UCC Calls for Public Input as Canal+ Seals $3 Billion MultiChoice Acquisition

Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has invited public comments on the proposed transfer of MultiChoice’s licenses to Canal+ following the French media giant’s $3 billion acquisition of the DStv parent company.

The deal, set to fully close by October 8, 2025, is expected to reshape Africa’s broadcasting landscape with new investment in local content and technology.

In its notice, UCC explained that MultiChoice Uganda Limited and GOTV Uganda Limited applied for approval of license transfers as part of a change in control from MultiChoice Group to Canal+. If approved, Canal+ will indirectly control both subsidiaries while their shareholding structures in Uganda remain unchanged.

This regulatory step comes as Canal+ confirmed it has finalized the acquisition of 100% of MultiChoice Group’s shares, with the deal expected to fully close by October 8, 2025, pending final clearances.

Transforming Africa’s Media Landscape

The acquisition cements Canal+’s dominance in Africa’s pay-TV and digital entertainment sector. MultiChoice, through DStv and GOtv, has millions of subscribers in over 40 African countries, making it one of the continent’s leading broadcasters.

By taking full control, Canal+ is betting big on Africa’s youthful population and fast-growing digital economy. The company has pledged to invest in local content production, sports broadcasting, and technology innovation, a move expected to strengthen Africa’s creative industries and enhance competition with global streaming giants.

What It Means for Uganda

For Ugandan viewers, the immediate impact is minimal—DStv and GOtv services will continue uninterrupted. However, industry watchers say the deal could eventually bring more diverse content, expanded streaming services, and new investment into Uganda’s creative sector.

Regulators like UCC are tasked with ensuring that the merger safeguards consumer interests while promoting fair competition in the broadcasting market.

The Canal+–MultiChoice deal, one of the largest media acquisitions in Africa’s history, underscores the continent’s rising importance in the global entertainment industry. Once the transaction officially closes in October, Canal+ will emerge as a continental powerhouse—ushering in what many analysts call a new era for African broadcasting.