• President Museveni directed that UBC receive a minimum of UGX30 billion annually.

• The goal is to elevate the national broadcaster to compete with CNN, BBC and Al Jazeera.

• ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi says funding constraints have delayed implementation.

The government is yet to fully implement President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to heavily fund the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), despite his clear vision of turning the state broadcaster into a global media force.

Revealing the details while speaking to journalists, Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi said the President directed that UBC should receive no less than UGX30 billion annually to enable it compete with international broadcasters such as CNN, BBC and Al Jazeera.

Dr. Baryomunsi explained that although the directive was issued some time ago, financial limitations have continued to stand in the way of its realisation.

“The President has been very clear that UBC should be funded to a minimum of 30 billion shillings per year,” the minister said, noting that the broadcaster’s biggest challenge remains inadequate financing.

He further disclosed that President Museveni is a strong supporter of the national broadcaster and regularly follows its programming, reinforcing his belief in the importance of a robust public media institution.

According to the ICT minister, the directive to elevate UBC to international standards cannot be achieved without deliberate investment in content production, infrastructure and talent development.

“We have not yet honoured that directive because it requires financial resources,” Dr. Baryomunsi added, pointing out that discussions with the Ministry of Finance are necessary to unlock the required funding.

UBC has over the years struggled with limited resources, outdated equipment and operational constraints, challenges that have affected its ability to compete in an increasingly digital and fast-paced media environment.

However, the minister expressed confidence that once engagements with the finance authorities are concluded, the long-standing funding gap will be addressed and the President’s vision for UBC realised.