Media company restructures as Uganda National Media Group following years of inactivity

A Ugandan media company that ceased operations after financial challenges has returned under a new corporate identity, with its management betting on digital publishing to rebuild its presence in the country’s competitive news industry.

The company, formerly known as Horizon Media Uganda, announced on Thursday that it has completed a restructuring process and will now operate as Uganda National Media Group (UNMG), a holding company for its media ventures.

Executives said the reorganisation follows years of planning after the collapse of Horizon Media Uganda, which was founded in 2008 by entrepreneur Ssekaayi Simon.

As part of the restructuring, UNMG said it will launch National Horizon, an independent digital newspaper to be distributed through electronic newspaper platforms, with plans to introduce a print edition in the future.

Chief Executive Officer Ssentamu Derrick said the company’s strategy reflects changing trends in news consumption and a growing demand for digital journalism.

“We are bringing a new service to our clients and readers and we also promise to comply with regulators’ guidelines,” Derrick said during the relaunch ceremony held in Naggalabi, Wakiso District.

The company said its headquarters are located in Kibibi Town Council in Gombe, while Naggalabi will serve as one of its operational centres.

UNMG named Wasemi Sylvia as Board Director and Isaac Ssegawa as Non-Executive Director.

Guests attending the relaunch included Busiro East MP Emmanuel Magoola and MK International Schools Director Bamulopa Sulaiman.

The relaunch comes as Uganda’s media industry continues to adapt to declining print circulation and increased demand for digital news products, prompting both established and emerging publishers to invest in online platforms.

UNMG said its immediate focus will be on expanding its digital publishing operations before rolling out additional media products under the new corporate structure.