As the world comes to terms with the passing of Pope Francis, Uganda is looking back at one of the most defining moments of his papacy his 2015 visit to the East African nation.
For the team at NBS Television, the official broadcaster of the visit, the event was not only a national milestone but also a turning point in the station’s transformation.
The late Pope Francis visited Uganda from November 27 to 29, 2015, drawing massive crowds as he honoured the Uganda Martyrs and spread messages of peace, humility, and faith.
For three days, the country came to a standstill, and behind the scenes, NBS TV’s journalists and technical crew worked tirelessly to deliver uninterrupted live coverage to millions of viewers both locally and internationally.
“With over 30 cameras deployed across major locations, we transformed our political command center into a religious and historical hub,” recalled Thomas Kitimbo’ a video journalist at NBS TV.
“Coordinating live feeds amid tight security and logistical constraints was a real test of our capabilities,”he added.
The team faced multiple challenges, including unpredictable weather, power surges, and tight deadlines.
Yet, according to Next Media’s Marcel Obonyinge, these hurdles only strengthened their resolve.
“This wasn’t just about broadcasting an event. It was about preserving a moment of national significance,” he said.
For many members of the media team, the coverage went beyond a professional assignment.
“It was spiritual,” said Dalton Kaweesa, Head of Current Affairs at Next Media. “The magnitude of the moment made it personal for all of us.”
NBS Television executives say the successful coverage of the papal visit marked a key turning point in the broadcaster’s journey toward becoming a leading media house in the region.
It also established a benchmark for future live event coverage in Uganda.
“As Uganda stood still, our cameras rolled. We captured not just history, but a sacred moment,” said Kitimbo. “It wasn’t just a broadcast. It felt like a calling.”
Nearly a decade later, as tributes pour in for Pope Francis, the memory of his visit remains deeply embedded in Uganda’s national consciousness and in the hearts of the journalists who helped tell that story.