The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has invited public comments on a proposed license transfer that would see Next Media Services Limited and its CEO, Kin Ibrahim Kariisa, take full ownership and control of Capital FM (2015) Limited — the company behind Capital FM, Beat FM and KIIS 100.9 FM.
In a public notice issued Monday, September 14, the regulator said Capital FM (2015) Limited holds nine radio broadcasting licenses, currently shared among five shareholders: Karuhanga Hannington Rubarenza (12.5%), Patrick Quarcoo (37.6%), Samuel Wanzunula Mangaali (9.3%), Albert Ayorinde Ajayi (2.7%) and William Edward Cathcart (37.6%).
Next Media’s Bid for Full Control
Next Media Services Limited, which already holds six broadcasting licenses of its own, is majority-owned by Kin Ibrahim Kariisa at 99.9%, with Next Media Group FZCO holding the remaining 0.1%.
UCC said Capital FM (2015) Limited applied for the license transfer under Section 43 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103, and Regulation 102 of the Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations, 2019 — the legal framework governing changes of control over licensed operators.
If approved, the deal would hand Next Media Services and Kariisa 100 percent of the shares in Capital FM (2015) Limited, giving them direct control of the company and its stations. Next Media’s own shareholding structure would remain unchanged.
Reports suggest the underlying acquisition was already sealed in July 2026, with Next Media taking the larger stake and Kariisa holding the rest — a move that would add FM radio to a media portfolio that already includes NBS Television.
Why Public Input Matters
Under Section 39(2)(d) of the Act, UCC is required to consider public interest before deciding on any proposed license transfer. The Commission has accordingly opened a 14-day comment window from the date of the notice, closing around September 28, 2026.
Written submissions can be sent to UCC House, Plot 42–44 Spring Road, Bugolobi, P.O. Box 7376, Kampala, or emailed to legallicensing@ucc.co.ug.
Industry Watching Closely
The proposed transfer has sparked debate, with some welcoming it as a natural next step in Next Media’s growth and others raising concerns about media ownership concentration and what it could mean for editorial diversity across the combined stations.
UCC can be reached at +256 414 339000 or +256 312 339000, or via www.ucc.co.ug, for further information.
