Canary Mugume | Reminiscing His Legacy At NBS TV

You can’t talk about Ugandan TV and miss out on one name, Canary Mugume! It’s automatic that you are going to talk about the face of NBS Television if you don’t mention Simon Kaggwa Njala who is famous for his ‘Why Are You Geh’ Morning Breeze interview. I got in touch with Canary who is actually a very humble person and this article contains what he told me about himself.

Also Read: How Mildred Pedun Joined NTV Uganda

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Who is Canary Mugume?

Canary Mugume is a senior news anchor at NBS television whose appearance on the channel dates back as early as 2016. He is also an investigative reporter and has investigated dysfunctions in Uganda’s health and education sectors. His stories and posts wield such influence that they leave behind conversations and shake-ups in corridors of power. Additionally, Mugume has received several accolades and awards the most notable one being the Africa Center for Media Excellence Awards (ACME awards).

What Has He Done In The Media Industry?

Canary Mugume is noteworthy because he has covered topical issues in East Africa like the Rwandan, Kenyan, and Ugandan elections. His contribution to the reputation of Next Media is undeniable thanks to the restless research and presentation of current information. He believes in holding power accountable through telling untold stories about governments in Africa.

Does Canary Mugume Work On Radio?

In the radio/FM industry, Canary hosts a political radio show on Next Radio titled The Big Talk. During his show, the panelists discuss the toughest political issues facing East Africa and Uganda in particular. Through such activities, the senior journalist triggers higher powers to take action where the need is. Canary believes in the role of journalism in changing perceptions in his country Uganda and the African continent.

Canary In TV Production And NBS ‘Monsoon Winds’

He has received training in TV production and editing and digital media from U.S. Agency for Global Media conducted by the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism. This raises the journalist’s potential such that he offers world-class television broadcasting. In 2015, NBS Television began to gain national fame and in 2016, Canary Mugume joined the team. This marked the beginning of a new era that took the Ugandan TV industry to a new level. This period was also marked by the intense switching of news anchors and TV personalities from other channels to NBS.

Who Inspired Canary Mugume?

While he started as a fashion model working with Abryanz, Canary was greatly inspired by Maurice Mugisha. In case you don’t know who Maurice is, worry not. Maurice Mugisha is the deputy managing director of UBC TV, a government-owned channel. Canary says that he always watched the 9 PM news, NTV Tonight whilst Maurice was anchoring at NTV Uganda with the late Rosemary Nankabirwa. “I would then imitate exactly what Maurice did during school assemblies as I read the news,” says Mugume in an Instagram post.

Origin And How He Chose Journalism

Canary Mugume was born on 07th Jan 1995 in Mbarara and is the second last child among 5 kids. We then asked him about how he chose journalism as a career and this is what Mugume told Kampala ET.

“Journalism chose me!” exclaimed the news reader, “At the age of 9, I found myself anchoring the news on the radio on a children’s program. Became a news collector and anchor in high school, reading the news every morning at the school assembly. Later on, in 2014, I had an opportunity at Channel 44, and then NBS TV in 2016. 

How Did Canary Mugume Join NBS Television?

While he was still working at Channel 44, Canary says he was called to join Next Media. “It was a direct call to me while I was at Channel 44.” revealed the social media influencer, “I started as a trainee and honestly, it felt good joining the biggest media house in Uganda. Over the years, it has been an extreme sport and pleasure because I’ve learned a lot of things, and met many people in different capacities. However, most importantly I’ve been part of people’s stories on a daily. I’ve lived their stories and brought their experiences with life to the center through storytelling.”

Hobbies, Favorite Movies, Songs, and Activity

To catch his attention, give Canary a Kevin Hart flick with some popcorn together with his wife. Canary loves his wife so much that he likes light moments a little more in her presence.

What are his favorite songs and artists? So you ask! He enjoys all revolutionary songs by Bob Marley, but his favorite artist is Buena Boy. Canary actually told Kampala ET, “I love to listen to Burna Boy. He’s a fav.”

We then asked Mugume about his dream destination. In his response, he surprised us by saying all the beautiful places in Uganda. Now, we usually expect dream destinations to be fancy cities from overseas or in the West. But, that’s not what his head’s wrapped around! “I’ve traveled to many parts of the continent, in Europe and Asia,” says Canary, “I am yet to find a place like Uganda! The music, the food, the weather, the people, the scenery. Extremely warm and beautiful.”

How To Be Like Canary Mugume

One fact about this young news anchor is that he believes in seeking God. Makes a lot of sense because he worked with Pastor Kayanja, except this time he advises you. He also says you should not be afraid to fail, but live a life of principles. “What are your life principles?” asks Canary, “Define them today, and live a purposeful life.”