Shockingly, Central Broadcasting Service (CBS) Uganda recently terminated the services of one of its long-serving radio show hosts and political analysts, Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba. While the exact reasons for his dismissal remain unclear, media observers suggest that political tensions may have played a significant role, particularly concerning Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate for the upcoming 2026 elections.
CBS Uganda, widely regarded as a leading media outlet in the Buganda region, has reportedly maintained a complicated relationship with Robert Kyagulanyi ever since he entered politics. Despite Kyagulanyi being a Muganda by heritage, many have criticized the station for allegedly refusing to provide him a platform to address his supporters, an expectation that would have seemed natural given his regional and cultural ties.
Sources close to the station indicate that tensions may have intensified following Meddie Nsereko’s past coverage of sensitive political matters.
One such instance involved an interview with Honorable Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba, the former Leader of Opposition and Nyendo Mukungwe Member of Parliament. During the interview, Nsereko questioned Mpuuga about a controversial issue involving taxpayer funds. In the live broadcast, he repeatedly pressed Mpuuga on whether he had received certain payments.
Mpuuga responded that he had received half of the amount, framing it as a “thank you award” for his leadership rather than a bribe. However, the NUP leadership had already labeled the funds as misappropriated taxpayer money, leading to calls for Mpuuga to seek forgiveness from Ugandans and resign from his position. When he refused, he was eventually replaced by Honorable Joel Ssenyonyi, the Nakawa West legislator, as the new Leader of Opposition.
In a past interview on the program CRUZ XCLUSIVE with Alan Cruz, Meddie Nsereko reflected on the most challenging moments of his broadcasting career.
He revealed that hosting Robert Kyagulanyi was one of the scariest experiences of his life. Nsereko recounted that he had advised Kyagulanyi’s bodyguard, Eddie Sebuwufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, to prevent Kyagulanyi from strongly criticizing the government on air, fearing that such remarks could put his job at risk and even threaten the station’s operation. Despite these warnings, Kyagulanyi continued to speak candidly, and that tense broadcast reportedly became the last time CBS hosted him on air.
The controversy surrounding Nsereko’s firing has drawn commentary from various media personalities and bloggers. Fred Lumbuye, a well-known blogger, suggested that the Prime Minister of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who oversees Buganda’s media outlets including CBS FM, may have influenced the decision.
Lumbuye points out that Prime Minister Mayiga has close ties with Honorable Mpuuga, whose interview by Nsereko on the taxpayer funds issue may have contributed to the sacking.
Despite these controversies, CBS FM continues to remain one of the strongest and most influential media outlets in Uganda, particularly in the Buganda region.
Meddie Nsereko Ssebuliba’s departure highlights the ongoing challenges journalists face in balancing professional integrity, political pressures, and organizational interests in Uganda’s complex media and political environment.
The firing of such a prominent radio personality underscores the delicate intersection of media, politics, and personal relationships in Uganda, and raises questions about media independence, freedom of expression, and the role of politics in shaping editorial decisions.
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