By Spy Uganda
Correspondents working for Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda are reportedly considering industrial action over what they describe as growing challenges in facilitation, remuneration and editorial coordination following recent changes in the company’s structure and leadership.
According to sources familiar with the situation, journalists based both in Kampala and upcountry have increasingly raised concerns about the difficulties they face while covering stories, particularly following the integration of operations involving the Daily Monitor and other NMG platforms.
The concerns reportedly centre on limited transport facilitation, delayed or unpaid data allowances and discrepancies in remuneration, with some correspondents alleging that they are receiving less than what had initially been agreed in their contracts.
Field reporters are also said to be struggling to finance their own movements to assignments, with some increasingly depending on event organisers for transport or other logistical support.
The situation has reportedly affected the volume and diversity of news coming from regional bureaus, with areas such as Arua, Entebbe, Mbarara, Kabale, Jinja and Mbale said to be contributing fewer stories than previously.
The decline in regional coverage has reportedly been reflected in some of NMG’s broadcast and digital output, including programmes such as NTV Akawungeezi and NTV Tonight, which have traditionally relied heavily on correspondents to provide stories from different parts of the country.
Sources also point to concerns over editorial coordination, with some correspondents claiming that regular meetings between editors and field journalists have become less frequent.
They say this has made it difficult for reporters to receive clear guidance on daily assignments, enterprise stories and broader editorial priorities.
The concerns come amid the departure of several experienced journalists and editors from NMG Uganda, including William Kato, Lida Kibombo, Josephine Karungi and Collins Hinamundi.
Some staff members believe the exits have affected institutional experience and coordination within the newsroom.
NMG has, however, brought in new editorial and management personnel, including Susan Nsibirwa, Allan Chekwoti, Yasin Mugerwa and Solomon Kaweesa, as part of efforts to steer the organisation through the transition.
Sources further allege that the restructuring has resulted in increased involvement of Daily Monitor executives in NTV’s operations, a development they say has changed aspects of the station’s previous operational structure.
The reported discontent has also coincided with resignations by some upcountry journalists, with several correspondents said to have started exploring opportunities outside the organisation.
Amid the challenges, NMG has appointed veteran journalist Dr Joe Ageyo as Managing Editor, in a move expected to strengthen editorial coordination and support the group’s restructuring efforts in Uganda.
Ageyo previously served in senior editorial roles at NTV Kenya and brings extensive newsroom and media management experience to the position.
His appointment comes at a time when NMG Uganda is seeking to reorganise its operations, address concerns raised by staff and maintain the strength of its news gathering network across the country.
