By Ben Musanje
Uganda’s media industry has been thrown into a frenzy following the stunning exit of senior journalist and celebrated TV host Mildred Tuhaise from tycoon Kin Karisa’s NBS Television, ending an extraordinary 11-year journey that defined a generation of broadcast journalism.
In an emotional and deeply reflective statement posted on X, Tuhaise recounted a career marked by sacrifice, discipline, and purpose. Rising from her early days at WBS Television, she joined NBS with a singular mission: to serve journalism and inspire young female reporters. Over the years, she became a household name, waking up before dawn for 4AM shifts on ‘Morning Breeze’, setting the national agenda before most Ugandans had their first cup of tea.
Her journey, she revealed, was far from easy—long hours of nonstop broadcasting, covering elections, national budgets, pandemics, and protests. She held powerful leaders accountable, gave voice to the voiceless, and moderated debates that shaped public opinion. From interviewing presidents to engaging market vendors, Tuhaise maintained a consistent standard of respect, professionalism, and courage.
“Journalism is not a job, it’s a responsibility,” she emphasized—words she says guided her throughout her career, proving that a woman can be authoritative without being abrasive and principled without compromise.
She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to her boss Kin Kariisa, CEO of Next Media, and the entire Next Media Services team for believing in her, nurturing her growth, and providing a platform in a competitive industry where loyalty is often tested.
As news of her departure spread, prominent figures rushed to honor her legacy. Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura praised her as a shining star, while investigative journalist Solomon Sserwanja commended her outstanding service to the nation.
Academic and media scholar Prof. Arinaitwe Rugyendo expressed pride in his former student, signaling confidence in her next chapter. Nakaseke Central MP Allan Mayanja Sebunya also wished her success ahead.
From within the media fraternity, former colleagues including political show host Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya, Uganda Lung Institute communications officer Zahra Namuli, and UNICEF Uganda spokesperson Catherine Nabadde applauded her professionalism, mentorship, and humanity. Fellow journalist Hakim Wampamba offered a deeply personal tribute, describing her as the voice that made him fall in love with morning television.
Tuhaise closed her message with gratitude—to God, her family, colleagues, and loyal viewers—thanking them for trusting her through sleepless nights and difficult stories, insisting that credibility remains the true currency of journalism.
Eleven years, she declared, is not the finish line—but the foundation. And as Uganda watches closely, one thing is undeniable: Mildred Tuhaise’s next move could be even bigger than her remarkable past. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
