Next Media Services Limited has officially completed the acquisition of 100% of Capital Radio 2015 Limited, cementing a deal that significantly expands its footprint in Uganda's broadcast industry.
The transaction follows the strategic collaboration announced between the two media houses in June and sees Next Media acquire 1,417 shares in Capital Radio 2015 Limited, while Next Media Group Chief Executive Officer Kin Kariisa personally holds an additional 607 shares, completing full ownership of the company.
The acquisition brings three well-known radio brands into the Next Media family:
Capital FM, which has long targeted Uganda's English-speaking professionals and urban audience. Beat FM, popular among Luganda-speaking listeners. KIIS 100.9, known for contemporary music and youth-focused programming.
The stations now join a portfolio that already includes NBS Television, Sanyuka TV, Nile Post, and several digital platforms, giving Next Media one of the country's most diversified media operations.
Industry observers say the move strengthens Next Media's ability to offer advertisers integrated campaigns across television, radio and digital platforms at a time when traditional broadcasters are navigating rising operational costs and increasing competition from online streaming and social media.
The takeover also positions the company to expand content sharing, newsroom collaboration and audience reach across multiple platforms, building on the partnership first unveiled in June.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Many users welcomed the acquisition as a sign of continued investment in Uganda's locally owned media sector, congratulating Next Media on its latest expansion and expressing optimism about improved programming and innovation.
Others, however, voiced concerns about growing media consolidation, arguing that fewer independent media owners could reduce diversity in editorial voices and competition within Uganda's broadcasting landscape.
The acquisition marks another milestone in Next Media's growth strategy and further reshapes Uganda's competitive media landscape, where broadcasters are increasingly pursuing scale and cross-platform operations to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital era.