Next Media has opened an internal investigation into allegations that some of its editors, reporters, and video journalists have been benefiting “financially” from news sources and subjects.
Impeccable sources told Bbeg Media that the probe is headed by Sauba Luwaga, the head of internal audit. Luwaga is one of Kin Kariisa’s most trusted lieutenants at Next Media.
In an editorial meeting today (September 3, 2025), Kariisa, Next Media’s CEO, told reporters that anyone found guilty of having received money or any other form of inducement from news sources and subjects will be sacked.
“I am disappointed that the probe has taken two weeks. It should have taken two days,” our sources quoted Kariisa as telling the shaken staff. Kariisa said at the end of the probe, some heads will roll.
The scope of the investigation covers the National Resistance Movement (NRM) internal election processes and Parliament. Sources told us that a whistleblower told Next Media that some of its reporters and video journalists stationed at the NRM in July were givem money by some aspirants to have their stories aired, contrary to Next Media’s ethical guidelines that bar such behaviour.
It is alleged that one of the NRM parliamentary contestants gave a reporter Shs 500,000 to have her story given prominence on NBS TV,
Among the reporters being investigated is Ramson Muhairwe, who joined the company in 2023 and covered the NRM elections.
Also under probe is Joshua Mujunga, a veteran video journalist, who worked with Muhairwe at NRM.
We have also been told that Next Media is investigating its parliamentary team over similar allegations. The probe’s focus, we have been told, is on long-serving parliamentary reporters and video journalists. They include Sam Ibanda Mugabi, Shamim Nabakooza, Julius Bakabaage, and Moses Namayo.
Also dragged into the investigation are two senior editors: Ismael Ssembatya and Jacobs Seaman. Ssembatya was the assignment editor on some of the stories under investigation. Seaman, sources said, was queried about the questionable stories that were carried by Nile Post.
The probe team is expected to finalise its work this week, and a report will be handed to Kariisa for further action.
