Journalism Surpasses Patriotism: UBC Staff Payment Falls Short of Work Output – MD

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Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Managing Director Winston Agaba has called for a holistic approach to improving journalists’ remuneration to match the country’s economic realities.

While addressing queries about journalists’ pay during an update on the ICT sector’s performance under the NRM Manifesto, Winston Agaba emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the media, often referred to as the fourth estate. He pointed out that while the three arms of government—the Legislature, Judiciary, and Executive—receive significant attention, the media’s vital role in information dissemination must also be recognized and adequately supported.

Agaba acknowledged that the pay of UBC staff does not align with the volume and quality of work they deliver. He attributed part of this discrepancy to a shift in advertising trends, with advertisers increasingly favoring online platforms over mainstream media. This shift, he noted, has created a revenue gap, necessitating a reevaluation of the government’s operational support for media houses like UBC.

“Young men and women are struggling. Many come to UBC seeking opportunities as volunteers, but this poses significant challenges,” Agaba said.

“At UBC, we are grappling with the reality of people who just want to survive. We need to grow the economy to address these issues.” He further highlighted the challenges posed by licensing fees for media houses, calling them unrealistic given the current economic conditions. He revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to find practical solutions to these challenges. “The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) insists that UBC must pay license fees, yet UBC should be considered a public good,” Agaba argued.

He reiterated the need for a collaborative approach to address these issues and ensure that the media, as an essential pillar of democracy, receives the support it deserves.