This study explores the role of money in determining access to media platforms for political candidates in Uganda. Drawing on interviews with 15 politicians who have sought electoral offices at the presidential, parliamentary, and local council levels, the research shows that financial resources significantly influence media accessibility during election campaigns. Candidates with access to money not only find it easier to secure media coverage but also use their financial leverage to restrict their opponents’ access. Conversely, underfunded candidates face significant challenges in reaching audiences through both mainstream and digital media. The findings show that well-resourced candidates frequently purchase prime airtime and media space, effectively crowding out their rivals and limiting public exposure to diverse political perspectives. This commercialization of media contributes to the rising election costs, deepens public mistrust in media due to perceived bias, and disproportionately marginalizes women, youth, and persons with disabilities from competitive electoral politics. As a result, social media is emerging as a more accessible platform for underfunded candidates, offering a comparatively affordable alternative to mainstream media. This study sheds light on the gatekeeping power of money in electoral media access, providing a critical perspective from the Ugandan context.