Assessing Efficiency and Pragmatism in Public Resource Allocation: Digital Migration and the Future of Broadcasting in Uganda

Abstract

No other industry in Uganda might be set for a more drastic impact of technological advancement this year or in the near foreseeable future like broadcasting. The move from analog to digital migration driven by International Telecommunication Union Directives will change the future of broadcasting in ways that many have not appreciated yet. What is remarkable is that this change will not only affect the broadcaster but also the end user and beneficiary of the broadcaster’s content – ordinary Ugandan. It is a change that, while least understood by laymen because of the technical jargon involved, will have far-reaching legal, economic, governance and human rights implications. The controversy surrounding digital migration in Kenya offers many lessons for us to draw from and serves as a warning of two factors: the gravity of how big a mess we can make of resource allocation, and the need to be vigilant and ensure strict oversight measures are put in place with respect to digital migration and all issues that may arise in its relation. This paper will analyze the advent of digital migration in Uganda and why this issue deserves as much attention. The paper will attempt to explain the technical aspects of digital migration, while analyzing the legal, economic, governance and human rights implications that we are to look out for as we transform the way that media content will be provided to Ugandans. The paper will then draw some conclusions. This paper will also offer some suggestions on how best Uganda can manage the migration process and oversee the regulation and allocation of spectrum frequencies in order to avoid a repeat of the upsetting situation that the Kenyan government now finds itself in.