By Ajok Freda
For Jamila Mulindwa Nwaha, journalism is a delicate balance of speed, precision, and creativity. As a news reporter on NBS TV, producer of the political shows Frontline and Big Talk, and a writer for the Nile Post, Jamila navigates the fast-paced media world with a calm focus and a passion for storytelling.
“When the newsroom says, ‘Jamila, you’re going live in 3 minutes,’ the first thing I do is fact-check the information I have, arrange it, and then calm myself down,” she says. “You have to focus completely on the live; there’s no room for error.”
Keeping up energy in a newsroom that never sleeps is a challenge she meets with perspective. “Some days are hectic, others are easier, but I remind myself that there’s always a story to tell and someone who needs that information,” she explains. One story that particularly tested her was the Kaweeri: Walk of Faith coverage—a report that kept her awake for days, grappling with its complexities.
In her role as producer of Uganda’s flagship political shows, Jamila faces a different set of challenges. “It’s important to have information and listen attentively in case contributors aren’t telling the truth. The little guidance you provide the host can create twists that keep the conversation compelling,” she notes. “The most stressful moment is when a panelist has to be removed unexpectedly. Having a backup plan is essential.”
Her experiences behind the camera have also sharpened her insight into political discourse. “Yes, a single question and its answer can change the entire discussion,” she admits.
Switching between TV production and writing for the Nile Post allows Jamila to explore stories from multiple angles. “TV is more straightforward due to time limits, but in writing, you have more space and freedom with words,” she says. Stories without visual elements, which can be challenging on TV, often thrive in print. Conversely, writing sometimes reveals angles that later make compelling television.
Asked which part of her work feels most like a puzzle to solve, Jamila doesn’t hesitate: “Producing.” And if her journalism journey were a headline, it would read: Rollercoaster Ride.
Away from the newsroom, she enjoys acting—a side of her many colleagues may not expect. It’s a hobby that mirrors her professional life: creative, challenging, and full of surprises.
In every role she plays—reporter, producer, writer—Jamila Mulindwa Nwaha demonstrates that good journalism is as much about preparation and integrity as it is about creativity and adaptability.
