KAMPALA — Uganda’s media landscape has entered a new phase following the completion of a deal that brings Capital FM, Beat FM and KIIS 100.9 FM under the ownership of Next Media Services Limited.
The three radio stations have also moved their headquarters and production operations to Next Media Park in Naguru, where they will operate alongside the media group’s existing brands.
The transaction gives Next Media Services a 70.01 per cent stake in Capital Radio 2015 Limited, representing 1,417 shares.
The remaining 29.99 per cent, equivalent to 607 shares, is held by Next Media Group chief executive officer Kin Kariisa, completing the acquisition of the company.
The development expands Next Media’s portfolio beyond its established television and radio operations and brings some of Uganda’s longest-running radio brands into one media group.
Capital FM, Beat FM and KIIS FM will now operate alongside NBS Television, Sanyuka TV, Salam TV, NBS Sport and Next Radio, among other platforms under the Next Media umbrella.
Mr Kariisa described the acquisition as a significant milestone for the group, saying the integration would strengthen its capacity to provide news, entertainment and digital broadcasting services.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Capital FM, Beat FM, and KIIS FM into the Next Media family,” Mr Kariisa said.
He added that the relocation of the stations to Next Media Park would support closer integration of their operations and contribute to the company’s broader digital broadcasting ambitions.
New operational base
The relocation means the three stations will share infrastructure at Next Media Park, including production facilities, newsrooms and digital distribution systems.
According to the company, the arrangement is expected to allow the stations to benefit from its existing technological and production infrastructure while maintaining their respective brands and audiences.
The acquisition also gives Next Media a larger presence across Uganda’s radio market, complementing its television and digital platforms.
Capital FM, Beat FM and KIIS FM have built audiences through their respective programming and broadcasting formats, making their addition a significant expansion of Next Media’s radio portfolio.
The company said the integration is part of its wider strategy to develop a multimedia operation capable of delivering content across television, radio, digital platforms and other emerging channels.
With the completion of the transaction, the three stations are now officially part of the Next Media group and have begun operating from their new base at Next Media Park in Naguru.