REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF LICENSE FROM CAPITAL FM (2015) LIMITED TO NEXT MEDIA SERVICES LIMITED AND KIN KARIISA

The Uganda Communications Commission (the Commission) was established under section 4 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103 (the Act) as the regulator of the communications sector in Uganda with mandate to among others monitor, inspect, license, supervise, control, promote and safeguard interests of consumers and providers of communications services in Uganda.

The Commission licensed Capital FM (2015) Limited to hold nine radio broadcasting licenses for their respective radio stations around the country. Capital FM (2015) Limited currently has the following shareholders: - Kananathan Harnington Ravindra - 12.5%, Patrick Quarcoo - 37.8%, Samuel Wanzunula Mwangal - 9.3%, Albert Ayende-Ajji - 2.7% and William Edward Cathcart - 37.6%.

The Commission also licensed Next Media Services Limited to hold six broadcasting licenses and currently has the following shareholders: - Kin Ibrahim Kariisa - 99.8%, Next Media Group FZCO - 0.1%.

Next Media Services Limited and Kin Ibrahim Kariisa are now interested in purchasing 100% ownership and control of Capital FM (2015) Limited.

In accordance with Section 43 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103, and Regulation 102 of the Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations, 2019, Capital FM (2015) Limited applied to the Commission for approval of transfer of their licenses by way of change in control from Capital FM (2015) Limited to Next Media Services Limited.

If approved, the proposed transaction will result in Next Media Services Limited and Kin Ibrahim Kariisa acquiring 100% shares in Capital FM (2015) Limited, and consequently, gaining direct control in Capital FM (2015) Limited. The shareholding in Next Media Services Limited shall remain unchanged.

In accordance with section 39(2) (d) of the Act, the Commission is required to consider public interest before determining whether or not to approve the proposed transfer of licenses.

The public is therefore requested to provide written comments, if any, regarding the aforesaid applications.

Comments should be sent to the address below within fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice.

UCC House, Plot 42- 44 Spring Road, Bugolobi
P.O. Box 7376, KAMPALA. Phone: + 256 414 339000, +256 312 339000
Email: legal.licensing@ucc.co.ug, Website: www.ucc.co.ug