By Andrew Irumba
Kampala-As Kin Kariisa celebrated his 50th birthday today Monday, the milestone offered more than an occasion to cut cake. It provided a moment to reflect on the journey of a Ugandan entrepreneur whose vision, innovation and leadership have helped redefine the country’s media landscape.
Born on August 24, 1976, in Ntungamo District, Kariisa has built Next Media Services from a single television station into one of Uganda’s most recognisable multimedia enterprises, with platforms including NBS TV, Sanyuka TV, Salam TV and Nile Post.
His birthday celebrations were marked by a surprise organised by his team, who gathered around him for cake cutting and a series of heartfelt messages.
“I turned 50 today, and my team put together a nice surprise for me with cake cutting and unforgettable messages,” Kariisa said, thanking his “Transformers” for continuously turning ideas into impact for Uganda.
Tributes poured in from across the country, who credited Kariisa for years of mentorship, leadership and personal investment in developing others. But Kariisa’s influence extends beyond Next Media.
During his tenure as Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), he helped propel the association into a more visible and influential industry voice, strengthening its engagement on policy matters affecting Uganda’s broadcasting sector. He now serves as Chairman of the NAB Board of Trustees, continuing his contribution to the industry at an institutional level.
His contribution to media transformation has also earned continental recognition.
In 2023, Kariisa was honoured by the Pan African Pyramid Global Awards as a transformational leader, in recognition of his role in reshaping Uganda’s media industry through innovation, technological adaptation and new approaches to media enterprise.
The recognition reflected a career that has increasingly blurred the traditional boundaries between television, journalism, digital platforms and technology.
From a single television station to a multi-platform media ecosystem, Kariisa’s story is essentially one of institutional transformation, building platforms, nurturing talent and constantly reinventing how audiences interact with information and entertainment.
At 50, therefore, Kariisa is not simply celebrating longevity. He is marking a journey that has positioned him among Uganda’s influential media entrepreneurs and industry leaders, with the next chapter still unfolding.
Kin has supported the Pan African Agenda through amplifying the Pan African Pyramid voices every Saturday 4-5pm, among other sacrifices, a sign he’s one of Africa’s home grown solutions to Africa’s challenges.
Here at TheSpy Uganda and PAP, we celebrate an elder and mentor.🙏 Happy birthday transformer🎂 🙏
