In a major move aimed at making digital television more accessible to low and middle-income households, MultiChoice Uganda has launched a new line of affordable weekly subscription packages for its popular DStv and GOtv platforms. The new short-term payment option, introduced under the “Ka Weekie” campaign, is expected to ease the burden of monthly bills for subscribers and allow more flexibility in how users consume content.
Announced on Thursday, the initiative introduces 7-day subscription plans starting at just UGX 5,000, marking one of the most affordable options ever offered by the pay-TV provider. The weekly packages are designed for viewers who earn daily or weekly, or those with irregular incomes, giving them the freedom to pay for only what they can afford, when they can afford it.
Speaking during the official launch event in Kampala, Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda, explained that the new offering is part of a wider strategy to respond directly to customer demands for more flexible and budget-friendly subscription options.
“We understand that our subscribers require affordable and flexible options to keep up with their favorite shows and programs,” Jamugisa said. “The launch of Ka Weekie reflects our commitment to delivering value while ensuring entertainment remains accessible to all.”
He stressed that many customers struggle with monthly subscription payments due to financial constraints and unpredictable incomes. By introducing shorter and cheaper plans, MultiChoice aims to ensure that users do not miss out on their preferred content — even if they can’t commit to a full month.
The “Ka Weekie” campaign covers a wide range of DStv and GOtv packages tailored to different income levels and viewing preferences:
DStv Weekly Packages:
– Lumba: UGX 5,000
– Access: UGX 14,000
– Family: UGX 22,000
– Compact: UGX 37,000
GOtv Weekly Packages:
– Lite: UGX 5,000
– Value: UGX 7,000
– Plus: UGX 11,000
– Max: UGX 17,000
– Supa: UGX 22,000
– Supa Plus: UGX 37,000
The pricing structure allows customers to choose packages based on their financial capacity and entertainment needs for a seven-day viewing period.
Colin Asiimwe, Head of Marketing at MultiChoice Uganda, said the campaign is a direct response to feedback from customers who have consistently called for greater flexibility in how they pay for content.
“You Asked, We Listened!” Asiimwe said during the launch. “We believe this is a step in the right direction in offering subscribers the best in entertainment at affordable price points, allowing them to pay and watch at their own convenience.”
He added that this new approach would particularly benefit daily income earners, students, freelancers, and people who travel frequently and may not want to pay for an entire month’s access when they might not be around to use it.
To make the process even more convenient, MultiChoice has provided multiple channels through which customers can subscribe to the weekly packages. These include:
– Mobile apps: MyDStv and MyGOtv
– USSD Code: 206
– Mobile money platforms: Airtel Money and MTN MoMo
– Partner banks and authorized agents
Customers can also switch between weekly, monthly, quarterly, or even annual packages at any time. Jamugisa clarified that users who choose to return to longer-term plans can do so simply by topping up their accounts. The cost of any active weekly plan will be deducted from the new subscription balance, ensuring no money is wasted.
The launch of “Ka Weekie” comes at a time when many African households are tightening their budgets due to rising costs of living, currency fluctuations, and unstable income sources. In Uganda, where a significant portion of the population earns their living on a daily or weekly basis, monthly subscription fees for pay-TV have become increasingly difficult for many families to afford.
By offering a more flexible payment model, MultiChoice is positioning itself as a service provider that is not only aware of economic realities but also willing to adapt its business model to serve the needs of everyday people.
Analysts say this move could increase MultiChoice’s market share and customer retention in Uganda and possibly serve as a blueprint for other African markets with similar economic conditions.
MultiChoice Uganda was established in 1994 as a subsidiary of MultiChoice Africa Holdings and has grown to become a leading provider of digital TV services in the country. Through its two main platforms — DStv (satellite-based) and GOtv (digital terrestrial) — the company offers access to a wide range of content, including sports, movies, local dramas, international series, and news channels.
Over the years, MultiChoice has introduced several customer-friendly innovations, including the MyDStv and MyGOtv apps, self-service tools, mobile money payments, and flexible payment windows. The introduction of weekly plans adds to this portfolio of services and underscores the company’s commitment to evolving with its customers.
Initial reactions from subscribers have been largely positive, especially among students and small business owners. Many welcomed the move, saying it would allow them to manage their entertainment expenses better.
“I don’t always have UGX 30,000 or more to pay for a full month,” said Julius, a barber in Kampala. “Now I can just pay UGX 5,000 for a week and still enjoy DStv.”
Others noted that the shorter-term plans would help families better control their viewing habits and spending. “Sometimes, we only watch on weekends, so this works well for us,” said Mariam, a working mother in Wakiso.
As competition in the pay-TV and streaming industry continues to grow, MultiChoice’s Ka Weekie initiative could set a new trend for subscription models in Africa. By catering to the unique financial circumstances of local audiences, the company may not only boost its own subscriber base but also push the entire industry toward more customer-friendly solutions.
For now, however, subscribers in Uganda can look forward to enjoying their favourite shows, sports, and movies — one week at a time.
