Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, MPs task government to fund UBC to broadcast AFCON
The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga and MPs have tasked government to fund national broadcaster; Uganda Broadcasting Cooperation (UBC) to facilitate procurement of broadcast rights to air the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) that starts tomorrow in Egypt.
In yesterday's plenary sitting, NRM and Jinja Municipality West legislator Moses Balyeku said that although the funding was allocated for in the national budget, the fee is a small price for the government to pay and ensure that Ugandans get free access to the AFCON games.
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"We understand that this was not in the budget of the national broadcaster; but that is surely a small price for the government of Uganda to pay. The games will only be aired on pay television which many Ugandans cannot afford" Balyeku noted.
He said that Ugandans have a right to watch the games free of charge because the national team, Uganda Cranes, would be participating in the the continental tournament.
Speaker of Parliament Rebecca also reiterated with a letter from UBC requesting for the funds to pay for the broadcast rights.
The Speaker tasked ICT Minister Frank Tumwebaze to follow up on the funding of Euros 350,000 to broadcast the games.
State Finance Minister for Planning, David Bahati said that the government will support UBC to broadcast live. He said that he regrets that UBC didn't approach his ministry directly.
