The Minister of Information and Communication Technology has called for unity among the board, management, and staff of the NBC.

Emma Theofelus made these remarks during an engagement with the corporation’s staff and leadership as part of a series of consultations with public enterprises under the ministry.

Theofelus highlighted the important role the broadcaster plays in informing, educating, and entertaining the nation.

She stressed the need for the board, management, and staff to work in unison and foster a conducive working environment for the corporation to thrive.

The Minister noted that the task assigned to the incoming Director General, Menesia Muinjo, and the board is to unify the corporation, describing the current environment as toxic.

“I am continuously not only sensing but also seeing it in the amount of correspondence I receive—not only from management but also from staff members. I do not think toxicity is a one-way street; I believe it is a two-way street. All of us have a responsibility. I hope that as we leave this studio this afternoon, regardless of what the corporation or any of us have done since 1990 until now, over the next four years entrusted to me by the President to oversee NBC, by 2030 we will witness a new dawn at the corporation. I want the toxicity to gradually disappear. I also recognise that no corporation is perfect.”

The Minister also highlighted the need for the corporation to implement capital projects with urgency to ensure operational effectiveness.

“We often find ourselves trying to implement projects when the financial year is about to end. That is not possible. From the moment we receive our finances, we must act—we must run. Management and the board must execute. Otherwise, we will not demonstrate to Treasury that we require the funding. They will not see the need if, year after year, we fail to execute.”
During the engagement, employees raised several concerns, including calls for salary increments, cost-to-company structures, operational efficiency, employee welfare, regional operations, and the decentralisation of creative opportunities, among others.

Suggestions included the establishment of Special Purpose Vehicles, infant industry protection for SMEs in broadcasting, and the creation of a Research and Development department at the broadcaster.

Additional concerns raised  are employees remaining in the same positions for extended periods, and faulty equipment.

The Minister took time to respond to all the questions raised during the engagement.

“I am aware that the Ministry of Trade creates special economic zones for local producers, whether in agriculture or other sectors. I had not considered this from a multimedia perspective, but it is certainly food for thought. Research and development is another potential solution. I have taken note of these suggestions, and you can be assured that when I meet with the board on a quarterly basis, I will raise some of the solutions and issues discussed here.”