Next Media Company has suspended Zambali Bulasio Mukasa and Victoria Bagaaya due to their political ambitions.
Reports indicate that the two have been instructed to stay off-air indefinitely while further measures are considered. Their suspension has no clear length, with many alleging it is indefinite.
It is alleged that the two were reminded that their public display of political ambitions contravenes the company’s editorial policy, which mandates staff to maintain non-partisan conduct.
Last week, Zambali appeared at a National Unity Platform (NUP) political rally in Kawempe North, stating, “In times like these, I cannot remain neutral.” This statement reportedly led to issues with his superiors.
Zambali Bulasio Mukasa has already announced his intention to contest for the Member of Parliament (MP) position for Nasana Municipality, representing the National Unity Platform.
Victoria Bagaaya, on the other hand, confirmed her aspiration to run for the Woman Member of Parliament (MP) position for Fort Portal City as an independent candidate, despite her affiliation with the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Desire Mugumisa, Corporate Affairs Manager of Next Media, confirmed their suspension on social media.
"For Next Media Group as an independent media house, non-partisanship is essential for us to effectively Inform to Transform," he explained. "These policies have led to different levels of reprimands for staff engaging in partisan politics."
Zambali Bulasio Mukasa joined NBS TV in 2019 as a news anchor. He also hosts a political show called "Barometer".
Victoria Bagaaya is a long-serving member of Next Media, having joined the company in 2019 as a host of a youth program. She is currently in the current affairs department, reporting and at times anchoring news on Saturday afternoons.