Next Media that owns NBSTV has sacked prominent journalists Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa, Victoria Bagaaya, and Robert Sekidde alias Tuff B after they publicly expressed their political aspirations.
The move, according to an insider was necessitated by the company’s editorial policy, which mandates non-partisanship among its employees.
Senior management reportedly asked all three journalists to step back from their on-air roles before implementing their dismissal.
The termination is said to be indefinite, and they are no longer part of Next Media in any capacity.
The decision to sack Zambaali, Bagaaya, and Tuff B stems from the company’s strict stance on neutrality.
Employees are expected to refrain from openly engaging in partisan politics to maintain the integrity of the media house.
They were reminded that their public display of political ambitions directly contradicts this policy.
Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa, who joined NBS in 2019 from CBS, has been a key figure in the station’s Luganda news bulletin Amasengejje and later became the host of Barometer, a popular current affairs talk show aired on Tuesdays.
His political ambitions became apparent when he expressed interest in running for Member of Parliament (MP) in Nansana Municipality under the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket.
He further solidified his political stance by attending a NUP rally in Kawempe, where he declared, “In times like these, I cannot remain neutral.”
Victoria Bagaaya has been with NBS since 2014, starting as a presenter on a youth-focused show before transitioning to a reporter and news anchor.
She has now expressed interest in contesting for the Woman MP seat in Fort Portal City on NRM ticket.
Tuff B, was also dismissed due to his political affiliations. He had been hosting NBSKURT, an entertainment show aired every Saturday.
His association with NUP is said to have played a role in his removal from the station.
Next Media’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Desire Derekford Mugumisa, confirmed the sackings in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the company’s commitment to impartial journalism.
“When any NEXT MEDIA staff member chooses to run for political office, the company policy is clear: Next Media lets them be and supports them in that regard. Zambaali, like Victoria, have made their political bids clear and are BOTH no longer on air,” he posted on X.
