Ugandans back home will not be able to enjoy the Total Africa Cup of nations which is starting this weekend in Gabon with sixteen countries vying for the glory.
An official statement has been released indicating that the Uganda Broadcasting Cooperation (UBC) will not telecast the AFCON in Gabon. Jane Kasumba, the head of TV confirmed to the media that UBC will need over 200m for the live casting of the games which the government is not willing not offer. Besides, the company has been financially struggling and even failed to pay workers.
This announcement has left several Ugandan soccer lovers with a bitter taste in their mouth, after management informed them that they are unable clear $113, 500 so as to broadcast the AFCON games live from Gabon.
In a letter dated 11th January 2017 to the Minister of Education, Technology and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Managing Director of UBC Winston Agaba David highlights that they have failed to raise the needed funds for this cause.
Many Ugandans had hoped that they would be able to catch the games live from the comfort of their homes courtesy of the national broadcaster but all these hopes have been washed down the drain.
Uganda has been away from the competition for a period of 39 years until last year when they were able to break the jinx with a 1-0 win over Comoros courtesy of a Farouk Miya goal at Mandela Namboole stadium on September 4th 2016.
Ugandans will now have to look for other means to watch and cheer their team after the disappointing news from UBC.