Fear and whispered panic have gripped Next Media Services headquarters in Naguru after an internal memo hinted at a fresh round of restructuring that could leave dozens jobless.
The memo, dated January 10, has sent shockwaves through the multi-media giant after management announced it was entering a “second phase of realignment” that will stretch across departments and roles. To staff on the ground, the message was clear. Jobs are on the line.
This comes after a first phase last year that swept out top management figures, including former deputy CEO Joe Kigozi. Now, ordinary employees fear they are next.
Already, the exits have begun.
Sources at Naguru confirm that several staff have quietly left in recent weeks, including Danze Edwin, Melvin Kiyimba, and Dorah Atwongyeire, with insiders saying many more departures have gone unannounced as employees choose to leave before the axe falls.
Officially, the company says the changes are meant to improve “operational efficiency.” But behind closed doors, workers describe a workplace clouded by anxiety, rumours, and silent exits.
“It’s tense. People are already leaving because they don’t want to wait to be fired,” one employee told us, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Another staff member said conversations in corridors and offices have turned grim, with many asking the same question. Who is next?
Sources say the editorial department could be hit hard. Producers, reporters, and even familiar news anchors are said to be on the chopping block as management reviews structures, roles, and workflows. A phrase employees say is corporate language for layoffs.
Adding to the fear, some staff who applied for salary loans late last year were reportedly told approvals would only be considered after February 2026, when the restructuring exercise is expected to end. To many employees, that was a major red flag.
Like we reported previously, the axe is expected to fall hardest on older and higher-earning staff. Employees above 35 years and those earning more than Shs 3 million a month are said to be at higher risk. Staff with recent disciplinary cases or performance scores below 70 percent in annual evaluations are also reportedly in danger.
Next Media last carried out a major layoff in November 2022, when more than 50 workers were sent home due to what management described as financial challenges.
In the latest memo, management promised to “provide support” throughout the process. But for many at Naguru, those words offer little comfort as desks empty, familiar faces disappear, and fear tightens its grip on one of Uganda’s biggest media houses.
Fear and whispered panic have gripped Next Media Services headquarters in Naguru after an internal memo hinted at a fresh round of restructuring that could leave dozens jobless.
The memo, dated January 10, has sent shockwaves through the multi-media giant after management announced it was entering a “second phase of realignment” that will stretch across departments and roles. To staff on the ground, the message was clear. Jobs are on the line.
This comes after a first phase last year that swept out top management figures, including former deputy CEO Joe Kigozi. Now, ordinary employees fear they are next.
Already, the exits have begun.
Sources at Naguru confirm that several staff have quietly left in recent weeks, including Danze Edwin, Melvin Kiyimba, and Dorah Atwongyeire, with insiders saying many more departures have gone unannounced as employees choose to leave before the axe falls.
Officially, the company says the changes are meant to improve “operational efficiency.” But behind closed doors, workers describe a workplace clouded by anxiety, rumours, and silent exits.
“It’s tense. People are already leaving because they don’t want to wait to be fired,” one employee told us, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Another staff member said conversations in corridors and offices have turned grim, with many asking the same question. Who is next?
Sources say the editorial department could be hit hard. Producers, reporters, and even familiar news anchors are said to be on the chopping block as management reviews structures, roles, and workflows. A phrase employees say is corporate language for layoffs.
Adding to the fear, some staff who applied for salary loans late last year were reportedly told approvals would only be considered after February 2026, when the restructuring exercise is expected to end. To many employees, that was a major red flag.
Like we reported previously, the axe is expected to fall hardest on older and higher-earning staff. Employees above 35 years and those earning more than Shs 3 million a month are said to be at higher risk. Staff with recent disciplinary cases or performance scores below 70 percent in annual evaluations are also reportedly in danger.
Next Media last carried out a major layoff in November 2022, when more than 50 workers were sent home due to what management described as financial challenges.
In the latest memo, management promised to “provide support” throughout the process. But for many at Naguru, those words offer little comfort as desks empty, familiar faces disappear, and fear tightens its grip on one of Uganda’s biggest media houses.
For now, the mood inside Next Media is unmistakable. Uncertainty, anxiety, and the quiet sound of an approaching axe.For now, the mood inside Next Media is unmistakable. Uncertainty, anxiety, and the quiet sound of an approaching axe.
