With all the attention turning to the FIFA World Cup which kicks off on Sunday, and Ugandans already assured of catching all games live on DStv, the broadcasters have added another spice to the menu.

They have now moved to offer local commentary to all the games they will broadcast after a rigorous process of selecting and signing on six full-time leads and two standby commentators and analysts who will deliver their commentary in Luganda.

These include Peace Diana Bagala, Ismail Dakhaba Kigongo, John Vianney Nsimbe, Stuart Kimera, Sulaiman Dumba, Michael Kigozi, Reuben Luyombo and Henry Kyambadde.  

Bibanda owners will no longer need to lower their volumes on their screens and plug into a local commentator on the radio as they will now have both the game and the commentary, just how they love it-the Ugandan way.

Vianney Nsimbe and Reuben Luyombo (left) in one of the local studios from where they are going to operate during the World Cup at the MultiChoice offices. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Our theme this World Cup is ‘Here for the fan’ and as such we sought to engage our fans through live matches, magazine shows, and panel discussions with a second channel with an element of simultaneous kick-offs and multiple language options featuring local commentary inputs from key countries across our territories,” Lois Kwikiriza, the head of marketing at MultiChoice said as he unveiled the commentators at DStv offices on Wednesday.

She said Ugandans will catch all games on three packages: Compact, Compact Plus and Premium. She added that three of the football channels are going to be renamed: World Cup Central (Channel 222) just like on GOtv (Channel 331). Channel 223 is going to be renamed Supersport Africa while Channel 224 will be called ‘Phantom’ just like on GOtv Channels 332 and 334.

To tune in to the Luganda language option go to your remote and click ‘options’-languages and the Luganda soundtrack is option four on the menu.

Kigongo, one of the commentators said this is a rare opportunity for Ugandans who are going to listen to commentary in the language they understand most.

“It is not only going to be a new development but we are going to offer an informative and entertaining piece of commentary because we have planned for it for a long time,” Kigongo stated.

Lois Kwikiriza (left) the head of marketing at MultiChoice addresses the press flanked by Ismail Kigongo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Nothing beats the World Cup so we are ready to offer the best of what the tournament has to offer. It's going to be beautiful, good to watch and listen to and we encourage all Ugandans to switch to a language they can relate with,” Kigongo stated.

Fans are already winning goodies related to the World Cup ranging from decoders, hoodies and jerseys courtesy of DStv, who has also organised a viewing party at Legends Club for the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador with gates opening at 5.30 pm.

The last game between the two sides produced a 7-goal thriller that finished 4-3 in favour of Qatar in a 2018 friendly, and the hosts will be desperate to get off to a winning start to their first-ever appearances in a FIFA World Cup.

The biggest football showpiece is scheduled to take place in Qatar from November 20 to December 18 in what will be the first World Cup ever to be held in the Arab world.

The tournament is scheduled to be the last with a 32-team field; the field is slated to increase to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.