President Yoweri Museveni engaged in a constructive dialogue with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in Entebbe on August 10, 2023, underlining his commitment to fostering a united and prosperous nation.
The meeting centered around his directive, issued in March 2023, which initially directed all government advertising to be routed through the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and the New Vision.
Acknowledging concerns expressed by NAB executives about potential effects for private media entities, President Museveni clarified that the directive’s primary intention was to bolster the financial position of the struggling UBC, rather than undermine the private sector.
President Museveni withdrew the directive affecting private media and underscored that UBC would henceforth compete for government advertising on a level playing field with other media houses.
The President Museveni stated to NAB executives led by Chairperson Kin Kariisa, that the government will however extend preferential treatment to government media entities while ensuring private companies continue to have a viable stake in the industry.
President Museveni also expressed his concerns about identity politics, urging media outlets to prioritize patriotic values over divisive narratives. He further asserted that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to preventing the resurgence of divisive politics.
Recalling his decades-long endeavor to curb sectarianism, he emphasized his vision for an Africa marked by prosperity, strategic security, and unity.
“I used the opportunity to tell the broadcasters under their umbrella body, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), to always be patriotic and avoid promoting politics of identity,” Museveni stated.
The President’s stance serves as a reminder that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is resolute in its pursuit of a united and harmonious nation.
Government officials present for the meeting included the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Minister for ICT Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Secretary to the Treasury (PSST) Ramathan Ggoobi, Minister of State for Privatization and Investment Evelyne Anite among others