Kampala – Uganda’s most outspoken human rights lawyer, Isaac Ssemakadde has fired a blazing legal warning at Next Media Group, owners of NBS TV, threatening a multi-million-dollar lawsuit over what he calls a “malicious and defamatory” expose aired on May 5, 2025.
In a dramatic escalation that blends law, media, politics and public rage, Ssemakadde often dubbed the “People’s Lawyer” is seeking $3 million in damages, a public retraction and a prime-time apology for what he claims was a smear campaign aired under the title: “BANG THE GOLD: RADICAL NEW GOLD SCAM”.
“We’re taking them to court for their blatant disinformation. Truth will prevail!” Ssemakadde wrote in a scathing tweet, referring to NBS TV as the “National Bullshit Station” and its CEO, Kin Kariisa, as a “crooked” media boss.
The NBS Investigates episode, aired across all Next Media platforms including TV, radio, apps and social media allegedly linked Ssemakadde to a fraudulent gold scheme invoking images of corruption, bank leaks and criminal enterprise.
According to the legal notice served by Mukiibi & Kyeune Advocates, the broadcast was “false, defamatory and damaging,” accusing Ssemakadde of fraud, conspiracy and more without evidence.
The law firm outlined seven major grievances against Next Media, including publication of unsubstantiated defamatory claims, unauthorized use of copyrighted material, illegal interception of private bank and telephone records, misappropriation of Ssemakadde’s image and voice, spreading a malicious narrative aimed at character assassination, leaking confidential police and bank details and severe emotional distress and professional setbacks.
In response, Ssemakadde is demanding a full public apology and retraction, aired during prime time, payment of $3,000,000 in damages, immediate halt to all broadcasts of the episode, preservation of evidence including footage, emails and source documents.
The legal notice gives Next Media 14 days to comply or face court action.
This legal duel isn’t just about one man’s reputation, it’s a seismic challenge to the rising power and perceived impunity of Uganda’s top media houses.
NBS TV, long regarded as the leading private broadcaster now finds itself on the receiving end of a legal offensive by one of Uganda’s most celebrated legal minds.
And this is not happening in a vacuum. Uganda is in the early grip of an election season, a time when misinformation, media battles and political maneuvering escalate. Ssemakadde’s supporters argue this timing is no coincidence.
“They chose to do this now because they fear the #RadicalNewBar and its influence,” one supporter said, referencing Ssemakadde’s reformist movement within the legal fraternity.
While investigative journalism remains a cornerstone of democracy, the boundaries between public interest and personal defamation are increasingly being tested.
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