Next Media Treats Kabuura to Rousing Welcome After Uefa Champions League Broadcast Duty

Next Media staff celebrated sports broadcaster Andrew Kabuura’s return to Kampala after his historic UEFA Champions League semi-final hosting role on SuperSport, marking a milestone moment for Ugandan sports journalism and internal company culture.

The atmosphere at the Next Media Park on Thursday was filled with celebration as Transformers welcomed back Andrew Kabuura following his appearance on SuperSport’s coverage of the Uefa Champions League in South Africa.

Kabuura, who serves as Head of Sports Broadcast at Next Media, recently made history as the first Ugandan journalist to host Uefa Champions League coverage live on SuperSport during the semi-final stage broadcasts from Randburg, South Africa.

His hosting drew widespread praise across Uganda and beyond, with audiences applauding his confidence, authenticity, and the cultural pride he carried onto one of the world’s biggest sports broadcasting stages.

One of the most widely shared moments from his broadcast came during his Luganda sign-off: “Banange musule bulungi. Omupiira mugulabye, kansuubire mugwagadde nnyo,” a gesture that resonated strongly with audiences back home and was seen as a powerful expression of Ugandan identity on a continental platform.

Back at Next Media Park during #NextMediaTalks on May 8, 2026, Kabuura reflected emotionally on the reception he received from colleagues and the organisational culture that continues to define the company.

“What you guys have just done might look usual, but it is very personal to me. Thank you very much, it means a lot,” he said.

“I have never experienced this in my life. This culture where all feel the same, where someone goes out and everyone feels they are part of the family, it is absolutely crazy.”

His return was framed not only as a personal milestone but also as a reflection of the environment being built within Next Media, where talent development, personal branding, and institutional growth are treated as complementary goals.

Kabuura also encouraged young professionals to remain committed to their careers.

“That profession you are doing is actually a real journey,” he said. “I want to tell every young journalist, marketer, IT person, name it… stick in there. I promise you, it will work out one day.”

He credited part of his journey to leadership within the organisation, noting the support he receives when pursuing international assignments.

“I want to thank our Group CEO for being more than a leader, but a father. Whenever I ask for time away to represent our nation and broadcast to the continent, there is never doubt. He simply says, ‘Go.’”

That sentiment was echoed by Kin Kariisa, Group CEO of Next Media, who reinforced the company’s approach to talent development.

“We’ll give you a platform, we’ll give you space for you to make more money than what you earn here. But as you grow our brands, also grow your own personal brand,” he said. “So long as it is clear what you want to pursue, we will support you.”

Kabuura’s achievement has been widely celebrated within Uganda’s media industry, highlighting the growing presence of Ugandan talent on international sports broadcasting platforms such as SuperSport.

At Next Media, colleagues say the moment reflects a broader culture of trust, growth, and shared success—where individual achievements are treated as collective wins.