In a heartfelt Thank You Dinner, Next Media staff and leadership gathered to celebrate Joe Kigozi, whose leadership, vision, and resilience have left an indelible mark on #NextMediaUG.
Kin Kariisa, Next Media Group CEO, praised Kigozi for his ability to master human intelligence and adaptability. He highlighted Joe’s role in transforming a two-and-a-half-minute sports update on Live at Nine into a full-fledged 24-hour sports channel, NBS Sport. He also revealed that while Kigozi is stepping away from his corporate role, he will continue working with Next Media on new innovations while growing his aspirations.
Next Media Board Chairman, Rogers Baguma, commended Joe’s calm and composed leadership, calling him a symbol of resilience. “If you want to test resilience, look at the leadership of Next Media. And Joe, you have proven to be a resilient leader,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his own journey, the outgoing Deputy Group CEO and Chief of Strategy emphasized the importance of responsibility over titles. “It’s not always about the position but how you handle it,” he said, expressing gratitude to the board and Kin Kariisa for their trust.
Celebrated sports broadcaster Andrew Kabuura summed up Kigozi’s impact, saying, “An era may end, but the legacy lives on. Thanks, Joe, for your leadership, wisdom, and lasting impact.”
While at Next Media, Kigozi played a key role in the company’s growth, leading major rebranding efforts, launching industry-shaping campaigns, and elevating sports broadcasting in Uganda. From heading marketing and business strategy to mentoring young talent, his leadership has shaped the organization’s trajectory. His impact will be felt for years to come as the systems and teams he built continue to thrive.
