The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has donated Shs2.5 billion in radio transmission equipment to Uganda Broadcasting Cooperation (UBC).
Among, who handed over the equipment on Friday, 03 March 2023, said that the donation is part of Parliament’s corporate social responsibility and a recognition that the national broadcaster needs to set the pace in the industry.
“Parliament of Uganda recognises the importance of the media as a cornerstone in the development and a crucial link between the people we serve and their leaders”, she said.
Parliament had over the years taken a decision to open and operate a media outlet as a means to boost coverage of House business.
However, due to delays in acquiring a radio frequency, the Parliamentary Commission took the decision to donate the state-of-the-art transmission equipment to UBC.
Speaker Among also emphasised the need for evidence-based reporting by the media and called upon them to desist from mediocrity and sensationalism.
“We hope that you inculcate the culture of professionalism and adherence to ethical standards at all times during the execution of your work,” she stressed.
The Managing Director of UBC, Agaba Winston said that the donation was the first of its kind and a historic moment for UBC.
He expressed his appreciation to the Speaker for uplifting the media industry and said that the equipment will change coverage by UBC.
“As the national broadcaster, we look at ourselves as an enabler of private media. This equipment will enhance our coverage of committees and we shall even commence live coverage of committee sittings”, he said.
Agaba also appealed to the government to fully execute the digital migration policy to solve issues of unemployment amongst youth and extend levels of content production.
“It is our prayer that we seriously look into the issue of the story of digital migration. We shall be able to create space for all the youth yearning to join the industry and content production,” he added.
The donation comprised two transmitters, a standby generator, UPS, an automatic voltage regulator, a bandpass filter change, a changeover switch, an equipment rack, an antenna system and a feeder cable.
The Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Mwesige, said that the equipment was a donation from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).