Showbizuganda

Tag: Startimes

  • StartTimes in conjunction with Miss Uganda unveils 22 finalists in a night of glamour, music & celebration

    StartTimes in conjunction with Miss Uganda unveils 22 finalists in a night of glamour, music & celebration

    Kampala: The Miss Uganda 2026 search reached an exciting milestone on Friday evening as 22 finalists were officially presented to the public at a glamorous Presentation Night held at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel and broadcast exclusively live on StarTimes Makula KiKa.

    The Presentation Night marked a significant moment in the journey towards crowning the next Miss Uganda and was particularly special as Miss Uganda celebrates 15 years of pageantry, marking a decade and a half of celebrating Ugandan beauty, talent, confidence and ambition. The 2026 search officially began on 26 July 2026, with the competition travelling across Uganda’s geographical regions in search of young women who embody the beauty, talent, confidence and aspirations of the country.

    “When I look at what Miss Uganda has achieved over the last 15 years, I don’t just see crowns and titles—I see lives transformed, dreams realized, and young women empowered to become leaders in their communities and beyond,” said Brenda Nanyonjo CEO Miss Uganda Foundation.

    Following the regional search, 22 finalists emerged to represent the crème de la crème of contestants from across the different regions of Uganda, bringing together a diverse representation of the country’s beauty, culture and talent. The highly anticipated Presentation Night brought together celebrities, women in sport, government dignitaries, industry leaders, sponsors, partners and members of the public for an evening filled with glamour, entertainment and celebration.

    “The evening offered guests a rich mix of engaging touchpoints and immersive brand experiences, with attendees enjoying product sampling from Vaseline and 7 Days. The celebrations also featured a special toast by V&A Sherry in honour of 15 years of celebrating Ugandan beauty and a beautifully curated luxury lounge by Oppein Home, adding an elegant and memorable touch to the evening” said Klaire Komakech – Director Business Development.

    Guests were treated to electrifying musical performances by Abeeka Band and celebrated Ugandan musician Spice Diana, adding to the excitement as the 22 finalists took centre stage for their official introduction to the public. The event also provided a platform for sponsors and partners to showcase their products and services, creating meaningful brand engagement opportunities while supporting one of Uganda’s celebrated beauty pageants.

    The Miss Uganda 2026 search is lead sponsored by Oppein Home, with V&A Sherry, Vaseline, CHINT, Uhome, Evervess and 7 Days International supporting the journey as partner sponsors. As part of its commitment to bringing major entertainment experiences closer to audiences across Uganda, StarTimes broadcast the event live on Makula KiKa from 6:00 PM, enabling viewers across the country to follow the celebrations from the comfort of their homes.

    “As StarTimes congratulates Miss Uganda foundation upon making 15years, I also take the opportunity to thank them for accepting to demystify the pageant into a TV reality show. We are also congratulate and thank our esteemed viewers for enjoying and supporting Miss Uganda on Makula Kika. You have kept loyal viewers in the Miss Uganda updates on Makuka TV. Your loyalty keeps our service growing stronger every single day. We wish the finalists all the best of the journey to the crown”, said Kenneth Kazooba Vice President StarTimes.

    With the 22 finalists now unveiled, the competition enters its next phase as the contestants prepare for boot camp and the subsequent stages of the competition. The journey will culminate in the highly anticipated Miss Uganda 2026 Grand Finale on 10th October 2026, where the next Miss Uganda will be crowned.

  • Bridging Through Language: “Hello Chinese S3” Strengthening China-Africa Bonds Through Language and Culture

    Bridging Through Language: “Hello Chinese S3” Strengthening China-Africa Bonds Through Language and Culture

    A Global Bridge for Chinese Culture

    As the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges gets fully underway, the influence of Chinese language education in Africa continues to grow. The Chinese language is increasingly becoming a vital bridge for mutual understanding, career development and cultural ties between China and Africa.

    Against this backdrop, the third series of “Hello Chinese” continues to enjoy widespread popularity, serving as a key platform for African audiences to learn Chinese and engage in people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.

    “Hello Chinese S3”: Innovations and Reforms in 2026Structured around four engaging segments, the show skillfully weaves education with real-world context. The “Chinese Learning” section prioritizes vocabulary building through immersive, everyday scenarios. The host walks viewers through practical language use, enabling them to pick up useful expressions in a natural, experiential setting. The aim is to make Mandarin accessible and enjoyable, so that learners at any level can truly savor the process of acquiring a new language.

    The “Brand Promotion” segment turns the spotlight on the achievements and recent progress of Confucius Institutes throughout Africa. It offers an in-depth look at their curricula, cultural activities, and localized teaching approaches, while also covering the latest developments in events like the Chinese Bridge competition and International Chinese Language Day. Together, these stories reveal the growing vitality and multifaceted impact of Chinese education on the ground.

    “China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges” fosters mutual learning and meaningful dialogue between civilizations. Through exclusive interviews, guests from all walks of life share their amusing anecdotes, firsthand experiences of working or living across continents, and thoughtful reflections on cultural interaction. The result is a rich tapestry of sincere, heartwarming narratives that underscore the human side of exchange.

    “My Story with Chinese” centers on real-life narratives, presenting their touching stories with the Chinese language through in-depth filming and documentary techniques. This section interprets the unique charm of learning Chinese and the practical achievements of Chinese education in Africa from multiple perspectives.

    As the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges unfolds, “Hello Chinese S3” continues to act as a vibrant bridge for linguistic and cultural connection. With its distinctive blend of real-life Chinese scenarios, interview segments, and brand-focused insights, the series places African audiences right at the heart of Sino-African interaction, while equipping them with practical language skills.

    In doing so, it deepens appreciation for language’s power to unite civilizations and vividly showcases the shared gains emerging from these landmark events.

    “Hello Chinese S3” features even richer content. It airs four episodes per week on ST Guide E, and ST Sino Drama, ST Zone channels.

    Follow StarTimes and embark on your Chinese learning journey!

    Break screen boundaries! Catch “Hello Chinese S3” on StarTimes channels or StarTimes ON app—non-stop excitement across devices!

    ST Guide E: Premieres Monday through Thursday at 17:00 GMT, with repeats at 11:00 GMT and 22:00 GMT following day.

    ST Sino Drama: Premieres Wednesday through Saturday at 16:50 GMT, with repeats at 5:50 GMT and 11:50 GMT following day.

    ST Zone: Premieres Thurday through Sunday at 15:40 GMT, with repeats at 8:00 GMT and 11:00 GMT following day.

  • A Global Gateway to Chinese Culture

    A Global Gateway to Chinese Culture

    From the perspective of the breadth of cultural communication, “Hello Chinese” program has broken down geographical and linguistic barriers, enabling Chinese culture to go abroad and reach the world.

    This season is co-produced by The Center for Language Education and Cooperation (Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China) and StarTimes. It has given people from different countries and cultural backgrounds the opportunity to come into contact with and understand Chinese culture, greatly expanding the scope of its dissemination and allowing the world to see a more multi-dimensional and vibrant China.

    Unlocking the Secrets to Learning Chinese

    The “Chinese Reading and Writing” section tailors learning paths for learners at different stages. “Hello Chinese” program guides learners step by step—from mastering a character’s pronunciation to learning its strokes, and then to forming complete sentences.

    This approach enables more Chinese language enthusiasts to understand, learn, and successfully use Chinese characters and allows them to feel the precision and vividness of Chinese expression and making learning Chinese a pleasure.

    Expanding Accessibility: Multi-Channel Broadcasts

    To accommodate viewers’ varied schedules, is aired across multiple Channel:ST Sino Drama: premiere on Wednesday from Sunday at 16:50 GMT, with repeats at 5:50 GMT and 11:50 GMT the following day.

    ST Guide E: premiere on Monday from Friday at 17:00 GMT, with replays at 11:00 GMT and 22:00 GMT the next day. “Hello Chinese” is not just a program, but also a bridge connecting the world and China.

    Through this program, you can experience the profound depth of Chinese culture, learn the elegant Chinese language, and fall in love with the captivating charm of China. We look forward to your participation and embarking on this wonderful journey together!

  • Let’s go Beijing offers African kids a fresh “Virtual tour of China” showing on StarTimes

    Let’s go Beijing offers African kids a fresh “Virtual tour of China” showing on StarTimes

    Recently, young audiences across Africa have been given a fresh and exciting window into Chinese culture through a new 3D animated program titled Let’s Go Beijing, produced by StarTimes.

    The show is currently airing on multiple African television networks and is capturing children’s imaginations by exploring the rich historical and cultural heritage of Beijing in a fun and engaging way.

    The program is structured around three captivating segments:
    “The Grand Canal Explorer”, which takes viewers on a time-traveling journey along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, offering a glimpse into this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s historical charm;

    “Let’s Go Beijing”, a walking tour through the Beijing’s central axis, featuring iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven; and “Kaka’s Silk Road Adventure”, a fascinating retracing of ancient trade routes to uncover the long-standing history of China-Africa friendship.

    In a unique twist that enhances its cultural resonance, the show features African hosts alongside the animated child guides. This “kid tour guide + African host” format fosters a warm, relatable atmosphere, making Chinese culture more accessible to African children.

    The program comes at a time of growing cultural exchange between China and Africa. As the Belt and Road Initiative continues to deepen cooperation in education and culture, Let’s Go Beijing serves as a vivid example of these strengthening ties.

    To broaden its reach, Let’s Go Beijing will soon be available in major African languages, including French, Portuguese, and Swahili—bringing even more children the joy of cross-cultural exploration.

  • The Search for Miss Uganda 2025 has kicked off!

    The Search for Miss Uganda 2025 has kicked off!

    Kampala: The much-anticipated journey to crown the next beauty queen was officially launched on 05th May, 2025 at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel Kampala. This year, the Miss Uganda pageant brings together stunning and ambitious young women from all six geographical regions of Uganda, each vying for the coveted crown and the chance to represent the country on the global stage.

    The competition promises not just beauty, but poise, intellect, and purpose-driven ambition. In a groundbreaking move to reach more audiences, the entire search and competition process will be televised, bringing the glamour, excitement, and stories of the contestants to screens across the nation. The show will air exclusively on Makula KiKa, on StarTimes platform every Friday to Sunday starting 27th June 2025 at EAT 8:00PM.

    “We are excited to launch yet another chapter in the Miss Uganda legacy,” said Brenda Nanyonjo. “This year’s competition is about celebrating the diversity, strength, and potential of Ugandan women. The Miss Uganda pageant has long served as a platform for empowering young women, providing them with opportunities in education, advocacy, and entrepreneurship,” added Brenda.

    StarTimes Vice President, Marketing said “Since we became broadcast partners in 2023, Miss Uganda pageant attracted new audiences and new sponsors which has added to the popularity of the event. We are happy to associate our brand with true Ugandan beauty”

    “Thank you to the esteemed sponsors U-home, Xiaomi, Entiko Safari lodge, Sino Mbale Industrial Park, V&A and the lead sponsor Tianao Furniture Manufacturing ltd who have come to support the Miss Uganda beauty pageant. Your partnership aligns with a powerful platform that celebrates youth, talent, and national pride—values that deeply resonate with Ugandan audiences. Through your support, you not only gain nationwide visibility but also stand as champions of women empowerment, culture, and community development.” Said Klaire Komakech StarTimes Business Development Director.

    At the same function, it was revealed that reigning Miss Uganda, Natasha Nyonyozi will be leaving on 7th May for the Miss World competition in India. It will be recalled that former Miss Uganda, Hanah Kalema was runners Africa and finished 8th overall at the world event.

  • Uganda’s Ultimate Dating TV Show, Hello Mr. Right UG Season 2, returns on Makula KiKa

    Uganda’s Ultimate Dating TV Show, Hello Mr. Right UG Season 2, returns on Makula KiKa

    Fans of reality TV and love stories are in for yet another treat as Uganda’s ultimate dating TV show, Hello Mr. Right Season 2, returns for exciting season on March 2nd, 2025.

    The highly anticipated show will air every Sunday at 8:00 PM EAT on Makula KiKa and a rerun on Makula TV bringing unmatched entertainment to eager audiences across the region.

    Under the mentorship of renown actress Fauzia Nakiboneka and Radio personality Jacob Omutuzze, Hello Mr. Right season 2 which is hosted by Mr. Henri and Zahara Toto promises real fun, romance and love spark featuring an intriguing mix of 60 hot girls and 45 hunks vying for soul mates in a series of captivating challenges, dating, and disappointments.

    The show aims to connect singles in a fun and competitive format that celebrates modern dating while highlighting the unique culture and charm of Uganda.

    “Hello Mr. Right season 2, is not about matchmaking—it’s about giving the youth a platform to express themselves, connect authentically and shape their own love and fun stories.” — Said Shillah Nazziwa, Project Manager
    “This time we are rewarding the best couples as voted by the viewer’s so Makula KiKa audience will have a voice this season. We thank our project sponsors China town and V&A Sherry for believing in our plan added Shillar”
    “Hello Mr. Right Season 2 is a proper definition of modern dating, gone are the days when parent influenced our choices as far as love is concerned” Said Fauzia Nakiboneka the show mentor
    “Hello Mr. Right season 2 is fun packed compared to the season one. The participants are so exciting and fun which has given TV dating a modern twist. Makula KiKa viewers will love this come Sunday at 8pm” Said Mr.Henri the show host.

    As the most-watched dating reality TV show in Uganda, Hello Mr. Right Season 2 has been praised for its engaging cast and relatable content. Viewers should expect twists and turns as contestants navigate the complexities of finding “the one MR. Right” while battling for their chance at love.

  • StarTimes launches La Liga 2024 2025 Season

    StarTimes launches La Liga 2024 2025 Season

    Kampala: The highly anticipated Spanish La Liga 2024 – 2025 season is set to kick off this Thursday, August 15th, and StarTimes is proud to announce that it has secured the Pay TV rights to broadcast all the 380 La Liga matches live.

    Football fans across the country can look forward to an exciting season, featuring some of the world’s biggest stars, including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Lamine Yamal, among others. The presence of these talented players is expected to increase competition and thrill fans throughout the league.

    All La Liga games will be broadcast on the StarTimes Platform, Sports Premium channel number 259 on the Classic bouquet and channel number 246 Smart bouquet. This will ensure that fans don’t miss a single match. With StarTimes, viewers can enjoy high-quality coverage of the beautiful game, with expert commentary, and analysis at the most affordable monthly subscription.

    “We are delighted to bring the Spanish La Liga to our subscribers, showcasing the best of Tiki-Taka football at the most convenient and affordable premium bouquet subscription prices,” said Lule Isma, StarTimes Marketing Director. “Our commitment to delivering top-notch sports content is unwavering, and we can’t wait for the season to begin”

    “At only UGX 36,000/- monthly subscription, StarTimes customers will enjoy the best football and stars from the best teams in the world like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and the range of football from other leagues like Bundesliga, Arab League, Carabao and CAF competition” added Isma.

    “La Liga is the most sought after league today – Spain are the European champions, the Olympic champions, Real Madrid the Champions League champions, the best players in Europe are in La Liga, the leading Balon d’OR candidates have Spanish links….Tiki Taka football is the most entertaining football. La Liga is the template for the major European leagues and Spain the envy of European football. La Liga is a must watch” Said Aldrine Nsubuga Snr Vice President StarTimes.

  • Abeeka Band to headline the Miss Uganda Presentation Night on Saturday live on StarTimes Makula Kika TV

    Abeeka Band to headline the Miss Uganda Presentation Night on Saturday live on StarTimes Makula Kika TV

    Kampala: After an extensive two-month search across Uganda’s six geographical regions, and two rounds of elimination, the highly anticipated Miss Uganda 2024 presentation night is set to take place on July 6th at the luxurious Kampala Sheraton Hotel.

    The live TV event will witness the introduction of the 28 stunning finalists who will embark on a journey to compete for the coveted crown. The Red Carpet show will be full of mega musical performances from the popular Abeeka Band and Lydia Jazmine.

    The search team scoured the country, uncovering talent and beauty from West Nile, Northern, Western, Eastern, Central and Kampala regions and the cream of the crop has been selected to move on to the next stage. The finalists, representing diverse backgrounds and cultures, are ready to showcase their skills, intelligence, charisma.

    After the Presentation Night, the contestants will be subjected to boot camp where their will go through various trainings to bring out the True Ugandan Beauty in them, who will represent Uganda to the world stage during Miss World contest.

    The event will be attended by esteemed guests, including celebrities, contestants’ families, dignitaries, and sponsors. And, for the first time, the event will be aired live on StarTimes Makula TV and Makula KiKa on Sat 6th July at 8PM, allowing the entire nation to witness the excitement.

    “This year’s contestants are an impressive group of young women who embody the values of Miss Uganda,” said Stefanie Wang, Content Director StarTimes. “We are excited to see them grow and develop throughout the competition.”

  • StarTimes UPL celebrates Excellence: Awards Gala at Sheraton Hotel Kampala

    StarTimes UPL celebrates Excellence: Awards Gala at Sheraton Hotel Kampala

    On the 29th of June, 2024, the football community gathered in grandeur at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, for the highly anticipated Pilsner StarTimes UPL end-of-season awards ceremony.

    In attendance, were key dignitaries and stakeholders from the football sector, watching the event mark a poignant celebration of talent, dedication, and achievement within Ugandan football.

    The evening commenced with a vibrant atmosphere as guests, including players, coaches, sponsors, and media representatives, arrived dressed to impress.

    The Sheraton Hotel Kampala provided an elegant backdrop, setting the stage for an unforgettable gala honoring the league’s finest.

    StarTimes UPL record champion SC Villa dominated the awards with Patrick Jonah Kakande taking home, the Pilsner Player of the season, Young Player of the season, Players’ Player of season and was also named in the best eleven of the 2023/24 season.

    Other winners include Yunus Sentamu for Goal of the season, KCCA’S Mohammed Shaban was the outright winner for the Golden boot with 17 Goals
    Team of the season;
    Chrispus Kusiima(Kitara FC), Joseph Dhata(NEC FC), Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti (BUL FC), Kenneth Semakula(SC Villa), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Abraham Tusubira (Maroons FC), Denis Omedi(Kitara FC), Muhammad Shaban (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Coach (Dusan Stojanovic).

    As the evening unfolded, applause and cheers filled the air as winners took center stage to accept their accolades.

    The atmosphere was electric with excitement and pride, as each award served as a testament to the dedication and skill that defines Ugandan football.

    “We are immensely proud of our winners and all who have contributed to the success of this season,” said Isma Lule, Head of Marketing StarTimes.

    “Being a part of such an event is a privilege, and we are delighted to have played a part in honoring these remarkable athletes.”

    For those unable to attend, the ceremony was broadcast live on StarTimes UPL flagship channel, Sanyuka Prime, allowing fans across the country to share in the excitement and cheer on their favorite players and teams.

    The event concluded with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the upcoming season, as the football community reflected on a memorable evening of recognition and celebration at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

    As the curtains close on this year’s awards ceremony, the spotlight now turns to the future, filled with promise and the continued pursuit of excellence in Ugandan football.

  • Miss Uganda 2024 Search launched at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala in glam

    Miss Uganda 2024 Search launched at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala in glam

    Kampala: Miss Uganda Foundation in conjunction with StarTimes Uganda launched the Miss Uganda beauty pageants 2024 Edition.

    With the tagline “True Ugandan beauty” the search will showcase the unique culture and beauty of Ugandan girls between the ages of 18-25 years across the country.

    Miss Uganda 2024, journey to the crown season 2 an entertainment reality TV show will be televised on Makula KiKa TV and there will be a rerun on Makula Kazannyo Ku Kazannyo TV every Friday to Sunday at 8PM. The show will document all beauty pageant activities across the geographical regions of Uganda and it is exclusive to StarTimes platforms including the Mobile APP (StarTimes ON App).

    The show reviews the last decade of the history of the pageant; the nation-wide search for a crown holder, including the call for entry applications, the six regional auditions & the national selections. It also includes the residential Boot Camp activities; the Beauty and Fashion contests, the Beach Beauty and Sports Challenge, Adventure and Talent contests. Audiences will be part of the periodical evictions, confession sessions and of course audience interactivity; as well as the Crowning Ceremony – the Grand Finale.

    The Miss Uganda 2024 activities will last thirteen weeks; which will be packaged in real time for a TV broadcast on Makula KiKa TV, thrice a week running from May 10th into August 2024.

    “At StarTimes, we are keen and proud to identify, harness and promote the true Ugandan beauty to the rest of the world. It cannot be enough to be endowed and the rest of the world is totally unaware. Ugandans too love to see the best versions of themselves. That’s Miss Uganda, That’s our pride as StarTimes” – Kenneth Kazooba Vice President StarTimes.

    Makula KiKa is a top ranking premium local Television Channel 229/493 exclusive on StarTimes platform that airs a variety of Local entertainment.

    This channel was launched on 2nd October 2023. Makula KiKa is available on both Satellite, Antenna decoder and Mobile APP (StarTimes ON App) platforms.