ABSTRACT

Despite recent developments in technology and globalisation, the broadcast

and print media in many countries still run on separate tracks. This article, which

is based on qualitative research carried out between 2012 and 2014, examines

the governance and development of media in ‘Museveni’s Uganda’ (1986- ),

with specific reference to broadcasting. The aim is to explore the extent to which

legislation and the regulation of broadcasting have affected its development

in Uganda. The key question is: How has broadcasting governance affected

broadcast media development in Uganda during the Museveni years? The

main approach was content analysis of relevant legislation and policies, and

key informant interviews with major stakeholders. The key finding is that in

the period under examination, Uganda adopted a piecemeal approach to

legislation, and to a great extent relied on laws rather than policies to govern

broadcasting. Broadcasting diversity and independence remained elusive, and

little development of the sector beyond growth in numbers (multiplicity of outlets)

was experienced. There is a need to review existing frameworks.