Two months after Next Media sacked Dalton Kaweesa as Chief News Manager, it is still struggling to find a suitable replacement.
Kaweesa was relieved of his duties in January following a restructuring exercise that also led to the exit of Joseph Kigozi, the deputy CEO.
Dorah Atwongyeire, who is currently acting news manager, had been favored to replace Kaweesa, but insider sources told Bbeg Media that top management could have changed its mind. Atwongyeire is officially the head of Multimedia at the Naguru-based media organisation.
“They are looking for a seasoned media practitioner. Someone who has a vast understanding of the industry but also with managerial skills. They want someone who can build a cohesive news team,” an insider told Bbeg Media.
Atwongyeire who worked as a sub-editor at Kampala Sun before joining Next Media in 2019 is viewed as being light on media experience, sources told us.
Kaweesa had served in the position for three years after Joyce Bagala left to join politics. He had been the head of current affairs at Next Media. Before joining Next Media, Kaweesa had worked as a senior reporter at Red Pepper and briefly, at the Uganda Radio Network (URN).
With the 2026 elections around the corner, the media organization that bills itself as the political command centre needs an experienced hand to oversee the coverage of the elections.
The holder of the position must be able to withstand the pressure that comes with the role while also getting the best out of news reporters.
A chief news manager at Next Media earns at least Shs 5 million per month in salary in addition to other perks. He/she is also a member of the top management team.
Our sources told us that the search is still ongoing.
