NBS Television journalists Canary Mugume and Simon Kaggwa Njala have been named among Africa’s 50 most influential media personalities in recognition of their work in journalism and public affairs.
The two Ugandan broadcasters feature on the Africa Media Power 50, a list released on Tuesday by Nairobi-based strategic communications firm Glass House PR.
The initiative recognises journalists, broadcasters, editors, media entrepreneurs and commentators whose work contributes to public debate and influences how African stories are reported and understood across the continent and beyond.
In announcing the list, Glass House PR said it sought to recognise media professionals whose reporting and public engagement shape conversations about Africa.
“The people behind the headlines, the investigations that hold power to account and the conversations that shape public understanding influence how Africa sees itself and how the rest of the world perceives the continent,” the firm said.
Mugume, a senior investigative journalist and news anchor at NBS Television, has worked with Next Media Services for more than a decade. His reporting has focused largely on politics, social justice and accountability.
Among his notable investigations was a report exposing human trafficking networks that moved young girls from Soroti to Kampala. The investigation drew attention to the plight of street children and was followed by a government allocation of Shs3.4 billion towards their rehabilitation.
Mugume also interviewed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during the COVID-19 pandemic and served as NBS Television’s chief correspondent during the public health crisis. He previously hosted The Big Talk on Nxt Radio.
Njala joined NBS Television in 2012 and has become one of the station’s familiar faces. He hosts Morning Breeze, the broadcaster’s flagship morning current affairs programme, and NBS Frontline, a weekly political discussion show featuring politicians and other public figures.
His broadcasting career has also included hosting The Eagle, further establishing his presence in Uganda’s television and current affairs programming.
The Africa Media Power 50 features media personalities from several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa.
Other journalists named include Kenya’s John-Allan Namu, Waihiga Mwaura and Victoria Rubadiri; Ghana’s Berla Mundi; Nigeria’s Maupe Ogun-Yusuf; and South Africa’s Ferial Haffajee and Redi Tlhabi.
Ugandans Solomon Serwanjja and Alan Kasujja also appear on the list.
The recognition places Mugume and Njala among the African media professionals featured in the inaugural list for their work in journalism, broadcasting and public affairs.
