Museveni Rescinds UBC Advertising Directive

President Museveni has rescinded the directive that all government advertising must go through the state-run Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC).

Museveni met broadcasters under their umbrella body, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) at State House, Entebbe, and asked them to always be patriotic and avoid promoting politics of identity. 

The President told the NAB team that in 1965, he begun fighting sectarianism and politics of identity, basing on three objectives; Prosperity for Africa, Strategic Security and Brotherhood. He asked media houses to read the history of Uganda and compare the country’s past with the present.

He said NRM will not allow such politics back in the country.  

During the meeting, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, informed the President that the private broadcasters were failing to pay staff salaries and taxes as a result of his directive to the Prime Minister in his letter dated 6th of March, 2023, in which he directed that all Government advertising business be channelled to Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and New Vision. 

Museveni accepted the appeal and asked Baryomunsi to meet with the NAB team next week to harmonise the position on how they will be considered for government advertising spending.

He said that his directive was not intended to harm the private sector but to help revitalise UBC. 

The NAB team led by Mr. Kin Kariisa agreed that UBC needs special consideration. 

The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Secretary to the Treasury (PSST), Ramathan Ggoobi.