By Our Reporter
MTN Uganda has thrown its weight behind the local movie industry with the launch of a Video on Demand (VOD) channel offering a premium mix of local Ugandan movies.
The New Channel named “Kibanda Xpress” is a partnership between the Telecom Company and PearlWood, an association of local film producers.
Kibanda Xpress is available on YoTV channels, a mobile app that allows one to stream local and international Radio and TV channels in real time via a smartphone.
Kibanda Xpress features over 150 Ugandan movies and will live stream premiers of new movies as well other local entertainment content providing customers with entertainment conveniently and affordably anywhere and everywhere you go with just the click of a button on your phone.
In 2020, globally there was unprecedented growth in online video usage with revenues estimated at $34 billion of which premium video on demand accounted for atleast $630 million.
“Africa is gradually making its mark on the global entertainment industry with its vast talent and unique flavour of storytelling. We recognise the potential of the movie industry to create employment, to reposition the African narrative and positively contribute to the national GDP. Through Kibanda Xpress, we hope to boost the Uganda film industry to realize that potential,” said MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer Sen Somdev.
The service launches with a promotion subscription offer of Ugx1,000 per movie valid for a period of 24 hours. A customer will be charged via their MTN MoMo account.
“Our dream as local Film content creators is to build a sustainable industry in which content creators not only earn consistently from their content, but one in which they also thrive and gain the global visibility deserved. Without doubt, going digital is the right move for the industry; it will reduce on the copy rights infringement, increase footprint of the Uganda movies, expose our artists globally among others; we are therefore very excited and appreciate both our partners MTN and Albayan media for making this possible,” said Mzee Bwanika, Speaker – Pearlwood Board of Directors.