KAMPALA, Uganda — Veteran Ugandan broadcast journalist Rukh-Shana Kitaka made a highly anticipated return to television on Saturday night, rejoining NBS Television to anchor NBS Live at 9 after an absence of about three years.
Her return coincided with NBS Television’s 18th anniversary celebrations, marking an emotional homecoming for one of the station’s most recognisable news personalities.
Ahead of the broadcast, NBS Television teased viewers with a message on its social media platforms, announcing Kitaka’s comeback.
“A veteran anchor @RukhShana returns to your screens tonight. Stay tuned for a powerful #NBSLiveAt9 broadcast and let us know where you will be watching from?” the station posted.
In a follow-up post, the broadcaster welcomed Kitaka back, highlighting the significance of the moment.
“After three years away from the screen, @RukhShana is back on #NBSLiveAt9. Tune in tonight and watch a familiar face pick up right where she left off,” NBS Television said.
Kitaka’s return was met with excitement from colleagues and viewers, many of whom remembered her as one of the faces that helped shape the station’s prime-time news programming.
Among those celebrating the occasion was NBS Television anchor Sheila Tusiime, who paid tribute to Kitaka, describing her as both a mentor and friend.
“Tonight, my mentor and friend takes over the set to bring you the latest news around the world. Such an honour for me to usher her back to the set she prepared and trained me for. Such a memorable and emotional moment. Welcome home @RukhShana,” Tusiime wrote on X.
Kitaka is regarded as one of Uganda’s experienced television journalists, having built a reputation for authoritative news presentation and mentorship during her years on the NBS Television news desk.
Her return generated widespread excitement on social media, with many viewers welcoming the familiar face back to prime-time television and congratulating NBS Television as it celebrated 18 years of broadcasting.
The broadcaster has spent the anniversary period reflecting on its journey since launch, with Kitaka’s comeback serving as one of the highlights of the celebrations.
While it remains unclear whether her return marks a permanent comeback or a special anniversary appearance, Saturday night’s broadcast rekindled memories for longtime viewers and underscored her enduring place in Uganda’s television journalism landscape.