Joe Kigozi Bows Out of Next Media After Over 15 Years of Transformational Leadership

To honor his contributions, Next Media has scheduled a farewell event for Joe Kigozi on Friday, February 7, 2025, a moment to reflect on his achievements and celebrate his immense impact on the company and the industry at large.

Following more than 15 years of service that has seen him rise from a sports presenter to Deputy Group CEO, Joe Kigozi has officially stepped away from Next Media, marking the end of an era for the Ugandan media powerhouse. His departure comes after he asked to step down during the final quarter of 2024, choosing to embark on new pursuits outside the media industry.

Reflecting on his journey, Kigozi shared, "My 15-year journey here has been an extraordinary adventure, filled with challenges, triumphs, and the constant inspiration of those around me. I'm so grateful for the opportunities and the chance to ignite a passion for growth in others. As I embark on my next chapter, I carry with me the lessons learned and the enduring spirit of Next Media. Thank you for everything."

Kigozi's journey at Next Media has been one of extraordinary growth. Having joined in 2008 as a sports presenter for the popular show ‘442’, he quickly moved through the ranks, taking on key leadership roles such as Corporate Affairs Manager and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) before his brief departure to be BBS TV CEO in 2015, and later Chief Strategy Officer from 2017 when he was asked to return to Next Media.

His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company’s commercial and brand strategy, with many of his contributions credited for Next Media’s expansion into the leading multi-brand empire it is today.

Speaking to some of his colleagues who have worked closely with him, have described Kigozi as a leader who has not only set ambitious targets but also built teams capable of surpassing them.

"Joe has always had a way of getting the best out of people. He has had a vision for where the media industry has been going and has known exactly how to position us for success," one senior executive at Next Media has shared.

Among Kigozi’s many achievements, his role in spearheading the major rebrand of NBS TV, transitioning from the first NBS TV ‘Your True Source’ to the one we know today, has stood out. He has led efforts to transform the station into a dominant force in Uganda’s media landscape.

One of his defining moments was overseeing the seamless migration of NBS TV from analogue to digital broadcasting, an effort that significantly expanded the station’s reach influence, and stature across the industry.

Beyond branding, Kigozi also played a crucial role in business growth. When he returned to Next Media in 2017 as Chief Strategy Officer, he was tasked with doubling the Group’s then revenue. Under his watch as supervisor of both the Marketing and Commercial departments, the company has not only met but tripled those revenue targets at the time of his departure. He also ensured a strategic approach that has seen the company grow from the single brand he joined, NBS TV, to the 17 brands and counting today.

Kigozi’s leadership has extended to some of the company's biggest projects and initiatives. He has been behind the successful execution of major campaigns such as the ‘NBS Owakabi’ BTL campaign, which has helped take the station’s brand to the masses, engaging over 100 artists over three years. This campaign has now evolved into the ongoing ‘Sanyuka Naffe’ initiative that continues to contribute to Sanyuka TV being one of the leading entertainment brands in Uganda.

His impact has been particularly profound in sports broadcasting. As the first General Manager of NBS Sport, he played a pivotal role in making the channel Uganda’s leading home for sports coverage.

It was also under his leadership that in 2018, Sanyuka TV became the first indigenous broadcaster of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, covering a record number of games and revolutionizing how local football is now presented. Joe also led the NBS TV team that successfully broadcast the World Cup Trophy Tour on its stop in Uganda back in 2018. A former colleague noted to us, “Joe has seen what sports could do for the brand before many of us have. His leadership has helped us build credibility and trust with sports audiences at that time.”

Kigozi has also been at the helm of several special projects and events that have defined Next Media’s evolution, including the Uganda Economic Forum, the Housing Baraza in the latter years, the grand launch of Next Media Park, and the company’s 15-year celebration, crowned off by the hugely successful UB40 ft.

Ali Campbell concert. He has also led the company’s involvement in the Uganda Cancer Run, helping raise awareness and funds for cancer treatment over seven years, among other major projects such as the MTN Kampala Marathon.

Inside Next Media, his leadership has extended beyond marketing and business strategy. He has chaired key committees, including the Disciplinary and Procurement Committees for over seven years, ensuring the company maintains ethical and operational excellence. His mentorship of young talent within the organization has been a key aspect of his legacy, with many current managers crediting him for shaping their careers.

As he exits, Kigozi has left behind a well-structured and empowered team, a testament to his ability to build systems that sustain themselves beyond his tenure. Staff who have worked under his leadership have described him as a mentor, strategist, and visionary who has understood not just the business of media but also the people behind it.

NBS TV’s Douglas Lwanga, co-host of the famed ‘NBS After 5’ show, has tweeted, ‘Dear Joe Kigozi, thank you for your role and guidance to see people like me grow professionally. Thank you for the mentorship and always looking out for me. Thank you for the big heart and words of appreciation and may the new journey bring even greater opportunities your way.’

Though stepping away from an active role in media, Kigozi has not cut ties completely. We understand that he will continue working with Next Media in a consultancy role, focusing on franchise model solutions. While details about his next chapter have remained under wraps, his colleagues believe he is destined for more ground-breaking work.

“He has always been a go-getter, and whatever he does next, I have no doubt it will be transformative,” another senior executive has said.

As Next Media enters its next phase of growth, Joe Kigozi’s imprint on the company’s success story remains undeniable. His journey from a sports presenter to Deputy CEO embodies his heights of ambition, vision, and relentless execution, as well as Next Media’s nurturing DNA. Joe’s departure marks the close of a remarkable chapter, and his legacy at Next Media will surely endure for years to come.

To honor his contributions, Next Media has scheduled a farewell event for Joe Kigozi on Friday, February 7, 2025, a moment to reflect on his achievements and celebrate his immense impact on the company and the industry at large.