President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Minister of Information, Communication Technology and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, to appoint former BBC journalist Alan Kasujja as Executive Director of the Media Centre.
The directive is contained in a letter addressed to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in which the President said he had received correspondence dated November 27, 2025, regarding proposed changes at the Media Centre.
“I was not aware of the ongoing manoeuvres. However, some weeks ago, we discussed the idea of Allan Kasujja with you. I have already directed Dr Chris Baryomunsi to appoint Allan Kasujja as Executive Director of the Media Centre. We can then look at the others,” Museveni wrote in a letter dated December 27, 2025.
Sources say the reference to “the others” pointed to individuals who had lobbied for the position, including Obed Katureebe, who has been serving as Acting Director of the Government Communication Centre.
Another contender was Duncan Abigaba, a former Deputy Director at the Government Citizen Interaction Centre, who local media outlet Trumpet News reported had met the President to present his interest in the job.
Ultimately, Kasujja’s international media profile and extensive broadcast experience tipped the scales in his favour.
“By copy of this letter, I direct Dr Chris Baryomunsi to initiate the procedures for appointing Allan Kasujja and, additionally, assessing others who could serve as Deputy,” Museveni added.
Kasujja replaces Ofwono Opondo, who resigned in April 2025 after announcing his intention to join elective politics ahead of the 2026 general elections. Opondo has since been elected unopposed as Member of Parliament representing Older Persons for Eastern Uganda.
Kasujja left the BBC in August 2025 after more than a decade with the broadcaster. During his time there, he was a lead presenter on the World Service programme Newsday and hosted Africa Daily, one of the BBC’s flagship Africa-focused podcasts. He returned to Kampala after 13 years based in London.
Before joining the BBC, Kasujja built his media career in Uganda, starting in the 1990s at Sanyu FM and later working across radio and television. He previously co-hosted The Big Breakfast on Capital FM alongside Jackie Lumbasi and Ramesh, and also presented the Ugandan edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
His appointment comes amid increased scrutiny of his recent social media activity, which has leaned toward government-aligned positions. In the run-up to the January 15 elections, Kasujja’s online commentary frequently echoed official narratives and portrayed him as an ally of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, with whom President Museveni referenced prior discussions on the Media Centre leadership.
As Executive Director, Kasujja will serve as the government’s chief spokesperson, responsible for articulating and defending state positions across both local and international media at a politically sensitive moment.
