By Jamillah Kemigisa
Spy Uganda and Detective-UG CEO Andrew Irumba Katusabe has been re-elected as the Online Media Representative on the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), executive Committee, extending his influence in Uganda’s fast-growing digital media ecosystem. His endorsement came during the joint Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NAB and the Rural Broadcasters Association (RUBA), held at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala on Friday.
Irumba, who heads the multimedia platforms Spy Uganda, Spy Television, Detective-UG and Pan African Pyramid you tube Channels and websites, retained the position after receiving strong support from online media owners who applauded his continued advocacy for professional standards, digital innovation and regulatory clarity in the online broadcasting space. Irumba has also been very vocal on the protection and defense of the press freedom of both online and the traditional media.
His role already recognized within NAB structures continues to give online publishers a strong voice within the broader broadcasting sector.
Galaxy Fm and Galaxy Tv CEO Dr Innocent Nahabwe was also retained as NAB chairman for another two year term, having taken from Dr.Kin Kariisa, two years ago, who was elevated to pioneer the newly created Board of Trustees as its founding Chairman.
Next Media’s Ben Mwiine was formally elected Vice Chairman NAB taking over from former Next media Deputy group CEO Joe Kigozi.
NAB Unveils New Executive Committee
During the AGM, NAB confirmed its new executive committee, which will serve until 2027. The elected leaders include:
- Innocent Nahabwe – Chairperson (CEO Galaxy Radio and TV)
- Ben Mwiine – Vice Chairperson (Next Media)
- Moses Ateng – Treasurer (New Vision)
- Rhonah Nuwankunda – General Secretary (Lawyer Multi choice)
- Moses Sentongo – Central Region Representative
- Jimmy Okello – Northern Region Representative
- Rodney Mukula – North Eastern Representative
- Dr. Serwada Joseph – Community Representative (Impact FM and Christian Church Ndeeba proprietor)
- Pamela Adong – Executive Member (Sanyu FM staff)
RUBA Elects New Leaders to Strengthen Rural Broadcasting
- Julius Tumusiime – Chairperson (BFM CEO)
- Tracy Amolly – Vice Chairperson
- Denis Agaba – General Secretary
- Victor Kilushaba – Treasurer
- Abel Turinawe – Online Media Representative
The new team is expected to prioritize strengthening rural broadcasting, a lifeline for community communication across Uganda.
Addressing the members, Kin Kariisa, the Chairperson of NAB’s Board of Trustees, urged broadcasters to embrace modern technology and align with global standards. He stressed the need for equitable regulation across all media players including bloggers and online publishers who compete with licensed broadcasters for advertising revenue yet do not always face similar compliance requirements.
The call aligns with NAB’s 2025 governance priorities, which include strengthening the Secretariat, enforcing professional standards and advocating for regulatory reforms that reflect the evolving media environment.
Kariisa also criticized the diversion of media development funds into workshops and per diem-heavy activities rather than newsroom strengthening, an ongoing concern highlighted in NAB’s engagements with government and regulators.
Government Mulls Tax Waivers for Broadcasting Equipment
Guest of Honour Mr.Moses Watasa, Commissioner for Communication at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, applauded broadcasters for shaping national discourse especially in the election season.
He revealed that government is considering tax waivers on essential broadcasting equipment, including cameras and laptops, to modernize the sector and enhance competitiveness.
Watasa urged media houses to uphold responsible journalism, noting that broadcasters possess the power to influence hope, stability and unity.
NAB’s Ongoing Advocacy Efforts Highlighted
According to the Chairman’s Report, NAB now reaches 98% of the Ugandan population, reflecting its influence across radio, television and online media.
Insights from the Report also show that NAB has, throughout 2025, advanced several critical initiatives, including:
- Reduction of Signet fees to UGX 8 million per month, with discussions underway to further decrease this to UGX 5 million.
- Successful lobbying for UBC’s nationwide upgrade of digital broadcasting infrastructure (DTT & DTH).
- Strong advocacy for safety of journalists, especially during elections, including engagements with police, the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Participation in national policy reviews such as the UCC Act and the Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act, pushing for fairer regulatory standards for broadcasters.
- Strategic partnerships with the Uganda Editors’ Guild, RUBA, and international partners to strengthen professionalism and press freedom.
These initiatives form the foundation for NAB’s 2026 strategic agenda, which prioritizes journalist safety, sector funding, digital transformation and the operationalization of the long-awaited Communications Tribunal.
READ FULL REPORT HERE!
Chairman Report 2025 revisedAbout NAB and RUBA
Founded in 1999, the National Association of Broadcasters brings together radio, television and online media organizations to promote professional standards and advocate favorable media policies.
The Rural Broadcasters Association (RUBA) which has been in existence for over 15yrs now, was formed to champion the needs of rural-based broadcasters, whose operations remain central to community information access.
Both bodies conduct elections every two years during their joint AGM.
Below Is A Pictorial Captured At This Event
