Mama TV Set to Launch in Uganda: A New Era for Local Broadcasting

Kampala, 8th January – In a groundbreaking announcement, Anthony Wekesa, the director and co-founder of Mama TV revealed that Mama TV will officially launch on Ugandan television screens in February 2025. The announcement was made during an interview with Nkambo Robert, director of Mediavision Academy at an audition event held at the Uganda National Cultural Centre on January 8, 2025, where Wekesa and his team sought to discover fresh talent for the new channel.

The auditions attracted a diverse group of filmmakers and journalists, including many alumni from Mediavision Academy, all eager to contribute to Mama TV’s ambitious programming lineup. The selection panel, which included Anthony Wekesa, Drake Clay, and Producer Mumusi, emphasized their commitment to identifying passionate individuals who have previously been overlooked in the industry.

One participant, Sinani Ssentongo a former trainee at the Mediavision Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity. “If selected, I will leverage my expertise to ensure the post-production quality of Mama TV’s content is top-notch.  I have polished my video editing skills over a decade now” he stated.

Mama TV aims to deliver a unique blend of high-quality programming, featuring reality shows, local dramas, talk shows, and game shows. Notably, 60% of its content will focus on empowering girls and youth, while the remaining 40% will cater to a broader audience. “Our vision extends beyond Uganda; we are targeting the entire East African region,” Wekesa explained, highlighting the channel’s established production houses in Tanzania and Kenya.

In a bid to foster local creativity, Wekesa announced plans for a second round of auditions to recruit filmmakers dedicated to producing original content. Unlike other channels that have struggled with access to quality local programming, Mama TV is committed to a merit-based approach that prioritizes creativity and value for money.

“This initiative presents a unique opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their talents and provide Ugandans with entertaining and informative programming,” Wekesa added. Mama TV will be available as a free-to-air channel on GoTV and StarTimes, adding to its robust online presence.

As the countdown to the launch begins, Mama TV is set to redefine the Ugandan broadcasting landscape, offering a platform for untapped talent and innovative storytelling.

Written by Nkambo Robert– Director Mediavision Academy.  Photos by Nakawuki Annita