By Spy Uganda
Secrets why popular TV host Charles Odongtho, who was hosting NBS TV’s Frontline, a political talk show, quit have leaked to TheSpy Uganda.
Odongtho, who has hosted the Frontline Seat, a popular programme during which he hosts Ugandan politicians from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition parties, shocked his bosses when he handed in his resignation on Monday morning.
“It is true, I have put in my resignation,” said Odongtho, a reputable media practitioner, when contacted by our Spies on Monday morning.
He added that “Time comes when we have to move on especially when one is not happy with the working environment.”
Odongtho said he handed his resignation letter to the office of Kin Kariisa, the Chief Executive of Next Media Services which runs NBS Television, albeit under unfavourable working conditions.
“I am waiting to hear from Mr Kariisa,” he went on to reveal.
Talking about what forced him to throw in the towel, Odongtho said, “There are many issues which I raised to him (Kariisa) to address but have never been resolved. These include his preference to work with some people. This has created internal tension and intrigue.”
However, Efforts to reach Kariisa for a comment were futile by press time because he was reportedly engaged.
But our Spies reveal that Odongtho resigned because he was continuously receiving pressure from Above, on how to moderate the Frontline Talk show, who to invite or not to, among other issues which made it difficult for him to operate as a free and fair journalist.
That notwithstanding, other Spies intimate that Odongtho was also frustrated by a female manager “who talks directly to Kariisa and issues orders in total disregard of our plans. One spends an entire week planning for the show only to receive orders at the last minute on whom to host and what to discuss.”
We have learnt that NBS TV Management has since replaced Ondongtho with Simon Kaggwa Njala.
