Next Media Fires 20 employees

Since the beginning of the 2024, at least 20 employees have exited Next Media due to a combination of factors such as internal politics and a challenging economic terrain.

While people have been leaving Next Media over the years, the last two years have seen a high turnover of staff especially those in the editorial, digital and marketing department.

More than 80 people have left the group between 2022 and 2024.

The group, like many others in the same industry, has struggled under a challenging economic environment where major advertisers have been reluctant to spend.

Our sources at the Naguru based media house said that salaries that used to come on time now delay, sometimes employees have to wait two weeks into the new month.

In addition, Next Media also has to service the huge loan it acquired from Stanbic Bank to put up their mega structure. It is a tough balancing act.

One of the people who exited the organisation said they had left because of “internal politics” which he could not stand.

The most senior executive to exit this year is Ramathan Mbago, the former Head of Radio and General Manager for Sanyuka TV. Mbago officially left the company at the end of March to concentrate on private business.

Mbago joins David Tumusiime, the former editor of Nile Post who left in January, Richard Tuwangye, a presenter on Next Radio and Wisdom Kiyonga, a senior news producer who all left in January.

There is Kareem Katuramu, popularly known as KK, who left Next Radio where he was a producer and show host. Katuramu was poached from XFM.

However, the biggest exit happened in March. Grace Mbabazi, who had only recently been promoted as Head of Sports Content replacing Daniel Ssebakijje, has left. Oliviel Nakalembe, a talented news reporter who has mastered the tourism beat is gone. So is Jackie Mutesi, another young show host with big potential.

Others are: Jackie Kirabo, a digital officer; Vaster Kubakurungi, a content officer; Racheal Barungi, head of Trade Marketing; Ernest Lusembo, brand designer and Ronald Kizza Kasoma, the head of sales at Sanyuka TV.

Others are Lovinsa Namayanja, a transmission officer; Neslon Mboijana, special projects officer; Sheeba Karungi, client relations manager and Joel Mutimba.