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

State-Controlled (SC)

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

Media assets

Television: Bukkede TV, West TV, Urban Television

Radio: Radio Bukedde, XFM, Radio West, Radio Rupiny, Etop Radio, Arua One

Publishing The New Vision, Saturday Vision, Sunday Vision, The Kampala Sun, Bukedde, Akadirisa, Orumuri, Rupiny, Etop

State Media Matrix Typology

Captured Public/State-Managed (CaPu)

Ownership and governance

Vision Group is a publicly listed company with a majority stake (over 53%) held by the Government of Uganda. The remaining shares are traded on the Uganda Securities Exchange and owned by institutional and individual investors.

Established under a 1987 Act of Parliament, the company is overseen by a Board of Directors, with a Managing Director (MD) at the helm of operations. The MD is appointed for a three-year renewable term by the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, and is tasked with ensuring the financial sustainability and strategic direction of the company.

Editorial oversight is entrusted to an Editor-in-Chief, appointed by the minister on the recommendation of the Board. This structure allows for state influence over key appointments, though editorial policies seek to maintain a level of independence.

As of June 2025, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Vision Group is Don Wanyama. He has led Vision Group since May 2021, holding the dual title of CEO & Managing Director. With a background as a teacher, journalist, and communications specialist, he previously served as Senior Presidential Press Secretary.

Source of funding and budget

Vision Group is primarily funded through commercial revenue, with income streams from advertising, circulation sales, printing services, and various media production ventures.

For the financial year ending June 2021, total revenue stood at UGX 81.9 billion (approx. US$ 23 million). In FY 2022/23, revenue dropped to UGX 87.6 billion (US$ 23.2 million)—a significant decline from the UGX 111 billion (US$ 29 million) reported two years prior. The company reported a net loss of UGX 3.7 billion (US$ 1 million) for the year ending June 2023—the second loss in three years. In its half-year financials to December 2023, Vision Group flagged continued losses, attributing them to harsh market conditions and reduced advertising revenue.

On 26 March 2025, Vision Group disclosed a significant net loss for the 2024 fiscal year. Revenue fell by 8.3%, sliding from UGX 87.6 bn to UGX 80.3 bn. Gross profit dropped from UGX 17.0 bn to UGX 7.6 bn. Operating loss widened to UGX 12.4 bn, influenced by rising raw-material and operational costs.

Despite its commercial orientation, the group has remained financially precarious, with performance increasingly challenged by digital disruption and economic headwinds.

Editorial independence

At its founding, The New Vision was granted editorial autonomy despite its alignment with the ideals of the ruling NRM. The founding editorial guidelines allowed for both constructive criticism and government accountability, setting a tone of cautious independence.

Today, however, Vision Group’s outlets are often criticized for editorial bias—particularly during election seasons, when favorable coverage of President Yoweri Museveni and ruling party narratives tends to dominate. Nonetheless, the organization maintains a reputation for occasionally pushing back against political pressure, covering a wide range of topics and, at times, drawing the ire of state authorities. Assaults on its journalists underscore the challenges of operating with integrity in a constrained media environment.

Despite having an Editorial Policy document designed to uphold professional standards and safeguard editorial independence, these guidelines are not always followed in practice—particularly on politically sensitive issues. According to recent research, journalists often self-censor or avoid high-risk topics due to internal and external pressures.

Oversight of editorial quality is the responsibility of the Editorial and Digital Committee, one of five internal committees within Vision Group. Its mandate is to monitor editorial performance, provide guidance, and recommend improvements to the board—though its impact remains limited without full structural independence.

June 2025