Kin Kariisa’s Next Media Completes 100% Takeover of Capital Radio, Takes Control of Capital FM, Beat FM, and KIIS FM

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Kin Kariisa’s Next Media Services has completed a full takeover of Capital Radio 2015 Limited, placing Capital FM, Beat FM and KIIS 100.9 FM under the Next Media umbrella. The Kampala-based outlet said the transaction was confirmed on Wednesday and follows a June 23, 2026 announcement that had presented the relationship as a strategic collaboration rather than an equity purchase.

According to the report, company registration records show Next Media took 1,417 shares, or 70.01%, while Kariisa personally acquired 607 shares, or 29.99%, giving them control of all 2,024 issued shares in Capital Radio 2015 Limited. Watchdog Uganda said the earlier public framing had emphasized advertising cooperation, cross-platform engagement and content sharing, while also pledging to maintain editorial independence.

The publisher further reported, citing industry sources, that the deal evolved into an outright acquisition worth about Shs12 billion, covering assets such as transmitter infrastructure, regional frequency licences and brand value. It noted that Capital FM has been a prominent commercial radio brand in the region and that the group had absorbed Hot 100 FM less than three years earlier.

The development matters because it would significantly expand Next Media’s broadcast footprint beyond its existing television, digital and print operations, including NBS TV, Sanyuka TV and Afro Mobile. Watchdog Uganda said some market analysts have raised concerns about media concentration, advertising competition and newsroom independence. The outlet reported that Next Media management did not provide further comment beyond earlier public statements, while details on management changes, staffing and regulatory checks by the Uganda Communications Commission were still expected.