Legislators have asked Government to make set top boxes, commonly known as decoders, affordable because it is a constitutional right for every Ugandans to access timely information. This follows government implementation of a phased analogue to digital switch off on June 15, starting with Kampala and areas within a 60-kilometre radius of the capital where thousands of people were left with blank screens.

The lawmakers have been debating a statement made by the State Minister for ICT Nyombi Thembo regarding the progress of transforming from analogue to digital migration broadcast. Nyombi informed the house that due to budgetary pressures Government has not been able put in place physical measures to ensure the availability of affordable set top boxes as envisaged.

But the lawmakers such as Kawempe North MP Latiff Sebagala, Lubaga North MP Moses Kasibante, Bukomansibi woman MP Suzan Namaganda Kiwalabye Waira Magyegere, Bunya East, Olivia Kwagala, Iganga woman MP, and Medard Bitekyerezo Mbarara municipality, among others say they are not opposed to technology but Government should ensure that the decoders are available and affordable for all Ugandans. Some Members of Parliament were bitter that some areas were switched off without being informed because their areas were not advertised as part of the areas to be switched off.

The Member of Parliament for Lubaga North Moses Kasibante said that government should be blamed for delaying to inform Ugandans on the issue of digital migration since it signed this agreement many years ago. The woman MP for Bukomansimbi Suzan Namaganda said it will be difficult for people to afford pay TVs with subscription. Latiff Sebagala said that digital migration needed more time.

Uganda will progressively switch off analogue transmission, completing its migration on August 31.

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