MultiChoice Uganda Launches Swahili Sports Channel and Revamped DStv Packages

MultiChoice Uganda is launching a 24-hour Swahili-language sports channel, SuperSport Swahili, as part of a revamped DStv offering targeting sports fans in East Africa. The channel will be available from November 5 to subscribers in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, featuring coverage of the English Premier League, UEFA competitions, La Liga, Serie A, athletics, UFC, and WWE. This move aims to provide more sports content to a wider audience in the region.

The introduction of SuperSport Swahili is part of a wider restructuring of DStv packages. MultiChoice Uganda has replaced its existing Access, Family, Compact, and Premium bouquets with Starter, Select, Sports, and Ultimate, respectively. The new packages offer a range of channels, including entertainment, sporting content, and local programming. Collin Asiimwe, MultiChoice Uganda's head of marketing, highlighted that the SuperSport Swahili channel will form part of the new DStv Sports package.

The DStv Sports package, which replaces DStv Compact, will cost Shs 100,000 and offer more than 159 channels. This package will include Premier League matches with Swahili commentary. The new package structure also introduces DStv Starter at Shs 25,000, replacing Access, with 116 channels. DStv Select, which replaces Family, will cost Shs 60,000 and offer more than 149 channels. At the top of the new line-up is DStv Ultimate, replacing Premium, at Shs 185,000.

The revamped DStv packages aim to provide customers with greater choice, affordability, and control over content. According to Collin Asiimwe, the changes represent the biggest product evolution in the company's history. The restructuring follows feedback from customers seeking more flexible and affordable options. Hassan Saleh, Managing Director of MultiChoice Uganda, noted that changing viewing habits, including the growing adoption of streaming services, had also informed the review of the company's products.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has welcomed the changes, saying more affordable pay television services could help expand the subscriber base and address piracy in the broadcasting industry. The new packages will also be available to DStv Stream subscribers at the same prices. GOtv customers will receive a revised line-up comprising Easy, Starter, Select, and Sports.

MultiChoice Uganda continues to invest in African productions following its integration with French media group CANAL+. Upcoming productions in Uganda include the fourth season of Kampala Crème, Musama, the fourth season of Home of Our Stars, Tie the Knot, and Short and Byg Show. The company aims to provide a range of local and international content to its subscribers.

The launch of SuperSport Swahili and the revamped DStv packages marks a significant development in the Ugandan pay-TV market. With more affordable options and a wider range of channels, MultiChoice Uganda hopes to attract new subscribers and retain existing ones. The company's efforts to provide more local and international content aim to meet the changing needs of its customers.

Key points

• MultiChoice Uganda launches SuperSport Swahili, a 24-hour Swahili-language sports channel, as part of a revamped DStv offering.
• The new DStv packages offer a range of channels, including entertainment, sporting content, and local programming, at various price points.
• The Uganda Communications Commission welcomes the changes, saying more affordable pay television services could help expand the subscriber base and address piracy.