After an impressive 17-year career as a news anchor, Hatmah Nalugwa Ssekaaya has decided to step away from the spotlight, opting to transition into a new role as a news producer.
In a recent interview, Ssekaaya shared her reasons for this significant career shift, emphasizing her desire to create opportunities for emerging talent within the industry.
I have been in the news room for 17 years and I think this is the right time for me to take a step back. People will not be seeing me on Television ever again. I am now a news producer and that is what I am focusing on until I retire. I want to give the young people a chance to also be in the news room.
Hatmah Nalugwa Ssekaaya
While acknowledging her proficiency as a news anchor, Ssekaaya expressed a strong conviction that it was time for her to pass the baton to the next generation of journalists.
“I still have the skills, but I feel it’s crucial to give young journalists a chance to shine,” she remarked. With an influx of graduates from esteemed institutions like Makerere University each year, Hatmah raised questions about the trajectory of these aspiring journalists in a field where seasoned professionals are often reluctant to step down.
I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential of young, talented journalists, many of whom surpass me in skill and innovation,” Ssekaya shared earnestly. “It’s only fair that they have the opportunity to make their mark in the newsroom.
Hatmah Nalugwa Ssekaaya
The recent departure of renowned news anchor Ruk-Shana Namuyimbwa further highlights this shift, as she too opted to pursue personal projects after two decades in the newsroom.