KAMPALA – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has called for public comments on a major proposed transaction that would see French media conglomerate Groupe Canal+ acquire full control of MultiChoice Group Limited, the parent company of Uganda’s leading pay-TV providers, DStv and GOtv.
The move comes after MultiChoice Uganda Limited and GOtv Uganda Limited formally applied to the UCC for approval to transfer their operating licenses. This transfer is necessitated by a change in ultimate control from the South African-based MultiChoice Group Limited to the Paris-based Groupe Canal+.
Currently, Groupe Canal+ already holds a significant 45.2% stake in MultiChoice Group. The new application is for the acquisition of the remaining 54.8% shares, which would give the French company 100% ownership.
According to the UCC’s public notice, if approved, the transaction will not directly change the shareholding of the Ugandan subsidiaries, MultiChoice Uganda Ltd and GOtv Uganda Ltd. Instead, Groupe Canal+ will gain indirect control through its complete ownership of their South African parent company.
The UCC is mandated by the Uganda Communications Act to consider public interest before making a determination on such license transfers. The regulator has now invited members of the public to submit their written comments on the proposed acquisition.
“Comments should be sent to the address below within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice,” the UCC stated, providing its official email (legallicensing@ucc.co.ug) and physical address.
This potential takeover is part of Groupe Canal+’s broader strategy to expand its dominance in the African pay-TV market. For Ugandan consumers, the deal could signal future changes in service offerings, pricing structures, and content libraries, though the immediate operations of DStv and GOtv are expected to continue uninterrupted pending regulatory approval.
How to Submit Comments:
· Period: 14 days from the notice’s issuance.
· Email: legallicensing@ucc.co.ug
· Post: The Uganda Communications Commission, UCC House, Plot 42-44 Spring Road, Bugolobi, P.O. Box 7376, Kampala.
· Phone: +256 414 339000 / +256 312 339000
