By Alan Kasujja has officially begun his tenure as Executive Director at the Uganda Media Centre, marking a significant leadership transition in the country’s public communication landscape.
Officiating the handover ceremony, ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi described the moment as more than a routine administrative change, noting that it reflects a shift in leadership at a time when public communication is increasingly critical.
Until August 2025, Kasujja was a lead presenter on the BBC World Service programme Newsday and host of the Africa Daily podcast, where he built a reputation as a world-class journalist with a strong global voice. His return to Uganda signals a transition from international broadcasting to shaping government communication at home.
He takes over from Obed Katureebe, who had been serving in an acting capacity since April 25, 2025, following the resignation of Ofwono Opondo to join politics.
In his first remarks as Executive Director, Kasujja announced a comprehensive retraining programme for communication officers. The initiative is aimed at strengthening their ability to effectively articulate government programmes and priorities, with a focus on development-oriented communication and highlighting economic opportunities for citizens.
This focus on impact-driven storytelling is consistent with his track record. Even while based abroad, Kasujja remained actively engaged in shaping narratives about Uganda and Africa. In 2024, he was among those honoured by the Uganda Diaspora Network during the homecoming gala, in recognition of his contribution to media.
His career journey reflects a steady rise through Uganda’s media industry to international prominence. From his early days in radio to becoming one of the most recognisable African voices on global airwaves, Kasujja now returns to apply that experience within Uganda’s institutional communication framework.
His appointment comes at a time when government communication is under increasing scrutiny, with expectations for transparency, clarity, and citizen engagement continuing to grow.
His appointment also places him at the centre of a complex communication environment, where unofficial personal accounts have at times projected controversial messages into the public domain. One of the key challenges will be how to moderate and harmonise official government communication across multiple ministries, departments and spokespersons, ensuring consistency and credibility.
Alan Kasujja at a glance
- Born around 1978
- Spent part of his childhood in Kenya, returning to Uganda at age 12
- Studied Law at Makerere University but pursued a career in journalism
- Began his media career in the 1990 at Sanyu FM
- Later co-hosted “The Big Breakfast on Capital FM”
- Expanded into television, hosting Uganda’s “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”from 2011
- Also hosted The Fourth Estate, a political talk show
- Relocated to London in 2012 to join BBC World Service
- Rose to prominence at the BBC World Service, where he has presented the flagship programme Newsday for over a decade
- Hosted the Africa Daily podcast, focusing on African stories.
- Co-moderated Uganda’s first televised presidential debate in 2016 alongside Nancy Kacungira.
- Returns to Uganda as Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre.
