Popular Ugandan media personality Douglas Lwanga has weighed in on the ongoing debate about low pay in the country’s television industry, offering a reality check to those expecting instant wealth from media jobs.
Lwanga’s remarks came during a conversation with outspoken blogger Peng Peng, who referenced Sheilah Gashumba’s past criticism of meager salaries at local TV stations — a topic that has sparked widespread debate among Ugandans.
???? “TV Doesn’t Make You Rich — It Makes You Known”
According to Lwanga, television jobs offer more value in visibility than in cash. He pointed out that while payment structures differ across companies, most TV stations don’t pay much — instead, they offer a platform to build your personal brand.
“TVs don’t give you money like that; they give you a platform to make a name for yourself,” Lwanga said.
He stressed that once you’re in the public eye, it becomes your responsibility to leverage that fame for greater personal and financial growth.
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???? It’s About Strategy, Not Salary
Lwanga went on to advise aspiring media personalities not to focus solely on salary, but rather on how they capitalize on the exposure that television offers.
“What you use that name for is entirely up to you. You don’t go on TV to become rich,” he explained.
“Actually, it’s not just TV — no one is going to give you a 9 to 5 job so that you become richer than them.”
???? From Platform to Power: Lwanga’s Bigger Message
Douglas Lwanga, known for his role on NBS TV and hosting popular shows like NBS After5, is no stranger to the Ugandan entertainment scene. His perspective serves as a reminder that media jobs are launching pads, not financial finish lines.
His remarks align with a growing sentiment in creative industries: success often comes to those who diversify their brand, build side hustles, and create independent revenue streams outside their primary job.
????️ What Do You Think?
Should media companies offer better pay, or is visibility enough in today’s digital age?
Share your thoughts below ????
