Renowned media personality Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa has shared his journey of perseverance and resilience in the industry, revealing the financial hardships he endured during his early days.
Speaking about his second job after leaving Tiger FM, Zambaali disclosed that he earned a modest salary of UGX 100,000, a figure that was only agreed upon after persuasion from his colleague Ramulah Nakabugo.
A Tough Negotiation for Salary
Zambaali recalled that when he joined the new station, he initially requested UGX 600,000, as he had been earning UGX 450,000 at Tiger FM. However, his request was met with laughter by the station’s boss, Captain Babu, who responded:
“As radio owners, we know how much we pay.”
The initial offer was UGX 70,000, but thanks to Ramulah’s intervention, he eventually secured UGX 100,000.
Despite the significant pay cut, Zambaali chose to focus on his passion rather than the paycheck, believing that his role was about serving the public rather than financial gain.
“Even at Tiger FM, I didn’t always receive my full pay, but my goal was to serve the public.”
Struggles with Transport Costs
Earning such a small salary came with serious financial constraints, forcing Zambaali to be extremely cautious with his spending—especially on transport.
“I was working to afford UGX 700 for transport.”
His daily commute was a strategic balancing act:
- He would pay UGX 100 to board a bicycle from his home to Bwaise.
- From there, he took a taxi to Martin Road for UGX 300.
- The return trip cost the same, and he often walked part of the way to save money.
A Journey of Perseverance
Despite the financial struggles, Zambaali’s determination and love for media kept him going. His story reflects the sacrifices many young journalists make before reaching the top of their careers. Today, he stands as one of Uganda’s respected media personalities, proving that hard work and perseverance pay off.
His story is an inspiration to aspiring media professionals, reminding them that every great journey begins with small steps—even when the path is tough.
