Former NTV News anchor, Joel Ssenyonyi, has been appointed spokesperson of People Power, a political group led by singer-turned-politician, Bobi Wine.
The move comes as a shock to many considering that until recently, Ssenyonyi was a passionate news anchor at the largest and most influential television network in Uganda.
Ssenyonyi was today unveiled at a press conference in Kampala addressed by Bobi Wine and other People Power members.
The journalist, who previously worked with Uganda Broadcasting Television (UBC) tendered his resignation to the management almost a fortnight ago and was finally granted a graceful exit.
His departure from the television followed his participation in a protest led by Bobi Wine against social media tax.
In the photos taken by newsmen, Ssenyonyi marched alongside Bobi Wine as dozens of young people protested government’s move to slap taxes on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms.
While some conservative media practitioners expressed shock at Ssenyonyi’s physical participation in partisan politics, some Ugandans took to Twitter to defend his action.
Some said he was among many Ugandans expressing dissatisfaction with the taxation policies and reserved the right to take part in a peaceful protest.
Others argued Ssenyonyi’s involvement in opposition politics risked undermining his reputation as an impartial and balanced journalist.
Ssenyonyi has of late been critical of government policies. Using his Facebook and Twitter, Ssenyonyi openly defended Bobi Wine’s activism.
“The only “crime” Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) committed was to stand up against unfair taxation and injustice,” said Ssenyonyi in a Facebook post on April 30.
“Many of us were happy to commit that “crime” with him! As young people in various professions and fields of life, our resolve against injustice and bad governance in our country is stronger than ever,” he emphasised.
Observers say Ssenyonyi’s candidness won his political capital as he prepared his exit from the television station.
Last week, Ssenyonyi let the cat out of the bag.
“Today was my last day to anchor news at NTV. My journey with NTV begun five years ago, and it has been nothing but worthwhile,” said the popular news anchor as he exited the television.
Ssenyonyi also sent a signal his career as a media practitioner would be coming to an end, leaving many speculating about his next move.
“The 13 years I have spent in the media from my days at UBC-TV back in 2006 have been memorable. Thank you all for being supportive in this journey,” he said.
Ssenyonyi joins People Power at a time of heightened political tension in the country with President Museveni warning that processions and demonstrations will not be tolerated
