SECTOR 3 “The editorial policy is non-controversial, but as a public broadcaster, the UBC has to play it safe. But this doesn’t affect the breadth of issues that they cover, and they cover more than some of the private broadcasters.” Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.5 (2012 = n/a; 2010 = n/a; 2007 = n/a) 3.6 The state/public broadcaster is adequately funded in a manner that protects it from political interference through its budget and from commercial pressure. “UBC has to perform as a public broadcaster, but to operate as a commercial entity.” The Corporation is wholly owned by Government, but the financing of its activities, in large part, have to come from its commercial activities. Section 14(1) of the UBC Act highlights the following funding mechanism: The funds of the Corporation shall consist of: a. any grant of a capital nature from the Government; b. any loan from the Government, organizations or any person; c. any moneys that may become payable to the Corporation in the discharge of its functions and commercial activities; d. donations that may be made to the Corporation; e. television viewing licence fees and advertising revenue. However political interference still presents a problem. “Funding is limited and the UBC is still reliant on government, so it is not completely independent.” Due to funding constraints, the UBC has to function with outdated equipment, which may hamper its ability to perform better commercially, and thereby relieve it of both political and commercial pressures. One panellist explained the difficulties that the UBC faces in remaining independent and relevant, while also serving as the common carrier for other AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2016 57