‘GOtv Uganda to bow out’ as Groupe Canal+ buys shares

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), established under Section 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 106, is the regulator of the communications sector in Uganda.

Its mandate includes monitoring, inspecting, licensing, supervising, and controlling the sector to safeguard the interests of both consumers and providers of communication services.

In accordance with Section 39(2)(b) of the Act, the Commission is required to consider public interest when determining whether or not to approve the proposed transfer of a license.

In executing these mandates, the UCC has requested the public to provide written comments within 14 days regarding the application for the takeover of MultiChoice Uganda Limited’s product GOtv by Groupe Canal+.

Decades ago, the Commission licensed MultiChoice Uganda Limited to operate a Subscriber Management license and a Public Service Provider (Landing Rights) license.

Additionally, the Commission licensed GOtv Uganda Limited to hold a Public Service Multiplex (PSM) license and a Public Infrastructure Provider (PIP) license.

MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. currently holds an 85% shareholding in both MultiChoice Uganda Limited and GOtv Uganda Limited. MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. is wholly owned by MultiChoice Group Limited.

Groupe Canal+ currently holds 45.2% of the shares in MultiChoice Group Limited and is now interested in purchasing the remaining 54.8% of the shares.

Leaving the stage 

In accordance with Section 43 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 106, and Regulation 102 of the Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations, 2019, MultiChoice Uganda Limited has applied to the Commission for approval to transfer its licenses by way of a change in control from MultiChoice Group Limited to Groupe Canal+.

If this proposed transaction is approved, it will result in Groupe Canal+ acquiring 100% ownership of MultiChoice Group Limited.

This will consequently give Groupe Canal+ indirect control over MultiChoice Uganda Limited although the direct shareholding structures of these Ugandan entities will remain unchanged.

In 2011, MultiChoice Uganda Limited introduced GOtv as a digital terrestrial television service channel.