Canal+ Rwanda celebrated the launch of Bukedde 1 to its ‘Luganda’ speaking audience in Rwanda on Tuesday, October 31, in Kiyovu.

Anyone can now access the new channel 394, starting from the ‘Ikaze’ monthly package, which offers clients access to over 188 channels at just Rwf5,000.

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Bukedde 1 displays Ugandan music, news, talk shows, politics, drama, and so forth.

According to Moses Ateng, the head of content distribution at Vision Group (a multimedia Ugandan company), Bukedde 1 is a channel that has captivated viewers, not only in Uganda but also in East Africa for over a decade.

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"The channel keeps its audience engaged throughout the day, we think it will be of value in Rwanda too. What sets it apart is its unwavering commitment to local content, as it resonates with the people,” he noted.

Ateng also stressed that this channel offers a unique perspective on information, news, and functional content, and is a powerhouse of entertainment.

He also noted that in a world where the media landscape is filled with international content and global influences, Bukedde 1 stands as a big control of content, as it understands what enthralls the local person and delivers content that feels like it is created just for a local viewer.

Ateng added that what makes Bukedde 1 exceptional, is its dedication to crafting new content and presenting it to corporations, packaged and delivered.

"The channel doesn’t only broadcast news or showcase entertainment, it also offers more ordinary content that provides everyone with a touch that resonates with the ordinary person.”

Ateng also stated that in a rapidly changing media environment where many acquit to impress foreign trends, Bukedde 1 remains rooted in its commitment to serve the local audience and is a reminder that there is immersed power in understanding the culture and values of the locals.

"We celebrate the new Bukedde 1 as an offering of Canal+ Rwanda, which will keep the Rwandan viewers entertained.”

In his speech at the launch event, Brig. Gen Emmanuel T. Shillingi, the Uganda Defense Advisor (DA) in Uganda High commission to Rwanda, who was the guest of honor, said this television will add value to the awareness of what is going on in Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond for the viewers.

He highlighted that the acceptance of the presence of Bukedde 1 in Rwanda is a sign of bilateral relationships between the two countries as it augments the existing one to further add value to the strategic leadership intention.

Shillingi stressed the power television has in communication, as it’s a source of information, and is vital to people.

He added that people are misinformed due to miscommunication, thus optimistic that Bukedde 1 will offer an expansion of mileage visibility, and an important tool in national development.

"When we launched Canal+ Rwanda three years ago, I pondered on what more was needed to add on our channels to standout, we therefore carried out research and we were surprised that in the northern and eastern parts of Rwanda, and Kigali, a number of people showed interest in Bukedde 1, especially the night local news known as ‘Agataliiko Nfuufu’,” said Sophie TCHATCHOUA, the Managing Director of Canal+ Rwanda.

She expressed her gratitude for the new channel on their subscription packages as their customers requested.

TCHATCHOUA also highlighted that CANAL+ Rwanda promises to offer the best content to clients in Rwanda and all over the world.

"So far, the launch of Zacu TV which shows mostly local content has received great feedback from our customers, we are looking forward to introducing more fun content to our viewers,” she added.

Canal+ Rwanda is a subsidiary of Canal+ International — a visual and audio company, a third French satellite operator with more than 5,000,000 active subscriptions and an average penetration rate of more than 35 per cent in French overseas territories.