Panic and tension is engulfing the Nation Media Group (NMG) after the company deliberated on laying off several workers. NMG runs Daily Monitor, East African, NTV Uganda, Spark TV, KFM, Ennyanda and Ddembe FM.
According to the notice released by the Managing Director of NMG, Tony Glencross the layoff is effective from January 31, 2021. The layoff is hinged on the outbreak of #Covid-19 pandemic which has negatively affected the country’s economy.
“This is extremely difficult decision especially in the view of the prevailing circumstances and the impact that it will have on those that are affected and their families. The exercise will be carried out at utmost respect to our affected colleagues and in adherence to the Ugandan labour law. We shall also provide the necessary support to help the existing staff manage the difficult transition,” Glencross said.
Glencross said the company has made special arrangements for the affected employees to receive specialised counselling and medical insurance cover for three months.
Company is also moving to radically change it business model across all its platforms form tradition advertising to content driven revenue with the objective of establishing leadership in digital landscape in Uganda.
“This will require re-tooling and resourcing within NMG operations with relevant skill sets critical for success in the new business environment.”
NMG-Uganda is currently the leading private media company after government owned company, the Vision Group. Vision Group houses several media outlets which include New Vision, Etop, Rupiny, and Bukedde papers. Televisions include; Urban, Bukedde, TV West and radio stations.