MultiChoice Uganda has unveiled a revamped DStv package line-up featuring new names, expanded sports coverage and changes to entertainment offerings, as the pay-TV provider seeks to give subscribers more choice and better value.
The changes, announced at an event held at MultiChoice Uganda’s head offices, will take effect on November 5 and will introduce a new package structure targeting different viewing preferences, from general entertainment and family programming to dedicated sports coverage.
The new line-up will see DStv Access become DStv Starter, DStv Family transition to DStv Select, DStv Compact become DStv Sports, while DStv Premium will be renamed DStv Ultimate.
However, the announcement did not provide the specific subscription prices for the new packages. Subscribers should check MultiChoice Uganda’s official channels for the applicable monthly rates before making decisions about upgrading or downgrading their subscriptions.
Hassan Saleh, CEO of MultiChoice Uganda, said the changes were designed around customers’ viewing habits and their demand for greater value and access to entertainment.
“Our focus is on giving subscribers better value and access to the entertainment they love,” Saleh said.
“DStv’s strength is the combination of African entertainment, leading international content and unrivalled live sport in one place. We’ve reimagined our packages to better reflect how customers watch today, with tailored options specifically for general entertainment and sports fans,” he added.
DStv Starter
DStv Starter replaces DStv Access and will include 10 additional channels compared with its predecessor.
One of the additions is SuperSport KICKOFF, a new channel that will broadcast selected football matches from major competitions, including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
The package is aimed at subscribers looking for an entry-level entertainment option with an expanded channel offering.
Price: shs25,000
DStv Select
DStv Select replaces DStv Family and is designed for households seeking a broader entertainment selection.
The package will include movie channels, local and international series, selected football and other sporting content, as well as the complete kids’ channel offering.
Its movie selection will benefit from a refreshed line-up featuring M-Net Movies+, M-Net Stars and M-Net Legends, intended to offer more blockbuster films, faster access to new releases and fewer repeats.
Price: shs60,000
DStv Sports
DStv Sports replaces DStv Compact and is the first package in the line-up specifically designed for sports fans.
The package will feature 17 sports channels and include every Premier League and UEFA Champions League match, cricket previously available only on DStv Premium, selected international club rugby, WWE and UFC.
Despite its sports focus, the package will also carry all general entertainment channels available on DStv Select.
This means subscribers will have access to a combination of sporting events, movies, series and family entertainment within one package.
Price: shs100,000
DStv Ultimate
DStv Ultimate replaces DStv Premium and remains the most comprehensive package in the refreshed line-up.
It will include all the content available on DStv Sports, alongside additional premium sporting events such as Formula 1, MotoGP, Grand Slam tennis and golf majors.
Subscribers will also have access to international series on M-Net.
The package is intended for viewers seeking the widest selection of premium sports and entertainment offered by DStv.
Price: Shs185,000.
New Kiswahili sports channel
Alongside the package changes, MultiChoice will launch SuperSport Swahili, a dedicated 24-hour sports channel for audiences in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The channel will launch on November 5 and feature Swahili commentary, studio analysis and regional storytelling across international and locally relevant sporting events.
Its programming will include the Premier League, UEFA competitions, La Liga, Serie A, international football, athletics, UFC and WWE.
The launch is intended to make international sport more accessible to Swahili-speaking audiences across the region.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) welcomed the new package structure, describing it as a response to customer feedback.
Julianne Mweheire, Director of Industry Affairs and Content Development at UCC, said the changes demonstrated the importance of listening to subscribers and responding to their concerns.
“For the first time, we are not talking about economics, we are talking about customers speaking and the entity listening. This is really something to celebrate for the consumer,” Mweheire said.
“I congratulate MultiChoice Uganda for being sensitive to the needs of their customers and to being able to apply all the modules, to listening and bringing them to effect,” she added.
MultiChoice also reaffirmed its commitment to African storytelling, with upcoming productions including Kampala Crème Season 4, Musama, Home of Our Stars Season 4, Tie the Knot and the Short and Byg Show, hosted by social media personalities Isaac Katende, popularly known as Kasuku, and Shamim Mayanja, known as Zubeda.
The company said its integration with Canal+ would also allow it to draw on wider international content relationships and experience across African markets.
With the new packages taking effect on November 5, subscribers will be able to choose between options focused on entry-level entertainment, family viewing, sports and premium programming.
For viewers comparing the new line-up, the key consideration will be whether the channels and sporting events included in each package justify its subscription cost. The actual prices and any changes to monthly rates should be confirmed through MultiChoice Uganda’s official customer service and subscription platforms.
