Millions of Ugandans are missing their favorite TV channels as URA refuses to release UBC transmitters held over unpaid taxes.
Ugandans who rely on free-to-air TV are still in the dark after the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) reportedly refused to release important broadcasting equipment belonging to the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation.
Sources inside UBC reveal that URA is holding more than four transmitters and spare parts in Entebbe, making it impossible for the national broadcaster to resume transmission. As a result, free-to-air TV stations across the country have been off air for almost a month now.
The problem comes from UBC’s long-running financial struggles, along with its signal distributor, Signet Uganda. All free-to-air stations depend on Signet to send their signals across the country — meaning the standoff has affected everyone.
Winston Agaba confirmed the development, saying URA is holding onto the equipment because of tax arrears. He also noted that URA has previously frozen UBC’s bank accounts to recover unpaid taxes, calling it unfair treatment from one government agency to another.
“URA told me they were targeting UBC as a soft target to meet their revenue goals,” Agaba revealed in frustration.
The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, said he was surprised by the matter and promised to follow it up immediately.
“It had not been brought to my attention, but I’ll find out. This is government-to-government. Why can’t they allow the items to be cleared and pay later?” he questioned.
The financial troubles have been around for years, with debts of nearly UGX 30 billion including UGX 7 billion owed to URA and UGX 15 billion owed to NSSF for workers’ contributions.
The broadcaster’s situation has also been worsened by the failure to introduce a television tax, which was proposed in the UBC Act of 2005 but never implemented.
For now, Ugandans continue to miss their favorite local channels as UBC struggles to find a solution and get free-to-air TV back on air.
Stay tuned on Daily Spear Ug for more updates on this developing story.
