By Spy Uganda
As Uganda heads into the final stretch of the 2026 general elections, media coverage will play a decisive role in shaping public understanding and trust. With polling day set for January 15, attention is firmly on how information will be gathered, verified, and delivered in real time.
At the centre of this national moment is NBS Television, widely regarded as Uganda’s political command centre. The broadcaster has deployed more than 140 journalists across all 146 districts, backed by a central verification and coordination hub in Kampala.
We sat down with Dalton Kaweesa, Chief News Editor and Head of Current Affairs at NBS TV, to discuss preparations, editorial safeguards, and what Ugandans should expect on election day.
Spy: NBS has deployed over 140 journalists nationwide for the 2026 polls. Can you walk us through your strategy for comprehensive coverage across all regions?
Dalton Kaweesa:
NBS has deliberately positioned itself as Uganda’s political command centre. We have reporters embedded across the country, feeding into a central verification hub. This allows us to deliver wall-to-wall, data-driven election coverage that is comparable to what you see from leading global broadcasters. No region is left out, and no voice is ignored.
Spy: With heightened political tensions during elections, what measures has NBS put in place to ensure coverage remains neutral, balanced, and accurate in real time?Dalton Kaweesa:
Neutrality is built into our editorial systems. Every claim is verified, every political actor is treated fairly, and nothing goes on air without confirmation. During elections, trust is everything—and we guard that trust fiercely. Accuracy is non-negotiable for us.
Spy: Live election coverage can be unpredictable. How is NBS preparing its teams to handle challenges such as security risks, logistics, or misinformation in the field?
Dalton Kaweesa:
Elections are inherently unpredictable, so preparation is key. Our teams are trained extensively in safety, ethics, and misinformation response. We operate under strict safety and editorial protocols, with contingency plans for any security disruptions. Above all, we would rather be right than be first. There is zero tolerance for unverified information.
Spy: Beyond traditional reporting, how will NBS leverage digital platforms and social media to reach Ugandans nationwide with fast and reliable updates?
Dalton Kaweesa:
We are integrating broadcast journalism with digital immediacy. This includes live dashboards, verified social media updates, and continuous online reporting. Whether someone is watching television, following us on social media, or checking updates on their phone, they will receive fast, accurate, and reliable information wherever they are.
As Uganda approaches election day, NBS Television is positioning itself not just as a broadcaster, but as a trusted national institution—committed to credibility, balance, and real-time accountability at a defining moment for the country.
Dalton Kaweesa is the Chief News Editor & Head of Current Affairs, NBS Television.
