KAMPALA, Uganda (Nov. 2, 2025) — Free-to-air television stations across Uganda remain off air due to a government-vs.-government financial standoff, as the Uganda Revenue Authority is holding vital equipment needed by the national broadcaster over unpaid taxes.
Sources within the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, or UBC, revealed that URA has refused to release more than four transmitters and spare parts held in Entebbe, effectively crippling efforts to restore broadcast service and leaving many viewers without free television for nearly a month.
The crisis stems from a severe cash shortage at UBC and its signal distributor, Signet Uganda. All free-to-air stations rely on Signet to multiplex and distribute their signals across the country.
UBC Managing Director Winston Agaba confirmed the equipment is being held over unpaid taxes. Agaba noted that URA has historically been aggressive in pursuing the government-owned institution, claiming the tax agency told him they were targeting UBC as a “soft target” to meet revenue goals.
Agaba also revealed that URA has on several occasions attached UBC’s bank accounts to recover tax arrears, breaking with an old tradition of non-interference between government entities.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the minister for Information and Communication Technology, expressed surprise that a solution had not been found, given the vital public service at stake.
“It had not been brought to my attention, but let me find out,” Baryomunsi said. “This is government-to-government. Why would they not allow it to clear the items and then they can pay later?”
UBC’s financial struggles are long-running, with debts estimated at nearly 30 billion Ugandan shillings. The debts include approximately 7 billion shillings owed to URA and 15 billion shillings owed to the National Social Security Fund for unremitted workers contributions.
The corporation’s difficulties are partly linked to the failure to implement a planned television tax, which was outlined in the UBC Act of 2005 but never became operational.
