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When did NBS TV congratulate NTV Uganda on making 20 years?
NBS Television has publicly congratulated NTV Uganda on reaching the milestone of 20 years on air. The gesture comes hot on the heels of Nation Media Group’s own heartfelt shout-out to NBS on its 15-year anniversary, a moment that “broke the internet” with waves of nostalgic memes and light-hearted banter. Now, as NTV rolls out its celebratory programming, the tables have turned – and social media is rolling its eyes in playful rivalry. “NTV at 20? We see you,” NBS essentially said, while Ugandans on X can’t stop praising how seamlessly Flavia Tumusiime is steering the ship at Nation Media Group’s flagship station.
But this isn’t just about birthday cards and friendly jabs. NTV is digging deep into its archives – literally opening “the vault” – to replay some of the most beloved shows that defined Ugandan television. Leading the charge is the gripping drama Deception, whose teaser is already running on air. The series returns to screens on Monday, 16 March 2026, and fans are counting down. As Flavia Tumusiime, now Head of Broadcast at NMG Uganda (overseeing NTV, Spark TV, KFM, and Dembe FM), confirmed, the vault holds treasures: original local productions alongside iconic Telemundo soaps dubbed in English, starting with fan-favourite Second Chance.
Is NTV bringing back old series?
Yes, the decision to unlock its vault is more than a programming gimmick – it’s a love letter to its loyal audience. Inside are hours of original content that once dominated living rooms across Uganda. Think Trick Stars hosted by Brian Mulondo, the clever hidden-camera pranks that had families howling with laughter. Or Katemba Mu Kooti (Courtroom Drama), a locally produced legal thriller that blended humour, suspense, and sharp social commentary. There was Kakibe Ki and other homegrown gems that captured everyday Ugandan life with wit and authenticity.
And then came the Telemundo wave that changed dinner times forever. Second Chance, La Tormenta, Beautiful but Unlucky (Bella Calamidades), Don’t Mess with an Angel (Cuidado con el Ángel), Hidden Passion, Two Sides of Anna, Irrational Heart, and countless others. These dubbed-in-English telenovelas were so addictive that Ugandan wives reportedly “burned food while watching,” as the saying went. Kitchens went silent, pots boiled over, and husbands learned to fend for themselves during prime time. NTV didn’t just air soaps – it imported passion, betrayal, and redemption straight into Ugandan homes.
Flavia Tumusiime has been vocal about the vault project, actively replying to fans on X, acknowledging suggestions, and even reporting or acting on feedback. Internet users are impressed. One X user summed it up: the way she’s “handling NTV” feels personal, modern, and deeply connected to the audience. And that’s not all she announced – NTV will now air NBA games every Saturday, a move that has basketball fans cheering and further cementing the station’s commitment to fresh, exciting content.
Born in 2006 When WBS and UBC Ruled the Airwaves
NTV Uganda launched in 2006 under the Nation Media Group umbrella, at a time when WBS TV and state-owned UBC dominated Ugandan television. The market was small, competition fierce, and expectations high. From day one, NTV positioned itself as different: slick production, bold storytelling, and a commitment to unbiased journalism that refused to play favourites.
Early stars included Maurice Mugisha and Rosemary Nankabirwa, alongside a crop of young, talented journalists who would become household names. Iconic segments like Point Blank – the hilarious English-language contest where politicians were grilled on grammar, facts, and composure – became appointment viewing. It wasn’t just news; it was entertainment with a bite. Other shows like NTV Tonight and lifestyle programmes turned the station into a cultural force.
NTV quickly built a reputation for fearless reporting. It covered stories without fear or favour, drawing ire from the highest levels. President Yoweri Museveni (M7) himself publicly criticised the station on multiple occasions, accusing it of bias against the government. Reporters faced arrests, bans on aerial footage during elections, and intense pressure – yet NTV stood firm. That independence became its brand.
The NBS Earthquake, Poaching, Near-Collapse, and Rebirth
Then came the storm. In 2008, Kin Kariisa took over NBS Television (originally a regional station for the Basoga in Jinja) and transformed it into a national powerhouse under Next Media. The rivalry turned nuclear. Kariisa went on a talent raid that left NTV reeling. He poached some of NTV’s brightest stars: Solomon Sserwanja, Rukh Shana Namuyimba, Fatima Nalugwa Ssekaya (also known as Hatma), Andrew Kabuura, MC Kats, Douglas Lwanga, and many more. It looked like the end. NTV’s ratings dipped, staff morale plummeted, and industry watchers whispered that the station might not survive.
But NTV refused to die. Instead of panicking, it invested in new blood. It groomed fresh faces who would become superstars in their own right. Lynda Ddane (Linda Ddane) rose to become one of Uganda’s most loved presenters. Others like Crysto Panda, Aniwal Katamba, and a new generation of anchors and hosts stepped up. Today, these “new” stars rule the city. NTV not only survived – it thrived, proving that talent can be grown, not just bought.
The rivalry with NBS remains intense but respectful. When NTV congratulated NBS on its milestone, the internet exploded with memes. Now NBS’s reciprocal message has the same playful energy. Ugandans love the back-and-forth – two giants who pushed each other to be better.
Flavia Tumusiime: The Woman Steering the Comeback
Once a beloved news anchor on NTV Tonight and co-host of the morning show, Flavia Tumusiime returned in 2025 as Head of Broadcast after a stint away. Her leadership has been electric. She’s the one confirming Deception’s return, announcing NBA Saturdays, and personally engaging with viewers on X. Fans say she reads comments, replies thoughtfully, and turns criticism into programming gold. “Flavia is conscious about what Ugandans are saying online,” one X user noted. “She reports, replies, and acts on feedback. That’s rare.”
Under her watch, NTV isn’t just replaying the past – it’s honouring it while building the future.
Why It Matters: 20 Years of Turning On Your World
Twenty years later, NTV isn’t the same station that launched in 2006 – but its soul remains. It still delivers unbiased news in a polarised landscape. It still makes families gather around the TV. And now, with the vault wide open, it’s giving a new generation a chance to fall in love with the classics that shaped their parents.
From the days when WBS and UBC ruled, through the NBS talent raids, past government criticism, and into this golden era of nostalgia and innovation – NTV has remained firm. As Flavia Tumusiime and the team like to say: “20 years of truth, 20 years of stories, 20 years of turning on your world.”
The promise still stands.
Tune in. The vault is open – and Uganda is watching. #NTVAt20 #NTVDeception #TheVaultIsOpen
Deception premieres Monday, 16 March 2026. Don’t miss it. And yes, the NBA is coming every Saturday. NTV isn’t just celebrating 20 years – it’s reminding us why we fell in love with it in the first place.
