losses.
Since January 2023, no new official proposals, negotiations, or legislative action have resurfaced. The concept appears to have dropped off the parliamentary agenda, and UBC continues to receive its budget allocations and engage in digital modernization efforts.
As of June 2025, the Managing Director (often considered the de facto CEO) of the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) is Winston Agaba David.
Source of funding and budget
UBC’s finances rely heavily on government subventions, with only a modest share generated from advertising and commercial revenue. In the 2019/2020 fiscal year, UBC received UGX 18.5 billion (US$ 4.9 million) to support its transformation into a genuine public service broadcaster. In 2020/2021, the budget rose to UGX 45.8 billion, reflecting increased government investment in operations. For 2021/2022, Parliament approved UGX 22 billion (US$ 5.9 million) in subsidies. In December 2023, an additional UGX 25 billion was granted via a supplementary budget to cover operational shortfalls.
Advertising revenue remains minimal, and the broadcaster has struggled to develop independent revenue streams, raising questions about its long-term sustainability.
UBC requested UGX 173 billion in the 2024/25 budget cycle, including UGX 10.3 billion specifically earmarked for wages. Although Parliament revisited and amended the national appropriation bill—including supplementary allocations to various sectors—the exact amount allocated to UBC in the final 2024/25 budget remains unconfirmed.
In the June 2025 national budget, UBC rallied behind Parliament’s call for sustained government support. MPs echoed concerns that UBC is “losing ground” without additional funding to improve digital infrastructure and content reach.
Editorial independence
UBC’s editorial line is widely seen as being under the thumb of the executive, particularly the President’s Office, which exercises influence through a government-controlled media coordination agency. Despite being legally mandated to adhere to editorial codes of conduct, especially during electoral cycles, UBC has consistently favored the ruling party, undermining its public service mission.
Although the UBC Act lays out ethical and operational standards, these provisions are rarely enforced in practice. There is no permanent, independent oversight mechanism to ensure editorial independence or professional accountability.
June 2025