In a poignant moment that marks the end of an era, Kin Kariisa, a stalwart in the media industry, today hangs up his boots as the Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters Uganda (NAB) after two impactful terms. His journey, encompassing challenges and triumphs, has left an indelible mark on NAB, shaping it into a resilient force in the media landscape.
Kariisa spearheaded transformative initiatives throughout his tenure and facilitated crucial conversations between NAB and various regulators, including the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), ministries, and the government. His commitment to press freedom and addressing police brutality was evident in his vocal stance on these issues.
One notable achievement was Kariisa's leadership in negotiating the March directive, which initially required government advertising to pass through the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC). His efforts led to the rescindment of the directive, allowing government entities to advertise using other media houses—an essential victory for media independence.
Kariisa led NAB in actively engaging in discussions on the classification of films in Uganda and decision-making processes while developing media-related policies, showcasing a dedication to ensuring the media's interests were well-represented.
The Chairman played a pivotal role in guiding NAB through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating adaptability and leadership during a period of unprecedented shifts in the media landscape.
One of Kariisa's powerful quotes reflected his unwavering commitment to justice, expressing disappointment in the continuous assault and brutal attacks on media personnel by security forces in the country.
"We are disappointed to note that despite our previous efforts to address the issue of continuous assault and brutal attacks on media personnel by security forces in the country, the situation has not improved, and our journalists continue to be subjected to such attacks." April 22, 2023
Reflecting on his accomplishments during his departure speech, Kariisa highlighted significant achievements during his tenure:
Media Freedoms: Successfully reducing violence against journalists and upholding the principles of media freedom and independence.
Communications Tribunal: Advocating for establishing a Communications Tribunal to facilitate the relationship between the government, UCC, and broadcasters.
2% Levy on Gross: Engaging UCC on the misallocation of a 2% levy on the gross, ensuring that no broadcaster has been subjected to paying it.
Subsidizing Signet & Signal Distribution Challenges: Actively lobbying for government subsidies for Signet, the signal infrastructure partner, to empower broadcasters.
NAB Secretariat: Spearheading the introduction of the NAB Secretariat and a Trustees Advisory Board to ensure compliance with guidelines and enhance NAB's service offering.
Unity Among Associations and Broadcasters: Fostering unity and collaboration among broadcasters, strengthening the industry's collective voice.
As Kariisa gracefully passes on the baton, he expresses confidence in the resilience and capabilities of NAB. Under new leadership, the association is poised to thrive, building upon the strong foundation laid during his tenure.