New Vision blows 38 candles

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On the bustling streets of Kampala city 38 years ago, a humble black-and-white newspaper bearing the name 'New Vision' emerged. 

It was a small publication but it had a wide-angle vision. Blossoming, since its inception in 1986, New Vision has multiplied into other platforms, including Bukedde, Urban TV, Radio West, TV West and Kabalega FM.

Under the stewardship of CEO Don Wanyama, the newspaper in 2024 transformed and repackaged its weekend content. Work at the headquarters is not static, as there are changes in the newsroom's seating arrangement and the opening of social media platforms.

"The industry is going digital. Consequently, we are also slowly migrating from print to digital. Instead of buying a newspaper at sh2000, we are already digitally available, enabling the reader to partially use 500MB of data if they desire to access us," says Wanyama.

True to Wanyama’s word, as New Vision celebrates 38 years of existence, newspapers globally are witnessing a decline in circulation, but management is not sitting back to observe.

"Many businesses in the country do not see the sixth birthday; the more reason we thank consumers of our products, advertisers, those who have partnered with us and sponsors who kept us afloat in 38 years. We promise to keep our standards high," he said. 

New Vision is poised for the transition from analogue to digital. Her journey was from typewriters in the newsroom to computers and now mobile phone-created content to file stories. The paper recently repackaged the weekly piece with comprehensive stories.

A stroll through the newsroom reveals a bustling hive of activity, with content creators, editors, journalists and presenters immersed in their work as if there were rumours that the end of the world was imminent tomorrow. Deadlines, breaking news, perfection, accuracy, detail, style, speed, and creativity are the catchwords driving their every move. This is what it takes to remain relevant in such a competitive trade.

Highlighting what has continuously kept New Vision relevant to its audiences, Editor-in-Chief Barbra Kaija finds herself counting the reasons.

"The diversity of our offerings is simply irresistible. We've delved into blockbuster investigations spanning land matters, fraud and labour exports in the Middle East — all critical issues for our populace. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our loyal readers for their unwavering support for over 38 years, cementing New Vision as Uganda's most credible and prominent newspaper. Moreover, our steadfast management and supportive board empower us to operate with the utmost professionalism, free from undue influence.

This ethos enables us to excel in developmental media, shaping the national discourse and giving rise to significant expos and events such as the Dubai Expo, Bride and Groom Expo, Harvest Money, Teachers Making a Difference, and Mulago Hospital Undercover series. 

“Other than that, positive stories have been published about Mulago Hospital, particularly highlighting improvements in clinical care,” says Kaija.

Downtown Kampala city, the readers and news vendors confide how New Vision has outlived some publications, including Crusader, Spice, Red Pepper, Munno, The Star, Economy, Weekly Topic, Analyst, Uganda Confidential, as well as Njuba Times and Munno, both Luganda language newspapers. 

Flashback

It was 38 years ago when it was born as a black-and-white tabloid called "The New Vision." It was a small endeavour, but its vision was grand. Little did anyone know that it would grow into one of the nation’s most influential and widely recognised media platforms.

Today, it is owned by the Ugandan government and institutional and individual investors. Shares of the group are traded on the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) under the symbol NVL.

On January 29, 1986, celebrated publisher James Tumusiime was appointed Managing Editor and CEO.

Tumusiime took the reins a week after President Museveni was sworn in. With a team of journalists, they were determined to provide the people of Uganda with reliable news and information.

Despite being fresh from political turmoil, the National Resistance Army's (NRA) liberation war, with limited resources and numerous challenges, worked tirelessly to bring stories of local significance to the forefront.

“I am delighted with the paper sticking to the standards and objectives we started with. I hope you maintain them when you clock a century,” said Tumusiime in a jovial mood.

By then, William Pike had served as the managing director for 20 years, from 1986 to 2006. A new acquisition of a building worth $216,000 (Sh837m) paid cash by the company was named after him. He attended the inauguration as his legacy in the publications was recognized.

The enterprise has since evolved and embraced new technologies and innovations, transitioning from its humble beginnings as a print tabloid to a multi-platform media powerhouse. With the advent of the internet, New Vision expanded its reach, establishing an online presence that allows it to connect with audiences not only across Uganda but around the globe.

When Robert Kabushenga was CEO of New Vision, he recognised the importance of regional coverage and embarked on opening branches in key cities like Mbarara, Gulu, Soroti, and Hoima to ensure that news from every corner of the country was brought to the forefront.

Throughout its 38-year journey, New Vision remains committed to its core values of integrity, accuracy, and impartiality. It is weathering political storms, economic hardships, and technological revolutions, but it never wavers in its dedication to serving the people of Uganda with honesty and transparency.

Today, New Vision stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. What began as a simple tabloid has transformed into a multimedia empire, shaping the way Ugandans consume news and information. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape, one thing remains constant: New Vision's unwavering commitment to excellence.

Jimmy Adriko, a former chief photographer, fondly recalls the transformation witnessed at The New Vision. Gone were the days of journalists donning threadbare frocks and worn-out shoes; instead, they began to attire themselves in ties and neat shirts for the men. This shift accompanied better wages for both photographers and writers.

"New Vision became the pacesetter for journalists' appearance, rejecting bribes and better payment-per-story or photograph schemes," reminisces Adriko with nostalgia. "The purchasing power of journalists soared. Many freelancers could now afford to buy cars, build permanent houses, and invest."

A downtown reader, Jerry Mulamba, vividly remembers Adriko's iconic photograph capturing a man breaching security to salute President Yoweri Museveni.

"That presidential salute by Mukwaya in 1993 remains etched in my mind," recalls Mulamba.

John Mukwaya (in white shirt & cap) confidently takes salute with Pres. Museveni during the Ind. celebration at Kololo during the 31st anniversary 09.10.93.

Down the memory lane, readers fondly recall the dynamic team of Joachim Buwembo, Simon Kaheru, Lydia Wamala, and Andrew Ndaula, whose collaborative efforts saw the circulation of the Sunday paper soar to 40,000 copies back in 2002.

"They were unparalleled in breaking stories," reminisces Captain Aloysius Edema from Entebbe. "Who could forget when the then Vice President Specioza Kazibwe's personal life made headlines after her husband admitted in an interview that he had slapped her, not once but twice? And Pastor Imelda Namutebi's romantic saga from Liberty Worship Center? Those were the headlines that gripped the nation."

Specioza Kazibwe.

Adding to the intrigue, Timothy Bukunhe's undercover and real-life stories added another layer of depth to the publication. "Bukumunhe's tales were nothing short of extraordinary," marvels Edema. "From posing as a beggar on Kampala Road to spending a night fishing on Lake Victoria and even riding along on Police Patrol Van adventures, his narratives brought readers into the heart of the action."

The synergy of talent and dedication within this team left an indelible mark on the landscape of Ugandan journalism, forever etched in the memories of those who were captivated by their work.

Robert Kiboli in Mbale city remembers a story when the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had the Lord’s Resistance Army's (LRA) Joseph Kony sprinting as if the devil were on his heels.

Joseph Kony, LRA Leader.

“Given his survival instincts, all they managed to get was his guitar and a Sunday best suit!” recounts Kiboli. “The other rib cracker in the New Vision was Tom Rush's escapades and the Ekanya cartoon.”