The Uganda Broadcasting Corporation's (UBC) role in informing, educating and connecting citizens across the country was a key focus during a familiarisation visit by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to the national broadcaster on 8th July 2026.

The engagement was led by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Rt. Hon. Justine Lumumba Kasule, accompanied by the Minister of State for Information, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Ms. Sophia Nantongo, the acting Permanent Secretary, Commissioners and other senior Ministry officials. The Minister of State for National Guidance, Hon. Alioni Yorke Odria, and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, sent their apologies as they were away on official Government duty.

The visit formed part of the Ministry's ongoing familiarisation programme to understand the operations, achievements, priorities and challenges of agencies under the ICT and National Guidance sector.

The delegation toured UBC's television studios, radio facilities, newsroom, master control centre, production suites and digital media operations, gaining firsthand insight into how the Corporation produces and transmits content across television, radio and digital platforms.

Addressing management and staff after the tour, Rt. Hon. Lumumba commended UBC for maintaining its public broadcasting services despite financial and operational constraints. "You carry the responsibility of national guidance. You are the voice that informs, educates and unites our people. Your work supports national development, promotes peace and gives confidence to both Ugandans and investors," she said.

The Minister recognised UBC's contribution to communicating Government programmes and helping citizens understand national priorities, including the Parish Development Model. She also applauded the Corporation for its responsible coverage during election periods, saying accurate and balanced information contributes to peaceful democratic processes.

Management demonstrated how UBC coordinates broadcasting across its television channels and regional radio stations and briefed the delegation on efforts to modernise its facilities. While some equipment has served the Corporation for many years, phased investments are being made in advanced production and editing systems, including 4K broadcast technology.

The Minister encouraged continued investment in modern equipment and staff training to ensure the national broadcaster keeps pace with technological change and meets the evolving needs of its audiences.
The engagement also examined the need to expand coverage, particularly in underserved and border communities where some Ugandans continue to depend on radio and television signals from neighbouring countries.

Management presented a proposal to introduce a Direct-to-Home platform that would enable households across Uganda to access free-to-air television channels without monthly subscription fees, while extending the reach of public information.

UBC Managing Director Winston Agara said the Corporation's nationwide radio network, which broadcasts in more than 26 Ugandan languages, enables it to reach diverse audiences across the country. "As the national broadcaster, UBC provides a public service that goes beyond commercial broadcasting. Our responsibility is to ensure Government information reaches citizens wherever they are and in languages they understand," he said.

Management briefed the delegation on key priorities, including sustainable funding, infrastructure modernisation, human resource capacity, debt management and institutional reforms. The discussions also explored opportunities to unlock the value of UBC's strategic assets, including its land holdings, to support investment and improve financial sustainability.

Management sought Government support in resolving longstanding issues related to historical debt, infrastructure development and coordination with other public agencies.

Rt. Hon. Lumumba encouraged UBC to improve productivity and financial sustainability while protecting its public service mandate. She challenged the Corporation to align with the Government's Tenfold Growth Strategy by making better use of available resources, strengthening partnerships and identifying new sources of revenue.

The Minister also proposed closer collaboration between UBC and the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology to strengthen practical training for future broadcasting and communications professionals and develop skills needed by Uganda's growing digital and media sectors.

She directed the Ministry and UBC to prepare comprehensive proposals on funding, institutional reforms and unresolved inter-agency matters for engagement with the relevant Government authorities.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Sophia Nantongo thanked UBC for its partnership with the Ministry in communicating Government programmes and supporting public awareness campaigns. She said the Ministry would work with the Corporation to address staffing, infrastructure and other operational priorities affecting its mandate.

The meeting also agreed to strengthen coordination among agencies under the Ministry through regular engagements to improve collaboration, share expertise and support better service delivery across the sector.

Rt. Hon. Lumumba announced that the Ministry would hold a dedicated meeting with the UBC Board to discuss the Corporation's long-term strategic direction and outstanding issues related to funding, land, governance and institutional reforms.

The visit highlighted UBC's central role as Uganda's national public broadcaster and the need for wider coverage, modern infrastructure, sustainable funding and stronger institutional support to better serve citizens and contribute to national development.