As the festive season draws near, event promoters from across Uganda have met with Vision Group management to express their appreciation for the media company's ongoing partnership while appealing for more affordable advertising rates.
The delegation, led by their president Abbey Musinguzi, widely known as Abtex of Abtex Promotions, included Juma Balunywa of Juma Promotions, Moses Lubuulwa of Luba Events and several other organisers. The gathering took place on Thursday at Vision Group's headquarters in the Industrial Area, Kampala.
A Warm Reception
The promoters were received by the company's television manager Moses Ateng, Bukedde's multimedia platforms manager Richard Kayiira, and Bukedde TV1 manager Rose Kigongo Ssemwanga. Also present were Lorraine Tukahirwa, Head of Marketing and Communications, Hope Nuwagaba, Head of Sales, Harriet Mpora, Sales Manager, and other officials.
Speaking for the promoters, Balunywa expressed gratitude for the long-standing relationship between event organisers and Vision Group. He nonetheless painted a candid picture of an industry under financial strain, noting that the cost of staging concerts and other shows keeps climbing while ticket revenue remains modest.
He further explained that musicians are increasingly demanding higher fees, placing additional pressure on organisers' already stretched budgets.
Why Bukedde TV Remains the Preferred Platform
Despite these hurdles, Balunywa said organisers continue to value Bukedde TV for its strong viewership, describing it as the country's most-watched television station. That reach, he explained, is why promoters remain willing to invest heavily in advertising on the platform.
He appealed to Vision Group to review its advertising packages and offer added value to clients who pay for promotional services. "We request that our events receive wider publicity through Vision Group's other platforms like its websites, newspapers and billboards, in addition to television advertising," he said.
Lubuulwa thanked management for giving the organisers a chance to air their concerns and encouraged fellow promoters to keep engaging Bukedde TV, saying the meeting had yielded positive outcomes.
Vision Group Pledges Stronger Ties
In response, Ateng assured the organisers that the relationship between Vision Group and the events industry would keep growing stronger, noting that the company understands the challenges they face. He highlighted the group's wide range of advertising platforms, which extend beyond television, newspapers and radio to digital platforms, billboards and mobile advertising vehicles.
Nuwagaba also thanked the organisers for their continued support, saying their visit and appreciation gave the company reason to celebrate and feel valued. The promoters received gift hampers during the engagement.
The meeting underscores the delicate balance between Uganda's vibrant entertainment sector and the media houses that help bring events to the public's attention, a partnership both sides appear eager to strengthen as the festive season approaches.
