How Much It Cost To Start A Radio Station In Uganda

How Much It Cost To Start A Radio Station In Uganda

The term “radio station” or “station” means a station equipped to engage in radio communication or radio transmission of energy.

Cost To Start A Radio Station In Uganda

Application processing fees (One off fee)

  • 6,240,000 (Non Commercial Radio Stations)
  • 9,400,000 (Commercial Radio Stations)

Initial entry fee/change in ownership (One off fee)

  • 33,000,000 (National commercial Radio–Tier 1)
  • 25,000,000 (Commercial Regional Stations Radio-Tier 2)
  • 20,000,000 (for commercial Radio Tier 3)
  • 15,000,000 (for commercial Radio Tier 4)
  • (200,000) Community/Non Commercial Radios

For More information on the charges Visit this Link: charges Link 

Radio Station Registration Requirements In Uganda

Below are the steps to register a Radio station in Uganda

Step 1
A person interested in offering FM radio broadcasting services in Uganda is required to submit a formal expression of interest to UCC (in writing) to provide FM radio broadcasting services. Or write directly to the commissioner at:

Uganda Communication Commission House
Plot 42-44 Spring Road, Bugolobi
P. O.Box 7376, Kampala, Uganda.

Step 11
The expression of this application should highlight the type of planned programming content (e.g. music, news, education etc.), the planned location of the FM radio station and desired geographical area(s) of coverage.

Step 111
On receipt of this expression of interest application,UCC will study the availability of radio spectrum in the geographical area highlighted and advise accordingly.

The UCC shall look at the following considerations in determining the availability of spectrum in a particular geographical area.

  • The interference in the FM broadcasting in terms of distance coverage from another radio frequency to see whether there is a sufficiently distant from each other in terms of coverage area.
  • the minimum separation in bandwidth defined by International Telecommunications Union (ITU) if complied with.
  • the “guard bands” left to minimize interaction with the adjacent frequency band.
  • the use of frequencies if not interfered with neighbouring countries.
  • The number of existing broadcasters in that particular region and adjacent regions.
  • If the spectrum planning meets the FM Broadcasting Planning Regions requirements as set by UCC since Uganda as a country has been divided into fourteen (14) spectrum regions.

Step 1V
After fulfillment of the above requirements reservation is made by UCC and applicant duly advised to progress with submission of relevant documents on the application form UCC4002-SM-ADM-01.However, such reservation is conditional on the applicant: –

  • Completing the license and spectrum authorization application process within a stated time frame; and
  • Formally accepting the technical permissible parameters associated with usage of the reserved spectrum.

Step V
When the above process is successfully done then the applicant can proceed to pay for the license application fees of 6,240,000 for a Non Commercial Radio Stations and 9,400,000 for Commercial Radio Stations respectively.
Then attach and submit the following documents:

  • Certificate of incorporation,
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association,
  • Business plan,
  • Financial Statements,
  • Tax Clearance Certificates, and
  • Technical information highlighted.

Step VI

  • If an application is found satisfactory by UCC, the applicant shall then be advised and required to pay the applicable annual License fees (that are dependent on the area of coverage), spectrum fees and type approval fees.
  • This must be fulfilled prior to the issuance of a radio broadcasting license agreement and operating certificate, a spectrum authorization (which includes the frequency assignment), type approval certificates for broadcasting equipment and the commencement of business.

Step VII

  1. Before commencing operations (being going on air), a licensed FM radio station shall invite UCC again to inspect the established station to confirm that all the requirements are in place.
  2. The FM radio station can use the self-inspection checklist to establish readiness for and prepare for such inspection.
  3. A copy of the checklist is provided by the UCC or check on the website of UCC.
    • If some of the requirements are found not to be in place during the first inspection, the station shall be notified in writing. UCC shall then carry out a subsequent inspection upon receiving confirmation of rectification of any anomalies and an invitation to re-inspect.
    • On meeting all the requirements, UCC shall issue a clearance to the licensed FM radio station to commence operations.
    • In the event that the station’s facilities do not meet the technical requirements after the second inspection, UCC shall commence with the process of withdrawal of the spectrum authorization as provided for under the spectrum withdrawal guidelines.

Required Documents

Business Plan

  • Business objectives.
  • Business concept (business and service/product description, customer and geographical coverage etc).
  • Economic, market and financial analysis (with proposed initial prices and cash flow statement).
  • Evidence of capital (bank deposits, credit facilities and audited accounts).
  • Operations arrangements (human resource plan, customer service plan, support arrangements).

Company profile

  • Nature and structure of the applicant (a subsidiary, associated companies, joint ventures, etc).
  • Certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the company in Uganda.
  • Certified copy of the Certificate of registration (if not incorporated in Uganda).
  • Certified copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Technical application

  • Detailed description of planned infrastructure facilities, indicating technology to be used, capacities to be installed (in switching and transmission facilities) and illustrated with network diagram.
  • Facilities/infrastructure sharing initiatives taken or planned leasing from other licensed providers.
  • Roll out plan.
  • Essential resource/ facilities requirements.
  • Interconnection interface arrangements/requirements.
  • Disaster recovery plan.
  • Demonstration of technical experience and capability as well as access to technical expertise and experience.

Office Locations & Contacts

Uganda Communications Commission
Plot 42-44, Spring road, Bugolobi
P.O. Box 7376 Kampala,Uganda
+ 256 414 339000/ 312 339000
TOLL FREE 0800133911
Email Address: ucc@ucc.co.ug
Website: link

Eligibility

Any person within Uganda, engaged in communication or transmission of energy by radio;

Any transmission of energy, communication or signal by radio or any radio emission or communication originating or received within Uganda, or intended to be used in Uganda.

All unlicensed and unregulated devices and equipment whose operation is capable of emitting radio frequency energy by radiation, conduction or other means as to cause interference to radio communication are eligible for this type of Licence.

Any manufacturer, importer, seller, offer for sale, shipment or use of a device, equipment or system, capable of emitting radio frequency energy by any means.