Ssekaayi Simon: From Boda Boda Rider to Media Entrepreneur

Ugandan entrepreneur Ssekaayi Simon has officially re-entered the media sector through the launch of the Uganda National Media Group (UNMG), a restructured version of his defunct 2008 venture, Horizon Media Uganda. Based in Wakiso District, the firm aims to pivot toward balanced journalism following years of personal and professional restructuring.

From Boda Boda Transit to Media Ownership

Simon’s path to media entrepreneurship is marked by significant economic volatility. Before establishing his initial footprint in the industry, he worked as a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operator, a common entry-level profession in Uganda’s informal economy. This period was followed by a stint in retail, providing him with the capital and operational experience that eventually led to the founding of Horizon Media Uganda in 2008.

The original company, headquartered in Ssumba, focused on video production and news aggregation for local ceremonies and social events. However, the venture succumbed to financial pressures, forcing a withdrawal from the media space. During this hiatus, Simon diversified into property development in Buddo and disco sound event management, effectively insulating his personal finances from the collapse of his media interests.

Restructuring Through Corporate Governance

The launch of UNMG represents a deliberate attempt to shift away from the “founder-centric” model that characterized the original Horizon Media. By transitioning into a private limited company with a share-based structure, Simon intends to mitigate the risks associated with individual management.

The Challenges of Uganda’s Media Landscape

Magoola Emmanuel, a vocal supporter of the project, argues that the venture reflects a broader struggle among local entrepreneurs to survive and adapt in a competitive market.

“The businessman should be given a chance,” Emmanuel stated, emphasizing the importance of second-chapter entrepreneurship in the region.

Economic Context and Property Development

Simon’s continued involvement in property development in the Buddo area serves as a financial anchor for his media ambitions.

Looking Ahead: The Second Chapter

The leadership of UNMG has stated that their objective is to deliver factual, balanced reporting. The transition from a single-owner operation to a share-based company is a structural improvement, but success will ultimately depend on the firm’s ability to maintain liquidity in a market that is increasingly dominated by well-capitalized, established media houses.

The road from a boda boda rider to a media proprietor is long, and the success of UNMG will likely be measured by its ability to convert past failures into a sustainable, professionalized corporate legacy.