The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced that French media company Canal+ is seeking to take full control of MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv and GOtv.
Canal+ already owns 45.2 percent of MultiChoice Group but now wants to buy the remaining shares to become the sole owner. If approved, Canal+ will indirectly control DStv Uganda and GOtv Uganda, although the shareholding structure of these companies within Uganda will not change.
UCC has called on the public to submit comments within 14 days, explaining that the law requires it to weigh public interest before making a decision.
A full takeover by Canal+ could have several implications for Ugandans. Service quality and programming may be affected, with the possibility of more French and international content being introduced alongside African productions. Subscription prices could also change depending on the company’s new strategies, raising concerns among consumers about affordability. The deal is expected to reshape the pay-TV market in Africa, and while it may attract fresh investment and innovation, it could also concentrate market power in fewer hands, potentially reducing consumer choice.
There are also questions about how the new ownership might influence investment in local content, employment opportunities, and the promotion of Ugandan productions. UCC has stressed that its role is to ensure that consumers are protected, that services remain accessible, and that the transaction does not undermine fair market practices.
