Ugandan multimedia conglomerate Next Media Services have stamped their commitment towards ensuring safety for society and accountability by public workers and keeping Ugandans informed Always through their cutting edge reporting, analysis and investigations.
Housed at the Next Media Park, located on Plot 13, Summit View Road, Naguru, the conglomerate is home to NBS TV, NBS Sport, Sanyuka TV, Sanyuka Prime, Next Radio, Nile Post, Next Com, Next Production Limited, Afro Mobile and HillCom.
Concerted efforts from all the Next Media brands coupled with the tremendous support accorded to the employees by the management headed by Kin Kariisa, Next Media has gone ahead to shape narratives, unearth truths that would have rather stayed hidden, boost the sports sector among others.
The most recent shaker is the investigation into cartels in Kampala. Dubbed “Money Swap Bandits”, the investigation that lasted for four months exposed cartels cheating Ugandans millions of shillings by giving them less or fake money after they’ve made a purchase. The cartel, disguised as vendors, operates in downtown Kampala.
The story which was covered by the NBS Investigative desk aired on #NBSLiveAt9 and #NBSAmasengejje at 9:00 PM and 7:00 PM respectively.
The expose that aired on Monday, 24th October, showed the cartel members’ tricks, methods and routes to spot victims, fleece them and even elude the law. Money Swap Bandits was an eye-opener for many who had no idea about this and a reminder to many who have fallen victim to this cartel.
Thanks to this investigative, Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Police Spokesperson, Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed arresting the cartel’s ring leader a day after it had aired. He further said that Police have been on the hunt for this cartel for a while and that many more members are yet to be caught.
Different Ugandans took to Twitter to narrate their experiences, with many thanking NBS for exposing this group and calling on Police to keep the city safe by curbing such criminals.
The expose full footage was also posted on the AfroMobile App where it has been viewed by over 150,000 Ugandans, according to information from Next Media officials.
Over time, Next Media has gathered and fine-tuned talent through regular trainings of journalists and presenters and creating opportunities for their staffers to get exposed to the outside world.
The group has managed to make partnerships with international media houses including the BBC, DW, Voice of America, US Agency for Media among others which have helped hone the reporting skills of their workers to become bold and relatable.
It goes without mentioning that the Next Media Group has invested heavily in technology and equipment that makes it easier for the journalists to capture impactful stories that do not only inform but go on to transform society.
The group has also created partnerships with law enforcement alongside having a good relationship with the members of the public which helps them dig up every hidden story so that it can come to light.