Former Vision Group CEO Kabushenga says Bukedde TV started with Shs700m, reveals the stars behind its rise

Former Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga has shared how Bukedde TV grew from a small, bold idea into one of Uganda’s most popular television stations—starting with just about Shs700 million (roughly $185,000).

In an interview with YouTuber Kasuku, Kabushenga said the station’s breakthrough success was largely driven by three key personalities: DJ Shiru, VJ Jingo, and VJ Junior.

Kabushenga explained that the idea for Bukedde TV came to him during a night out at Club Silk. While in the VIP section, he noticed a unique setup where music played by the DJ was perfectly matched with visuals on TV screens around the club.

“I realised the DJ wasn’t just playing music—the visuals were in sync. It was something different and exciting,” he recalled.

Wanting to understand more, he approached the club’s owner, Stephen Kavuma, who pointed him to DJ Shiru as the mind behind the concept. Kabushenga quickly reached out and brought him on board.

With only three computers and minimal equipment, the team began building what would become Bukedde TV. Early programming focused on music and entertainment, with a smart 5PM slot targeting people returning home from work—a move that quickly attracted viewers.

Kabushenga added that the station’s popularity skyrocketed after introducing translated movies, led by VJ Jingo and VJ Junior.

“That’s when everything changed. The audience connected instantly, and the station just took off,” he said.

Launched in 2008, Bukedde TV stood out by focusing on local language content and relatable entertainment—an approach that helped it win over a wide Ugandan audience and cement its place in the media industry.