Isaac K. Ssemakadde, President of the Uganda Law Society, has threatened legal action against Next Media Group over what he describes as a defamatory investigative report aired on May 5, 2025.
The broadcast, titled “Bang the Gold: Radical New Gold Scam”, aired on NBS TV under the #NBSInvestigates segment, allegedly implicated Ssemakadde in conspiracy and fraud without providing credible evidence.
In a letter dated May 6 and addressed to Next Media CEO Kin Kariisa, Ssemakadde’s legal representatives, Mukiibi & Kyeyune Advocates, condemned the report as “false, defamatory, and damaging,” citing significant harm to his reputation, emotional well-being, and finances.
The law firm outlined seven key grievances and issued a 14-day ultimatum for resolution. Among their demands are a full and unconditional public apology and retraction, payment of $3 million (approximately Shs11.4 billion) in damages, an immediate halt to further dissemination of the report, and preservation of all evidence related to the broadcast.
“We strongly encourage a prompt and cooperative resolution to avoid escalation,” the letter stated, warning that legal proceedings would follow if the demands are not met.
In response, Next Media’s Chief Legal Officer, Obadia Ismail Otim, dismissed the threat and challenged Ssemakadde to proceed with the lawsuit. “Actori incumbit onus probandi—the burden of proof lies on the accuser,” Otim wrote. “Every party is master of their case. Whether success follows is another matter altogether. PLEASE SUE.”
