- Frank Gashumba accuses NTV of favoring opposition candidates over President Museveni in coverage.
- He cites examples of airtime disparity and alleged misrepresentation of NRM crowds.
- Gashumba warns that the station could face closure if it continues what he describes as unethical reporting.
Self-styled businessman and social, political, and entertainment analyst Frank Gashumba has criticized Nation Media Group-owned NTV for allegedly being biased against NRM presidential candidate President Yoweri Museveni.
Speaking on Radio 4, Gashumba questioned the possibility of President Museveni participating in the NTV-hosted presidential debate held last night at Kampala Serena Hotel. The debate featured five candidates, including NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu (Bobi Wine), ANT leader Mugisha Muntu, FDC’s Nandala Mafabi, Elton Joseph Mabirizi and Frank Bulira while three others reportedly snubbed the event.
Gashumba claimed that NTV has consistently shown favoritism towards opposition candidates. He cited the ongoing campaign coverage, noting that Bobi Wine reportedly receives over 35 minutes of airtime, while President Museveni gets only about three minutes.
“Even the crowds of NRM supporters are captured in ways that make it appear as though only a handful of people attended. This is not just bias—it is unethical journalism,” Gashumba said.
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He warned that if NTV completes the election campaign without facing any consequences, it should consider itself fortunate. Gashumba added that the station has shown hostility toward President Museveni in recent years, drifting away from the professional standards that once made it a media powerhouse in Uganda.
Gashumba compared NTV’s situation to CBS Radio, owned by the Kabaka, which the government previously shut down in 2009. He suggested that NTV, owned by the Aga Khan estate, could similarly face closure if it does not self-correct.
It is noted that President Museveni himself has expressed displeasure with Nation Media Group over the years, banning the station from covering his events at State House and during his campaign. Opinions remain divided on the president’s decision to skip the debate—some see it as justified, citing standards of conduct, while others argue it undermines civil debate.
