NBS Television (Uganda)
NBS is Uganda's leading television station owned by Kin Kariisa’s Next Media. Official broadcasts began on Monday, June 16, 2008, and the station is now headquartered at the purpose‑built Next Media Park on Naguru Summit View Road, Kampala.
History
NBS received its license and commenced official broadcasting on Monday, June 16, 2008. It initially operated from UAP Building, Plot 1, Kimathi Avenue in Kampala, specifically in a 2-bedroom apartment, before moving to Media Plaza in Lower Kololo with a single transmitter. It then moved to the former WBS TV site - now Next Media Park - in 2020. Under Kin Kariisa’s leadership, full ownership was secured by 2014. In 2017, NBS became the flagship of the Next Media Group, along with brands such as Sanyuka TV, Salam TV, Next Radio, Nile Post, Next Com, etc.Programming and coverage
NBS brands itself “Uganda’s Political Command Centre” and is best known for news and current affairs. Flagship programmes include:NBS Amasengejje NBS Live at 9 Frontline Barometer Akasameeme After 5 NBS Youth VoiceOther shows cover business, sports and lifestyle. Its sister channel Sanyuka TV in the past held live rights to the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. In a 2024 survey, NBS led all Ugandan stations with a 44 percent national viewership share. NBS’ extensive live coverage and regional bureaus across Uganda are credited with this market leadership.
Ownership and leadership
Kin Kariisa founded NBS and serves as Group CEO of Next Media. Key executives have included former Deputy Group CEO Joe Kigozi. Under this leadership, NBS has undergone two major rebrands, launched a digital transformation strategy, and established regional bureaus and strategic partnerships for live event broadcasting.Notable personalities
- * Canary Mugume – investigative journalist and prime‑time news anchor
- * Samson Kasumba – pastor, news anchor and talk‑show host
- * Solomon Serwanjja – investigative reporter; BBC Komla Dumor Award winner, 2019
- * Dalton Kaweesa – Chief News Editor, political analyst
- * Mildred Amooti Tuhaise – news anchor
- * Former presenters include Joy Doreen Biira, Rukh‑Shana Namuyimba, and Tamale Mirundi.
- * Anatalia Oze also known as Anatalia Nambooze – entertainment show host/ producer.
Campaigns and social impact
NBS and Next Media have led major public‑awareness and CSR initiatives:- Tuve Ku Kaveera - anti–plastic bag drive
- Taasa Obutonde - waste management and recycling
- Beera Steady - Be Better - financial and digital literacy
- 15 Million Trees - national reforestation campaign
- #DisMisFakeNews - misinformation awareness