After nearly three decades as the king of pay TV in Uganda, MultiChoice Uganda is stepping aside. The South African company, best known for its popular DStv and GOtv services, has been the go-to for Ugandans wanting premium entertainment since it started operations here in 1995.
But now, French media powerhouse Groupe Canal+ is set to take full control, marking the end of MultiChoice’s independent journey in the country. The move comes as regulators seek input from the public, with many wondering if this change will finally ease the pain of rising subscription fees.
“In accordance with Section 39(2)(d) of the Act, the UCC is required to consider public interest before determining whether or not to approve the proposed transfer of licenses. The public is therefore requested to provide written comments, if any, regarding the applications within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice,” UCC said in a notice issued today.
MultiChoice has long been a mixed bag for Ugandan viewers. On one hand, it delivered top-quality programming that kept fans hooked, especially when it came to live European soccer matches from leagues like the English Premier League. Families across the country tuned in for blockbuster movies, international news, and kids’ shows that were hard to find elsewhere.
“DStv was like a window to the world,” said one long-time subscriber in Kampala. But on the other hand, the company built a reputation for frequent price hikes that left many frustrated. Over the years, monthly fees climbed steadily, often without much notice, pushing some households to cut the cord and switch to cheaper alternatives or free-to-air options.
This discontent boiled over in recent times. Thousands of Ugandans disconnected their services, citing the high costs as unaffordable amid rising living expenses. Social media buzzed with calls to break MultiChoice’s near-monopoly on pay TV, with complaints about limited local content and a lack of competition.
“Why should we pay so much for the same old channels?” asked Gabriel Buule, a journalist who once led a campaign against the pay tv.
Enter Groupe Canal+, a French media giant with deep roots in Europe and growing ambitions in Africa. The company announced in mid-2024 its plan to buy out MultiChoice Group in a massive $3 billion deal, which wrapped up with approvals in July 2025.
This takeover gives Canal+ full ownership of MultiChoice’s operations everywhere, including Uganda, where it will indirectly control the pay TV license once regulators give the green light. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) kicked off public consultations just this week, inviting Ugandans to share their thoughts on the transfer. Concerns are swirling around whether this will strengthen a monopoly or boost local Ugandan shows and talent.
So, what does the new French owner bring to the table?
Canal+ is no stranger to Africa – it already runs its own pay TV services in countries like Nigeria and Senegal, serving millions with a mix of local and international content. Experts say the company could inject fresh energy into Uganda’s TV scene. For starters, subscribers might see more diverse programming, including French-dubbed movies, European sports beyond just soccer, and perhaps better tech upgrades like smoother streaming apps.
Canal+ has promised to invest heavily in African content creation, which could mean more homegrown Ugandan dramas, music channels, and news tailored to local tastes – a big plus for those tired of imported shows dominating the lineup.
But the big question on everyone’s mind: Will subscription rates finally come down? It’s the elephant in the room after years of hikes that drove away customers. Unfortunately, early signs are not all rosy. In neighbouring Ghana, MultiChoice (now under Canal+) faced backlash and even shutdown threats after a 15% price jump earlier this year.
Canal+ has talked about stabilizing the business and fighting subscriber losses, but no firm promises on lowering fees in Uganda yet. Industry watchers suggest that with Canal+ now in charge, there could be more competition as the French firm expands its own brands, potentially forcing prices to drop to win back viewers.
Others worry it could just mean business as usual, with fees staying high to cover the huge acquisition cost.
For now, DStv and GOtv services in Uganda will keep running without a hitch while UCC decides. As the public weighs in over the coming weeks, Ugandans hope this French twist will deliver not just new channels, but fairer prices too.
The end of MultiChoice’s solo run could be the start of a brighter, more affordable TV era – or at least, that’s the dream.
This people of multi choice are fake let them go
If we are crying of being cheated by an African who invests his or her profits back in Africa, won’t it be tripple cheating from a foreign investor, worse still taking all the profits out of Africa?
I wish, an African company would come on board and take over Dstv so that this colonisation by another name comes to an end.