NBS TV Steps Up Safety Measures Ahead of 2026 Elections
As Uganda draws closer to the 2026 general elections, media houses are bracing for a highly charged political season, marked by increased tension and the looming threat of violence. For NBS TV, the country’s leading current affairs broadcaster, the stakes are high — and so is the commitment to safety.
In response to the hard lessons of previous election cycles, particularly the 2021 general elections and the recent Kawempe by-election, where several journalists were injured, NBS TV has begun making strategic preparations to protect its field teams. The broadcaster is importing high-grade protective gear, including bulletproof vests, riot helmets, gas masks, and tactical clothing, to safeguard its journalists while on duty.
This investment in military-grade safety equipment underscores NBS TV’s resolve to ensure its staff are protected as they carry out their mandate to inform and empower the public.
“Every journalist’s life matters,” said Dorah Atwongyeire, Head of Multimedia at Next Media. “Uganda’s election periods have, over the years, come with moments of volatility and violence. At Next Media, we believe safety must come first before our teams step out to deliver live, balanced, and factual updates. We are not just a media powerhouse; our people are our greatest asset, and their protection is our priority.”
This development is part of a broader, well-resourced election coverage strategy by Next Media, which owns NBS TV. The company has also ramped up human resources and newsroom capacity in preparation for the election season, assembling an expanded team of seasoned journalists, fact-checkers, digital producers, and regional correspondents to ensure the highest standard of reporting across platforms.
The 2026 elections are widely expected to be one of the most contested in Uganda’s recent history. For journalists, the danger is not just theoretical; it is real, lived, and documented. In recent years, images of reporters being beaten, detained, or attacked while covering rallies have sparked outrage and demands for reform.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, the station is once again positioning itself at the heart of credible, fearless, and secure journalism.
