Next Media’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Desire Derekford Mugumisa, has confirmed the suspension of two of their top journalists, Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa and Victoria Bagaaya, due to their political aspirations.
Rumours about their suspension had been circulating after both individuals publicly declared their intentions to contest for political office.
These speculations have now been validated, with Next Media enforcing its policy on political involvement.
Zambaali Mukasa joined NBS TV in 2019 from CBS, initially serving as a news anchor for the Luganda news bulletin Amasengejje.
Over time, he took on the role as the host of Barometer, a popular current affairs talk show aired on Tuesdays.
Mukasa has since expressed interest in running for Member of Parliament (MP) in Nansana Municipality on a National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket.
Victoria Bagaaya, who has been with NBS since 2014, started as a presenter on a youth-focused program before transitioning into a news anchor and reporter role.
She has now declared her candidacy for the Woman MP seat in Fort Portal City.
Mugumisa, through a post on X, reiterated Next Media’s commitment to journalistic independence and non-partisanship.
When any @nextmediaug staff member chooses to run for political office, the company policy is clear: Next Media lets them be and supports them in that regard. Zambaali, like Victoria, have made their political bids clear and are BOTH no longer on air.
He further noted the organization’s non-partisan stance, explaining that adherence to this policy is crucial for maintaining journalistic integrity.
For @nextmediaug as an independent media house, non-partisanship is essential for us to effectively Inform to Transform. These same policies have led to various levels of reprimands for those of us engaging in partisan politics.
