Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo, a renowned sports journalist and head of sports at Nation Media Group (NMG) Uganda, has reportedly left the organisation after opting to stay in the United Kingdom, where he had gone to cover the Commonwealth Games.
At least three journalists at the Namuwongo-based media organisation told Bbeg Media that Kigongo had communicated to senior management that he would not be coming back soon.
“He wrote to them, and I got to know since he was my supervisor,” confirmed one of the journalists who requested to remain anonymous.
Kigongo left Uganda for Glasgow, Scotland in mid-July to cover the Commonwealth Games, which ended on August 2.
After the games, sources said he chose to stay on and search for greener pastures.
Another journalist told us that Kigongo moved to England from Scotland after the games ended and is staying with a relative as he figures out his next move.
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Kigongo joins four other Ugandan Boxers who reportedly went missing ahead of the flight back to Uganda on August 4. They are: Nuhu Batte, Angel Katushabe, Ibrahim Kemis and Emily Nakalema.
They, too, are suspected to have stayed back to fish for better economic opportunities.
It ought to be pointed out that by the time Kigongo left for Scotland, NMG operations in Uganda had been closed on the orders of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the CDF. Their outlets were reopened at the end of July after the group reached an understanding with the government.
Sources say this could have prompted Kigongo to opt not to come back because his journalism future was uncertain.
Kigongo is one of the most respected sports analysts in the country and has featured on various sports shows. Before he left, he had started a sports podcast, Second Take with IDK.
