Senior journalist Joseph Sabiti could lose his job at Parliament after reportedly failing to provide evidence that he holds a master’s degree, according to a report by Bbeg Media. Sabiti, who previously served as Principal Press Secretary to the Speaker of Parliament, is among staff members whose academic qualifications are reportedly being examined as Parliament reviews its recruitment and promotion procedures.
According to sources cited by Bbeg Media, Sabiti appeared before a team verifying academic documents but reportedly presented provisional results for a master’s programme in Strategic and Corporate Communication at Makerere University. The verification team is said to have requested an official transcript or certificate to confirm that he completed the course.
Sabiti reportedly enrolled in the programme in 2022 alongside former NBS TV colleague Mildred Tuhaise and other media personalities, including Sarah Kagingo and Damalie Mukhaye. The three reportedly graduated in January 2025, while Sabiti is said to have faced challenges during the research stage and failed to complete the programme.
The reported case comes amid a wider review of recruitment and promotions at Parliament. Last week, New Vision reported that up to 182 staff members had been recruited irregularly during Anita Among’s tenure as Speaker. Bbeg Media reported that Sabiti was among those under scrutiny because the position he previously held required a master’s degree.
Sabiti’s position at Parliament had reportedly changed months before the academic verification exercise. In August, Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth appointed Dr Arinaitwe Rugyendo to replace him as Principal Press Secretary. Following the change, Sabiti was reportedly moved to the staff pool, where he had no clearly defined role or department.
Parliamentary Commissioner Susan Abeja has said staff members who were promoted irregularly could be reassigned to positions that match their qualifications. Speaker Oboth-Oboth has also reportedly indicated that the review is not intended to target individuals, adding that the new leadership does not want staff members to lose their jobs. However, Sabiti’s future at the institution remains uncertain as the review continues.
Amid the developments, Sabiti recently revealed on his X account that he missed the excitement of working in a newsroom, more than five years after leaving journalism. His former boss and Next Media chief executive, Kin Kariisa, responded with an invitation for him to return, writing, “Come back, Jose.” The exchange has drawn attention as questions continue over Sabiti’s future at Parliament.
A return to NBS TV or another newsroom could become an option if Sabiti’s parliamentary career comes to an end. However, Bbeg Media reports that returning to journalism could mean earning considerably less than he currently receives at Parliament. No final decision on his employment has been publicly confirmed, and the reported failure to provide the required academic evidence does not, by itself, establish that he will be dismissed. The outcome will depend on the findings of Parliament’s verification process and any decision made by its leadership.
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