Kampala, Uganda: The Entertainment & Media Hosts Association Ltd—popularly known as Mainstream Media Uganda—on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), where they held a high-level engagement with the ONC Manager, Hadijah Namyalo, aimed at improving the welfare and growth of Uganda’s creative and media industry.
The delegation, led by prominent media and entertainment figures including Miles Rwamiti, MC Kats (Katamba Edwin), Dagy Nyce and Lwanga Isaac, presented challenges faced by media personalities and entertainment hosts across the country, alongside proposals seeking government support to strengthen professionalism, sustainability and unity within the sector.
Addressing the meeting, Rwamiti stressed that the engagement was non-political and anchored in unity and collective progress for the media fraternity. “We are not here for politics. We are here to unite, to amalgamate, and to speak with one voice as mainstream media professionals,” Rwamiti said.
“This is about bringing together the people who inform the nation, verify facts, and shape public discourse every single day.”
The delegation highlighted longstanding concerns including lack of structured government support, limited access to industry funding, and the absence of a unified platform to safeguard and advance the interests of media practitioners.
MC Kats echoed the concerns, noting that many media professionals continue to struggle despite decades of service.
“We sat back for too long and settled for less,” he said. “If we are not plugged into any support system, it becomes even harder for the next generation to come into this industry.”
The association also emphasised the importance of professionalism in mainstream media, noting that journalists and hosts operate under ethical standards, contractual obligations and verification processes, making them central to shaping truth, public opinion and national stability.
In her response, Namyalo welcomed the delegation and commended the media fraternity for its resilience and contribution to national development. “It is high time that we all gain together,” Namyalo said. “You take risks every day to inform the public, yet many people do not see the real lives you live behind the microphones and cameras. At the end of the day, you are also parents, providers and citizens with responsibilities.”
She acknowledged the critical role of media, particularly during the election period, and urged journalists and entertainment hosts to continue advocating for peace, stability and responsible communication.
“You have shown the country everything—the good, the bad, the wins and the challenges,” she said. “Uganda remains far better than many countries facing instability, and this is the time for all of us to stand for peace and national unity.”
Namyalo pledged to engage Yoweri Museveni, the National Chairman of the NRM, on the issues raised, assuring the delegation that their concerns would receive attention. “Our president is a loving father,” she said. “When I take your message to him, I believe he will handle your issues. You deserve to benefit from this government just like other sectors do.”
She further encouraged the association to remain united, organised and forward-looking, noting that sustainable growth in the creative industry requires collective effort, strategic planning and long-term investment.
Members of the association pledged to champion peaceful elections as the country heads to the polls next week.
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