If you are among the millions of NBS TV viewers who have been wondering why Miria Matembe isn’t a panelist on the popular Frontline political talk show anymore, just read this. Reliable sources close to the matter have told this news website that the decision to let Matembe go was painfully reached after NBS proprietor the amiable Kin Karisa several times tried and failed to reconcile her with fellow panelists and as well as the moderator the indomitable Charles Odongtho. Karisa intervened after Matembe often got irritated and commenced civil defamation proceedings against fellow panelist Ofwono Opondo who is also the government spokesman. Opondo irked Matembe when he made reference to past accusations regarding her husband Mr. Nehemiah Matembe having a thing for one of their maids. Matembe was bitter during that particular Thursday show and vowed to sue Opondo for defamation if he didn’t retract his words. The obstinate Japh man from Mulanda refused retraction and Matembe, who some thought was joking, went ahead and dragged him to court. As if this wasn’t bad enough, another matter was filed with moderator Odongtho being added onto the list of the defendants against whom the outspoken former minister was seeking remedy from court. Karisa felt this was becoming too much and the next thing he did was to wear a bold face and asked Matembe to leave. And that marked the end of her relationship with NBS which nevertheless has continued to distinguish itself as Uganda’s number one preferred television especially when it comes to breaking news and political programming. However, the bid to perfectly replace Matembe hasn’t been that easy for the NBS management even when the deal is sweetened with the Shs400,000 each panelist gets every day he/she appears on the Frontline. This brings the monthly pay to Shs1.6m which isn’t bad at all given that in any case its just additional to the invaluable benefits that come with being hosted and given visibility on such a prime show. As for the guests (specifically for those that are considered appropriate to require and receive such assistance) they each get Shs100,000 designated as transport refund. So far two opposition-leaning ladies have been tried to fill the Matembe gap but they have proved elusive so far and incapable of consistently coming for the show. At first, management counted on ex-EALA MP Sheila Kawamara who became unavailable after doing a few shows. Then FDC Vice President Salaam Musumba was attempted but she too has so far failed to attend the show regularly as Matembe used to do. For comments, call/text/whatsapp us on 0703164755.
