UCC Urges Parliament for Digital Access Legislation

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has called for stronger legislative support to expand digital infrastructure, improve access to broadcasting services and strengthen Uganda's creative industry. UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo made the call during an engagement with Members of Parliament on the ICT and National Guidance Committee at Speke Resort Munyonyo, where the commission briefed legislators on developments and challenges in Uganda's broadcasting sector. Thembo said Uganda's broadcasting industry had undergone a major transformation from traditional analogue systems to a converged digital environment encompassing Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), satellite, cable, streaming platforms and social media. He said the transition had expanded the country's technological possibilities but also created new challenges requiring updated laws and policies. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines According to Thembo, national DTT signal coverage has reached approximately 86 percent through 18 transmission sites supported by the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF). However, he said the focus could no longer be limited to expanding signal coverage because many Ugandans still lack access to television sets and affordable digital services. "With national census data showing television household ownership at 23.1 percent, our priority is shifting from signal coverage to meaningful access, ensuring affordability, device availability and digital literacy," Thembo said. He said the commission was therefore working to ensure digital migration translates into actual access to broadcasting services rather than simply increasing geographical signal coverage. The UCC is also piloting Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) in Greater Kampala as part of efforts to modernise the country's broadcasting sector. Thembo said the commission was simultaneously working to support Uganda's creative economy through initiatives aimed at promoting local content production. These include the Content Development Support Programme and the Uganda Film Festival, which UCC says are intended to promote local talent and enable Ugandan producers to create content capable of reaching international audiences. Thembo said Uganda's expanding digital environment also required the country to address emerging regulatory challenges, including digital convergence, content standards, child online safety, piracy and the financial sustainability of media platforms. Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy . We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He argued that these challenges require a modern, technology-neutral regulatory framework capable of responding to rapid changes in the communications industry. Thembo said UCC was ready to work with Parliament to strengthen the legal and policy environment governing the sector. "UCC looks forward to working closely with Parliament to provide legislative support to expand infrastructure, fund local content, and ensure universal, meaningful digital access for every Ugandan," he said. The engagement comes as Uganda continues to grapple with the challenge of translating digital infrastructure expansion into affordable and meaningful access for households while ensuring that local media and creative industries remain viable in an increasingly competitive digital environment. Read the original article on Nile Post . AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals , representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are re