UCC lists 35 firms selling fake migration decoders

UCC says a number of firms are selling unapproved decoders as the digital switch deadline nears. PHOTO BY ABUBAKAR LUBOWA .

Kampala- Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has listed 35 companies allegedly importing and distributing unapproved set-top boxes (decoders) ahead of the digital migration deadline.

In a public notice dated May 12, UCC said: “It has come to the attention of the Commission that contrary to terms, a number of vendors are importing, distributing and broadcasting BeIN content.”

“BeIN does not have broadcasting rights in Uganda and, therefore, broadcasting BeIN content is illegal.”

The Middle East-based company, according to an Internet search, is said to have been established by the Emir of Qatar in 2013 under Qatari Sports Investments, which is operated by Al Jazeera Media Network.

Some of the distributors of the fake set top boxes, according to UCC, include, K.S.K Tech International, Alish Enterprises, Der Pro Fabricators, MS Enterprises, Volxton, Marvin Phone City, Taj Mahal and HBT Hotel, and Kings Cross Hotel.

Mr Isaac Kalembe, the UCC media relations officer, told Daily Monitor yesterday they were in the “process of cracking” down on the listed firms.

UCC, also warned those importing the “none-approved set top boxes as well as advising the public not to buy them.

Uganda, together with the rest of the world will by July 30 be required to switch from analogue to digital broadcasting.

The switch will complete a more than 10-year that seeks to create a larger spectrum for broadcasters and internet operators.

Company
K.S.K Tech International Post Office
Alish Enterprises Mbale town
Der Pro Fabricators Market street
MS Enterprises Energy Centre
Volxton Uganda Limited Market Street
Marvin Phone City Wilson Road
Taj Mahal Casino Industrial Area HBT Hotel
Kings Cross Hotel Rubaga
Garuga Country Resort Garuga
Munyaruguru Bar Kulekana Salaama
Shaka Zulu Restaurant Bugolobi
Dimilia Stores Ntinda
Green Power Nalubwama Arcade
Musa Kas – Zillion 0752756162
Golf Lane Hotel Masaka
Masaka Sport Club Masaka
Jesaha Electronics Main Street Masaka
Namugongo Cable 075045179
Comfort Cottage Kasangati
Hills House Nalukolongo
Choma Sports Bar Masaka
Ten Tables Bar and Lodge Masaka
Vienna Guest House Masaka
Hotel Brovad Masaka
Nile Cable TV Gulu
Surf Cable TV Lira
Ethiopian Restaurant Kansanga
Shabz Video Library Wandegeya
Muna Bar – Lubas Road Jinja
Smart Phonz Pioneer Mall
Hillview Apartments Clement Hill Road
Kama Pub – Lugara Road Gulu
Amigos Pub – Greenvalley Gulu
Lagada Bar, Kanyogoga Gulu