The Streaming Landscape Has Changed Completely
If you have been following the old 2020 guide on how to start Showmax in Uganda, you are working with outdated information. The streaming service you knew is gone. As of April 30, 2026, the standalone Showmax platform officially shut down at 23:59.
But do not panic. Your favourite Showmax Originals have not disappeared. They are now part of a bigger, more powerful platform: DStv Stream. This is not just a rebrand. It is a complete transformation of how you watch entertainment in Uganda .
The new platform combines Showmax Originals with live TV, sports, international series, movies, and kids’ content, all in one app. Here is everything you need to know.
The Big Change: Showmax is Now Part of DStv Stream
MultiChoice made the decision to consolidate its streaming services under the stronger DStv Stream brand following years of financial challenges for the standalone Showmax service . The standalone platform officially closed on April 30, 2026.
What this means for you:
| Before (2020-2025) | Now (2026) |
|---|---|
| Showmax standalone app | Showmax content inside DStv Stream app |
| Limited to on-demand content | On-demand + live TV + sports |
| Mobile-only for some features | Works on smart TVs, phones, tablets |
| No live SuperSport | Full SuperSport access |
New Pricing: How Much Will It Cost You in 2026?
The pricing structure has completely changed. Here is the breakdown:
For Existing DStv Subscribers
If you already have a DStv Compact, Compact Plus, or Premium package, you get access to Showmax content on DStv Stream at no extra cost . This is a significant value addition to your existing subscription.
For Showmax-Only Subscribers (Without DStv)
If you only had a Showmax subscription and no DStv package, MultiChoice has created a transition offer :
| Offer Period | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Until end of May 2026 | FREE | Trial access |
| 12 months (from June 2026) | UGX 20,000/month | Special discounted rate |
| Standard price (after 12 months) | UGX 110,000/month | Regular DStv Stream Compact pricing |
This special price of UGX 20,000 per month represents a saving of up to 75% compared to the standard DStv Stream Compact pricing, which is UGX 110,000 per month on a 12-month plan or UGX 120,000 month-to-month .
What You Get for UGX 20,000
| Feature | Included? |
|---|---|
| Showmax Originals | ✅ Yes |
| Live TV channels | ✅ Yes |
| SuperSport (live sports) | ✅ Yes |
| International series and movies | ✅ Yes |
| Kids’ programming | ✅ Yes |
| Watch From Start feature | ✅ Yes |
| Offline downloads | ✅ Yes |
| Data management tools | ✅ Yes |
[INSERT IMAGE 3: Pricing comparison chart showing the UGX 20,000 special offer vs UGX 110,000 standard price]
New Features: What DStv Stream Offers That Showmax Didn’t
The new platform offers a richer entertainment experience with features the old Showmax didn’t have :
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Live TV and Sports | Watch live news and sports channels, including SuperSport, directly in the app |
| Watch on Your TV | Unlike the Showmax Premier League add-on (limited to mobile), DStv Stream works on smart TVs |
| Watch From Start | Start a live program from the beginning even if you join late |
| Pause and Rewind | Control live TV like you control recorded content |
| Offline Downloads | Download content to watch without internet |
| Data Management | Tools to control your data usage |
What Showmax Subscribers Need to Do Now
Your Showmax subscription will not migrate automatically . Here is what you need to do:
- Check your email: MultiChoice sent instructions to the email linked to your Showmax account
- Sign up for DStv Stream: Follow the simple sign-up process (takes less than five minutes)
- Create a new profile: Your Showmax profile and watch history will not move across, giving you a “fresh start”
- Activate your trial: Eligible subscribers receive free access until the end of May 2026
Important: If you do not want to transition to DStv Stream, you may request a refund for any unused portion of your Showmax subscription. Automatic payments for Showmax will stop once the service was discontinued on April 30, 2026 .
Shows You Can Still Watch
The dedicated Showmax section on DStv Stream features standout titles including :
| Show | Country/Region |
|---|---|
| Wura | Nigeria |
| Flawsome | Nigeria |
| Cheta M | Nigeria |
| Princess on a Hill | Nigeria |
| Under the Influence | Nigeria |
| The Wife | South Africa |
| Single Kiasi | Kenya |
More movies and series will be added over the coming weeks.
Your Quick Reference Guide (2026)
| What You Used to Use | What You Should Use Now |
|---|---|
| Showmax app | DStv Stream app |
| Showmax mobile subscription | DStv Stream Compact (transition offer) |
| Showmax Originals only | Showmax Originals + live TV + sports + more |
| Your Current Status | Your Action |
|---|---|
| DStv Compact/Compact Plus/Premium subscriber | Already have access at no extra cost |
| Showmax-only subscriber | Sign up for DStv Stream via email instructions |
| Neither Showmax nor DStv subscriber | Subscribe directly to DStv Stream |
The Final Word
The guide you were following from 2020 is no longer accurate. Showmax as a standalone platform is gone. But its content lives on in a better, more comprehensive home on DStv Stream .
For most Showmax subscribers, the transition costs UGX 20,000 per month for the first 12 months—less than what you were likely paying before. And you get live TV, sports, and more features in the bargain .
If you are a DStv subscriber, you are already covered. If you are not, check your email for transition instructions. And if you have been waiting to subscribe to Showmax content in Uganda, the new entry point is DStv Stream.
Have you made the transition to DStv Stream yet? What has been your experience with the new platform? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
