By Moses Kaketo
Love him or hate him, Professor Samuel Sejjaaka keeps his word, even if it means losing everything. He will not compromise on his convictions.
In his Inaugural speech as the new board chairman, Monitor Publications (MPL) in 2022, he told Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda staff at Hotel Africana that “I don’t work for failing companies…. you know me very well…”
According to reliable sources, NMG, Uganda’s top independent media outlet, is having difficulties and urgently needs help. According to a message from the group read in part, Prof. Sejjaaka retired from the board of the NMG corporation on June 27, 2025, after serving for three years.
NMG posting losses, amid internal infighting
Staff members were informed during a recent management meeting that NMG Uganda is “performing below budget this year, even below last year.” According to sources, almost all NMG brands—including the old cash cow, NTV—are having trouble and operating well below budget, while others are reporting losses.
The NMG brands include: NTV Uganda, Spark TV, The Daily Monitor, KFM, Dembe FM, Enyanda, Nation Couriers and Commercial printing.
The management is optimistic that things will improve quickly. But according to insiders, this might not happen so quickly. NTV Uganda was recently prohibited from reporting on official functions. The cost of this development was high. Media outlets receive up to UGX 50 million from the government to cover her events. The budgets of most ministries, if not all of them, will be slashed as the election date approaches in order to pay for the next elections; this will have an impact on media outlets’ advertising revUNUE
The recently revived Dembe FM 90.4 does not appear to have a promising future. The baby is still struggling to crawl six months later. The station barely produces enough money to cover its expenses, according to sources in the NMG financial department. It only generates UGX 20 million per month. Insufficient funds to cover other operating expenses, including paying the six presenters, news readers, and visiting DJs. Talk about lack of Strategy for the station
The Daily Monitor is also facing it tough on the news-stand, with copy sales falling to 9,000 copies per day. Advertising revenues have also fallen sharply over the past two years. Some days, the paper carries almost no adverts. On the other hand, NTV Uganda is now living in her past glory.Aside from subpar performance, the business has internal strife since choices are made based on rumours. This caused the Nairobi group to dispatch the regional director of commercial and human resources to come and look into the conflicts that are endangering the already troubled business and find a sustainable solution.
Additionally, a few bright employees have departed the organization in search of better opportunities. For instance, three seasoned brand managers resigned within three months. – To comprehend the management problems the organization is encountering, you must speak with these individuals. According to insiders, the replacements for the departing employees lack the necessary training and expertise. This begs the question of whether the recruitment and selection process are based on merit or technical know-who. Talk nicely to staff at NMG.
When the Head of Marketing, Elizabeth Namaganda, left, she was replaced with Hajati Batuka, who is said to lack experience and qualifications in marketing. Well, she is said to be a close friend of the bosses. The department has never been the same since then.
In January 2025, the man who was credited with turning around NTV Uganda into a cash cow for the group quit. He was replaced with former news anchor and presenter Flavia Tumusiime. Flavia is good, but this is not her space. For example, insiders say the current bad blood between NTV and the government could have been solved if Omolo was still in charge, given his rich social capital. During his reign, targets were never an issue for NTV. Today, the station is swimming in the sea of losses.
When the experienced and tested head of Radio Joseph Beyanga left, he was replaced with a radio presenter—no wonder Dembe FM is still struggling.
According to analysts, the early retirement of the board chairman after only three years in office “is a red flag that more changes at the top are coming sooner than later. Perhaps early next year,” she said.
She adds, “Without a board chairman (for now), it means NMG Uganda will be reporting directly to Nairobi—every decision and budget will be looked at in detail. Taken together, they are now exposed, naked.”
For now, rumors in corridors of power have it that two top bosses will be fired soon as their two-year contract comes to an end in less than five months.
Strategy or survival tactics?
In an attempt to stay afloat in the face of subpar performance, management has explored business alignment and restructuring. For instance, NTV’s General Manager position was eliminated and replaced with Head of Broadcast (TV and radio).
Recently, the company relocated from Airtel House, Wampewo Avenue, where the occupied three floor. They relocated to Commercial Plaza and now take up two floors there. Saving for one floor is so necessary.
The company also recently recruited a head of creative. He will work with a team of five people, and he reports directly to the MD. Insiders also questioned this move. “Head of creative for what? We already have experienced and talented staff. Why waste resources of a struggling company?” asked angry staff.
The writer is a content creator, marketing, and distribution expert. He can be reached via WhatsApp at +256782507579.